Helpful Replywading boots

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fisherofmen376
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2013/10/19 19:47:38 (permalink)

wading boots

Any sales on wading boots yinz/yall/yous/you all know of?  Ive been using cheap hiking boots ever since i got my stockingfoot waders this spring and I can't do it anymore.  I read through some past threads, and Korkers seem to be the way to go.  I'm wondering though about the latest models, because most of the past threads were from 1-3 years ago.  I am always partial to LL Bean because we've got a store here in Pgh and their warranty policy is excellent (if it stops working/leaks etc, return for new gear, period).  But if other brands really are better ill spend the dough.  Recommendations and your experience are welcome, thanks.  

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cbeagler
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/19 22:26:35 (permalink)
Chotas all the way. They are truly a wading shoe and not just a boot that will fit over waders. They are wide enough for good circulation and extra socks, they come with the studs, and I bought a pair for my son and  a pair for myself. And I walk a lot when I fish too.
 
http://fishusa.com/Wading-Boots/#Brand=Chota_Outdoor_Gear
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rooo
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 06:11:45 (permalink)
I'll second the chota's... I love my STL plus (felt w/ studs). Talked my bro into the rubber w/ lug soled Caney Forks since he fishes more often in different places than I, and he's very satisfied with them as well.
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chartist
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 06:12:42 (permalink)
I am not an Orvis guy, but Orvis River Guard Ultra lights are what I wear (gift from the wife)  and they're excellent.   
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glen
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Porktown
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 10:08:31 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby cbeagler 2013/10/20 16:19:07
If you have smaller feet, Albright Fly Fish has some on clearance.  Google them.  I know nothing about their quality ect., but for the price, I'd do them if they had my size.  I have heard great things about the quality of their surf rods (don't fall for their suggested retail price b.s. almost always have "sales" that put their stuff 80% off).  My Cabela's light weight wading boots lasted me a good 7-8 years of hard use and another 5 of lighter use.  They are holding together now, but looking a bit unsightly.  I've been wanting to get a new pair and use them as my back ups, but only seem to wade 10 or so times per year now.  Just picked up a 12' boat, so likely doing even less wading.  I'd buy the Cabela's light weights again though.
 
BTW - Your old hiking boots are likely doing a number on your stocking feet.  You should probably get something engineered for the task sooner than later, or likely in the market for new waders too.
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FiveMilePete
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 11:55:31 (permalink)
cbeagler
Chotas all the way. They are truly a wading shoe and not just a boot that will fit over waders. They are wide enough for good circulation and extra socks, they come with the studs, and I bought a pair for my son and  a pair for myself. And I walk a lot when I fish too.
 
http://fishusa.com/Wading-Boots/#Brand=Chota_Outdoor_Gear


I'm surprised at the cost of these made in China boots.
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bingsbaits
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 12:08:36 (permalink) ☄ Helpfulby FiveMilePete 2013/10/20 14:12:02
Keep an eye on Sierra Trading Post.
They have some good sales ...
Picked up a pair of Korkers Streamborn for under $45...

"There is a pleasure in Angling that no one knows but the Angler himself". WB
 
 


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3799
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 13:27:11 (permalink)
cbeagler
Chotas all the way. They are truly a wading shoe and not just a boot that will fit over waders. They are wide enough for good circulation and extra socks, they come with the studs, and I bought a pair for my son and  a pair for myself. And I walk a lot when I fish too. http://fishusa.com/Wading-Boots/#Brand=Chota_Outdoor_Gear

If I wear a size 10 shoe, do I buy the same size Chota boot?
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cbeagler
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 16:18:14 (permalink)
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cbeagler
Chotas all the way. They are truly a wading shoe and not just a boot that will fit over waders. They are wide enough for good circulation and extra socks, they come with the studs, and I bought a pair for my son and  a pair for myself. And I walk a lot when I fish too. http://fishusa.com/Wading-Boots/#Brand=Chota_Outdoor_Gear

If I wear a size 10 shoe, do I buy the same size Chota boot?

