Fishing Forum

I am in the market for a new pair of wading boots. I am looking at the Simms Riversheds from cabelas. Is there any others that you guys would recommend over these, or what do you think about these boots.
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I been using Simms blackfoot boots, they've have been pretty good, their kinda heavy but comfortable. Prior to it I was using Cabelas ultra lights they've held up for a few seasons but not comfortable at all.

I will say I will never buy a pair of Redington cpx boots again the darn things literally fell part in little over a year.

Been hearing great things about the new Korkers they've switched there new lacing system, kinda like snow boarding boots if I had the money & needed boots I think those would be my pick.
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i use the head waters and the guides. both great boots. one is for hiking or the rover and the other boot is for the toon
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i just bought frogtog chest waters awsome work great
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Simms Ultra Light Aqua Stealth sole for the past 15 years.
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Here here on the simms aqua stealth.
best boot hands down I have ever had on my foot. Especially with the goodyear sole, where some rivers are starting to ban felt.
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My next pair of boots will be Korkers Chromes. I just need to sell a gun and they will be mine.
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[quote TS30]My next pair of boots will be Korkers Chromes. I just need to sell a gun and they will be mine.[/quote]

I bought some korkers chrome and they are awesome! Super light, switching soles is super easy and the boats lace system is so nice.
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Thanks for the replys. On the Korkers have you had to replace the soles very offten. I don't do a lot of fishing on rivers but I want something that is going to last as long as possible. Especialy if I am goint to drop 180 $ on them. My boots now are a old pair of Hodgmans and I have had them for about 14 years.
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I've only had mine a few months, but I've heard they have held up well. Shouldn't have to replace the soles very often, maybe every 4 years I would guess if fished hard.
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I have nothing against Korkers, in fact thought of getting a pair to replace my Simms, but I only need one sole, so not sure they are that great a choice. I like the Aqua Stealth and the Vibram soles, but I also add the cleat screws to mine. Anyway, I might be interested in the hiking sole as well but doubt it.
But, for the price, I would look at Simms. They have a killer warranty. I bought some of the first Ultra Lights and I want to say about 15 years ago. I had them replaced after 5 years because the sole started to separate. $10. and a brand new pair that is going on 10 or better years.
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The interchangeable sole are not an absolute must, per se. But it's sure nice if you do need it. I love them on my Torrents as I can wet wade in them, hike in them, wear them in the boat, etc, all in the same shoe.

Here is why I like the option of the interchangeable sole in my wading boots. I like felt. Rubber has certainly improved, but for my money, and in my opinion, felt is still far superior. Some places won't allow felt. So use it when you are able, and use a good sticky rubber sole when you need as well. Or if you're afraid of felt (I'm not) you can just use the sticky rubber. Or get the Metal Heads and the soles are not interchangeable.
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One pair of boots for me...screws for cleats, so hiking doesn't wear the sole out (again 15+ years) Sure I replace screws but that s cheap enough. Easy to remove if I ever need to (haven't yet)
Felt sucks[][] plus is illegal in allot of waters (for a reason[angelic])

Like I said, I have looked long and hard at Korkers if my Simms kiss it. But, still got several years.
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[quote flygoddess]
Felt sucks[][] plus is illegal in allot of waters (for a reason[angelic])
.[/quote]

The bolded portion is definitely debatable. It's a fear campaign that does absolutely nothing if we don't responsibly wash our gear. There are many more things on a boot (or your waders) that will transport micro-organisms beyond felt. Banning felt will do nothing if people don't do their part.

But that is for a different discussion. I've heard good things about the Simms boots, just never used them myself. I do know multiple people who have used both Simms and Korkers, and all like the Korkers better. But this is likely like most things....it will come down to what fits you best and personal preference.
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Absolutely.

But, I gotta add one more on felt. You agree that moss can stick to felt easier than rubber? And I agree with other areas of the boots being a haven, but Felt is a problem, no doubt in my mind. Moss full of organisms can stick to felt. Just one little item that can be corrected. If is is a potential problem, why support it?

Sorry, I had to get that out.... and this is a BOOT subject so not entirely off track.
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My problem with it is that felt is being demonized and people go and buy a rubber sole and think they've done their part. Simms is a MAJOR problem with this, IMO. They jumped on the felt ban the earliest for a marketing ploy...once again, just my opinion. They only ever talk about felt. Felt is the problem. It's felt, felt is evil, we replaced felt, come buy from us!

If they were really concerned about the transport of micro-organisms, they'd have a comprehensive overhaul of the boots and a major education program going, not just replacing one thing and giving everyone a false sense of security. I guess that's one reason I won't just jump on board and support it.

Properly taken care of, felt transports no more micro-organisms than a rubber sole does. Not properly taken care of, rubber soled boots will spread micro-organisms just as easily. I wish Simms would tell their potential customers that fact. Then maybe we'd get somewhere!

