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Best Wading Boots Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Midsole
A boot is only as good as the traction it provides, therefore choosing a pair of boots with great traction ability is more beneficial. In today's market, you have several choices for wading boots soles. Some will prove to be better than others, depending on how and where you will be using the boots. Here is a look into your choices for soles:
Rubber:Â Rubber soles can be found with a couple of different pattern options. They are available in a more traditional wader pattern or can be found to resemble the tread of a hiking boot. Which one is best for you will depend on the terrain you plan to travel over. For instance, an angler who prefers to travel light, over rough terrain to get to their fishing hole. A hiking tread would be highly beneficial to that angler. This type of tread can be worn on land or in the water. Rubber soles are known for their durability, traction, and the fact that they are easy to clean.
Felt:Â Still leading the pack for traction, is the felt-soled boots. These are designed for use even on the slipperiest of surfaces. However, they are not made for hiking over rough terrain. As the years have passed, states have outlawed the use of felt-bottomed wading boots. The reason for this, it has been found that different invasive species are being transferred from one body of water to another. Believe it or not, the invasive species are surviving in the moisture that the felt holds in. As we all know this can be detrimental to the natural habitat of the fish, therefore it is best to check the regulations in your area, before purchasing wading boots with a felt bottom.
Studded Soles:Â A studded sole is made from rubber but will allow you to add studs to the soles of the boots. They are relatively easy to place and remove. Most anglers will purchase these when they know they will be in conditions that they will need a little extra traction. A prime example of this, a faster running river or stream, the studs can help ground you. This will give you a better sense of balance while navigating the debris at the bottom of the water.
Weight
The upper portion of your wading boots holds an equal amount of importance. They should be made from materials that will allow water through the boot, but not holding the water within the material. Most boot uppers can be found made from either polyester or nylon. There are some that can be found made from a synthetic form of leather as well. These materials are lighter in weight, which only adds to your level of comfort.
Breathable materials are also important, just because your feet are submerged, doesn't mean they won't sweat. An example of a better constructed upper would be one made from a combination of synthetic leather and nylon. These materials when combined will allow water to flow, without adding too much weight to the boot.
Support
It should not come as a surprise that ankle and foot support is an important aspect of choosing a pair of wading boots. Walking over large, unstable rocks can pose a huge challenge for anglers. Often times this is where accidents happen, an angler will attempt to move from rock to rock. In a split second those rocks can shift, causing your ankle to buckle. Many manufacturers have come up with features to combat that issue. You will find boots that offer extra padding to the ankle and stiffen the area around the heel. This will limit the amount of movement your ankle can make, in the event that you slip.
As for your feet, finding boots that have a good lacing system is crucial. When your boots are laced properly, you reduce the risk that your boots will allow your foot to slide around. A pair of boots with a wider tongue area, provide added protection against debris entering your boots. There is no worse feeling for discomfort than a tiny pebble entering your boot. It is also best to look for a pair of boots that offer added toe and heel protection. This protection is normally found in the form of an extra piece of rubber over both of these areas. That rubber is your best line of defense against rubbing and bumping into debris.
Size
Selecting the right size wading boot is another crucial decision to your feet. Some brands will accommodate their sizing for the use of wading socks, while other brands do not. A good rule of thumb for choosing the correct size is to go with a size up from your normal boot size. This will allow you the proper amount of room within the boot for a comfortable fit. You want to have a little wiggle room in the toe area, as wading boots do tend to suffer from some shrinking. When your boots are too tight, this can cause problems with circulation in your feet.
Most manufacturers will have a size chart you can use to compare for which size you need. When ordering online, many will have a warning about their sizes, letting you know whether or not they run bigger. Often times when the wrong size is ordered you can return the product for the correct size. It is highly recommended that you do this, don't just settle for the size you have. Doing so can be detrimental to your feet, as well as causing a possible accident.
10 Best Wading Boots
1. Caddis Wading Systems
The first pair of boots on the list will keep you upright, no matter how difficult the water bottom is. Not to mention, you will never know that you have them on. They offer your feet a large amount of comfort.
The Sole
You can be sure that the grip these wading boots has to offer will keep you on your feet. Mossy log, no problem with these boots. The sole is made from rubber, with a specialized grip, to keep you from slipping with every step you take.
Comfort
Your feet will thank you for choosing these boots. These wading boots have extra padding in all the areas that typically cause discomfort. The insole also has added padding, making sore feet a thing of the past.
Cost and Value
Providing your feet with both comfort and grip, these boots are a valuable addition to your fishing gear. Although they may seem to be higher in cost, what you gain in safety and comfort will far outweigh what you have spent.
2. Korkers Greenback
Having a tough time deciding whether you should choose a rubber or felt soles? Then these wading boots have just the thing for you. You can be sure that these wading boots won't slow you down.
Interchanging Soles
Many people have a preference for what type of sole they use on their wading boots. Often times they will purchase two different boots so they can have both felt and rubber soles. These wading boots have an interchangeable sole, allowing to quickly change form rubber to felt. Essentially giving you the best of both.
Drainage
Any good quality wading boot should have a system for draining the water from your boots. This will reduce the amount of extra weight your boots will carry. Not to mention the fact they will dry at a much faster rate than boots that don't properly drain.
Cost and Value
Taking a look at these boots, The value alone is worth the cost. You get a boot that allows you to use either rubber or felt soles. They will dry fast and won't weigh you down while traveling through the water.
3. Frogg-Toggs Hellbender
Often times while traveling through the water, we feel every piercing rock or log. That is not the case with this pair of boots, they are designed for your comfort.
Thicker Soles
Walking in the water is sometimes a feat all it's own. Some of the logs and rocks can cause discomfort to your feet. That is not the case with this pair of boots. The soles are felt, but the surface the felt rests on has added thickness. The thicker sole will absorb some of the stress your feet will endure.
