Wading shoes

[Rogueriver]

I have just worn out my Simms guide model wading shoes in a little over 21 months. They have done well for me but now I am looking for a new pair and see all kinds out there. Does anyone have any advice on what they are using and how they are wearing? I live on the Rogue River and we wade gravel bars with slicker than snot rocks. Felts and studs seem to work best, but I am open for all suggestions, especially brands and even models.


Thanks,

Dirk

[maineguideman]

I have many pairs and have destroyed them all, any one who knows me knows I am tough on gear. I got a pair of the the Korkers brand wading shoes about a year ago. They are the one's with the interchangable bottoms. They have two models I got the higher end model The outfitter I think. They are great The hiking shoe bottom works well for trout fishing here in Maine and the carbide spike bottoms are killer for my winter steel heading. They are really lightweiht and feel like regular shoes. I really love them. they run a little small so get the next size up. Hope that helps good luck.

[fleshfly]

I have the korkers, too. Higher end ones. I rarely take the ones out with the full Korker spikes on them. It is good to have the hiking boot option, for hiking in to spots, and using them on rivers that don't have spikes. All and All I really likem

[Rogueriver]

Thanks Guys,

Strangely enough Korkers were what we wore over our heavy booted waders long ago. They were orignally sandals geared for summer help on log rafts in Coos Bay Oregon and other areas where cork boots were to expensive to be bought for college kids on the rafts. We wore them over our boots and loved them because the studs held sure on the moss cover rocks.. but because of the way they laced up you could find yourself without one on.. stumbling down the river trying to get it back before it fell into the deep hole below you. I saw them at a fishing show in Portland, Oregon and questioned how the removable sole wore in the boot and how the boot wore over all. The idea of having different soles is so innovative and unquestionably the way to go under all conditions. I wade over a 100 days a year under the harshest conditions and look to find boot that will give me at least the service of the Simms... even though the Simms have the stitching ripping from the inside and the 1/4 of the studs have fallen from the sole... now that is hard use!!, but I exspect that from a guide model. In all honesty I have found the Simms to shrink when dry and are heavy on the feet as well as the wallet.

Thanks for the info... email me if you have more .. I would like to know your use and how long you have had the boots

My best,

Dirk

[Count]

I've had great luck with the Simms studded felt. You may find that the studded Aquastealth works well...guides on the San Juan River seem to like these, as they work better than studded felt on this river.

[eng5]

I have a pair of LL Bean lite series with studded aquastelth and they are great. Alot of support and very light.

[Rogueriver]

I have recieved my Simms wading boot two weeks ago...this is just an update on this thread... I bought the aquatread with the studs and one size larger than my foot size... They have worked really well on very mossy, slippery rocks on Rogue River.... I have also go to the Elk River, Oregon, and fished salmon in 47 degree water, I am glad I bought the larger size...I can comfortable fit two warms socks in them to stave of the chill of the cold water... I would recomend them for any one in the Pacific Northwest.

Thanks to all that gave advice and direction here.. I am more than willing to share any info on steelhead fishing in the Pacific Northwest...

Tight lines and Fair winds....

[flycaster11]

I just purchased a new pair of Simms L2 wading boots with felt soles to replace my Freestones, which have worn out felts. These are by far the most comfortable boots I have tried. The go on and off easily, have a very good lace-up system and are very light weight. One caveat - the are a good bit more narrow than the Freestones and Guide boots. I have a small foot, to no problem, but you should try them on before buying or ordering.

[summer salt]

I bought a pair of the Korker interchangeable sole boots 2 years ago.Bought the less expensive model because they fit better. The high end one was too narrow for me.They've worked out great.I got the studded boot as an extra because, if my memory serves me correctly, they come with felt and lug sole bottoms.

[StrBender]

Like Flycaster11, I have the Simms L2 Boots with felt and love them. Rogueriver, what Simms model did you buy?

[Rogueriver]

I ended up with the guide model that has the aqua treads and the studs. I am very pleased with them. I did order a size larger than I usually wear because the winter water is usually cold and you need thick socks to keep your feet warm.

my best

Dirk

[teflon_jones]

How much are you looking to spend?

I'm currently using Orvis Henry's Fork shoes and they've been working very well in all sorts of conditions.

[Rogueriver]

Teflon,

I bought the simms guide models with the aqua treads and the studs. Here, we wade all kinds of bottom type and all kinds of currents. So far they have proven to be the best I have every had. It is still to early to know how they will hold up, but be sure, I will give them the guides test, even though I am not one. I wade close to 100 days a year. The last ones(Simms guide model) wore out in 18 months. They were felt with studs. I have had several friends say I should send them back to Simms and have them repair or give me new ones. For me, fair is fair, I think when you have a good pair of boots and have worn them out, well that is as it should be. Nothing lasts forever. I wont take a company to the fence and ask for something that I feel is dishonest.

Simms, like all companies produce a product that has a price tag. The question is .... is it worth it.

Keep tuned. I will let you know.