My old felt wading boots have about wore out and I want to upgrade top some new ones with studs instead of felt. It has been a while since I bought new boots. Does anybody have some suggestions on a new brand of wading boots?
Mark
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I have been having great luck with Greys GRXi boots, felt soles but you can put lugs, or check out their Platinum boots, rubber with lugs. Have really held up great!!!
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I have to say in my opinion Simms makes some the of best boots on the market. I was a skeptic at first since simm's boots are kinda expensive but I purchased a pair of Simm's Blackfoot Boots and here it is 4 years later and they still look new.
The 3rd year I did have to re-glue the felt back on them but the uppers and laces are in great condition ...and I fish allot.
Any how I think Ill wear them this winter and upgrade to some Simms Freestone boots although Cabelas BOA I assume they have employed Korker to make there BOA boots but the Cabelas BOA boots are on sale for 84 bucks.
Dang and you just Missed MRFC sale on Korkers fixed BOA boots 50 bucks keep an eye on this site they always have great deals on fly gear in there clearance section
[url "http://www.mrfc.com/"]http://www.mrfc.com/[/url]
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How much you looking to spend? You can put studs (stainless steel sheet metal screws) in any fishing boot felt or rubber.
However, Simms Vibram rubber sole actually does well even without studs.
I do have Simms for rivers, but I bought some $50 Caddis from Sportsmans that have been great. Ankle support and comfortable. I wear them with breathable hippers and fins.
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Simms freestone boots in the rubber sole. Sticks to the river like glue! About $130.00
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I bought a pair of Korkers with the replaceable felt sole and stud kind so you can snap what ever feels comfortable on what ever ground your fishing on. Highly recommended. You can buy them at fishtech and sportmans warehouse that I know of. They were like $150 when I got mine in the spring time.
Don't buy the one with the boa bindings that you twist to tighten to metal laces. I'm had snowboard binding with the boa twist and last only 1 year till they started breaking down and won't tighten up or the button breaks.
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Thanks for all the ideas. Im looking to stay in the 80-100 dollar range but I would go higher for a good pair of boots. I do a fair amount of walking/hiking when i fish so im looking for something with good support, confortable, works well on slippery rocks, and last for a while.
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I can recommend the Korkers and love my boa system. I have had mine for two years I think and still working perfectly.
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I have pairs of Redingtons, Caddis, Orvis, and Cabelas. They have all held up well.
It is best if you can try them on with a neoprene bootie as well as your wading socks. Find one that fits well and is comfortable for you.
I have even worn regular hiking boots that have studds in the soles (sheet metal screws) or have used ice cleats with them. They seem to take longer to dry, but they have worked in a pinch.
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I agree with Old Troller on this one FFL. Korkers are FAMOUS for that boa lace. If I were to buy a pair, that is what I would get.
Little Leary as to where you buy your Simms. One you mentioned jacks the prices, buyer be ware. Bought some Simms flats boots for $100...looking on line and other stores they were $49. [mad]
Also, unlike the Waders, Simms boots are made in China[
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I've had my Korker's for about 4 years. There are some occasions where the BOA doesn't want to "release" -- but I've figured it out. I like them.
Studs / screws in the sole of your boots? You're not getting in my float boat with them!! Just something to consider if you're getting boots with 'permanent' studs in them....
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A definite issue on the studs. Nice thing about screws, they come out as easy as they go in.
The new NFO Raft/Drift boat can handle studs[
] Only what I have read I don't own one.....yet[
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Platte River Fly Shop has the Grey's Platinum (rubber sole w/ studs) for $129 free shipping or the GRXi felt (put some screws in) for $99 free shipping. Just a heads up.
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I haven't compared them to others, but I like the changeable soles on the Korkers. They come with a rubber and felt sole, but you can buy both rubber and felt soles with spikes, so all your bases are covered.
We've hiked in using the rubber soles and then swapped out for the felt. Worked well for both hiking and wading. The rubber soles are also safe for 'toons and fiberglass drift boats (assuming you clean off the mud and sand).
We got them at Sportsmans' for $100 or so.
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I used to never get caught up in the best wader/boot conversation. I bought the cheapest i could find and if it kept me dry great. That was until I went through a few pairs of cabelas waders and boots. I finally broke down and got some Simms waders and figured why not get Simms boots to match. Well the waders are a whole different matter. The boots are the best thing Ive added to my gear. I used to pack in wading boots when hiking into a lake or river. I now just put on my waders and boots, or neo socks and shorts in the summer months and go. They are that comfortable. They are a bit pricey but will last forever. I was also told that when the bottoms do start to wear out, you can send the boots to Simms and for 60$ they willl re sole the bottoms. Not sure if that is true or not, but I wouldnt doubt it for a company like Simms. Just my .02
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Well, mine are going on 15 years. The sole started separating from the boot after about 5 years. I sent them back and got a brand new pair for $10. That was several years ago. They might have even been made in the US back then[
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But regardless where they are made, they can definitely take a beating. I am still using mine. The coating is peeling off, but they work.
I do think my next pair will be Korkers.
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Trust me korkers are totally worth the price especially when you can swop the bottom boot parts any time of day comparing to others your stuck to one part.
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It doesn't really matter FFL. I would use one set of soles. Understand, there was a time Korkers had several problems. They have come a long way, but old timers may be a little leery.
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Don't get me wrong I like Korkers but there that Boa Lace system has its problems. Ive fished with guys were laces don't come undone not to mention freezing in the winter.
What happens when you trekking through the woods and your boot lace get caught up on some fallen trees and you snap a lace ?
You pretty much screwed for a boot, with regular laces you at lease and tie the laces back together and partially relace your boot not so sure with the metal wire on the korkers.
Also with allot of wading boots coming with rubber soles now how that different than a hiking boot no need stop and put another sole on or carry around different shoe soles.
Again I like the Korkers and I have friends who think there the best thing since sliced bread even Simms has come out with a BOA lacing system.
But as FG mentioned Im Old School I like laces and shoe laces can be used for camping and survival purposes. [
]........ hey wait did FG just call me an OLD TIMER [laugh]
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I wansn't giving the boa system a possitive feed on the. I was giving it a nevative feed back. As well the korkers that I got are the ones with laces [angelic].
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