Wading Boots

[aamayo]

I'm in the market for wading boots. Any one know a shop that has a lot of selection to try on in the Vancouver area? I keep finding shops that have patchy inventory and little luck finding a good fit. What boots do you use? What have you bought and regretted? I'm fairly certain I'll buy rubber soles.

[rln]

driving from Squamish, you should be able to get a good pair of new felt soled Simms wade boots at Highwater tackle at the bottom of Lonsdale in North Vancouver. Otherwise try Pacific Angler on Broadway or Berry's Bait in Richmond.

[professori]

Searun in Coquitlam has a great selection. Haven't we had this discussion with you already? Are you just looking for someone to agree with you that rubber soles are the way to go? felts have always been the choice over rubber for a lot of good reasons, the primary one being angler safety. The only reason rubber soles are being touted to the public now is the perception that the spread of dydimo and other organism is in part caused by transmission in felt soles. There is no study (that I am aware of) that indicates that transmission of these invasive species is reduces with non-felt soles. Although Simms did stop offering felt soles last year, this year they reintroduced them. Does that make it seem that rubber soles are the choice to make. Borrow some rubber soles, but borrow some felt soled boots as well, and compare the two types.

[herkileez]

Just to add a further note:
When birds and wildlife, that move from one stream to another, start wearing rubber soles, so as not to transfer algae, so will I.
In the meantime, I'll focus on staying upright, and that means felt soles. ("and that's all I got tuh say 'bout that")

[Coastrider]

In the meantime, I'll focus on staying upright, and that means felt soles. ("and that's all I got tuh say 'bout that")

My thoughts exactly Forest

[Zane]

Yep, we had this discussion earlier and if he wants to wear rubber soles and beat himself up, well that's his choice. You can lead a horse to water...

[herkileez]

Yep, we had this discussion earlier and if he wants to wear rubber soles and beat himself up, well that's his choice. You can lead a horse to water...

He'll drink if he wears rubber soles......

[aamayo]

Wow guys, sounds like I offended you. Have you tried any of the new rubber soles? The reason I'm thinking rubber is that I'm finding I'm doing alot of walking and will be out of the water as much as in it. I have heard equally urgent concerns to the stability of felt on terrain other than slimy rock where it excels. Also the wear/lifetime seems shorter. I found a lot of great reviews on Simms new vibram sole including this video review by Steve Summerhill of The River's Edge fly shop. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9b07P7PYCc The quote that stuck out to me was "there's no situation I've encountered where this sole is inferior in any way". Start watching from about 0:50 to 2:00. Coming from a climbing background I do know alittle about sticky rubber and Simms/Vibram uses some of the same. To each his own.

[herkileez]

Wow guys, sounds like I offended you.

Not at all aamayo.....we were just going for the laugh.....

[BCBound]

I have not worn the Simms boots at all, but I will say that Vibram is one of if not THE leading manufacturer of rubber soles. If you are doing a lot of approach hiking, and plan on making those sorts of fishing outings a regular occurance, then I can see why rubber appeals to you. I have rubber soled boots and am very happy with them.

I will say that I have heard more and more complaints about Simms boots lately. A few stores that I know of have had many returns, which even they admit is unusual for Simms products. IMO one of the most important things to consider in a boot is durability, they probably take more of a beating then any other peice of fishing equipment we own.

Get a pair on, walk around the store, if they feel supportive and look sturdy, give em a go. I don't regret buying mine.