I think I'm due a new pair of wading boots this year. I've been using a pair of Hardy EWS jobs with felt soles for the past few years and while they've worn well and have stood up to the rigours of saltwater use, they have failed miserably at their most important task of keeping me upright! I don't find the felt sole satisfactory on anything but dry rock or gravel. They are desperate on wet grass, wet stones and wet anything else. I have also been using a neoprene watersport boot from Lomo. The boot has a soft rubber sole and has been great for most conditions except rounded boulders where the softness and flexibility of the sole lets it down badly.
Can anyone recommend a good boot that has a fairly rigid sole with good ankle support, that will provide a solid platform on jagged or wet rocky 'bowling ball' type rocks with sea weed here and there ? Tough conditions, I know but it's what we find when we fish so surely someone makes a suitable boot that will cope!
Thanks
Jim
Only advice I can offer is do not buy Airflo boots. The pair I have started to disintegrate 1st day I wore them in New Zealand. Snowbee are just as bad. I'd go for Orvis or Simms, not cheap but at least you have some comeback.
Jim, I got a pair of these for use on the kayak, wet-wading in spain and general all-round canoeing; which is pretty much what you're up to as well.. very good indeed. not cheap, but...... the usual! http://www.orvis.co.uk/p/andros-flats-hiker/4x8p (http://www.orvis.co.uk/p/andros-flats-hiker/4x8p)
the sole is non-marking rubber, grippy enough on rocks and not slippery on boats (unlike felt soles; deadly!). worn in the salt and/or bare-foot you will need to rinse them thoroughly with fresh water, but that's true for all boots of course. bought them sized so that with the footbed in they're right for bare-foot; footbed out for use with waders/drysuit bootees + a sock. :8)
ps just seen Fred's post which I would endorse whole-heartedly :D
I fitted screw in studs on my felt soled waders makes a big difference only about a fiver on ebay
These any good to you, they're quick drying and have drainage holes in them, I'm thinking about getting a pair for when I've got a bit of walking to do while fishing, don't know how long they'd last but if you get a season it's probably decent value, regatta aquaticus
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301366227511 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301366227511)
Quote from: gerrymaguire on March 20, 2015, 09:11:17 AM
I fitted screw in studs on my felt soled waders makes a big difference only about a fiver on ebay
trash your boat, tho'. and your car floor if you drive in 'em
I find felt to be very dangerous, the amount falling over I did, both in and out of the water was horrendous, the soles were ripped off after less than a season. I have a pair of Greys Platinum boots for my fresh water fishing that came "free" with my chesties. For sea fishing I have some Dunlop wellies(I don't wear waders as too dangerous if you were to fall in), I was intending putting some screw in tungsten studs in them, but after a winter stumbling around in the dark on the local rocks, I've found I haven't needed to add the studs.
One of the local lifeboat lads told us it's better not to wear waders near deep water. I think we all know if you fall in a river or loch you should lay on your back and the waders should have a bit of an air pocket to keep you afloat. Seemingly in the sea, being bounced about by the tide/surf especially near rocks, you may find it difficult and the waders could become a dead weight. On the survival course I did to work offshore in the oil industry, we were advised to try and get "any" boots off if you can. We used to wear rigger boots a size or two bigger than you needed, just so you could kick them off easily. Over cautious maybe, but some of the marks I fish in the dark, there is a small risk of going in and I would like the odds stacked in my favour as best as I can, hence I always wear a floatation suit as well, complete with flashing light beacon.
Sonik sk4 boots are excellent. Grahams in Inverness has them for sale at half price (£62) at the moment.
Quote from: Roobarb on March 20, 2015, 10:53:13 AM
If you want something to last then yes it has to be Simms or Orvis. They are just too much money for me now so I go to Trespass in the January sales and buy a pair of walking boots for about £20. They seem to last fairly well, I've had two seasons out of them wading in both fresh and salt water.
