[Dave Witchey]

Have had a tough time finding boots that grip well, rubber sole, and last in tough conditions.
My Simms Headwaters 2013 were light enough gripped well, pliable enough to conform around slippery NZ rocks , but both pair came apart at the seams 1/3 back in just afew months of use. The heavier 2 lbs plus versions I cant stand to wear for the 10 - 25 mile long days. The Patagonia light ones started comming apart after one week!!!! What have you tramper/diehards found that is light and grippy and lasts for wide feet ?????

 

[generic]

You're hiking 25 miles, and fishing?!

At 24 yrs old, it took me 6 hours to hike nine miles (backpacking)... but 25?

Dude, I'd be too pooped to fish.

Try the Devil's Canyon by Korkers.

 

[The Drifter]

I hike in the Simms Rivershed. Not what I'd consider light but they ain't falling apart.

But if I'm hiking 25 miles, I'm probably wearing in my hiking shoes in and changing when I get to the river.

 

[Dave Witchey]

I hike in the Simms Rivershed. Not what I'd consider light but they ain't falling apart.

But if I'm hiking 25 miles, I'm probably wearing in my hiking shoes in and changing when I get to the river.

TYPO ERROR!!!!! it was supposed to be 15 miles maximum hiking not 25!!!

 

[Kyle Smith]

The new Headwaters boots are pretty comfortable. They are my extra big winter boots, so I can't speak to their durability. They are nice boots, though. Have you checked out the Vapor boots?

 

[generic]

TYPO ERROR!!!!! it was supposed to be 15 miles maximum hiking not 25!!!

Whew!

There for a second, I thought I was more of a wuss, than I already know...

Wait... I think that ^ might have been a typo too...

 

[generic]

The thing I like about Korkers, is the interchangeable soles.

I can hike in on Vibram soles, wade in felt. Only have to carry the extra weight of the felt soles.

That said, I think (hear from others) that the Simms tend to hold up better over time.

 

[Klickrolf]

Don't hike with your waders on, put them in a backpack. If you're going a distance you're just using up your wading boots if you wear them going in. If you're hiking even 2 or 3 miles put your waders and boots in a backpack and put them on when you get to where ever you are going. Hiking distances in waders is silly and will certainly shorten their useful life.

 

[Dave Witchey]

Don't hike with your waders on, put them in a backpack. If you're going a distance you're just using up your wading boots if you wear them going in. If you're hiking even 2 or 3 miles put your waders and boots in a backpack and put them on when you get to where ever you are going. Hiking distances in waders is silly and will certainly shorten their useful life.

That is sage advice. (pun intended) I have worn thru the inside seams before. and had to aquaseal the sh&# out of them later. The really long miles i refered to was on several day backpacking /flyfishing trips that required only one pair of boots to be taken to keep the overall weight down. I've been honeing my "ultralight backpacking" but really I have succeded only afew trips in being really really light (8 days in the Wind Rivers w/ 33lb pack. ) Got really cold one night. another 1 lb in the sleeping bag , and an extra fleece might have been smarter. It's hard not to take too much. Finding the right boots are such a big step in getting it right. Gonna try the Simms Vapor treads next.

 

[Dave Witchey]

The new Headwaters boots are pretty comfortable. They are my extra big winter boots, so I can't speak to their durability. They are nice boots, though. Have you checked out the Vapor boots?

They are my next purchase. Thanks Kyle.

 

[Manwell Lotion]

Hiking 25 miles. Heck ill just buy a dirt bike.

 

[DBP]

I was hoping to see some mention of my new boots I haven't tried out yet, the Simms Rivertek. Anyone have any input on these? One of the main sellers for me was the Boa lacing system. I thought about the Korker's, but I could easily imagine the sole breaking away or popping off and floating down the river.

 

[generic]

... I thought about the Korker's, but I could easily imagine the sole breaking away or popping off and floating down the river.

After owning 4 different pair, over the past several years, I can guarantee you that will never happen.

They have 8 "side barbs" that snap into the bottom of the sole. If that is the only thing holding you back on a pair, don't even give it a second thought.

My only problem with them is their "longevity". That said, I tend to treat my gear as somewhat disposable. I'll try the Simms next.

 

[Drenched]

DBP I had the Simms Rivertek 2 boots for about 10 months. Loved the lightweight build! The boa laces for me snapped on both boots twice. Boa honored the warranty and sent me free replacements but after both broke a second time I scrapped them for a pair of the Simms G3 Guide Boots. The new ones are a lot lighter than the Freestones I used in the past. Just my experience and not ripping on Simms but the Boa system wasn't worth it for me. Feeling a wire snap when you're fishing is a sinking feeling of despair. Just like feeling the effects of a previous night's all-you-can-eat taco buffet when you're standing in chest deep water at 7:00 am. It's gonna get worse before it gets better. But just my opinion. I'm sure most have had a far better experience with the Rivertek 2.

 

[DBP]

Dammit. I sure hope my experience is better. Well, I'm in it already, so I guess they'll work until they don't. \\

Thanks for the info

 

[Salvy]

Asking for a boot that is light and durable is like asking for a gold ring that is silver. Never seen it done.

My Maine solution was to hike in a proper pair of hiking boots and carry along some ultralight wading boots.