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Thoughts On Sticky Rubber Wading Boots, Small Streams, And Marketing

By Tom Chandler 9/26/2009

Fly fishing a small stream rarely generates the reams of "technical" literature devoured by fly fishing's technocrats. It's a simple act, and suggesting the #16 Red Humpy I fished during yesterday's trip was somehow the "perfect" fly would be to (convincingly) play the role of a fool.

Instead, I'll say it worked well enough, as did the 8.5' 4wt Diamondglass rod I fished on this tiny stream, though at times I think an 8' rod might have been handier - and perhaps spooked fewer trout in the casting.



I also say this with some certainty: The Patagonia Riverwalker "sticky" rubber boots absolutely excel on small streams. It's true the new sticky rubber soles are not quite ready to take on the toughest wading tasks (slimy rocks), but then, I've always thought felt soles weren't quite ready for my small stream adventures.

Comfortable, light and absolutely rubber-cement sticky on dry rocks, the Riverwalkers never slipped once, even on those wet, flat, angled rocks that normally threaten to skate your studded soles into a nasty fall.

Some have questioned the need to replace felt soles based on the spread of invasives, and I'd agree the invasives angle smells like a marketing construct - there are too many other hiding places on a boot and waders.

That said, these particular sticky rubber boots are simply way better than your father's lugged rubber boots - good enough that I'm keeping my sticky rubber soles in a pristine state, and looking for a studded rubber replacement to felt (note: our studded rubber sole testing project has been delayed due to life, but is due to start again soon).

That's not to stem the tide of invasives; it's because my own testing suggests studded rubber boots work better in a variety of conditions, and yes, they last much, much longer. With baby probably already needing a new pair of shoes (and maybe braces, and college), longer and cheaper is better.

The question now is will the Patagonia Sticky rubber/Simms && Vibram harder rubber/Korkers "Kling-on" rubber soles - in conjunction with studs - perform better than straight (or even studded) felt?

Testing will resume this fall.

See you on the soapbox, Tom Chandler
AuthorPicture

Tom Chandler

As the author of the decade leading fly fishing blog Trout Underground, Tom believes that fishing is not about measuring the experience but instead of about having fun. As a staunch environmentalist, he brings to the Yobi Community thought leadership on environmental and access issues facing us today.

6 comments
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[...] Thoughts On Sticky Rubber Wading Boots, Small Streams, And Marketing [...]
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Really? You are in a different part of the country with different geology, but here in the Smokies I've decided the sticky rubber soles only increase my odds of going in the drink. I'll admit they're far better on dry rock, but anything large, smooth, and wet just doesn't have the traction of felt. If anyone is curious I rinse them after use in contaminated waters.
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For those of you who dont want to buy new boots, you can always have your felt boots re-soled with rubber. check these guys out. http://www.mtnsoles.com/ http://www.mtnsoles.com/?page_id=9 JVK
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Tom, It is great to see everyone discussing this issue as it has changed the way people think about their fishing gear. As for Paul W. who commented above, your day has come as KORKERS "does all things" with the OmniTrax sole system. Korkers provides a unique performance solution for preventing the spread of invasive species while enhancing angler safety. The OmniTraxâ„¢ Interchangeable Sole System ... more 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. Check out our new website at WWW.KORKERS.COM and see all of the different wading boots we have to offer. KORKERS, it's about traction and adaptation...on the fly!
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The best part about the conversation is that it's helping fishing footwear evolve. It seems like only a few years ago that felt still dominated the landscape and that stud patterns all resembled the same logger inspired designs used for walking on floating wood. Durability, dry time, sole design, support, grip, weight, invasives species resistance and aesthetics have all taken giant steps forward ... more in recent years. That's good for everyone. Onward. Keep the conversation going.
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Rubber vs felt? Night vs day? Everything is a compromise. Well, almost everything. It will be a special day indeed when a product, or anything for that matter, does all things. A friend once gave me excellent advice; we can all live with the positives, it's the negatives that cause the problems. So, when confronted by choice, look at the negatives and pick the one you can live with.
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