wading boots

[Dr. Gonzo]

I was hoping to get some advice from people on the forums about wading boots. They're one of the things lacking from my list of gear and since I just recently purchased a pair of Patagonia Waders and I need to pair them with some wading boots sometime soon.

I know that the industry is transitioning away from felt soles and given the risks associated with them, I would prefer to avoid them. That being said, I just spent the weekend in a rented set of Orvis "Pack and Travel" felt-soled boots and I was impressed with their performance and grip so I would like to duplicate that if possible.

Here's a list of characteristics in order of importance:

1) Weight/Packability - I want to be able to do backcountry hiking trips with waders and wading boots so this is the most important factor for me.
2) Performance - I'm a very active guy but not the most surefooted (fell twice this weekend and I am sure it'll keep happening) so I want something that grips slippery rocks well.
3) Price - I am a law student and thus on a very limited budget. More likely than not, I will end up asking for these as a christmas present, but price is still very much a factor.

Thanks in advance!

- dr gonzo

 

[Karel]

I got the LLBean River Treads II w/Aquastealth & Studs on sale, I think they don't make them anymore (couldn't find them on LLBean's website). sturdy but not heavy, I use them when I have to hike in, very good traction in and off stream (rocks, trails, gravel). I typically hike with the wading boots on (2 or 3 pairs of socks and put the waders on when I got to the spot I want to fish. I like LLBean products alot and love their warranty/return policy even more.

 

[tompg]

just get an oversized pair of hiking boots. I prefer Merrils. I've been doing that for years and find the benefits great. You hike more on land than in the water and a good fit helps me grip better than felt ever did.

Tom

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

I appreciate the advice but if I am going to hike several miles in to a place and fish for a couple of days and then hike back, I have no interest in hiking the return trip in a pair of hiking boots that are completely saturated from wading.

Maybe I'm being high maintenance, but that's the way it is.

I looked at LL Bean and they seem to have only one line of boots available without felt - the Ultralight II. They look interesting but Bean seems to recommend against using them for wading in rocky streams. "We recommend Ultralight IIs for fishing from drift boats and float tubes, riverbeds with even terrain and hiking in on maintained trails."

Not sure if this is really true, but they don't seem to have any options for my purposes that fit my criteria. It's too bad, I hear great things about their products, return policy and service.

 

[trico mike]

chota makes a great boot very durable.Get the ones that have the screw in cleats they have saved me from many of falls 125$.

 

[eddavidson9]

I got the LLBean River Treads II w/Aquastealth & Studs on sale, I think they don't make them anymore (couldn't find them on LLBean's website). sturdy but not heavy, I use them when I have to hike in, very good traction in and off stream (rocks, trails, gravel). I typically hike with the wading boots on (2 or 3 pairs of socks and put the waders on when I got to the spot I want to fish. I like LLBean products alot and love their warranty/return policy even more.

I have them as well...unfortunately, paid full price for them (140?). If you have a store near you, check it out, they may still have a few pairs left. I saw them at $100 a couple months ago, if they're still around, they may have dropped even further.

As far as hiking in them, I hiked 4 miles in (and 3 out...shortcut across a pond), carrying a canoe part-time, over ice, stone and rock this spring and they were fantastic. I actually wore neoprene socks because I knew my feet would get soaked through the drain holes...wasn't ideal but worked a lot better than I would have thought. At least, they kept my feet warm.

 

[quality time]

You can get a pair of Korkers. Very nice boots that I have been using for several seasons now. They have replaceable soles with different configurations....felt, felt with studs, plain rubber, and now they offer plain rubber with studs. The latter is probably the best for stability in the stream without felt. They allow you to own one pair of boots for many different situations. For example, if you ever want to go in a drift boat, you cannot wear studded boots.....slippery, can damage deck, and noisy. It's easy to change to rubber or felt soles in that case. They are pretty light weight, and competitively priced compared to others.

 

[Stonefly]

I have aqua boots, two pairs of the LL Beam Aqua boots, one pair is now 7 years old and have held up very well, the others I got three years ago and have the carbon tips. If you are going back country use theaqua boots, you don't want to transfer something in your felts to a remote stream. I have in the past hiked out in the wet aqua boots, and the dry pretty fast, of course a good pair of neopren booties helps.

LL Bean stands behind their products, and the boots can be resoled.

Simms also offers a aqua type sole.

 

[millrun]

Look at the Cloudveil Aquastealth boot. Lighweight, incredible traction on just about any surface and are made to hike in as well. They are a little pricey but worth it.

