Wading boot recomendations

[DV8]

So my last semi functioning pair of wading boots tried to kill me (again) recently, so I'm going to pull the trigger on a new pair. I'm saying goodbye to studded felt (sigh) for the enviro concerns, so I'm looking for recommendations. I'm particularly interested in Patagonia as I have had really good luck with them in general and I think I have a gift card kicking around somewhere. Versatility is key, central coast salt(durability), the valley(rock snot) and Sierras(boulders trying to kill me) are my usual haunts. Thanks

[troutless]

Last year I had to get a non-felt boot for an Alaska trip, ended up with the Korkers Chrome, interchangeable soles w/ Boa system. Love them. No more lacing!!!! Ten seconds in and out of boot. Can have studs, felt, or plain rubber with easy sole changeout. Pricey, however.

[Rockman]

Ditto to troutless! I to have the corkers w/ the boa lace system.

[Morgan]

I still rock my good ol fashion skate shoes.
BUt I may be hunting for a pair of boots cause my feet got fat walking around Roatan barefoot for a week.
Not lookn to break the bank tho.

[Jeff C.]

For Valley slippery rocks the Pategonia Rock Grip aluminium bar wading boots are the best I've ever used. I returned a pair of Riverwalkers and since they have been discontinued they send me a gift card. I don't know how they would work in the surf and Sierras but in the Valley they really provide some sure footing.

[DAVID95670]

Do not buy korkers; i had them replaced twice within a year, this last time i paid the cash to upgrage to simm; love these new boots; korkers are nice at first but if you fish a lot they will come a part....check out their facebook page...i complained and a hord of others chimed in with the same issues......

Junk

[amoeba]

So my last semi functioning pair of wading boots tried to kill me (again) recently, so I'm going to pull the trigger on a new pair. I'm saying goodbye to studded felt (sigh) for the enviro concerns, so I'm looking for recommendations. I'm particularly interested in Patagonia as I have had really good luck with them in general and I think I have a gift card kicking around somewhere. Versatility is key, central coast salt(durability), the valley(rock snot) and Sierras(boulders trying to kill me) are my usual haunts. Thanks

I haven't found a studded felt substitute that works well; so I say stay with studded felt in a leather shoe (i.e., simms guide boots). There's a huge difference in traction on the substrate that you mention (sierra boulders), "rock snot" is a native alga that never had anything to do with felt (I could hardly care less about it or anyone who does, but I will if such a ban is proposed in CA), and I've never seen any effect of salt on any wading shoe.

As for travel to AK, MT, MD, or low-population states duped into felt bans, or for winter use (snow); buy another pair of shoes with rubber soles (add studs) for those uses.

[Larry S]

DV8,
I would think twice about using your freshwater boots in the surf. I use either the Simms or the Patagonia
flats boots for the surf because I'm older than dirt and like the ankle support. Most of my fishing friends use
a neoprene bootie - check dive shops - for the surf. They are lighter than the flats boots. I just can't
find them in size 14 and extra wide. Less than 1/2 the price as well. The salt and surf(salt) is very invasive
and takes its toll even with a good rinsing afterwards. That damn sand likes to work its way into the seams
and eventually results in leaks. Also, you will never get all of the salt out of porous materials. Unless you have
money to burn, be thrifty in your choice of waders and boots for the salt. On the other hand, I've used
the same rods and reels in the salt for 12+ years by a good rinsing and I'm surf fishing 2-3 times per week.
Best,
Larry S

[Ralph]

Love my Simms studded felts as well as the Patagonia aluminum bar boot. If you can wait, the flat bars on the Patago are being redesigned. It should make them a little less stiff and even more grippy than they already are (and they are VERY grippy).

[Dan LeCount]

I have a pair of simms studded vibrams that have been doing great so far in their second year.