When it comes to grip thenyou just have to make your choice of sole and take your chance. Felt can be the best thing for some sorts of slimey rock but it is lethal on snow, wet grass, mud and many other everyday surfaces. It's days are probably numbered if for no other reason that walking around with sponges full of bugs on your feet and taking them to other waters isn't the best idea.
Screw in studs are an abomination, as Dave says they wreck everything. There are too big and too soft as well and I never found they gave any extra grip on the rivers I fished. The best studs by miles were the tungsten carbide ones Hardy used to mold into their thigh waders. Tiny little things the were so they cut through any algae on the surface and hard enough to bite into any rock. Very occasionally who would find a very hard rock that they wouldn't touch and then they were deadly as you just skated off! But you soon learn which rocks to avoid.
Andy
I agree with all of that.
The best boots I ever had were Simms Guide model but they were expensive. They did last me for years and years however, despite the stitching eventually fraying.
The weak point on any boot I have bought recently is the stitching at the side of the boot which joins the various panels together. It wears and frays so that the panels separate and grit gets into the gap, causing more wear. I took a brand new pair of Simms Vapor boots to NZ and the stiching is going at a couple of points
Rabmax coats the stitching with glue and that is an excellent idea. Me, I've just ordered an awl, some heavy duty needles and kevlar thread. Once I've replaced the nylon stitching with kevlar, I will coat it with E6000 glue and see how long that buys me.
If I was to go back to NZ, where mostly I wade wet (no waders), I would consider using a pair of leather walking boots rather than wading boots. Something that has
doesn't feature a panelled construction.
Alex
I've got the sonik sk4 but they are made on the small side so definately size up especially if using in cold weather, i found this out this week, 2 pairs of socks and I couldn't wiggle my toes!
Haresear the link I posted to eBay earlier was for regatta aqua shoes, thy are walking shoes designed to go in and out of water, might be of interest for your trips, £28 delivered. If I had more money I would have bought a set already :roll:
Quote from: Lochan_load on March 20, 2015, 01:54:49 PM
I've got the sonik sk4 but they are made on the small side so definately size up especially if using in cold weather, i found this out this week, 2 pairs of socks and I couldn't wiggle my toes!
Haresear the link I posted to eBay earlier was for regatta aqua shoes, thy are walking shoes designed to go in and out of water, might be of interest for your trips, £28 delivered. If I had more money I would have bought a set already :roll:
Thanks Lochan Load. I can't open the link just now as I'm at work :8) but will have a look when I get home.
Alex
These Regatta shoes look fine, but no way Id wear anything in NZ that did not provide full ankle support. It could end up a very short fishing holiday. When I see what that terrain does to boots I'd rather it didn't do it to my feet! :lol:
Fishing in NZ is as hard on the feet and boots as the summit rocks and screes of a Scottish hill and much more prolonged
I've been looking at some alternative options for wading boots and found these rock boots - I've not bought/tried them but they may be worth a look for what you have in mind. At £40 probably not out of the question to buy them just for shore fishing and get standard wading boots as well for lochs and rivers.
http://www.bigorangewatersports.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=476 (http://www.bigorangewatersports.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=476)
Part times post has jogged my mind that snowbee do a wading boot called 'rock hopper' look decent and what you're after, quick google search and you'll find them at around £45-£50
Keep the suggestions coming guys.
Personally I am sick to the back teeth of paying £100 + for wading boots that fall to bits in a year or less. I was seriously considering buying good quality walking boots with vibram soles and studding them. Wading boots are rip off, but I guess if all you do is fish at the local stockie pond with grassy banks you would be none the wiser.
I often wear a pair of old Brasher Hillmaster boots for fishing and they are fine other than they are not as good on slimy stones as felts. Walk in with the boots, carry the waders. Usually then walk back in the waders.
Best I ever had were the Simms boots with studded aquastealth soles, small studs that didnt rust and I fish in saltwater for more than half my fishing.I heard the aquastealth was a renamed product mainly used in climbing boot soles- maybe Dave will know about this?
