Boots.....oversised for waders but what if you don't take the wade

[Bryon Anderson 0]

Mike,

 

The Simms boots should hold up that long I would think. It all depends on how rough you are on them, of course, but Simms products are generally very good quality. I have a pair of LL Bean boots with the sticky rubber "Aquastealth" sole and studs. I bought them 4 seasons ago for about the same price as your Simms and they're still going strong. Definitely a "buy once, cry once" item.

[COMike 0]

Thanks Bryon! I'll be back up at LL Bean in July...my parents live 2 miles away as the crow flies! I have to take a peek at their stuff as well....I haven't been back there in several years!

[JSzymczyk 0]

I've generally found that hiking boots are good for hiking, and wading boots are good for wading... A backpack is your friend.

[TSPAngler 0]

Depending on how much wet wading you do, it might be worth it to buy separate boots for with and without waders.

I use my normal shoe size for wet wading in warm months, and then a size bigger for waders and thick socks for cold months/tailwaters.

I don't like to hike or wet wade in big clunky boots, or the feeling of wet socks under neoprene. I use 2mil wading socks and no socks underneath to wet wade.