Guest Grinr Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 I'm in the market for some new feet and looking for opinions on what works well for wading the slippery,slimy,ankle twisters that seem to make up a fair percentage of the Bow's riverbed?I made the choice to avoid wearing felt for the last 6-7 years(?) now because I like stream hopping from one river to another,often times several different streams in a single day,and I'm self admittedly too much of a slacker to clean my boots properly between streams or even outings from one day to the next.I've been able to get by quite comfortably without felt for the last several years on my home waters back east,but since moving here last summer I've found much of the Bow to be amongst the slipperiest,most treacherous wading I've ever experienced. I like the Korkers concept of interchangeable soles,but despite the generally positive reviews here on ffc as of late,in the past I've read a fair bit in regards to durability issues with them?How bout Simms Streamtread soles?Who uses them and how do you like them?Are they adequate as is,or do you recommend adding studs or star cleats?Speaking of which,I've never worn studs/cleats myself.....any pros/cons to them?I can't help but think they might be kinda noisy underwater on small,intimate streams,grinding on rocks and such?I dunno....just guessing?? Quote
bcubed Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 I've used the streamtreads since they've been out, and love them. Have fished them both studded and unstudded. Never felt like I've needed the studs except for on winter ice shelves. Plus, no way I'm having studs in the boat while guiding. The simms are also notoriously long lasting.. If you find the Bow hard wading, and aren't worried about a boat (or if you're going in a friends, bring your own car mat), then get the studs. You won't notice a difference in how the fishing is, the noise of your boots won't give you away before your shadow or errant casting. You'll also notice that studding will extend the life of your soles significantly. The aluminums will stick better, but will wear down quicker...I'd do star cleats over the studs, the increase in price is worth it Quote
reevesr1 Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 My experience with my Simms is limited to 4 trips now. I have the Vibram Riversheds (I think, if I'm wrong bcube will correct me!). There is no comparison with the Vibram from Simms and the vibram substitute I had on my Korkers and on a pair of Guideline boots. The vibram substitute was like wading with ice skates on, no matter what the condition was. So far, the Simms have been like glue. I'm interested to see what they will be like when the moss comes back, but so far I'm really impressed. Quote
maxwell Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 ive had korkers for years and love em with the studded rubber.... best sole for 24/7 365 fishing anywere in alberta and bc.. got the mountain goat chi with those souls Quote
SilverDoctor Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 I also love my korkers, the regular studded and my own addition here. Quote
pkk Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 Studs suck and you won't get many invites in boats if that's what you wear! Only exception is the Thompson river (cleats needed) Quote
Buck Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 Not a big fan of Korkers, owned a pair for just over a year, and ended up blowing out the heel on a canyon wall. I did put them through quite a bit of pain, but I think if your going to pay $200 for a boot then they should last a bit longer. I went with Simms for my second pair, and they seem absolutely bomb proof to me - I have just under two years into these with around 150-160 trips on all sorts of terrain without any major damage. I will be buying Simms again. And I agree with pkk on the whole Studs & Boat thing. Quote
Guest 420FLYFISHIN Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 i have no problem with studs and boats as they come out in about 30 seconds with a drill and from what i have seen Korkers suck hard kore! soles dont stey in, boas freeze and fabricas tear out. i only buy boots make of leather! Quote
mickberry Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 Simm's guide boot gets my vote. By far the best support and durability. These boots travel on and off the beaten trail and hold up. I have one pair with studs for the trail/ice shelves/bow river marbles, and one pair without studs for the boat and other elements. If you decide to go with studs, try to avoid stepping on your line. Obviously not to good for it vs. the good old soft felt. I have owned and destroyed korkers, chota, and orvis boots. Though these companies offer great innovations/ideas such as boa lacing, interchange souls, quick lace,...they just don't seem to handle the wear. Hopefully they can catch up. Quote