Anyway Simms stopped doing them , no doubt down to cost.Just bought new Patagonia ones with the aluminium bars which are on sale in a few places at the moment, not tried them yet though.
unfortunately it's the usual deal with these things: you get what you pay for. the problem is that £100(which sounds a lot of money, but nowadays is mid-range) just doesn't cut it, whether you're buying walking or wading boots. so, you either bite the bullet and spend quite a bit more, or pay far less and expect to replace them. I can see the sense in both arguments.
I think aquastealth was the same as 5.10 stealth. a very good sticky rubber. I've got a pair of these by simms; at least 5 years old and barely a mark on them. I wish I could remove those pesky studs though.... :lol: incidentally, simms started out making top notch ski-mountaineering equipment as "lifelink".
Quote from: corsican dave on March 21, 2015, 07:50:16 PM
unfortunately it's the usual deal with these things: you get what you pay for
Not with wading boots. With few exceptions no matter how much you pay they fall to bits and that includes the expensive Orvis boots I bought and the Simms boots Alex took to NZ last month. For me the blow was softened by Orvis replacing them, but the second pair also fell to bits after a 4 week trip to NZ and a season at home, rather confirming the point. Even mid range hill boots do not do this, so what's the difference? I believe the makers simply don't build enough quality into wading boots, perhaps they judge that most anglers will be using them on easy going rivers like we have in the UK, reservoirs etc.
I simply do not believe good quality robust wading boots that will handle NZ type terrain are available at anything like affordable prices and without ending up looking like Frankenstein's monster. I am looking at buying hill boots next time
IF I can find a pair with suitable soles. Alex was saying that Paul Proctor told him this is what he does now after similar bad experiences and spending a lot of money.
Quote from: corsican dave on March 21, 2015, 07:50:16 PM
I think aquastealth was the same as 5.10 stealth. a very good sticky rubber. I've got a pair of these by simms; at least 5 years old and barely a mark on them. I wish I could remove those pesky studs though.... :lol: incidentally, simms started out making top notch ski-mountaineering equipment as "lifelink".
I thought you would know Dave, great stuff shame they changed. The metal lace rings have rotted away on mine with the salt, going to try replacing them with cable ties and keep my new Pataguccis for fresh water.
If you ever come down to Torness youll be glad of the studs, the tropical water grows some very skitey green stuff!
Maybe worth looking at something like the Lowa desert boots the army use Fred ? very well made German boot ,good sole and might be lighter.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lowa-Elite-Desert-Boots-Size-12-/261812168408?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cf538a6d8 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Lowa-Elite-Desert-Boots-Size-12-/261812168408?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cf538a6d8)
The soles look hard on these Colin and if so would be lethal. The Orvis boots I bought that fell to bits cost almost as much as the Alt Berg hill boots I bought a few years ago. £180. These hill boots don't fall to bits, in fact they are built like a brick shithouse and are as comfy to wear as slippers. I have seriously considered buying a hill boot of that quality and using them. In my own not limited experience wading boots are a rip off. £175 might not be "top range" but frankly I don't think it unreasonable to expect they will last longer than 4 weeks. Even the crap £100 Aiflo boots really should have lasted longer than 1 day even if it was on The Rough River.
I just do not believe I can buy a good pair of wading boots no matter how much I pay. OK, these Airflo boots were never going to be the best, but even at £100 is it not reasonable to expect them NOT to start falling to bits after one day? If I had splashed out and paid £200 would they have lasted twice as long? :roll:
I have rock shoes for climbing that are 5.10 which has been around for about 15+ years. They have no tread pattern and are deadly on damp grass, moss and on rock with wet lichen but fantastic on dry rock or on wet rock that is clean.
