By the way, who else has waded across the Haast? Thought so hotshots.

andy marx: I gave them the true test last week on the upper Klamath which is the epitomy of snot covered rocks — they held great and now I’m sold. They walk much better than the Weinbrenners as the studs are way lower profile than other studs I’ve used. Now we’ll see how long they last.

Thanks for the info. I was holding out for a no-stud boot, but clearly, that’s not going to fly on the tougher rivers.

Cliff Graham: Why doesn’t somebody come out with a kit including a 4-6 oz spray bottle and 50 or 100 little tablets that dissolve in the bottle’s water to make plenty of sanitizing solution for spraying felt boots down?

It’s a good idea, though I’m not sure they’ve found something that kills all the different invasives (whirling, rock snot, mud snails, etc).

Instead of a spray, how about a small nuclear device that would irradiate the boots, killing everything (including your feet if they happen to inside at the time).

Here’s a thought, from a product development perspective: Why doesn’t somebody come out with a kit including a 4-6 oz spray bottle and 50 or 100 little tablets that dissolve in the bottle’s water to make plenty of sanitizing solution for spraying felt boots down? Simms could easily sell that for $24, Orvis for $19.99.

Never even thought to try them without the studs as I’ve been down that road and earned a nickname on the Klamath in the process — SPLASH.

My first day out was the MAC: even with most of the studs in (I copied the pattern off the Weinbrenners) it was a treacherous day. I put in the rest of the studs that night.

I’ve since fished the SAC a bunch and they wade great on those rocks.

I gave them the true test last week on the upper Klamath which is the epitomy of snot covered rocks — they held great and now I’m sold. They walk much better than the Weinbrenners as the studs are way lower profile than other studs I’ve used. Now we’ll see how long they last.

I’m sorry Brian, but I don’t believe that owning a pair (or more) of a particular wading boot sole empowers anyone to do anything. I’m reluctant to even try them now.

Sorry. Unlike Tom, I’m feeling a bit cranky today, and that word always hits me like nails on a chalkboard.

Flykuni: I like ‘em. I fish around Southern California and E. Sierra. Sometimes there’s a lot more hiking than fishing involved.

I think the new rubber soles are way, way ahead of felt for hiking/bluelining/small stream work.

Nick: Tom,
Can we get a pair of Korkers boots into the ring please?
Along with our many different sole options, we also have a new sticky rubber sole called Kling-On. We’d love to get you guys a pair so we can be included in this.
-Nick

I’m tempted to disqualify Korker from further testing due to the Star Trek themed product name, but damnit, I’m in a good mood, so yeah. I sent an email.

As your review points out, every river system has different conditions that a rubber sole doesn’t address. Korkers provides a unique performance solution for preventing the spread of invasive species while enhancing angler safety. The OmniTrax™ Interchangeable Sole System offers anglers the ability to choose the condition specific performance outsole that optimizes the fishing experience. Korkers believes felt remains the best solution for traction in the river and can be used responsibly in support of the Clean Angling Pledge. Owning multiple soles, from felt to sticky rubber, empowers anglers to approach and fish the river knowing they aren’t compromising the environment itself.

Can we get a pair of Korkers boots into the ring please?
Along with our many different sole options, we also have a new sticky rubber sole called Kling-On. We’d love to get you guys a pair so we can be included in this.

-Nick

A. Wannabe Travelwriter: I scoured your site looking to your sage advice, but ended up going cheap and traditional and ordered a pair of Cabela’s Master Guide UltraLight felt-soled waders.

Why didn’t you simply email? Hell, I get emails from the Undergrounders facing difficult tippet choices.

Felt boots are a safe choice from a wading standpoint, though less effective on dry rocks and dirt. They’re also a bit harder to disinfect when moving between waters, which will require additional effort on your part.

They’re also nowhere near as durable, but that might not be an issue for you.

I ordered some new hoity-toity breathable waders, but forgot to order some wading boots.

I scoured your site looking to your sage advice, but ended up going cheap and traditional and ordered a pair of Cabela’s Master Guide UltraLight felt-soled waders.

Maybe I should have waited for your “testing extravaganza.”

Sully: WADING BOOT HINT: Replace your old fashioned laces with those stretchy rubber things. You can get a Chota “Quick-Lace” replacement kit for $6.50

There’s no problem getting these laced up as tightly? Us younger, un-retired types still wade aggressively and all, and can’t have our feet flopping around inside the boots.

And yes, Bertrand is inherently selfish – as most guides are – as he expects to go fly fishing when he’s not guiding (the bastard).

WADING BOOT HINT: Replace your old fashioned laces with those stretchy rubber things. You can get a Chota “Quick-Lace” replacement kit for $6.50. Got a pair of Simms RiverTeks with those laces on them a couple years ago: very convenient and comfortable.

Stop the spread of aquatic nuisance species (including out-of- state anglers).