Wading boot selection problem

al wrote:
I would not recommend Simms boots. I have the light pair and after two
seasons have worn the boots out. Not the soles, but rather the "pleather"
reiforncements on the sides of the boots. I do not but would like to own a
pair of Chotas. The Orivs convertable boots look (and feel) solid and
changing soles for walking seems easy.

I've never had the slightest problem with Simms boots, and I abuse the
hell out of my boots. I have two pair. One is a pair of leather Guide
boots with felt soles and carbide studs. They are extremely heavy duty
and weigh too much for most of my fishing, which involves lots of
hiking. The other pair is a lightweight boot with felt soles and
removable studs, which are actually sheet metal screws. The removable
studs aren't nearly as good as carbide studs, but the advantage is that
they can be removed if, for example, I want to wear them in a nice drift
boat like John Hightower's.

The problem with felt soles is that they don't wear well. My next pair
will be lightweight Simms boots with Aquastealth soles and carbide
studs. I'll use my current lightweight boots, with the studs removed,
for that purpose in the future.

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