Fishermans Wading Boots: A Rough Guide
Wading Boots: Caveat Emptor!
It is often easy to spot a bargain pair of wading shoes on Amazon, eBay or in Wal-Mart: in anyones’ eyes $50 or whatever must seem a steal. Buyer beware however, such ‘bargains’ are illusory, no more than a false economy. Don’t forget the old adage, “You get what you pay for”. An anglers’ wading boot is as vital a piece of equipment as is his rod, reel, or fly: with the wrong kit, fishing can be so much less enjoyable. Bear in mind as well, that plunging into a river in a pair of standard hiking boots, sneakers or whatever else is not advised and conversely, using your fishing boots to hike trails and so on will do them no good either: wading shoes as the name implies, are a specialist piece of kit, designed especially for one purpose.
Are Felt Soled Boots Still the Best?
Until recently ‘traditionalists’ have said that felt soled wading shoes are the best, providing the most flexibility and traction. More recently however, recent technological advances, coupled with a greater awareness of the need to lessen the introduction of environmentally-unfriendly micro-organisms (aquatic nuisance species, or ANS) into our waterways, have led to the introduction of a new range of angling footwear that whilst providing the necessary grip, 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; worth a second look.
The wading boot you choose should be comfortable and have the proper foot support when wading in the water, and your selection will be influenced by the conditions you’ll be fishing in – speed of water current, type of terrain on the river bed, and so on. When 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 anyone 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 thanks to differences in the way in which shoe & boot sizes are measured, buyers in the USA & Canada are advised to purchase wading shoes a size one greater than their actual shoe size, whereas in the UK for example, boot sizes equate more accurately to ones’ shoe size. Most reputable sites that sell apparel such as the Simms G4 will have size charts and in some cases, written advice. Further, most will supply suitable 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. Generally look for shoes that principally offer:
A solid grip
Ease of cleaning
Good ankle support
Floundering around in a fast flowing stretch of water in hiking boots, standard gum-boots or any other non-specific wading boot is not advised. Avoid the constant risk of a prat-fall, 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.
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