Need new wading boots

[SherpaB]

My current boots are kinda shot...I will get the rest of the year out of them but the rock and sand around some of these places is really abrasive-and got 2 yrs out of them. I really really like the easy entry of the Orvis side zip..its slick. The soles are ok...but I am sure most guys say the same thing about their Simms etc...ok but...well umm...felt is better...
Anyone have any thoughts about a wading boot available with good traction...

[rs0i]

I like my Chota STLs, but they are felt. I've had them for 2 years now and they are holding up really well.

This past weekend I fished a local freestone and there was still a lot of algae on the rocks. It is time to put in the cleats again.

[SherpaB]

do you find they stretch out pretty good...i had a pair about 5-6 yrs ago and tossed them during a move by mistake...only had two days in them but if I recal the leather stretched out a fair amount after getting wet.

[rs0i]

I wear a 9.5 size shoe, but I bought the boots in 11, thinking I need plenty of room for layered socks (my wader neoprene booties are tight to begin with). When I first put the dry boots on, they are still a snug fit, but loosen up after some time in the water. But they haven't stretched out to the point that they are sloppy and loose.

I like the fact that the interior hasn't worn out and isn't wearing the neoprene down.

[SherpaB]

cool...i will give them a look...as I recall they have a stacked heel which really helps with traction on those bowling ball sized rocks..

[rs0i]

There were two other boots that I wanted to look at before I bought my Chotas. One of the fly fishing mags did a review and tested all the rubber soled boots in early 2010, and Patagonia's Riverwalkers came in first. Here's another article on them:
Gear Review: Are Patagonia's Riverwalker "Sticky Rubber" Wading Boots Grippy or Gimpy? | The Trout Underground Fly Fishing Blog

The other boot I wanted to try on was the new Korkers Chrome with the OmniTrax 3.0 Interchangeable Sole System. You may want check them out. Didn't Aaron say he's using them...?

[AaronJasper]

I like my Patagonias for when I use rubber or when I use the screw/cleats. When I use felt soled shoes, I use the Korkers because I have three soles so that when fishing in Didymo infested waters, I can rotate the soles.

I also like the Patagonia boot that is one model up from the Riverwalker as well. Its very light and durable.

[SherpaB]

Aaron-whats your opinion on Rubber vs. Felt in "normal" conditions..by normal I mean...fishing normal flows in the Hous or Farmington. Felt sucks out of the river for sure..
If plain felt scored a 100 on a test and studded felts scored 120...where would you score patagonia rubber and studded rubber...
BTW never thought of having 2 or 3 sets of felts..that could be a reasonable solution ...you could always have a pair disinfecting / drying ...

[AaronJasper]

I would go with felt in even normal conditions. Today at the West Branch was slippery as can be, I even did a polar bear swim today and that was with felt!

[rs0i]

So, Sherpa, did you buy new boots? What did you get?