The local shop asked me to test out a pair of Simms Freestone model boots with the Vibram rubber soles that the rep left behind. It is the real deal. It grabbed as well as felt on rock snot covered soap stones. One thing that I like is that it has pre-set areas that you can add studs if that is your preference.
I was told that next year that Patagonia will have a rubber sole just as good, if not better, as the Vibram sole. The current sticky rubber bottom Patagonia sole doesn't grip quite as well as the Vibram sole.
The latest and supposedly greatest thing is the simms Vibram soled boots, I've used a loaned pair for a few trips this past winter and I was highly surprised at how well they worked. I think this may be the future of wading boots. If you don't go that route I'd get felt with studs. I'm currently using the simms riverwalker $149.00 and they have been a good boot so far. Buy extra laces !!!!
I have them all..felt,felt with studs,rubber,rubber with studs and half felt half rubber...dont use stud in a drift boat , but if you want to grip rocks they will make any felt or rubber boot better.....If you hike a lot I would get rubber.
always buy extra laces with simms, i have the freestones, felt with replaceable studds. great boat. has a lot of toe room for extra layer of socks. only down fall of the freestones is there plastic lace eyelets. had so send mine back once already for breaking. the next step up which is the one that shaun has have metal eyelets. oh ya and the laces suck. just have an extra pair with u at all times.
pd 89.99 for my freestones and 16.99 for the screw in studds.
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Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
