A Brief Warning to the Buyer
As with most fishing equipment, you get what you pay for. Spending $50 or so on Amazon or in Wal-Mart may seem like a good purchase at first sight, but the chances are that your so-called bargain is in fact, a false economy: this is as true of wading boots as of your rod and reel. They may not seem so at first, but at some point any serious fly fisherman will have to buy in a set of wading boots or shoes. Note, a standard hiking boot or sneaker is not good for splashing about in moving water, across slippery rocks, and on wet riverbanks (and by the same token, a good wading shoe is not good or meant to be used, for hiking paths, etc).
Are Felt Soled Boots Still the Best?
Until recently popular opinion has it that felt soled wading boots are the best, providing the greatest flexibility and traction. More recently however, recent technological advances, coupled with a greater awareness of the need to ameliorate the introduction of harmful micro-organisms (aquatic nuisance species, or ANS) into our waterways, have led to the introduction of a new style of fishing footwear that whilst providing the necessary traction, and ankle support, but also lessen the conditions liked by micro-organisms and are easier to clean and keep clean. A fine example are Simms G4 Guide Boots, complete with new Vibram soles & Cleanstream technology; worth a second look.
The wading shoe you purchase should be comfortable and have solid foot support when walking through water, and your choice may be influenced by the conditions you’ll be fishing in – speed of water current, type of terrain underfoot, and so on. When angling these types of rivers, river talons or studded cleats are highly recommended. River talons and cleats fit around a standard wading shoe and have small, metal spikes on the bottom. These spikes, in combination with the metal it is attached to, provide the ultimate in footing. River talons are highly recommended for the angler who will be wading in rivers that are very rocky, deep and have fast currents.
Size Differences
One point to be aware of is that due to differences in the systems of foot measurement, buyers in the USA & Canada are advised to purchase wading shoes one size above their actual shoe size, whereas in the UK for example, boot sizes equate more accurately to ones’ shoe size. Most good stores that sell apparel such as the Simms G4 will have size charts and in some cases, written advice. Further, most will supply the appropriate socks designed to go with the boots, as well as cleats mentioned above.
To Sum Up
A high grade quality wading boot or shoe provides purchase in slippery, fast moving water – leading to more enjoyable and safer wading. Whenever possible, look for wading shoes that have:
- A solid grip
- Ease of cleaning
- Good ankle support
Floundering around in a fast flowing river in hiking boots, standard gum boots or any other non-specific wading shoe is not advised. Avoid the constant risk of falling, sliding around, the possibility of a visit to a medic, and the pain of wounded pride (and a fish that gets away); and invest in some sensible, quality wading boots.