Time for a new pair. I have been reading about these newfangled boots with rock-climbing rubber on the soles, supposed to be as sticky as felt. Anyone tried these shoes, or have any feedback?

Recently bought a pair of the aforementioned type of boots from Simms ... mine did have the cleats, but let me tell you, when I'm not hopping in and out of a boat (cleats are BAD, VERY BAD ), these will be the only kind I ever wear again! Can't say how long they hold up (got about thirty river days on 'em and they look just fine) yet, but so far, I love them!

I imagine, even without the cleats, you'll find them to grip well ... although I have heard stories of the material wearing out quickly ... as I said, not sure of that one yet.

I'm getting ready to buy my first pair of stocking footers probably the Cabela dry plus 2's,and was wondering how much larger to go with the boot size over you're normal size?I probably won't buy the cleats I think catarafts and cleats won't mix I do like the flet soles though Thanks Os

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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>----<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

[This message has been edited by Osprey (edited 10-21-2000).]

I've been wondering the same thing, Osprey. Normally, I wear a size 10 boot-foot wader. With the layering and all, would size 12 wading shoes be the ones to buy for fitting over stocking-foot waders. I've never owned a pair of stocking-foots, so any suggestions for layering would be greatly appreciated, also. Thanks.

I bought Cabela's 5mm guide weight waders about a month ago, along with their Master Guide wading boot (felt sole). Cabela's claims these boots are sized to accomodate neoprene stocking foot waders. I usually wear a size 10 1/2 shoe, so I ordered size 11 (they only come in whole sizes). They were too small. I sent them back and got size 12 and they seem fine. The boots seem to be made of stout materials, but I have not used them yet as it is still too warm for the waders. If you buy from Cabela's, I would order one size more than you wear normally. Round up on whole sizes not down. Cabela's customer service was excellent as usual on the return. Hope this helps.
Troy

In my experience it, it depends on the make of the boot. Hodgeman bantam weights, for instance, are oversized, and it is recommended that you purchase your foot size.Also keep in mind, that most stockingfoots, are sized 9-11, 11-13,13-15, etc, there could be a lot of extra foot space that you need to accomodate with your boot. I say buy at least 2 sizes up from your shoe size. If you have extra space, purchase a pair of neoprene socks, not only will this make your shoe fit better, it will also extend the life of your waders. Might need to go 3 sizes up. Also, it has been my experience, that if you place your wading boots on or near a heat source to dry them, they will shrink slightly.

Osprey, I stopped in at one of the Cabela's stores this spring when I was back east visiting family, and picked up a pair of the Dry Plus waders. I've fished them pretty hard this summer, and really like 'em so far. The neoprene foot is comfortable, but is relatively thin (3mm, I think). No problem for summer fishing, but I'll definitely use a pair of neoprene socks this winter. I usually buy my boots a full size or two bigger with stocking foots, and as a general rule larger is better. Boots that are too tight cut off circulation to your feet, and will make for a MISERABLE day of winter fishing!
Greg

Osprey,
I go one size larger for the boot unless the manufacturer states that the shoes are made to accomodate wader sizing or you are going with a 5-mil thick wader (up an extra half size). Also, I've owned and worn out 4 different pairs of wading boots (all Felt non-studded) over the last 9-years. I'd stay away from the synthetic leather models. Even the boots made from this over a 100 bucks crack and deteriorate far too soon for the money. Danner makes by far the best boot (in my opinion) on the market. They are very comfortable, lighter than many models, and wear well (The stitching must be coated with Aqua-Seal before use---the only weakness). I have a pair of the 8-inch river grippers (non-studded since my little hypalon boat hates studs) and several friends who guide year round from Alaska to Patagonia and swear by them. They run about $145 in most catalogs, but REI had them on sale for $115 OR you can get them at the Danner Factory Outlet in Portland for $100.

The best thing to do for sizing the boot to the waders, is to take your waders with you to the store. Even biits within the same brand will vary a little bit. I like to have enough room to fit a pair of polypro liners, and a heavy wool sock in mine, with a little room to wiggle. Not too loose, as they will bunch up in the toes and heels. It really helps to have the extra wiggle room for winter fishing. I fish alot when it's below 20 degrees, and three feet of snow on the bank for winter steelies. If your boots are too tight, you'll suffer. The best for absolute zero weather is till boot foot neoprenes with a felt inner liner. I have a pair of cabelas titanium neoprenes, and they are great when it is stone cold outside. When our weather is like a blast freezer, I still get cold feet in a stocking foot wader of any type.

My friend has those rubber gripper soles on his boots, and they work well even on slimy limestone bedrock. There are no substitute for felts with carbide cleats, but that would be death on a boat angler. Too dang noisy. I am a Midwest bank maggot, as the rivers I fish, won't float a boat in a lot of stretches. If your strictly a bank angler, my vote would be for the felts and studs. They are nice for skipping across slimy wood in the water. (It's been a long time since I was light enough to skip. I kind of waddle at an accelerated rate)

Any way, this information won't be worth enough to buy you a cup of coffee anywhere, but hopefully it helps you with your fishing.

I was gonna try and order the boots and waders at the same time ,this really sucks about mail order,but I love Cabelas quality and customer service,I'll just go at 1 full size and hope for the best

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Row Quietly and fish a Cataraft }<<(('>----<'))>>{
Release all Wild Fish

Last winter I bought a pair of wading shoes with the special sticky-rubber soles from L.L. Bean. What inspired my decision was the fact that I like to hike around a lot when I'm fishing, and for me, felt soles leave something to be desired when not in the river. These sticky-rubber boots definitely were improvement on the hiking trail, but they didn't offer as good of traction on slick river rocks. So I exchanged them for the sticky-rubber soles WITH carbide studs. That was the combination I needed. Now I get the traction I need on both trails and in the river. The boots are a bit spendy ($100+), but for me they've been worth it.

I just purchased a pair of Danner River gripper with Studs at the Danner outlet here in portland. I am totally amazed at the stuff they handle. I was wading across the vedder river the weekend before last and the shoes were just grabbing the bottom. To test them even further I jumped to the downstream side of a big boulder in thigh deep water. The current was pretty strong and the shoes just gripped. You can get factory seconds for $100 and the outlet is on airport way. I would recommend Cabelas waders with these boots. I don't think you would be dissapointed. I know I'm not. Next time you're down here to harass Steve you could pick them up Os.

[This message has been edited by ramstrong (edited 10-23-2000).]