Wading Boots

OK, boys, what's the word on wading boots?

After 3+ years of taking a real beating, my Korkers are about ready to fall apart. I deposited one shoe's sole into the Shenandoah River Bank & Trust earlier this summer (completely my fault), and I'm not really wanting to drop the cash and make the effort of hunting down a replacement pair of soles for boots that are pretty well beat.

I've been just wet wading in my vibrams all summer and that's been great, but I'm not going to wet wade for steelhead all winter, so I'm going to need a pair of boots.

What's new and exciting in the boot world? What do you guys wear and trust? What have you worn and hated?

I was pleased with my Korkers, and wouldn't hesitate to go back to them, but how's that boa system work? I had laces on mine, and every time I fished, they did the same thing: tie em up at the car, start hiking. Hiking loosened them up, so re-tighten and re-tie when you get to the water. Getting wet loosened them again, so re-tie somewhere after 15 minutes of fishing. Then they were fine. I'd rather avoid that, and if the boa system works, it looks like the way to go.

I definitely have a strong preference toward felt. Nothing grips like it that I've ever used. The sticky rubber and studded rubber have left me either sliding around, or in the drink. Anyone tried the synthetic felt?

ORIGINAL: Sharpefly

I feel the same about rubber but a lot of the states are outlawing them. I think most of the companies that make wading boot dont even make the felts anymore. The only thing I have against felt is they pick up the snow in the winter.

Yes they do pick up snow, and that's a considerable drawback, but it's something I'm willing to deal with in return for how they perform in the water.

RE Bans, I don't think PA is set to ban felt anytime soon (at least not before the next time I'd be needing boots), and if they are, screw em. They wont be paying my medical bills if i use their approved rubber, I suspect.

The only thing "NEW" in the boot world is Simms is re-introducing felt
felt wont go away... too many people like it

Korkers is making a Felt-like sole called Svelte... 5x less water absorption and dries 4x faster than felt


The Boa systems are great... super comfortable
Simms and Korkers both have good options

Korkers came out the the new version of their re-placeable soles last year that offers full coverage

ORIGINAL: KJH807

The only thing "NEW" in the boot world is Simms is re-introducing felt
felt wont go away... too many people like it

Korkers is making a Felt-like sole called Svelte... 5x less water absorption and dries 4x faster than felt


The Boa systems are great... super comfortable
Simms and Korkers both have good options

Korkers came out the the new version of their re-placeable soles last year that offers full coverage

I've seen that somewhere before...

i have not used the svelte... just picked it up

agile like an Ox

i have the korkers too and love them.  i especially like the studs.  i've never slipped with them so i can't understand your statement about them slipping.  and i've worn them from everything to the tribs, to freestones here and in the west where the rock is all granite smooth.  i also have a pair of chota with studded felt soles.  again great shoes with excellent traction.  i've had them for 5=6 yrs only because i wear the korkers most of the time.

felts are still the best in my opinion.
i got a pair of LLBean river tread studded. they are stiff with great ankle support. they suggest to order down if you wear a half size but if you're going to wear two pairs sox get the next size bigger.
they and sturdy and look like they will last a long time. i will see!

After being a Korker's fan,bought a pair of simms,G-3,love them.Still have the Korkers,can't beat those big studs for the ice!!