Simms G3 wading boots

**wwelz** · 10-17-2008, 05:19 AM

I just purchased a pair of the Simms G3 wading boots from Housatonic Outfitters felt bottom. These boots are great. I tried them out in the Farmington in waist deep fast water and it felt like I was glued to the bottom. I am an older fisherman 62. These boots greatly improve my wading ability. Thanks Aaron for the recommendation. I bought the kit to attach lugs or screws to the bottom. The boots have such good traction I am considering not putting them on. What do you think?

alanb_ct · 10-17-2008, 05:47 AM

Great wading shoe! I have those too. Adding the lugs will greatly extend the life of the felt sole and will also help you wade over grass or algae-covered rocks, like those in the Hous. Unfortunately, the felt-only traction will diminish pretty quickly with wear.

**TroutAholic** · 10-20-2008, 10:19 AM

When the felt soles start to wear and get a little slick, I have a little trick I use. I keep one of those brass bristled tools used to clean your barbecue grill; use that to rough up the felt every now and then, it helps a lot.

Steve

**AaronJasper** · 10-20-2008, 04:29 PM

That's a really good tip. I never thought of that one. I am sure that would make them like new again.... the bottoms that is!

**Dave** · 12-19-2008, 02:54 AM

I love these boots too. Extremely comfortable, and they dry out in no-time. The most remarkable quality is that because of the welded seems, they slip on like a ski boot, and lace up very quickly. I couldn't be happier with mine.

I have the studded/felt, and they achieve great traction for winter conditions. Occasionally snow and ice will accumulate when trekking through several feet of fresh snow, but that hasn't bothered me yet.

FK · 12-19-2008, 09:05 AM

Steve,

Great tip, thanks for posting.

I also prefer the felt with studs, on the Hous. they are more secure.

Regards,
FK

**Troutfisher** · 10-30-2009, 08:49 AM

I also think Simms makes a good wading boot. I have three pairs of Freestones and a pair of Guide boots---all studded felt. My only real complaint with Simms is the boot fit. Everything is made in EEE widths and I have a D size foot. Even with two pairs of heavy sox my feet still slide and twist within the boot making them very sore at the end of the day. Adding a third pair of sox in an attempt to get a better fit, I can't get my feet into the boots.

**boegy** · 10-30-2009, 03:28 PM

Simms does make a great product, and is great when rectifying any issues or repairs you need. I just picked a new pair of Simms Rivershed boots with the Vibram soles. Haven't tried them yet, but if they are like my other Simms boots that have Aquastealth soles with studded bottoms they should be fine. I did purchase the fitted Hardbite studs to screw into the bottom. Man, these things are aggressive! I'd imagine you could do some real damage if you raked someone with these things. With the smaller round rocks in the Housy, I did find my older boots a bit tough to negotiate that river, they were fine in Pulaski though and in my favorite hometown river, the Mianus in Stamford, CT. I chose to stay away from the felt soles because of all the cross contamination concern. Has anyone used the Viabram soles?