Strap on boot studs?

**mike734** · 10-14-2009, 09:26 AM

The felt in the toe on my Simms Freestone boots has been worn off and I'm getting frustrated wading with felt on some intense rocks. I also don't have the money to buy new boots and thought about getting those strap on Korker type studs that are added over a felt sole I figure I can wade with these on and remove them when I get into a drift boat or something.

Does anyone have any experience with these and can you recommend anything? Thanks

**Adam** · 10-14-2009, 12:02 PM

I have used them...honestly, don't waste your money. You would be better off putting the investment into a new pair of studded boots. I have used Chota Citicos with the screw in studs for their felt for 4 years now...They have been great. One thing I forgot to mention...removable if you are fishing from a drift boat.

Or..I have not tried this but others have. Take the boot to a shoe repair man with the new felt and have them repair it.

**Mantis** · 10-14-2009, 01:56 PM

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BlackLabel · 10-14-2009, 02:38 PM

You can find Simms felt boots very cheap right now since they are going to stop making them. I recently got a pair of their G3 boots for around $100. At first a hated them because I was so used to wearing studded aqua stealth that when I would jump from rock to rock I was slipping and almost killing myself, I ordered on box of their hardbite studs and now I love them. Their hardbite studs really grab and I only have ten in each boot. Rubberlips just got a pair of Simms boots at a really good price too. You might want to consider looking around for some close out boots and just adding the studs.

**SlowNDeep** · 10-14-2009, 08:08 PM

I got several strap on studs, but I never thought to bring them on fishin trip.

**Brookie** · 10-14-2009, 09:19 PM

Interesting you brought this up now, because I was having the same issue with my Simms boots. The felt was pretty worn and many of the studs were missing or even bent over. It was like walking with ball bearings on my feet!

My solution: I did buy a pair of the Korker Streamborn boots, but I got them with the rubber soles with the spikes. However, I have yet to try them out, but I'm hoping to rectify that soon and I will report. I bought them on the recommendation of one of the TPO members who vouched for their quality.

Pricey? Definitely. I paid $170+ for mine with the extra soles. I hope they stand up to the wear and tear that I put on a pair of boots over several seasons. I reasoned that good footing is not something I should skimp on, so I swallowed hard and coughed up the dough.

I did like the Simms Freestone boots. They were probably the best wading shoes I've ever had, but I was enticed by these new Korkers.

**Rainbow** · 10-14-2009, 10:37 PM

Ditto Brookie..

I bought a pair of Korkers on a trip to Salmon River last month. They are the lace-up version as I was skeptical of the wire thing...they came with the rubber studded soles and plain felt soles. Whitakers in Pulaski had them on sale for $129, normally $139.

http://www.whitakers.com/cgi-bin/htm...n/product.html

I was comfy with 2 sizes over what I normally wear for shoes.

Incredibly comfortable and a lot of support. I like the fact that when they wear you just replace soles. I hope to have them for a long time..

I kick myself for slipping and sliding in shitty boots for the last few years.

**Troutfisher** · 10-26-2009, 09:01 AM

From my experience, strap-on wading sandals have two problems. Firstly, they add weight and if you do any amount of walking they'll take a toll on your stamina at the end of the day. Secondly, branches can snag on the straps if you're walking cross country. IMHO you're better off with boots having a convertable sole for your type of fishing.

I also have studded Simms Freestone (3 pairs) and one pair their Guide boots. I like them with the exception of the fact they are made in EEE width and my feet slide from side-to-side and twist within them. Even with two pairs of heavy wool sox. If I try adding a third pair to take up space I can't put the boot on.

I'm thinking of trying the new Cabela's Guide boot which looks like an offshoot of the Choata. If anyone is interested in my studded Simms--two pairs of Freestones size #12, one pair size #10; one pair of Guide size #10--make me an offer. All are used but are in great shape with plenty of wear left.