troutlover Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 ive had korkers, chota and Simms my vote goes to Simms the are superior in every category. IMO. Quote
Roast Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 These boots really intrigue me. I tried a variety of boots out last year, and had fit issues with the Simms and korkers. The Simms fit really wide and the korkers had pressure points. Fit is subjective however, I ended up with river walkers because the rock grips were on back order. My river walkers have held up really well, and they are really easy to get into and out of. I would image other Patagonia boots would be the same ( and if not they have an excellent warranty) Quote
ÜberFly Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 I've had the previous Patagonia Riverwalkers (felt) and they were awesome. After a few years I sent them back on a (minor) warrantee issue and they couldn't replace them with my size so refunded me the entire cost. After my Korkers eventually go, I'll be looking into another pair of Patagonias (though the replacable sole of the Korkers is VERY convenient as is the boa system, and I've NEVER had any issues with either in a year and a half - old version of the Guides - stitching is starting to come out on the right toe so I'll have to take them to a shoe maker to get them restitched)... I'd love to go with Simms but they are WAY too wide for my foot (even with a neo foot)... P These boots really intrigue me. I tried a variety of boots out last year, and had fit issues with the Simms and korkers. The Simms fit really wide and the korkers had pressure points. Fit is subjective however, I ended up with river walkers because the rock grips were on back order. My river walkers have held up really well, and they are really easy to get into and out of. I would image other Patagonia boots would be the same ( and if not they have an excellent warranty) Quote
birchy Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 Maybe the pair I bought were "lemons"...? http://flyfishcalgary.com/board/index.php?...;hl=soles++worn Keep in mind.. I only get out 10-15 times a year. Bought them in 2009. Quote
ginger Posted April 10, 2012 Posted April 10, 2012 Anyone tried the Patagonia aluminum 'crampons'? Quote
Smitty Posted August 6, 2013 Posted August 6, 2013 Anyone tried the Patagonia aluminum 'crampons'? Ditto - I'm bumping this back up to the top, because I have the same question. Dad and I leave in 9 days for our BC fishing trip and I'm really wondering about the Patagonia crampons. Found a "sale" for $160, which is still alot of moula, but better than $199... Any comments about the Patagonia crampons? For reference, here is the link: http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/patagonia-river-crampons?p=79195-0-775 Cheers, Smitty P.S. Do any of the local Calgary fly shops carry the crampons? Was wondering... Quote
bcubed Posted August 6, 2013 Posted August 6, 2013 I have a pair of the Patagonia Alumabars. I wore them on the Thompson last fall, and they are a godsend for that river (which, until you've fished it, cannot be described for wading difficulty....I can rant about it, but to put it simply, that river is insane).Saw a few guys wearing the crampons that were equally as happy. Quote
Flyfisher Posted August 8, 2013 Posted August 8, 2013 Simms vibram soles without studs are outright dangerous on slick and slimy rocks, no where's near the traction of felt. Tried em brought back and went with felt. The Patagonia boot above looks interesting and if what bcube says is true it might be a good alternative to felt. Vibram alone isn't. Quote
Smitty Posted August 9, 2014 Posted August 9, 2014 Comments anyone?:http://www.hatchmag.com/blog/tip-stop-grossly-overpaying-wading-boot-studs/771153 Quote
Current Posted August 9, 2014 Posted August 9, 2014 Comments anyone?: http://www.hatchmag.com/blog/tip-stop-grossly-overpaying-wading-boot-studs/771153 I use sheet metal screws all the time in vibram soles. They bite really good when new. Might have to change them out a few times a year depending on how much you fish. These kold kutters look even better. Quote
beedhead Posted August 9, 2014 Posted August 9, 2014 Sweet, thanx for the link, going to order some right now.... Cheers... Jeff.. Quote
pokerfish Posted August 9, 2014 Posted August 9, 2014 Anyone know of a supplier in Calgary?? Thanks Quote
slingshotz Posted August 11, 2014 Posted August 11, 2014 I would check the dirt bike shops, they might have the kold kutters. I ordered a pack off ebay and they have been awesome but to be honest I have only been using them on my hard water boots and haven't needed to put them on my Guideline boots that already have studs. Quote
Guest spurly Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 Looking for some cleats, but having a tough time finding them. Anybody just use screws? Quote
Jayhad Posted August 15, 2014 Posted August 15, 2014 Chota actually provides sheet metal screws for their boots Quote
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