PS- I'm really not anti-Simms. I love their waders, and will always buy them as long as I can afford them. And I have heard good things about their boots, especially the newer versions that don't weigh a ton. This one part of their marketing does bother me though.
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[quote TS30]My problem with it is that felt is being demonized and people go and buy a rubber sole and think they've done their part. Simms is a MAJOR problem with this, IMO. They jumped on the felt ban the earliest for a marketing ploy...once again, just my opinion. They only ever talk about felt. Felt is the problem. It's felt, felt is evil, we replaced felt, come buy from us!

If they were really concerned about the transport of micro-organisms, they'd have a comprehensive overhaul of the boots and a major education program going, not just replacing one thing and giving everyone a false sense of security. I guess that's one reason I won't just jump on board and support it.

Properly taken care of, felt transports no more micro-organisms than a rubber sole does. Not properly taken care of, rubber soled boots will spread micro-organisms just as easily. I wish Simms would tell their potential customers that fact. Then maybe we'd get somewhere!

PS- I'm really not anti-Simms. I love their waders, and will always buy them as long as I can afford them. And I have heard good things about their boots, especially the newer versions that don't weigh a ton. This one part of their marketing does bother me though.[/quote]


The play with wording is also a misconception. Yes uncleaned boot with either sole is a potential problem ie. the , stitching, shoe laces, but Rubber sole????? unless caked with mud, which is a possibility.
But normal outings coming from someone who has used both for many years, I recall GREEN felt on many river trips...not there on those rubber sole.
It is like one person steals, so why not 10? One is bad enough why add to it?

Felt is porous surface, much more conductive than rubber, you really don't need any education to see this.

In a perfect world, all would properly clean their equipment , but that just isn't going to happen.
Look at the post about how the DWR s screwing up not enforcing waterways.....PEOPLE, it is your job, not some hired officer. People also are very sneaky by nature. And the old, it won't happen here, and I didn't do it.

Some places have banned felt, and very good chance it can happen here. Boils down to, conspiracy or not, a law is a law. So why buy something that can be replaced with something that isn't illegal or soon to be. Simple really


Oh, and Do you also support the second gunman theory[][laugh][laugh]
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[quote flygoddess]

Some places have banned felt, and very good chance it can happen here. Boils down to, conspiracy or not, a law is a law. So why buy something that can be replaced with something that isn't illegal or soon to be. Simple really


Oh, and Do you also support the second gunman theory[][laugh][laugh][/quote]

Exactly what my point was in my first post about why I think the interchangeable sole was a good thing for me. I prefer felt. I know how to take care of it to make it every bit as safe as a rubber sole. But in the places I can't wear felt, whether it's a good law or not, I can switch over and wear a rubber soled boot without having to have 2 boots.

And no, I don't subscribe to the 2nd gunman theory. Although I have sat at Deely Plaza and listened to the guy who broke the conspiracy all those years ago try to explain why it had to be the 2nd gunman. Go check out my facebook...I've got all the pictures there! Not a conspiracy guy, but I do know how marketing and economics works. Simms knows exactly what it is doing. Not saying they are wrong for doing it. Who am I to tell someone how to run a business? But I do believe this felt ban push has the potential to be every bit as dangerous as if everyone just used felt. False sense of security is a very dangerous thing. Especially when it only takes one.

Fishtech is going to get some business soon FG....I had planned to hold off on my purchase of the Chromes....all this discussion on their greatness has convinced me to move more quickly!!!
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[quote TS30][quote flygoddess]

Some places have banned felt, and very good chance it can happen here. Boils down to, conspiracy or not, a law is a law. So why buy something that can be replaced with something that isn't illegal or soon to be. Simple really


Oh, and Do you also support the second gunman theory[][laugh][laugh][/quote]

Exactly what my point was in my first post about why I think the interchangeable sole was a good thing for me. I prefer felt. I know how to take care of it to make it every bit as safe as a rubber sole. But in the places I can't wear felt, whether it's a good law or not, I can switch over and wear a rubber soled boot without having to have 2 boots.

And no, I don't subscribe to the 2nd gunman theory. Although I have sat at Deely Plaza and listened to the guy who broke the conspiracy all those years ago try to explain why it had to be the 2nd gunman. Go check out my facebook...I've got all the pictures there! Not a conspiracy guy, but I do know how marketing and economics works. Simms knows exactly what it is doing. Not saying they are wrong for doing it. Who am I to tell someone how to run a business? But I do believe this felt ban push has the potential to be every bit as dangerous as if everyone just used felt. False sense of security is a very dangerous thing. Especially when it only takes one.

Fishtech is going to get some business soon FG....I had planned to hold off on my purchase of the Chromes....all this discussion on their greatness has convinced me to move more quickly!!![/quote]




Sad but true.
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