Wading boot recommendation

[Clovis]

Simms has a Flyweight Access boot that uses a softer rubber compound in the sole than its other rubber-sole boots. It is the best-gripping rubber sole boot that I have used, but the trade-off seems to be that the soles will wear down faster than some other options. I can live with that trade-off for better traction.

 

[webhak]

Resurrecting this discussion: Are there any recommended wet wading setups that would double for fly fishing and kayaking? I'm trying not to build a shoe/boot collection, if at all possible.

I have a pair of Korkers I got last winter with felt soles. I'm a size 9.5 shoe and size 10 boot. I had to get size 11 Korkers to fit over the stockingfoot waders.

That size 11 ain't going to cut it for summer hiking to get to the river with just a "regular" neoprene sock.

I'm looking at the Astral Loyak. Looks like a great shoe to wear barefoot for paddling but also MIGHT fit with a neoprene sock for wet wading when the water's still cold but the air temp is too warm for waders.

 

[berretsteve]

another for korkers. piece of advice the brand has the majority for a reason..

 

[dtrkyman]

I have a pair of Korkers that survived two guiding seasons and now many seasons of just fishing, they look like they came out of a dumpster but still work, I recently glued all the shaggy looking spots with 3m 5200 so I should get a few more seasons out of them.

 

[sf jakey]

I’ll follow up on my original post. I picked up a pair of Sims G4 boots off the classified here for a steep discount. They are pricey new, BUT, they are outstanding. The grip is incredible, the support for an 8 hour day wading is amazing, and they show no wear after about 25 days so far. Downside is the interchangeable cleat system is dogshit if you pan to swap between metal and plastic cleats. Put the metal cleats in and leave them. Get a different pair for boats.

 

[swampfoxsc]

Which Korkers model does everyone use/recommend? This would be for spring/summer/fall fishing in Western NC.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I have simms g3 boots that I got back in 2020, they have been used for fishing and moose hunting every year since then, they have a lot of life left in them.

 

[Thinkingman]

That is honest and true. I'm on my 2nd set of Korkers because they do wear out...eventually. I use them probably 30ish times per season and my first pair lasted my 4yrs I believe. Simms (especially their top end products) are made for guides who will use them 100s of times a year, which is why they are so expensive.

For me the Korkers lasted plenty long enough and I like the ratchet system also. YMMV

Simms has lost a good number of consumers and shops over their new warranty policies. The G4 line has not done well and for what they charge, don't work and don't last the way they should. I still wear my G3 felts but shifted to Orvis waders. I do own the Korker wetwading sandals and they're fantastic but don't have any Korker boot experience to lend. I will look at Korker boots when it's time.

 

[OregonSteeler]

On my 2nd set of Korkers wading boots and have had them for about 3yrs now and still holding up well - Korkers Darkhorse

For summer I'm constantly using the All Axis shoe for rafting, fishing, and anything to do with the water. One of the best purchases I've made. They're extremely comfortable, I can change out the sole from rubber to felt, and I can wear them all day without chafing.

 

[PAHunter777]

The Orvis boots with the Michelin soles are by far the grippiest, almost as good as felt but better for hiking and don’t freeze.

 

[Seeknelk]

I had Korkers years ago, they fell apart fast, then had 2 pairs of Simms G3 with rubber sole (streantread) both of those pairs would shrink soooo bad in one year to make them unwearable. Pissed me off! How does all synthetic boot made for water suck so bad? And after nearly dying a couple times from the slick rubber I tossed em and went back to Korkers with boa and felt sole and am getting studded felt. Have some REALLY slick streams here especially in late winter, early spring. The rocks r just soooo greasy after months of low water.
On rivers like the Missouri, traction is hardly even a thought and the rubber is nice.

 

[Ecampbell25]

Korkers are great but if you walk into any mud or non gravel streams where there is mud like silver creek or some of the smaller rivers up here in Alaska the soles tend to get really stuck and then end up coming off the boot in the mud.

Simms are to expensive even with a pro deal.

Orvis pro wading boot has been pretty good to me. I have two sets and have put on over 150 days just on one.

The first set is about at the end of its life. But guiding has put a lot of wear and tear on them.

Put the studs in and you will be good to go.