Wading Boots: Caveat Emptor!
As is the way with angling equipment, you get what you pay for. Spending $50 or so on Amazon or in Wal-Mart may seem like a good buy at first glance, but the odds are that your so-called money saving is in fact, a false economy: this is as true of wading shoes as of your rod and reel. They may not seem so at first, but at some point any serious fly fisherman will have to invest in a pair of wading boots or shoes. Note, a standard hiking boot or sneaker is not good for splashing about in moving water, over slippery rocks, and on wet riverbanks (and by the same token, a good wading shoe is not good or intended to be used, for hiking trails, and the like).
Felt Soled Boots?
Until recently popular opinion has it that felt soled wading shoes are the best, providing the greatest flexibility and traction. However, recent technological advances, coupled with a greater awareness of the need to ameliorate the introduction of environmentally-unfriendly 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 good example are Simms G4 Guide Boots, complete with new Vibram soles & Cleanstream technology; well worth checking these out.
The wading shoe you purchase should be comfortable and have solid foot support when walking through water, and your selection may be influenced by the conditions you’ll be fishing in – speed of water current, type of terrain on the river bed, and the like. When fly fishing these types of waters, 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 waters that are extremely rocky, deep and have fast-flowing currents.
A Note on Boot Sizes
Another 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 boots one size above their actual shoe size, whereas in the UK for example, boot sizes equate more accurately to ones’ shoe size. Most reputable stockists that sell fishing clothing 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.
In Conclusion
A good quality wading boot or shoe provides grip in slippery, fast flowing water – leading to more enjoyable and safe wading. Whenever possible, look for wading shoes that have:
- Good ankle support
- Ease of cleaning
- A solid grip
A fly fisherman wading in a river using just sandals, sneakers or a pair of standard gum-boots on their feet will find themselves slipping around, constantly in danger of falling with consequences possibly more painful than simple wounded pride.
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