After the less-than-wildly enthusiastic reception to their “Rock Grip” wading boot sole (I profiled my pair here, and it wasn’t pretty), Patagonia has gone back to the drawing board to develop new wading boots with aluminum bars across the sole:
From the press release:
Inspired by the mountaineering crampon but adapted for the river, the River Crampon (MSRP $199) is the fishing industry’s most innovative traction device for wading. The performance is derived from soft, malleable aluminum bars which are riveted to a burley, stainless steel adjustable frame with highly corrosion resistant brass rivets. The soft aluminum cuts through weeds and moss on the slickest of river bottoms and grips rock like no other traction device. The crampon can be used with most wading boots on the market.
The Rock Grip Aluminum Bar Boot (MSRP $239) utilizes similar technology but is a full featured wading boot with permanently affixed aluminum bars on the outsole of the boot to provide superior support and traction in extreme wading conditions. Other features include a compression-molded EVA midsole and polypropylene insole for rigidity and support and a highly abrasion-resistant toe bumper with a reinforced toe box for protection. Additionally, testing shows that the aluminum bars are much easier on boat interiors than traditional cleats.
Moldy Chum carries the whole press release for the crampons (which function similar to mountain crampons) and wading boots, which certainly do transcend normal wading boot soles.
Years ago, steelhead fishermen sometimes wore galosh-style aluminum cleats over their wading boots, and while the grip was reportedly good (aluminum galls easily), I’m interested in seeing how comfort is affected — and if the aluminum scarring of streamside rocks is an issue.
See you standing upright, Tom Chandler.
So let me understand this. The “green” company known as Patagucci wants me to use huge metal plates attached to my “green” rubber soles so I don’t spread AIS? Please do tell me how I can clean those boots after use and get all the gunk out from under/around those metal plates! Why not just use felt which is quite easy to clean?
NorcalBob(Quote)
Super Stream Cleats, still sold by Dan Bailey, are the “galoshes” you mention. Very sticky and improved since they surfaced in the 80s. They’re also pretty good at amputating fly lines if you manage to step on your line while wearing them. Looks like the same will be true of the Patagonias. Simms’ AlumaBite Cleats are the other aluminum option…much sticker than hardened studs.
Larry Kenney(Quote)
Larry,
You know your bar aluminum!
First time wearing Super Stream Cleats I waded right across a raging Rock Creek. I then waded right back and crossed again. The second time just to taunt the stream that had scared and dumped me way too many times.
A close approximation to what Spider Man must have felt like when he discovered the ability to swing from his webs.
And, yes, those tenacious aluminum bars do love chomping fly lines.
Sully(Quote)
The small streams of the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains that I fish require stealth. Metal cleats and “crampons” clicking, clacking, and scraping on rocks (especially underwater rocks) does not equal stealth. I will never use wading boots with noisy ass-busting metal on the soles…period. Simply educate yourself on how to clean your boots and waders.
P.S.
Dear Yvon,
River crampon? Not your best idea. But I love my nanopuff.
APfromNC(Quote)
Taking this trend to it’s logical end, the Mob may have worked this issue out long ago. Solution: Everyone wears shoes made of concrete. Great grip. Keeps you rooted in fast current. Non absorbent. You don’t have to bleach em, just sand blast a bit at the end of the day. In fact, you could put compressors stream side for just this purpose. Seems obvious.
Steve Z(Quote)
So, how YOU doin?!
Say hello to my little friend!
Flylink(Quote)
When looking for a portage I always look for the aluminum rubs on the shoreline rocks to indicate where the other guys hauled out… Now I can find the good honey holes the same way… Brilliant!
Corvus(Quote)
Hell, with the use of realtime satellite radar technology, you can do it all from space…
Tom Chandler(Quote)
I keep thinking as I step off into the deep end, them boots will pull me to the stream bottom – there to die screaming …
KBarton10(Quote)
C’mon — it’s not as if a lot of ex’s haven’t already tried…
Tom Chandler(Quote)