...namely, States where felt is not allowed....and I can't be glueing in the studs, since I need to occasionally take them out for float trips (in other people's craft, rentals, that don't allow studs):
Honestly - I too think Simms makes the best fitting and, until recently, the longest lasting wading boots in the industry. But whatever technical issues are causing the delamination problem, Simms needs to solve it. Vibram soles just have to stay on, and by that I mean completely on (no flaps dangling at the toe) for the life of the sole, alot longer than 3-6 days of use I've been getting.
I'm not going to mess with glue and nails keep soles of wading shoes on. Back to Simms they will go. I'll let you know the results of pair #3 after the next exchange.
I must say that I have had a great experience with my Simm's Rivershed boots from 2008, which was the first year, and they still had the studded Aquastealth soles. They have held up great with 4 seasons of use and they are comfortable and stable. I almost most always use a staff and they are great while hiking in to fish, especially with snow on the ground during steelhead season. Probably the weakest link are the laces, which lasted a couple of years for me.
The new rivershed boots are a little cheaper than the new guide boots and are very comfortable and durable. Make sure to buy star cleats and install them before use. I put five cleats in the front and three in the back. I now feel like a gecko on glass. Install the cleats on the outer portion of the sole with one in the middle.
I don't know what the problem is with others boots, but I have sent old Guide boots back to Simms and they have sent me a brand new pair of boots. My old boots were like 3 years old and they had they the round dot rubber soles with studs built in. The new Rivershed boots with Star Cleats are way better for gripping slippery rocks on the Stan, Upper Sac, Yuba and Pit. Wade with confidence!!!
if your soles are just coming off, that is most assuredly a defect.
ive been wearing the same boots for almost 28 months and i fish alot.
i decided it was time to replace my boots not because the soles were coming off, but because the soles looked like a shoe equivalent to racing slicks.
Update:
Simms has replaced the defective-soled boots. They sent me another pair of rubber soled boots so we'll see if they were glued correctly.
Also, if anyone wants to trade a brand-new sz 12 Freestone boot with Vibram soles for a brand new pair of the felt models, lemme know.
Mike
Eat it. Eat it. Simon says EAT IT!!!
Well I have to amend this post I made a bit ago. My under 5 month freestones have the stream-tred sole peeling off on both boots. Planning on sending them to simms on monday. Hopefully the turn around is quick.
Looks like I'm going to have to buy another pair of boots for the season opener.
The third pair of guide boots with streamtread has made it through the first 10 days of fishing without any peeling; more than the first two pairs. I will post a second update after more use....
Any more updates? I will be working out a pair of Riversheds this season. Gonna try the alumabites on them. I will have my Pat. Riverwalkers with felt/stud combo with me too just in case.
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