Wading boots

[thinhorn_AK]

What wading boots are you guys using? Ive had a pair of Simms G3s for about 7 years and they are on their way out. Im looking at getting a nice, higher end current model boot but honestly have not even looked at them for a few years. Looks like the Simms flyweight access is nice, Skwala makes a few boots that seem great, one of them is even made for people who are doing more hiking, Patagonia/danner still make a cool one you can even get with steel plates on them (not that Id need that for moose hunting), Simms myst have a cool g4 bot out now too.

What boots are out these days that fit the bill if my priority is moose hunting with 40-50 days of fly fishing tossed in her year, felt soles aren't allowed since Im in AK.

Thanks.

 

[AspenTimber]

Orvis ultralights amazing

 

[BLJ]

We were shopping waders for my wife this summer and I seem to remember that in the fly fishing crowd Simms had recently lost some luster. I believe an investment company had bought them out and quality isn’t what it used to be.

I’m 99% sure that’s the case but definitely look into it to make sure.

I’ve got an older pair of simms that are great. Still going string.
My wife ended up with Reddington boots. They work for her but probably not the same amount of walking as a moose hunt.

 

[FranklinBluth]

I have some older Simms Freestone boots that are still chugging along. They've been good but probably looking to replace them in the next couple of seasons.

 

[MT3LK]

Patagonia all the way. Simms boots (just like most of their gear) have dropped way off in quality in my experience. The last pair of simms boots I got lasted me 2 seasons. I’ve seen AK fly guides that basically live with them on feet into one pair of the patagonias and still chugging.

 

[Blurry1]

I’ve burned through quite a few wading boots over the years. Never tried Patagonia though. Friends who have used Patagonia really like them. I currently have and use Simms and Korkers. I like a lot about Korkers but they are falling apart a little prematurely. Simms have never given me a problem I didn’t ask for. I highly recommend getting the boa system on whatever boot you choose.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Patagonia all the way. Simms boots (just like most of their gear) have dropped way off in quality in my experience. The last pair of simms boots I got lasted me 2 seasons. I’ve seen AK fly guides that basically live with them on feet into one pair of the patagonias and still chugging.

Are you talking about the ones made by Patagonia and danner? Those do look pretty nice.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

We were shopping waders for my wife this summer and I seem to remember that in the fly fishing crowd Simms had recently lost some luster. I believe an investment company had bought them out and quality isn’t what it used to be.

I’m 99% sure that’s the case but definitely look into it to make sure.

I’ve got an older pair of simms that are great. Still going string.
My wife ended up with Reddington boots. They work for her but probably not the same amount of walking as a moose hunt.

I’ve heard that but I know several fishing guides and when I asked them about it they said the simms stuff was still solid. Just more expensive now and there are some other options on the market that are as good and cheaper. They all felt the simms quality was still there.

 

[BLJ]

I’m sure guides spend way more time in their boots than the average fisherman.
I’d also say there is a chance they get a discount too.

And I have the Freestones that were mentioned above.

 

[MT3LK]

Are you talking about the ones made by Patagonia and danner? Those do look pretty nice.

Yep the Danner ones. Definitely the most Bonner wading boot out there.

 

[GreenNDark Timber]

I bought the newer Simms G3 boots (ones with orange laces) about a year ago. I fly fished with them all summer and used them for a 10 day moose hunt in September. So far they've been really good. Ankle support was good packing out two bulls and they still look new. I've worn the older style G3s as well and prefer the newer version.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

Yep the Danner ones. Definitely the most Bonner wading boot out there.

I just looked, they make 2 versions. Which one do you like?

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I bought the newer Simms G3 boots (ones with orange laces) about a year ago. I fly fished with them all summer and used them for a 10 day moose hunt in September. So far they've been really good. Ankle support was good packing out two bulls and they still look new. I've worn the older style G3s as well and prefer the newer version.

I had older g3s for several years, lots of float hunts, moose packing, more fly fishing that I could ever add up. They were great boots, honestly if I could find a new old stock pair, I’d grab them. Thinking about it more, I never had a single complaint about those boots. I’ll see what the more current g3s look like.

 

[MT3LK]

I just looked, they make 2 versions. Which one do you like?

The foot tractor. I agree they are pricey, but it’s the only made in USA wading boot that I’m aware of.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

The foot tractor. I agree they are pricey, but it’s the only made in USA wading boot that I’m aware of.

I’m not concerned about price, when I go on my float hunts, wading boots are all I wear for 7-10 days other than my crocks in camp. If they hold up, have good support then who cares if they are a hundred bucks more than others.

Have you done any hiking in yours? Packed a moose? Do you have the steel plates or plain rubber soles?

 

[cardiac5]

We just wear our xtra tuffs when wearing waders. Tried it once fly fishing and never went back to boots.


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[z987k]

We just wear our xtra tuffs when wearing waders. Tried it once fly fishing and never went back to boots.


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I cannot imagine the extra weight that would add and how difficult it would make it to hike and pack anything.

 

[z987k]

I use a pair of the Orvis pro boa's with my chota tundra hippies for moose hunting.

 

[MT3LK]

I’m not concerned about price, when I go on my float hunts, wading boots are all I wear for 7-10 days other than my crocks in camp. If they hold up, have good support then who cares if they are a hundred bucks more than others.

Have you done any hiking in yours? Packed a moose? Do you have the steel plates or plain rubber soles?

Plain rubber, mainly because I spend a lot of time in rafts and drift boats so metal plates are a no no. But I’ve done plenty of hiking, never any packing an animal though.