Chota has lost a repeat customer

[fly addict]

This is what my new Chota’s STL boot looks like after a dozen days on the water. I contacted Chota about it and was told they are not covered under their warranty service because they are an older model even though I purchased them less than a year ago. I don’t have the receipt and cannot prove when they were purchased. I bought them because the first pair I purchased lasted over 250 days of use and abuse. The retailer I purchased had them on sale, I guess because they would not be covered under warranty. I will not buy another item from Chota because of their customer service on this matter. It is quite clear that this is a manufacturing defect and should be a no hassle problem for me as the consumer.

[hawkplayer32]

Thats BS man. better luck next time i guess...

[flybob]

This has been a common problem with hiking boots as well.
There have been stories of crappy threads coming out of China since the 70's
And now, many of our boots are now being made there!

My Simms Headwaters started busting threads after the second wearing, I know I am tough on wading boots, but C'mon Man!

I would buy a tube of "Shoe Goo" and run it all over the seams.

[beachbum]

While it's not good that they fell apart, it's even more disturbing they didn't stand by their product. Both Patagonia and Simms have made good on product issues for me. Thanks for the heads up!

[WanderingBlues]

I've now had Cabelas, Korkers, and Simms. I'd give the nod to Simms for durability. I've got about 120 days of hard work on mine and they are still doing well. I only got them as a result of an unfortunate 'accident' leaving my brand new Korkers on the roof of the car. I'm glad it worked out that way because Simms makes a great boot for those who put in trail time in addition to on the water time.

[8NoFish]

Sorry to hear about your warranty problems with Chota. I've had 2 pairs of their wading boots and loved both. Years ago I had a problem with the quick lock lacing and got quick help from them - their customer support was great.
I like Chotas alot. They are light and extremely comfortable. And I really like the quick lacing system. I haven't had Simms or Patagonia. I had a pair of bullet-proof Danners for years...but ultimately they were too uncomfortable, heavy and very stiff when not thoroughly wet. The Danners looked like clown shoes on me, too.......

[Dry Fly Rie]

That's a raw deal. I have the exact same boots, and they have served me well over the past 2 and 1/2 years. Sorry to hear about bad experience.

[Bernard]

This has been a common problem with hiking boots as well.
There have been stories of crappy threads coming out of China since the 70's
And now, many of our boots are now being made there!

My Simms Headwaters started busting threads after the second wearing, I know I am tough on wading boots, but C'mon Man!

I would buy a tube of "Shoe Goo" and run it all over the seams.

Somewhere in my archives I have a buddy duct taping his almost new SIMMS boots while on a pretty massive trek. Really blew my mind and he was miserable. I don't think this is the general rule but these moments when product goes bad when it shouldn't really really suck; offshore or domestic.

B

[Jeff Ike]

Too bad fly addict,

I've got the same boots and its been about a year or so and I love the lightweight and quick lace. They aren't bulky when wet wading and the studs hold in place pretty well. Only had to replace one stud that worked its way out. Hope mine don't do the same although I purchased them at Bob Marriott's and they are great with customer service and helping with returns...

[BBH]

Bummer..I have the exact boots as well and cant say enough great things about them. I did have to replace one lace but it was like 7 bucks. The lacing system is awesome on these boots and as mentioned they are pretty light wieght. I have never put in the studs tho..never felt I needed them.

I would also recomend some shoe goo for that repair. seems like the rest of the boot is fine.

Good luck..

[briansII]

Never fails. I save _almost_ all of my receipts, but when I need to return something, I can't find the * thing! Those times I couldn't find a receipt, I've had goodwill gestures from fly fishing manufacturers, or shops. Not always, but more so in the fly fishing community than outside of it.

briansII

[mk4]

I would work with the retailer. The retailer has more pull with Chota. If Chota products aren't up to par, then the retailer will stop stocking them.

[Sasha]

That sucks, with that being said I also give a nod for Simms.