Simms Vibram Streamtread Opinions
- This topic has 18 replies, 13 voices, and was last updated Feb 9, 2011 at 4:12 am by
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I am considering picking up a pair of new boots and I am not completely convinced that the streamtread vibram soles will hold up over time.
There is going to be a lot of pissed off boat owners in the future having to deal with cleats tearing up their boats since these new soles pretty much require cleats.
Sorry, off topic – No advice on the soles.
I have had the Simms Freestone boots with the Vibram sole (no cleats) for a few years, pretty much since they hit the market.
They have pretty iffy traction in the stream, but work well hiking or in a boat.
There is going to be a lot of pissed off boat owners in the future having to deal with cleats tearing up their boats since these new soles pretty much require cleats.
Sorry, off topic – No advice on the soles.
True, but with the new design (a screw instead of a hex head) they are really easy to put on/take off. However, I always keep a car mat in my boat for dolts that have studs on their boots.
2ys almost to the day better 250-300 days and the soles are almost gone. Guide boots as well. that was the winter they were introduced.
I also cover a lot of territory so at kelly’s rate that is almost 5y, pretty decent.The uppers are still good, so I’m going to get them resoled. I don’t need the studs on our rivers.
Interestingly I left them at home recently, and had to borrow some felts on a very familiar section and I was skating all over the place, didn’t swim but dunked an arm shoulder.
Spencer,
I’m not sure where you fish most, but based on the rivers that I have fished in Michigan, you wouldn’t get any benefit from studs on the vast majority of them.
There is going to be a lot of pissed off boat owners in the future having to deal with cleats tearing up their boats since these new soles pretty much require cleats.
Sorry, off topic – No advice on the soles.
True, but with the new design (a screw instead of a hex head) they are really easy to put on/take off. However, I always keep a car mat in my boat for dolts that have studs on their boots.
Good call.
Another vote for vibram w/ studs.
On the drift boat issue, I wonder if these will catch on. They seem kind of silly but also have a (possible) simple effectiveness…
Tim, I was thinking that the studs are probably over the top for the majority of my fishing being in MI but the comments about the life of the sole being improved with studs makes me wonder if I should go with them. I guess I will try without and add them if needed. My main concern was how long the vibram soles last, it sounds like they last a fair amount of time with the studs in (though I might not need studs).
OK, so we’re all studs now. How about someone solve the stud problem when we want to be in our, or someone else’s, kayak or hard surfaced boat? Can you imagine those wonderful Simms star cleats all over my Native Ultimate floor next month in Arkansas? The horror.
I am seriously considering wearing a pair of boots, and carrying the studded – changing as the situation demands.Another vote for vibram w/ studs.
On the drift boat issue, I wonder if these will catch on. They seem kind of silly but also have a (possible) simple effectiveness…
Those silly flip flops look like a fly line tangling mess.
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