Hi Everyone, I appreciate all the advice Ive been getting and the fishing has been great.

Can I get some additional advice on wading boots? I see a lot on the SIMMS Vapor Trails... thoughts on those and which socks to use with them? Waterproof socks like seal skins or neoprene boot type? I’m asking for use without my chest waders..,. Walking creeks etc...

Thoughts and advice welcome and appreciated.

Not trying to hijack your thread, but I too am looking for wading boots. Mine are for winter fishing the Chama and De Los Pinos. I understand the Chama is slick and one might need studs, or felt, heck I don't what to look for especially if there is some hiking involved....Lawton

Just get the wet wading socks [neoprene type] in about the same thickness as your wader booties. That way your boots will fit the same with your waders or wet wading. They are not water proof but they don't need to be for wet wading.

If either one of you were a size 12 I have three pairs of boots for sale. Two Korkers and Simms

korkers I drain

I have tried several brands of boots over the years, including Patagonia, Korkers, Chota, etc. I was trying to save money and buy whatever I could find on sale. The Chotas are very sturdy and durable, but way too heavy. Both the Patagonia Ultraltes and the Korkers (the original version) came apart on me. I finally broke down and bought the Simms Vapor Treads. Best purchase I have made in a long time. Comfortable as a pair of hiking boots, light in weight, and built with durability in mind. I have just put the Simms Alumibite cleats on them as I am going to Colorado for a few days. For wet wading the neoprene socks are fine. I have read a lot of reviews regarding studs and cleats. I was never very satisfied with the steel studs on my Chotas or the ceramic studs on my old Korkers. Aluminum is softer than rock and grips very well. If you have ever paddled an aluminum canoe and ran across a rock, you will certainly understand this. I purchased the Simms Alumibite, but I have heard people have been very happy with Rock Treads, which are aluminum discs that are attached very securely.

Larry

texaspirate For walking creeks I use the cheap little flats boots that I think Academy carries and wear the wet wading socks inside them mainly just to keep gravel and trash out. The little flats boots are also lighter with less bulk which I like for going from bank to water. They also seem to hold a whole lot less heat and are cheap if some piece of trash gets a hold of them they are easily replaceable. If your going a little more serious the Korkers are awesome mine are 11 years old now. I really dig the boa laces and the ability to swap soles.

Lottfisher I like the Korkers again because I can swap soles. I am not a fan of studs. If there is thicker ice involved or if there are large rocks below the slick stuff them studs can act like marbles under your feet. Studs have their place I'm sure I just haven't found an application. I think Canoeman covered that pretty well and seems to have a fix if studs are in order.Felt is the way to go in my opinion for slick conditions. Not sure how much longer that will be available though. Much talk about banning it because it can carry invasive plant/algae from waterbody to waterbody if not cleaned. This is part of the reason for the rise in rubber soles.

If getting the Korkers though you can't go with their cheapest ones I got the mid range ones. They were over $200 years ago but then again they have lasted. The Simms boots are good to but make sure you take care of them by cleaning and allowing to dry properly if left in a car or garage in the heat they will shrink

I'm glad Bones72 mentioned the shrinkage. My Chotas and Korkers were leather boots. Even though the leather is treated to prevent deterioration from soaking, the boots shrink as they dry out. This was a factor in the soles separating from the uppers on the Korkers. I learned pretty quickly that I had better soak my boots thoroughly before I went fishing or I would have trouble getting my boots on or walking in them because they would be so tight. My Simms Vapor Treads are made from synthetic materials, and that is all I look for anymore.

Larry

Thanks Guys, HUGE HELP.

How about the vest trousers and shoes?