Comments on: Another Step in the Underground’s Ongoing Wading Boot Test

By: Bubba Zinetti

Bubba Zinetti — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:29:33 +0000

Might as well weigh in, I love my Simms with rubber soles. The main reason I love them is…FIT. They fit better than any other boot I tried. Yeah they provide less traction than my old studded boots, but I am with MG about wading, and not taking the big chances. I may put studs in, but I am not sure yet.

By: Havacgar

Havacgar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:43:28 +0000

Gotta tell ya, I just got back from the North Platte (Treasure Island/Encampment); temps down very low water was clear, and the Patagonia River Walkers did just fine……Had more trouble keeping the ice off the rod then staying upright…..my buddy in his felts was having some trouble every now and again….

By: MG

MG — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:22:36 +0000

I’m not the best wader. But I’ve seen a few real pros dance across the lower Blue (a difficult wade if there ever was one) in beach sandals. Common factor: they are in pretty decent shape. Further, I’m not much for standing on/wading over big slick rocks as much as navigating around them whenever possible, and if the goal is the former it’s probably fair to say you stand a good chance of winding up in the ER even with studded felt. Physical fitness and technique weigh more heavily in my mind than sole material.

Alas, this post is about boots. The trick is finding one that just works, or at least works for the angler in the conditions they face most often. I know quite a few anglers that yearn for their “old boots”, which tells me the manufacturers haven’t gotten it quite right yet. I’ve been through Simms Freestones (felt and studded felt), Padi Riverwalkers (felt), Korkers Streamborns (felt and studded felt), and now Weinbrenners (Aquastealth and added homegrown studs). I find wading is much easier in boots that have very stiff soles and significant support in the cuff, regardless of sole material, and give the Freestones and Weinbrenners kudos on that note. And that is in a wide variety of conditions.

By: David Roberts

David Roberts — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:20:12 +0000

When I was down for the Great Western, I had brought my studded boots, but the only waders I brought where felt boot foot waders. Where we fished I had no trouble in any slipping or felt uncomfortable. Yesterday I went up to the same place you and I went to test your boots TC and did just fine. (flows are under 1000 cfs.) I should have my new Chota’s within a week or so, with there new rubber soles. But it is cold up here and the water is very cold. I am putting in the studs that are coming with the boots. I will let you know.
David

By: Ian

Ian — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:02:06 +0000

The boulders and bedrock on the streams here in in Tennessee and North Carolina are so smooth that studs are slicker that straight felt. I see claw marks on the rocks all the time where someone with studs skated away.

My sentiments exactly on “sticky” rubber. I feel like high top sneakers do about as well but cost less. I’m sticking with felt for my own safety.

By: Tom Chandler

Tom Chandler — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:30:35 +0000

Don’t give up on those boots before screwing in a few studs. Simms sells them, and these look real interesting too: Gripstuds.com.

It’s what we’re testing next.

By: Jon Anders

Jon Anders — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:55:27 +0000

I tried my Patagonia “sticky” river walkers once on the Gunnison ,near Almont Colorado, and couldn’t get back to the truck fast enough , to get my felts on ! They were worthless on the bowling ball sized rocks there. Thanks for all the good info. Jon

By: Bjorn

Bjorn — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:30:53 +0000

man… I love the IDEA of sticky rubber and other materials, but after nearly killing myself on a couple of different rivers, I’m going to fall back on my felt. Even on the Upper Sac I had a hard time wading in places I’ve never had a problem before (OK, I am getting older, but I’m not getting THAT old). Even with my wading staff, I found the sticky rubber near deadly. I want to do it, but I just can’t. Not yet.