I have the same 5.10 rubber on a pair of Scierra wading boots and the sole is called Dyna-Track and they are also excellent. I have fitted four screw studs only with two fitted across the hollow in front of the heel and two in the middle of the heel. They are now pretty good on almost any surface and they have worn very well. I would not pay high prices for "top name" wading boots but I would certainly buy these Scierras again.
Yvon Chuinard said "If ever you find you have bought a pair of comfortable, well-made, strong, mountain boots go straight back to the shop and buy a second pair because you will never get the quality again " I think he was right !!
Many thanks for all the suggestions folks ! It'll take me a week to have a swatch at them all :shock: I do like the look of the Orvis boots and the Simms but there's a lot of excellent suggestions offered and I'll have a really good look online at all those mentioned.
Much appreciated
Cheers
Jim
I bought some sonik boots in November and the stitching has burst on both sides of one boot already. I have walked a lot of miles in them but its a pretty crappy life span.
They're getting posted back tomorrow for a replacement. Sonik like others are not exactly helpful when it comes to replacements
Well, I've been looking at loads of these since I posted and have decided on the Simms River Tek BOA Wading Boot. A wee bit pricey compared to some but I think it will meet my needs. It's got a Vibram sole which I like and the Boa system fastener is something else I like. My daughter has used Track Cycling shoes with this system and it's pretty good. Very tough and also great for getting in and out of. So, thanks again for all the advice folks. Appreciated as always :)
hmm, be interested to see how you get on with these, Jim. our experience with these sorts of lacing systems is that they're fine when they're inside the boot , like ski boots, plastic mountaineering boots; but not so hot when on the outside. the mechanisms are prone to jamming with grit etc and the components wear down fast. every one that's appeared on the market has disappeared almost as quickly...
having said that, simms quality and warranty service is without question :8)
I suppose I'm taking a slight chance on them Dave, A lacing system would no doubt be more reliable but I do like the convenience of stepping in and out of the boot without monkeying around with wet knots etc. One of my daughters has used track cycling shoes with the boa from time to time depending on who sponsors whatever team she is in. I think the Boa system is patented so it's the same set up regardless of shoe / boot maker. She can put over 1200 watts of power through the shoe in a push pull action and the system has stood up to it no problem at all. I doubt if walking or wading would produce anything remotely close to that so I'm happy it will be strong enough. Having seen the locking system close up I know it is a simple ratchet type set up. I also know that as you suggest Dave, grit might well have an effect on it. I'm hoping that whatever washes in will also wash out and that it won't be too much of an issue. I also use the Hardy EWS waders which have a decent gravel guard built in so hopefully that'll help!
I understand that the Boa system is the 'mark 11' so probably a bit better than the basic mark 1 that I have experience of.
I'll hopefully get the chance to put them through their paces on the shore quite soon so I'll post a wee review of how they perform :8)
For use around sea weed and sea shores has anyone tried the tungsten studded Bison Bearclaw boots that zip up?
You would not want to have them on indoors or in a canoe but they could be very good on a shoreline.
Bison also do a "normal" rubber soled boot.
Quote from: Bobfly on April 14, 2015, 06:27:54 PM
For use around sea weed and sea shores has anyone tried the tungsten studded Bison Bearclaw boots that zip up?
You would not want to have them on indoors or in a canoe but they could be very good on a shoreline.
Bison also do a "normal" rubber soled boot.
I have a pair of those and they do grip well on seeweed-slimed up rocks.
They have next to no protection at the sides of the boot however and getting your foot jammed in between rocks hurts more than it would with a pair of proper walking boots, or the old style Simms Guide model for that matter.
The main thing I don't like about them is that the soles aren't thick enough or rigid enough for the long pointy studs, so you feel the studs when you are walking.
They do grip well however.
Alex
Another vote for the simms boots from me. I had the old leather freestones for 6 years before i replaced them with the new version of freestones 3 years ago and i would say i'll get at least the same out of them again. Any cheap wading boots i've ever bought have barely lasted a season.