Wading boots

[fscwi]

Does anyone have any recommendations or preferences for footwear to use with waders mainly for trout fishing? Are actual wading boots really needed or can something like regular waterproof hiking boots or regular sneakers or running shoes be used?

 

[E.Shell]

Assuming you are talking about 'stocking-foot waders', the boot is what will provide traction on slippery rocks...or not. In my opinion, you should have dedicated wader boots.

First off, you will need a larger size than you usually wear. There has to be room for your foot, a warm sock and the wader. If you're buying a larger boot/shoe anyway, might as well be one appropriate to the application.

The boot also needs to protect the foot of the wader from damage by gravel that WILL get in and grind it to pieces if one wears sneakers or other low-top shoes.

Felt soles are not allowed and are getting harder to find anyway. Regular boots will be quickly ruined. Most sneakers and many regular boots do not provide a secure grip on wet, algae-covered rocks and to fall in current with waders can be, and has been, fatal.

Sorry that I cannot suggest a specific boot.

 

[pbharvey]

Muck boots are the most comfortable and useful shoes I own. If I'm fishing a shallow river where I just want to move along the edge and jump rock to rock I'll wear them. I don't know anything about felt bottoms; that's for fancy people.

 

[E.Shell]

... I don't know anything about felt bottoms; that's for fancy people.

LOL, fancy...that's me alright!

Felt soles had long been used for wading because they stick really well to wet rocks. The problem is that they carry potentially harmful organisms from one stream to another and have been prohibited in MD since 2011 due to that issue.

 

[Bountied]

Mine have felt soles and metal spikes like golf shoes. I've had them a long time. I guess I can't wear them anymore.

 

[E.Shell]

Nice waders, but not within 5' of MD state waters.

 

[biermkr]

I recommend Korkers with the interchangeable soles and the BOLA system instead of laces. Pricey? Yes, but worth every penny spent.

Darkhorse | Wading Boots with Solid Ankle Support | Korkers

The DarkHorse is a wading boot for anglers who can’t compromise weight and durability for function. Strong ankle support, made for anglers who put in a lot of miles.

korkers.com

 

[Dingo222]

LL Bean has some reasonably priced wading boots. I have the emerger ones and they work well.

 

[GunBum]

I have a set of Korkers with interchangeable soles. I wear the felt soles out west where allowed. I wear the standard lugged soles for walking to the stream and for states where felt isn’t allowed. I had a set of soft rubber that acted like felt in the water, but they wore out real fast.

Wearing any street shoes work IF they are sized right to fit over the stocking feet of the waders. However, they will hold a lot more water than a proper set of wading shoes.

as a side note, if the waders aren’t comfy and the stocking feet don’t fit, the shoes will be uncomfortable no matter what shoes you wear.

 

[ToBeFree]

Korkers Redside Wading Boots - Comfortable and Versatile - Includes Interchangeable Felt and Kling-On Soles

Nice with two soles included. Felt (don't use) and kling on. They work well. Feel good and hiking in them is no problem.

 

[outrider58]

LOL, fancy...that's me alright!

Felt soles had long been used for wading because they stick really well to wet rocks. The problem is that they carry potentially harmful organisms from one stream to another and have been prohibited in MD since 2011 due to that issue.

They're prohibited in most places in N. America, AFAIK.

I think most people use steel studded wading boots. Take a look at Simms...

Tributary Boot - Striker Grey / 11 - Simms Fishing Products

SIMMS Tributary Wading Boot -Rubber Soles. A great-fitting boot with the trusted support and traction you need in or out of water. Free shipping over $100

www.simmsfishing.com

HardBite Wading Boot Stud - Vibram (20-Puck) - Simms Fishing Products

SIMMS HardBite Wading Boot Studs - For Vibram Soles (20 Count) - Easily convert our StreamTread soles to studded.

www.simmsfishing.com

 

[DeadInside]

They're prohibited in most places in N. America, AFAIK.

Felt soles are prohibited in MD because of Didymo - “Rock Snot”.

From the MD DNR website:

