Quest Outdoors

Adam · Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 6:11 pm Post subject: Wading Boots

Okay I'm in the market for a new pair of wading boots. Right now I own the Simms entry-level Freestone boots with the studded felt. I'm very happy the the studded felt - no studs have broken or worn in 2 years to my very big surprise. I thought for sure they'd wear or break much quicker than they have. They're still in good shape, but the problem is they are HEAVY. I wear a size 12 so all boots will be a *little* heavy but I am looking for something that has a bit more of a "hiking boot" feel to them. The Freestones have more of a "work boot" feel.

I'd really appreciat it if I could get some feedback re: a few different kinds of boots. The Simms L2 Aquastealth are okay (tried them on) but they are VERY ridgid and seem like they'd be tough to walk in all day. I heard good things about Chota boots, but talked to someone on the weekend who cliams all the seams on his separated after a year and a half. Has anyone tried the Cabela's boots (the grey ones?) or any of the Bite products? Again I'm looking for something in a felt or studded felt that is of a "hiking boot" type. I've read many reviews but most of them are from magazines and for one reason or another they have nothing bad to say about *any* of the boots.

Les · Par Joined: 09 Mar 2004 Posts: 39 Location: Novi, MI

I own a pair of the rubber bottom Cabela's boots. I can't remember the actual name, but they are brown and dark green. I think they are the only rubber bottom wading boots that Cabela's sell under their name. Anyway, they're light and the price was good. I can't rate the durability because they are still sort of new, but I like them so far. I prefer the rubber bottom to felt for hiking in the snow, but I'm afraid I won't be able to pack enough insulation to stay warm all day when it really gets cold. That's to be determined.

Les

Bow_buster · Posted: Tue Oct 11, 2005 12:35 pm Post subject:

Get the Master Guide boot from Cabela's. I've had mine for about six seasons and I'm still using them. They have got to be one of the most durable boots I've ever owned.

Randy

snd · Egg Joined: 13 Mar 2005 Posts: 4 Location: Mid Michigan

I've been very happy with the Cabelas "Backcountry" model boot. I've fished them hard over the past four seasons and they still look new. They also do have that "hiking boot" feel. I have the felt soles but they do come with a cleated rubber sole.

Scott

centrepin greg · Lunker Joined: 29 Aug 2005 Posts: 101 Location: CLEVELAND

i have a pair of chotas and they are comfortable as can be. the only thing that i have ever had go wrong with the boots is the the studs. i just changed out my studs and put new ones in and new laces and they are like brand new.

i have had these boots for about two years now and no problems except for the studs and laces. i do a lot if walking so thats why i had to replace the studs. the chota manufactureres back up thier warranty 100percent and will replace or resole the boots for free within one year of your purchase. if you dont have a reipt ( i think thats spelled right) there is a little fee for replacement of your boot or boots.

greg

Eric · Lunker Joined: 06 Mar 2004 Posts: 277

Got a 2 pairs of Chotas, the STL+ and the Brookie II's and love both of them. Both are about 4 years old. The Brookies are starting to fall apart. The rubber sole is seperating from the boot on both. Not sure if wading around in the flats in FLA had anything to do with the seperation but it seemed to happen a few months later...

The STL+'s are still doing fine. I seem to be the lucky one, no failure on soles, felt or laces.. Very comfy boot to wear and hike in all day long. The only down is you'll grow in snow. Might have to try those new rubber soles.

The Bites have been worn only a couple doz times. I've got the Steelhead FT, which are the ones with felt and "ouzel" spikes. Nice boot, very comfy due to the cloth construction. All the support you want with the adjustable straps, but the down side is serious line tanglement issues with those stupid eyelets. Just gotta make sure your gravel guard goes all the way over the entire top 1/2 of the boot.

Our webmonkey's got a pair of those Korker Outfitters, perhaps he'll chime in and give us an update on those. Last I heard he still loved them.

e

Ken (speyday) Crowne · Adult Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 97

I had a pair of those herman munsters, too. Durable, stable, wide; but not hiking friendly.

I bought a pair of korkers outfitter boots with the interchangeable sole. I love them. If you haven't heard of these, they have soles that are popped into place, allowing you to go from felt to hiking lugs riverside; i keep an extra pair in my vest pouch if im hiking way in.

They are about 130.00, but the versatility is worth it. Ive put about 100 days on the water in them, and they are holding up very well.

my $.02

Adam · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 9:56 am Post subject:

You've sparked my interest in the Korker's boots - Brian any update on how they've held up in the long-term? The idea of interchangable soles appeals to me because while I'm often on the banks of the river where the studded felt soles work great - I have a boat that I use often in the fall to shuttle me from location to location and it has a brand new wood floor! Wore my studded felts in them once by accident and parts of it are well...not so new.

BrianD · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 8:45 pm Post subject: Korkers Update

Adam,
still love em and still going strong. I've got almost 2 full seasons of hard use on them with minimal signs of wear. Only issue so far was wearing out a set of the studded felt inserts. Plastic backing cracked on me, and apparently Korkers had a batch of bad plastic early on. I was told Korkers would send me a replacement set at no cost, but of course I needed them in a huge hurry so I picked them up locally. Still havn't sent them back to test customer service, and have not had an issue with any of the other soles.

May be a perfect option if you want studs but spend some time in a boat. I'm to lazy to change between soles all day long. I'll change them up each outing as conditions dictate, and like Ken, go with rubber lugs for long hikes and carry in felt. Bottom line, I'm sold on Korkers.

FWIW, Eric's Chotas have held up very well, but I've heard way to many complaints about durability to ever buy a pair. Even had one buddy who wore out 4 pairs in 1 season! Of course, I'm just envious he gets to fish so much Very Happy

Best,

Brian

Adam · Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 9:36 pm Post subject:

Yeah okay so that's a bit more evidence that the Chotsa's just don't stand up. Thought I may have heard about a "lemon" pair but there's been too many cases of premature failure for me to go that route.

I'm 75% sold on the Korker's boots...like you I don't think I'd pack in seperate soles all the time, but if I were to go in the boat I'd just slap on the rubber lugs beforehand. Too bad I can't pick them up locally - I'll have to order them in.

Thanks for the info!

Bobber1 · Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 9:33 am Post subject:

The concern I had with those Korkers is the narrowness of the felt insert. I stood in them and when I leaned slightly they seem to want to fall over as there is a half inch difference from the inner sole to the outer. The inserts seemed anchored kind of half-assed, I love the idea but it just seems to flimsy.

Do the felt wear down to an even level quickly?

Ken (speyday) Crowne · Adult Joined: 09 Aug 2004 Posts: 97

yep, youre right about the width issue. I must add that im a weak wader due to a really bad knee; so I get a little sketchy with them in hard currents like the soo. I will also say that I hoped the lug sole had bigger, knobbier lugs, but thats just me. But in most of MI's waters (and NY, PA) they are acceptable.