Wading boot selection problem

Jarmo Hurri wrote:


I have a somewhat specialized boot selection problem, perhaps you can
help me out.

For me, traveling to a small stream often involves public
transportation. This means that I have to carry all my gear with me,
during transportation and during fishing. Having two sets of boots is
too much bulk. I need to find a pair of boots which I can use both on
my way to the stream, on the stream, and on my way back.

My working plan is to find a pair of lightweight wading boots that do
not absorb a lot of water, and therefore are as close to ordinary
boots as possible after a day of fishing. Wearing the boots on the way
to a stream, and on the stream with hip waders is of course no
problem. What may turn out to be cumbersome is using the same boots on
my way back home. The plan is to use the boots with waterproof,
breathable socks (Sealskinz).

What I need to make sure is that the new wading boots
- are faily good wading boots, naturally
- are comfortable hiking boots
- do not absorb a lot of water.

I think that the local dealers carry the products from some major
manufacturers - like Simms, Weinbrenner and Orvis - but not from all
the manufacturers that you have. However, I can of course order
anything on the net.

My current candidates are Korkers Outfitter convertible boots, since I
could use hiking soles on my way to a stream and felt soles on the
stream.

http://www.korkers.com/product%20page/7500wkg.html

However, I would have to order these boots without seeing them, so I
don't know whether they're good for what I'm looking for. There might
also be other boots out there that I'm not aware of. Or maybe my
approach is wrong - or doomed. I would really appreciate your input on
this.

Jarmo,

I've not tried the Korkers, but have the Orvis boots which might be
equivalent, the Henry's Fork Convertibles. They have been very good for
me, and I do a lot of hiking in wearing just these boots, then putting
on the waders at the stream, and then the shoes again coming back.
The other method, which a cheapo relative of mine uses is what Pat
McManus called "Tenner shoes" - high top tennis shoes. The idea is to
get a very cheap (the word disposable comes to mind, except for my
environmental bent) pair of waders - and then wear sneakers over the
top while in the water...Cheap, but I have been entertained by some
neat action - sneakers don't have good "non-slip" capabilities. Maybe
he'll work out a removable studded pair of rubbers for his tenners
someday.

Bill C


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