Felt-Soles Ban - FAQ
What exactly does Maryland’s felt-soled wader ban do?
The regulation states “An individual may not use footgear with external felt soles in State waters or within five feet of State waters.”
Why are felt-soled waders and boots so bad?
Didymo, (Didymosphenia geminata) or “Rock Snot” is an invasive alga of cold flowing waters. Individual didymo organisms are microscopic, but infestations include enormous numbers, and each individual produces a long stalk from the stream bottom. The resulting mass is a yellow-brown slime layer that can dominate the rivers and streams. Didymo infestations in North America are sufficiently new that scientists can only guess at the long-term ecological consequences. Dramatic changes in stream biology have been verified. (See Relationships between nuisance blooms of Didymosphenia geminata and measures of aquatic community composition in Rapid Creek, South Dakota by Aaron M. Larson, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (September 2007); Increase in Nuisance Blooms and Geographic Expansion of the Freshwater Diatom Didymosphenia geminata by S.A. Spaulding and L. Elwell, USGS (2007); The non-indigenous diatom Didymosphenia geminata alters benthic communities in New Zealand rivers by C. Kilroy, S. T. Larned, B. J. F. Biggs, Freshwater Biology, Vol. 54, Issue 9, pages 1990-2002 (2009).) Didymo is extremely unsightly and makes waterways unattractive to recreational users.
Tragically, the list of places infected in the rapid spread of didymo reads like a catalog of the finest fly-fishing waters on the planet. Resources managers in North America, and especially in New Zealand, guessed early on that the felt-soled waders of traveling fly fishermen were the pathway for its spread. Subsequent field and laboratory demonstrated that the felt sole is an almost perfect medium for its spread.
Does the regulation ban felt-soles in tidal waters?
Yes. Felt-soles are banned in all State waters. Enforcement and the effectiveness of the regulation would be impaired if the ban only included non-tidal waters.
Why ban felt-soles versus other materials?
Recent studies have found that the felt material can retain and transfer a variety of harmful organisms at a much higher rate than other commonly used materials. Because felts may remain damp for days after use these organisms remain more viable than when

carried by other materials. For more information, read: “Adherence of Myxobolus cerebralis Myxospores to Waders: Implications for Disease Dissemination” by Kiza K. Gates, et al., North American Journal of Fisheries Management, vol. 28, pages1453– 1458 (2008).
What might be the consequences of introducing these organisms?
At the very least fishing can be difficult or impossible due to fouling of tackle by didymo. At the extreme fish populations could negatively impacted by direct effects or through disruption of the food chain. This photo from New Zealand illustrates an extreme case.
Where can I resole my boots and waders?
A number of companies now offer resoling services. This is often a less expensive alternative to purchasing new boots or waders. A list of companies which offer resoling services can be found at: www.simmsfishing.com/site/streamtread.html.
Can I trade-in my felt-soled boots or waders?
Some companies have offered trade-in deals for felts. It is best to check with each company prior to purchasing to see what deals they may be currently offering.
I’m afraid of slipping, are other materials as safe as felts?
Other materials can be just as safe as felt and depending on the surface other materials may be safer than felt. There are a variety of sticky surface bottoms available which provide excellent gripping capabilities. Our DNR survey crews have been using the new

boots for several years now with good results. Please talk with your local retailers to find out about the latest technology.
What is the penalty for violating this regulation?
The prepayable fine for a felt-soled wader violation is $125. Maximum penalties for all fisheries related violations are $1000 for a first offense and $2000 for a second offense, should you choose to contest the violation in court.
I haven’t heard of the felt-soled ban before. How did the Department advertise this to the public?
Back in 2009, the Department started placing Wader Washer Stations around areas where they had located Didymo in state waters. After further monitoring and concern of spreading Didymo and other invasive organisms and diseases, the Department began scoping the idea of a felt-soled wader/boot ban in March 2010. The Department discussed this at its non-tidal public meetings throughout the spring of 2010 and scoped the idea at its May 2010 Fisheries Service regulatory scoping meeting. Additionally, the Department posted this idea up on its draft regulations webpage in May 2010 and took emailed comments on this idea until it was proposed in December 2010. The idea was scoped a second time at the September 2010 Fisheries Service regulatory scoping meeting. Throughout the summer and fall of 2010, the Department sent information about the idea of a ban to stakeholders, put posters at sporting shows and fairs and worked with the media to get out information. Once the regulation was proposed, the Department held a public hearing in Cumberland, Maryland in January 2011 and took nearly 44 days worth of public comment (approximately 2 weeks longer than required by law). During the public comment time period, the Department again reached out to the media to help disseminate information. The Department handed out information cards

 

[Enfield303]

If you are anywhere near Harford County I have a brand new pair of Frogg Toggs size 10 lug sole hip boots, still in the package. They are all that I ever use on most streams. They are yours free if you want them.

 

[fscwi]

If you are anywhere near Harford County I have a brand new pair of Frogg Toggs size 10 lug sole hip boots, still in the package. They are all that I ever use on most streams. They are yours free if you want them.

Very nice offer but size 10 is too small for me.

Thanks all for the responses, very helpful.

 

[Brookso]

Muck boots are the most comfortable and useful shoes I own. If I'm fishing a shallow river where I just want to move along the edge and jump rock to rock I'll wear them. I don't know anything about felt bottoms; that's for fancy people.

Seconding this, Mucks are really good!

 

[slsc98]

52% off (off what I’m not sure but, on sale, fwiw):

LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro 18 Hunting Boots Rubber Mossy Oak Original

Built from a proud tradition of innovation, the Alphaburly Pro is a premium hunting boot. Combining high quality, scent-free rubber with naturally...

www.midwayusa.com

Also chest waders, some up to 62% off:

Men's Waders for Hunting & Fishing | MidwayUSA

Shop insulated & waterproof hip and chest waders for sale at MidwayUSA. We offer waders of all sizes and materials including neoprene, rubber and other materials guaranteed to keep you dry!

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