Lacing
Your boots should have a dependable lacing system, after all, the lacing plays an important role in your comfort. These boots have a dependable lacing system that includes rivets for durability.
Cost and Value
The cost for these is relatively average, as far as wading boots are concerned. You will find that they are above average with what they have to offer. Comfort can be your best friend on those long fishing trips.
4. Duck and Fish
You can feel free to wear these wading boots over the trails or in the water. They offer you plenty of support while wearing boots. Added to the support is extra protection for the rough terrain you may need to navigate.
Ankle Support
Since these boots have a rubber sole, you can wear them both on land or in the water. They also have added material around the ankle, this adds more stability while traveling over logs or rocks. This stability helps to prevent sprains or twisting your ankle.
Protection
Tired of the pain from bumping against the debris under the water? Then these wading boots have just what you need. They have added material to the toe, which provides you with a buffer when you bump into the unknown.
Cost and Value
These wading boots can be your best friend when it comes to safety, and at an affordable price for the average consumer. If you have ever twisted your ankle under the water, you know the pain and frustration that it causes. These boots can help reduce the chances of injuring your ankle.
5. Hodgman H3
These boots are for those who are looking for a fit that falls between a hiking boot and street shoes. The felt on the bottom, keeps you on your feet over those slippery surfaces.
The Fit
Sometimes you just don't want to wear a boot that restricts your ankle, truly the fit is a preference. This lower profile boot is for those who want comfort while wearing their wading boots. These provide a wider range of motion, for tromping through the stream.
The Extra Benefits
Aside from the fit, these boots have a felt bottom, which provides you grip on those slippery surfaces. With a lacing system that is quick and easy to use, you can easily slide these boots bot on and off.
Cost and Value
Taking a look at the cost of these, they tend to fall in the middle of the pack. These wading boots offer the wearer a less restricted range of motion while walking through the water. With the added extra features, these wading boots can be of value to your feet.
6. Chota Outdoor Gear
Next on the list is a pair of wading boots that have it a couple of firsts on our list. They are our first look at a different type of material used to construct the upper. As well as the first pair we have come across that has stepped up the felt bottom game.
The Uppers
This is our first look at a leather upper, but don't you worry these are highly durable. The leather is a tough material, so it only makes sense that it will last longer when getting knocked around under the water. The unique drainage system will allow water to flow through the boots, never weighing you down.
The Grip
As we have gone over before, felt bottom boots can provide a superb grip on those slippery surfaces. But when you add studs to the mix, you get a grip that can't be beaten. You can be sure that you will be prepared no matter what the surface you are facing looks like.
Cost and Value
Made from leather, these boots are very durable, allowing you to use them time and time again. Pair the felt bottoms, with the stud, and you will know that you have the best grip possible. At not much cost to you, you will get a pair of boots that have the potential to last for several fishing seasons.
7. Allen Company
A boot that allows you to walk over even the slipperiest surfaces while fishing in the river. You won't waste any time placing these on or off of your feet. The quick-change allows you to spend more time doing what you love.
Quick Change
The lacing system design will allow you to quickly place these boots on your feet before heading into the river. Once you're finished with them, you can quickly remove them as well, so that you can be on your way.
The Grip
Being that these are felt on the bottom, you know that your grip will be strong. Tried and true a felt bottom wading boot can keep you on your feet while stepping onto those mossy rocks or logs.
Cost and Value
Falling in line with the pack for cost, these boots won't be a waste of your time. With a quick lace design, you can have these boots on and off in no time flat.
8. Orvis Encounter
These wading boots give you the opportunity to choose between the sole type. The construction of the upper portion of the boot offers you a durable pair of wading boots.
Soles
These wading boots can be purchased as either felt bottom or with rubber soles. This allows you to choose the bottom you prefer, as everyone has their own opinion about which is best.
Durable
The upper portion of these boots is made from a combination of leather and nylon. These materials provide the boots with a good amount of durability. To add to the durability, a rubber cap has been added to the toe. So those times that you stumble into a rock or log, your toes won't suffer for it.
Cost and Value
The cost of these boots will depend on the type of bottom that you choose. The rubber-soled boots will add a little to the cost. The durability of the boots is beneficial to your feet and your pocketbook at the same time.
9. Redington Skagit River
Here we come to another great rubber sole option that has added potential. The boot fit overall provides your feet with comfort. While the materials used offer dependability.
Sole Potential
These are a rubber sole, which makes them great for traveling over land or underwater. They also can have studs added to them, which provides a better grip on those surfaces that pose a challenge. These are also available as a felt option.
Dependable
You want a pair of wading boots that will allow the water to drain, to lessen the load. But having proper drainage also means that they will dry rather quickly as well. With added rubber to the toe, you can be sure that those bumps and scrapes won't ruin your boots.
Cost and Value
These wading boots are constructed from high-quality materials, which gives then a higher cost than some of the other options on the list. I guess you have to weigh the odds, do you want quality or lower cost?
10. Lurewilder
The last pair of wading boots we come to on the list isn't last because it holds no potential. These boots offer an amazing amount of grip and stability while using them in the water.
The Grip
The bottoms of the boot are made from felt, so you know that the grip will be amazing. Allowing you to pass over those slippery rocks and logs with ease. Reducing the chances for a slip or fall accident.
Stability
Since these sit a little higher on the ankle, you can be sure that your ankle will be a little more stable. As we all know, traveling through the water can be a difficult task. Having ankle support gives you one less thing to worry about.
Cost and Value
These are an affordable pair of wading boots, great for those trying out wading boots for the first time. These boots will allow you to test the waters so to speak, before plunging into a more expensive pair of boots.