 I wear a size 11 1/2 New Balance Sneaker and have a size 14 Chota. A smaller size fit, but for me it was more comfortable to go with size 14.
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FishinGuy
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 17:03:19 (permalink)
Not to get off topic here. But I actually wear a size 14 in regular shoes. Do any of these brands actually run pretty big? I can get away with a 13 in certain brands but 14 gives me better room in most and if I throw on thick socks I'm 14 or better in anything. I wear 13 boot foot breathables now and they're OK with 1 pair of thick socks. I was considering stocking foot waders next but haven't found any boots in a 14/15
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spazzer
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 18:00:51 (permalink)
FishinGuy
Not to get off topic here. But I actually wear a size 14 in regular shoes. Do any of these brands actually run pretty big? I can get away with a 13 in certain brands but 14 gives me better room in most and if I throw on thick socks I'm 14 or better in anything. I wear 13 boot foot breathables now and they're OK with 1 pair of thick socks. I was considering stocking foot waders next but haven't found any boots in a 14/15

Look at Simms. Their products seem to be sized with some thought put into it. I wear 14 and their wading boot in 14 fit perfectly.
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chartist
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 18:15:30 (permalink)
Be careful with Orvis sizing.  In their catalogue they said that sizing took into account extra room needed for waders.  That turned out to not be the case....I had to return a gift pair of boots for one size larger. 
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dano
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 19:12:16 (permalink)
I've gone through a lot of wading boots through the years.
The most comfortable were the Chota's followed by Korker.
I wear a size 10 shoe. My spring/summer boot is an 11 studded felt. My late fall and Winter boot is a 12 studded lug sole.
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workcanwait....
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/20 21:33:46 (permalink)
Tried Chotas they were alright but not very durable.
KORKERS are the best IMO only boots that my laces have worn out before the boot .
ALWAYS buy boots 1-2 sizes bigger that shoesize especialy for cold water wading(winter steelhead)gives you room for neo and heavy socks-too tight of a fit your feet get cold quicker due to pour blood circulation.
I wear 10.5 shoes go 12 on the KORKERS.
You do not need to buy the fancy Korkers they have several price points last I looked at them.
 
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3799
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/22 19:42:07 (permalink)
I just bought my first pair of neoprene stocking foot waders. Does it really make a difference expensive wading boots versus regular old hiking boots with sheet metal screws in the soles?
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SteelSlayer77
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/22 20:30:09 (permalink)
3799
I just bought my first pair of neoprene stocking foot waders. Does it really make a difference expensive wading boots versus regular old hiking boots with sheet metal screws in the soles?



A lot of wading boots are going to be wider to accommodate the neoprene stocking foots better.  I use to use old boots a long time ago as a teenager, but wouldn't even consider it now.  To me they just weren't nearly as comfortable and put extra strain on the stocking foot seems getting them in and out.   I only tried a couple different kinds of hiking boots though.
 
+1 on the Chotas.  Mine are still as good as new after 3 seasons, and more comfortable than a pair of Korkers and pair of Cabelas that I had before them.  I love the quick lace system they have too. 
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Ninja of the Steel
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/23 18:20:05 (permalink)
Theres a lot of cool wading boots on the market right now. In my experience, larger sizes are harder to find. A cheap pair of Proline felt bottoms ($30) served me well for a number of seasons until canvas sides blew out and started taking on gravel. Now I use quick lace Chota's that have felt/studs. I can't say a bad word about Chota's. In the Erie tribs, felt bottoms should get you by but you may want to consider studs if you are going to fish late into the winter. Getting to and from your favorite holes may be more of a challenge with ice and snow on the ground. I avoided the single wire tightening systems a lot of boots have just because I read they sometimes fail and repair/reorder is a hassle.

"The images of himself and his line kept disappearing into the rising vapors of the river, which continually circles to the tops of the cliffs where, after becoming a wreath in the wind, they became rays of the sun."
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deetz4352
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/23 20:40:15 (permalink)
H3Fisher
I wear 14's and git the korker chromes (got em at a great price on amazon). Great shoe and enough room for thicker socks. The boa systems pretty cool too.



I will second this statement , I bought the Korker Chromes 4 years ago and they are very lightweight and drain well ,  durable and comfortable. I would recommend these boots. I wear a 10.5 shoe and got the boots in size 13. No complaints...

The Deetz
Fishermen are born honest,but they get over it
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fisherofmen376
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Re: wading boots 2013/10/23 21:01:05 (permalink)
thanks guys, i appreciate the help!  I ended up getting a free pair from a generous individual on these boards...thanks be to God!

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
Matthew 4:19
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