Wading boots

[Wildfisher]

On the fly fishing forum, Carl Hutchinson casting champion, all round fly fisher, instructor and guide, recommend buying cheap trainers. You can buy these in Asda and the like for a fiver / pair. Worth a try, even if you just walk in them and put your boots on while  fishing. Any felt soled boots or felt / studded combos are likely  to fall apart with hard walking, they are not designed for that. Also ? what about a cheep pair of lightweight hill walking boots? Buy some studs and screw them into the heel???.

[Wildfisher]

Was Mr Hutchinson recommending wading in trainers?

yes, I imagine they would be OK in most cases

[Fishtales]

I bought a pair of work boots. Leather uppers, what looks like cambrelle lining and good heavy sole. I just watch how I dry them and give them a going over with waterproofer, yes I know whats the point, but it helps to keep the leather supple and stops it rotting. I have had them for a few years now, but then I don't do a lot of wading so they aren't used a lot

[Wildfisher]

Sandy,

how are they for grip? This is one thing that bothers me about the trainer route. For grip I find cleated soles fecking next to useless on all but the easiest loch or river beds. For grip, felt with studs is hard to beat but they are not for walking in as Swithun will testify.

[Fishtales]

Can't say I have noticed any bother. I used to slide all over the place with the old studded waders so I probably don't see the difference anyway. If you watch what you are doing it is just like walking on wet slippy rock with your walking boots, except under water. On second thoughts half the time you are walking in Scotland your feet are under water

[Wildfisher]

Can't say I have noticed any bother. I used to slide all over the place with the old studded waders so I probably don't see the difference anyway. If you watch what you are doing it is just like walking on wet slippy rock with your walking boots, except under water. On second thoughts half the time you are walking in Scotland your feet are under water

I have yet to find a good wader / boot  for slimy underwater rock. Up in Caithness last week I nearly had an early bath on Sarclet first day. Hard cleated soles  are a  really bad idea??..splash?..

[godspeed]

Ive seen the Korkers on this American site for $110 but you still have postage on this .You may also get stung by customs  unless the seller will disguise the package for you.  :?

http://www.wildernessangler.com/servlet/Search?category=Wading+Boots+and+Apparel



Just got myself a pair of  Chota "STL" Plus Felt Sole Wading Boots.They get some good reviews but only time will tell.

http://bobmarriotts.net/detail.aspx?ID=17080

[Spindrift]

I used to go caving in one of my past lives and a pair of 4mm wetsuit trousers and socks + a cheap pair of boots can cope with a lot of water!
Will all fit in a medium sized sac if you wear the boots for the whole trip.
The cold rush of water as you first enter the wet-stuff will make sure you are wide awake and ready to concentrate on your fishing no matter how far you have padded in.

Cheers - Dave :roll:

[Havtafish]

I bought a pair of Korkers Outfitters last year. They have interchangeable soles and you can go from a standard hiking to get into the fishing and change to a felt or felt/studded when your there. They have great ankle support and the boot is very robust. New soles cost about 15 quid and theres about 6 different types to choose from. I have been through about 40 different pairs of wading boots and in my opinion are by far the best. Maybe give them a try?

www.korkers.com

[Havtafish]

Youll really like them I assure you. I found buying cheaper boots is false economy as you go through twice as much. I used to fish 250 days a year in Canada and have been through my share. After a few trips out it will be well worth it.
Hey I was  :lol: @ the flowers bit

Good Luck with them