 

[onemorecast]

I have them as well...unfortunately, paid full price for them (140?). If you have a store near you, check it out, they may still have a few pairs left. I saw them at $100 a couple months ago, if they're still around, they may have dropped even further.

LL Bean in Center Valley, PA has them. I was just there today. Studded and unstudded.

 

[A Polinger]

You can get a pair of Korkers. Very nice boots that I have been using for several seasons now. They have replaceable soles with different configurations....felt, felt with studs, plain rubber, and now they offer plain rubber with studs. The latter is probably the best for stability in the stream without felt. They allow you to own one pair of boots for many different situations. For example, if you ever want to go in a drift boat, you cannot wear studded boots.....slippery, can damage deck, and noisy. It's easy to change to rubber or felt soles in that case. They are pretty light weight, and competitively priced compared to others.

I have Korkers also and I love them. I feel with the diffrent soles you are set for any river and I found they give good suport for a hiking to and from the river.

AP

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

thanks, I like the idea of the Korkers, the idea of interchangeable soles is genius. My one concern was that I was worried that the soles might not stay attached to the boot but if that's not a problem then I know what I'll be asking for this christmas

 

[Stonefly]

Hving worked in a shop that sells the Korkers, I can tell you that the soles aren't real easy to change, and we had lots of returns.

 

[A Polinger]

Hving worked in a shop that sells the Korkers, I can tell you that the soles aren't real easy to change, and we had lots of returns.

When I first got the boots the soles were tight but on the river I want them tight. I know the first ones out the soles kept falling out. I dont mind them being tight.

AP

 

[quality time]

After you've swapped them out a few times you get the knack. A little kick sometimes gets them to set in place. Before setting out after putting them on I always give the back velcro strap a tug for good measure even if I haven't changed the sole since last use. I've never had one come loose on me while walking or wading.

 

[AKSkim]

After you've swapped them out a few times you get the knack. A little kick sometimes gets them to set in place. Before setting out after putting them on I always give the back velcro strap a tug for good measure even if I haven't changed the sole since last use. I've never had one come loose on me while walking or wading.

It is well documented on here about my first pair of Korkers.

I had trouble keeping the soles on, the velcro would unlatch in the snow...etc..

The new style of Streamborn Wading Boots the velcro has been replaced with a button to ensure of a good hold.

I also purchased them two sizes larger than my regular size and that has made a big difference in comfort. I thought my foot would be swimming in them, however; that hasn't been the case.

It does take a little getting use to changing out the soles, but once you get the hang of it, they can be changed quickly and securely.

The cleats do loosen up in time and should be checked regularly, and replaced when worn. All Sports in Pulaski carries replacement cleats at a reasonable price.

 

[JW1970]

Patagonia's web site currently has its boots on sale in the discounted "web specials" section. You'll need to hunt around for the link. They don't make it very prominent. If they have your size, it's a good deal for high quality boots. They have felt, felt+studs and their latest equivalent of aquastealth rubber as well (you can always add your own studs). If you're strapped for cash, you might want to give the site a quick look. Last I checked the sizes were selling out fast. You'll get the same 100% guarantee you'd get from Bean.

 

[quality time]

The cleats do loosen up in time and should be checked regularly, and replaced when worn. All Sports in Pulaski carries replacement cleats at a reasonable price.

AK...you need to modify your signature again......NEFF Gadget Meister!

QT

 

[A Polinger]

Streamborn Wading Boots

I got the Streamborn Wading Boots by Korkers at the fishing show last year (or this year however you look at it) any way they came with two sets of soles and then you got a third for free. I got the studed felt, I love the boots.
Worth every cent.

AP

 

[Dr. Gonzo]

thanks guys, if all goes according to plan I'll be getting a pair of Korkers for christmas (and if not, I'll get them myself when I get my next disbursement of student loans in January).

 

[A Polinger]

thanks guys, if all goes according to plan I'll be getting a pair of Korkers for christmas (and if not, I'll get them myself when I get my next disbursement of student loans in January).

When you get them let us know what you think. As for sizing go up, I wear a 10.5 and I got them in a 12, they fit great with my waders or my wet weading socks.

AP

 

[Burtbords149]

I recently got a new pair of Simms Freestone Boots with felt bottoms. For $85 you can beat them. Very durable and a good sturdy feel. I wear a size 12 and a size 13 boot fits great.

 

[jcstikfish]

( I'll get them myself when I get my next disbursement of student loans in January).

Ha! I know that feeling all to well! Tuition and books are way overrated!


~James