Wading Boots

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- December 31, 2022 at 9:32 am #26252
  
  Haakeg
  Participant
  
  After 5 years, my cheap comfortable wading boots have begun to fall apart, (they lasted a year longer than my first pair of waders). I think 5 years was a pretty good run and I am considering just getting another pair of what I have, I’m interested in recommendations of other boots.
  
  What kind of boot do you have? Do you like them, why or why not?
  
  What should I be looking for in a wading boot other than comfort?
  
  Thanks
  
  Bootless.
- December 31, 2022 at 8:45 pm #26253
  
  Jim Craig
  Keymaster
  
  For my first three pairs of wading boots, I picked ones with substantial ankle support. Naturally, they were also on the heavy side, the G4 were very heavy. But after doing several western trips that required a lot of walking, last spring I opted for the Simms Flyweight boot. After a spring, summer, and fall of fishing in them, even in rivers with ankle-turning boulders, I found I didn’t really give up much ankle support and I love the lighter weight. And, despite their lighter weight, they are holding up well, although I am just starting to notice wear on the material on the top of the boot. One last note, you will eventually want some sort of cleat system. On this pair of boots, I initially tried using machine screws. They worked well for MO waters. However, once I got out west, I realized I needed my old Rock Treads again. I believe you would like the Simms Flyweight boots, but just get the Rock Treads from the start. Since I got my Flyweight boots, I have seen A LOT of FATC wearing the same boot.
  
  Happy New Year’s my friend. Nowhere else I would rather been New Year’s eve than on the FATC Forum (with friends).
  
  Jim
- December 31, 2022 at 9:06 pm #26254
  
  Haakeg
  Participant
  
  Hey Jim, Happy New Year and thanks for the response.
  
  The Simms Flyweight were on my short list. Yesterday, I was walking with two FATC members (Matt and Bob) and they both had a pair on and spoke highly of them. Pretty soon, you’ll be able to tell the FATC members by the upturned nets and the boots they are wearing. I guess that’s a quasi uniform.
  
  I was planning to get another set of Rock Treads, I tried the screw in studs in my last boots and they failed miserably.
  
  I appreciate the info!
- January 1, 2023 at 12:25 pm #26255
  
  Dave Rodecap
  Participant
  
  I recently purchased a pair of Korkers, and I’ve been really happy with them. They are a lot more comfortable than the Cabelas boots that I previously used. One of the things I like is that you can purchase different soles. They have something similar to the Rock treads, or you can get just a set of Vibram soles with carbide studs (which is what I’m currently using). Change out the soles as the situation dictates.
- January 15, 2023 at 10:21 am #26392
  
  Bob3700
  Participant
  
  Having only owned Korea’s boots so my opinion is limited.
  
  two must haves for me.
  
  1: BOA lacing. I am no longer in condition to be bending over with waders on to tie up boots. I slip them on and turn the knob to tighten them up. Walk a few steps and adjust the knob one more time n I am done for the day,
  
  2: Aluminum bars or discs ( Rock Treads) on the soles. Nothing provides grip on slippery rocks like aluminum. Down side is if u use a raft for fishing u will need a plain rubber sole so as not to damage the raft.
  
  The Korkers may not be the lightest but they give me the flexibility to change soles to suit the circumstances.
  
  Bob Beckett
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