Which Simms Boot?
- This topic has 25 replies, 19 voices, and was last updated Jul 17, 2009 at 1:50 am by
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OK…time for some new wading kickers and wondering which Simms boot to get. I’m only looking at Simms since I’m very intrigued to try the new rubber sole Stream Thread material. I’ve used Aquastealth soled boots for the past ten years or so.
So it comes down to the Rivershed, Guide Boot, and the G4’s.
Opinions from those that have these boots?
I have both the Rivershed (Aqua Stealth) and Patagonia Riverwalkers. Both are excellent boots in my opinion, but the Riverwalkers are by far the most comfortable boot I have worn. For comfort, it beats the Riversheds hands down. Weight is a critical part of this as the Riverwalkers are definitely lighter. The other thing that stands out about the Riverwalkers are how easy they are to get on. There is no struggling to get these on. I am a big Simms fan, but once I wore the Riverwalkers I have not worn the Riversheds since. I would urge you to at least try the Riverwalkers and compare them to the Simms.
I would second Shane’s advice.
I think relative boot weight is a matter of how far you’ll be hiking. If you’re fishing a tailwater or fishing out of a boat, it’s immaterial. If you’re hiking 3 miles in before you start fishing, and wading three miles of stream from there, you’re going to want the lightest boot possible. I’ve done both; my boots were never a factor in Arkansas but in the Appalachians they are a big factor indeed.
Zach
I do a lot of walking when I fish. Some on trails some not. I’ve put thousands of miles in hiking boots over the years and both of these boots seem lighter than my hiking boots. They are definitely lighter than the boots I use for ice climbing (my leather Sportivas not plastic mountaineering boots – and again, a lot of tough walking in these – several summits of Mount Washington in winter etc.). I guess it is all relative, but I just don’t find the G4s all that heavy. I admit this is all anecdotal. I’ll have to do some real comparisons this weekend. 🙂
–Rich
I own both Simms (Guide model) and Patagonias. I use the Simms on tailwaters and in the driftboat but much prefer the Patagonias when I’ll be backpacking to the stream. The Patagonias are super lightweight, even when wet. With that said….I’d go with the ones that will fit your specific application.
i’ve got a pair of simms studded rubber sole. same pair for at least 7 years now.
can’t remember the model, they were sold at the local orvis store.
i can wear them for hours and hours and not feel worn out.
the only issues with them so far are one of the plastic ends on the laces just came off and the pull on loop on the heel broke.thats it.
i’ve said it before, i trust my life to those boots.
haven’t tried the patagonia. they only make quality products so i imagine its a good set of kicks
Stay away from the Riverwalkers!!!
Just a honest piece of advice. The boots are ok if you don’t really fishFellows…I appreciate all the opinions so far. I’ve been using a pair of Simms L2’s for a few years now and they are about won out. Seams are busting out and the Aquastealth is worn pretty thin. I’ll be really interested to see how this Stream Thread compares to Aquastealth.
I guess I should have also mentioned that I really like a boot to have good ankle support.
Hey guys.
I’m considering a new pair of wading boots currently, too, and the boots being lightweight is really important to me because we do so much hiking to and from the river.
After reading Michael’s displeasure with his Patagonia boots….I had to do a little research. I’ve had just the opposite experience with mine….I can’t wear them out! They are the lightest boots I’ve owned and the most durable. So…..I did the research. My Patagonia boots are apparently a 1st generation model that are no longer made. They look nothing like the Riverwalkers I’m seeing on the ‘Net.
Just wanted to clear the air…I’m not endorsing the Riverwalkers simply because I’ve never worn a pair. I hope the Patties I have now never wear out.
I just ordered(needed a 14) a pair of the Riversheds with the vibram soles.
I plan on living forever, so far so good.
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