Simms Wading Boots

[Sasha]

I use those boots with the carbide star cleats. At first I used them without anything; then I decided to get the cleats as I had a $50.00 Cabela's gift card. The cleats did help some with the slimy rock issue I was having. I like the boots and I don’t like them…. They don't have the "stick" felt does; however hiking in them is a lot better. Overall I am happy with them.

[COCarp]

This topic seems to come up all to often but to each has it's own. I have used crocs (40+), my duck waders(60+), felt (3), and my current Simms freestone streamthread boot(65+) and new this season. Of course I think felt is great and perfect for the uber sippery rivers, HANDS DOWN. I have had limited use of felt in my early stages of fly fishing just cause I made use of what I had around. I'm on my second pair of Chacos for over a decade and love the virbram sloles. So when Simms came out with the streamthread I was sold. BUT, I still slip, don't we all? YES, even you guys with felt. Here in CO where I do a lot of fishing where I have to hike and scrable. Well I personally don't want to have to deal with slippery flet boots especially when I'm climbing up a steep embankment and it's below 32 degres. Compared to my buddies walking around with 3 inch blocks under there feet.

I have not used the star cleats but I need to and should have off the get go. I fish a lot and I'm sure the vibram soles wouldn't have warns down as fast if i hadn't had them installed. Also, you can save yourself a lot of money just buying short drywall screws. I was in ACE hardware yesterday and blanked......IMHO take it for as you wish

[Raider]

I have the Simms Rivershed Streamtread boots and really like them. I put the star cleats on this year and those made the boots much better, not that I had problems slipping around in the first place. I put the star cleats in the same configuration as you would see on a football cleat. 4 on the outside, 2 on the inside and 2 in the back. That way, the center of the boot is the normal sticky rubber and is still very stable on the rocks out of the water and really grip slick rocks in the water. Man, those star cleats really dig in quick. I was amazed at the difference they made. Well worth the money!! Hope this helps, Later, Raider

[Papasequoia]

When are studded boots recommended??? My Simms felt bottomed boots have worked excellent for me in every situation I've been in, including peak bagging. I look at slipping and falling as part of the cheap thrill I get out of wading, its a hazard that'll always be present.

I have not fished the areas that Mike/Midger mentions with the mossy covered boulders where studs may be appropriate. However, I would go out on a limb and suggest that a good wading staff will help 100x more than studs on boots in all of the waters that we fish here in SoCal and the eastern Sierra. FWIW, for boots I use Patagonia Riverwalkers with rubber bottoms and love them for both comfort and grip, wet or dry. For my staff I use a two carabiner system with a cord like the one found on net/magnet systems to keep the wading staff either clipped onto my belt and ready for quick release and use, or dangling from the cord in the river so it won't float off if I am both using the staff and landing a fish. Works for me.

[strohble]

Boots are boots in my opinion. I've worn the uber expensive ones and the cheapies. As much as I fish I get about a season out of a pair no matter how much I pay.