Sole, to the highest bidder!

[Pesca]

Looking to buy a good pair of wading boots, predominantly for the salt. Any advice on sole and upper types? Not too concerned about the cost, as long as I'm getting a quality pair of boots that are going to last.

Firstly, the soles. As the choice is now quite large, this is obviously where I could fall down, so to speak. Have seen the felt, felt plus studs, cleated, composite plus studs, rubber (with or without studs), etc. Imagine the rubber to be slippery on rocks. Correct? Is felt very hard-wearing? If not, are felt soles easy to have replaced? Have seen studs (quite cheap) that you can add to your own boots. Is this the better option? What about soles that can be interchanged? Gimmick?

Regarding the uppers, I guess that most are okay for fresh, but what about constant saltwater use? Is it a matter of rinsing them off each time they are used? Is leather, or modern fabric the way to go?

The options are never ending and I think my head's about to explode! Help!!!!! --124-3

[Loopy]

If cost is no object, the best flats boot is the Patagonia Marlwalker, IMHO. I just rinse and dry them after use, 'cause like everything else they will get funky from being in the salt.

[Pesca]

Thanks Loopy. Sorry for not being very clear, but it's more for mixed saltwater fishing. Some rocks, jetties, etc. too, so has to be something with plenty of good grip on these mixed terrains. Have seen the Marlwalker and they look great, but for the flats.

[peanuts]

take a look at the simms flats sneaker they are lighter than the Marls and don't come so far up the leg. I use mine for salt and fresh water fishing here in the U.K and when I go Bonefishing. Their great.

[uncle4]

I second the Simms boots. I also own the Marlewalkers, but
REALLY prefer the simms boots.

I also own Orvis felt-soles for fresh water.... tho I hardly ever
use them: Most of my fresh water fishing is pond's edge.
For those times I _do_ wade fast moving pea-stone streams I
find the felt to be 10X better than either the Marl's or Simms'.

Hope this helps....

Uncle 4

[Quicksilver]

You are looking for wading shoes that will be worn with stocking foot waders- correct? I have never done the job, but I think the felt soles are fairly easy to replace. I believe synthetic uppers are significantly lighter than leather. The most important consideration is fit. I would hit the fly shops and try on different brands of boots. Get a pair of korkers for the rocks and jetties.

[Pesca]

Have the Simms flats sneaker already, and love them for warmer climes, on the flats, and although I haven't tried them on rock marks, I wonder how good a grip they'll have with the rubber soles. Great to wear when the weather allows you to wear a pair of shorts.

The boots will be to wear with a set of stockingfoots, both here in the UK(where our water temps are never very high), for saltwater and fresh, and over in The States, at different locations around The Cape, for saltwater only. Have fished there only the once, but terrain around Cape Cod Bay is very similar to the marks here in the UK. Very mixed, with some areas having very rocky shoreline, just like here. It's the clambering around on the rocks that the grip of the boots will be put to the test.

I know that over here, felt soles are predominant for fishing the rivers, but are they the job for clambering around on exposed rocks at the shoreline? If there is a big difference in weight between leather and modern fabrics, then this could be a consideration, as they will obviously be going in my luggage.:confused:

[luke]

..Chuck Taylor high tops, micrographed with a razor knife...