Orvis Boot Feedback

DaveKile

DaveKile

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I have been using Simms boots for decades and not sure the brand meets my needs anymore. I've been looking more at Orvis for their boots this time. At 63 if find it a PITA getting in out of my boots and was wondering if anyone using the BOA system feels they maybe easier?

I saw the Hybrid Boots and wanted to see if anyone had been using them. I spend more time on streams with some tough rock bottoms and need some help. I was sure these were legit or just a gimmick. I called an Orivis shop and they only could tell me they don't sell a lot of them.

If anyone is using the PRO Hybrid Wading Boots or the PRO BOA® Wading Boots I would like to hear from you. I have read a lot of reviews and watch some marketing pieces, but really only want to hear from those who have worn this tech. I realize they are different boots, but wanted some feedback.

Thanks
 
I have the Orvis PRO Hybrid (non-BOA). I added studs. Very light compared to the Simms Guide boots or Patagonia Danners. Benefit of studded felt with the bonus of the rubber on the edges when walking on dry land/mud/snow. I probably have 50 days on them and so far held up well.
 
I don't have Orvis boots but do use boots with BOA. It is definitely easier to get in and out of. They also don't come untied and are really easy to tighten up when necessary.
 
DaveKile said:
If anyone is using the PRO Hybrid Wading Boots or the PRO BOA® Wading Boots I would like to hear from you. I have read a lot of reviews and watch some marketing pieces, but really only want to hear from those who have worn this tech. I realize they are different boots, but wanted some feedback.

Thanks
Click to expand...

No a comment on the Hybrids per se, but I would be very skeptical of the Orvis PRO's going forward. There are issues with the soles becoming unglued on this line of boots. I've owned two pairs. The first I bought despite hearing bad reviews but they lasted me almost 3 years, at which point the soles were completely worn down. The second pair I bought did not make it through one summer before coming unglued. An acquaintance had the same experience and we both sent them back for warranty and were refunded.

As for the Hyrbid soles, I've had similar rubber edged soles with felt patches on simms wet wading shoes and did not like them. The whole idea of felt is for traction and the rubber areas prevented the felt from making contact when it seemed to be needed the most. When I bought my PRO's I went with rubber soles. I've since moved back to all felt with studs.
 
PennKev said:
No a comment on the Hybrids per se, but I would be very skeptical of the Orvis PRO's going forward. There are issues with the soles becoming unglued on this line of boots. I've owned two pairs. The first I bought despite hearing bad reviews but they lasted me almost 3 years, at which point the soles were completely worn down. The second pair I bought did not make it through one summer before coming unglued. An acquaintance had the same experience and we both sent them back for warranty and were refunded.

As for the Hyrbid soles, I've had similar rubber edged soles with felt patches on simms wet wading shoes and did not like them. The whole idea of felt is for traction and the rubber areas prevented the felt from making contact when it seemed to be needed the most. When I bought my PRO's I went with rubber soles. I've since moved back to all felt with studs.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I have some real concerns with the hybrids too with the felt part falling off and is there any real traction from the rub edges. Seemed kinda gimmicky.

Studs are secured in all my boots.
 
Not an Orvis boot recommendation...

However for the taking off, get a Black Jack Boot Jack and put it in your wader bag.

I've been using this particular boot jack for years ever since I realized I was contributing to heel separation and other damage to my wading shoes by using the toe of one wading shoe to push off the other shoe. I even tore off the little nub on the back of my Muck Boots (used at places like Big Springs) by using the toe of the other boot.

The Black Jack makes getting out of my wading shoes & Muck Boots a WHOLE lot easier with no damage to the shoe and you can use it sitting or standing. It is light & tough and is none the worse for wear, even when used with studded soles.

For the putting on...

If you aren't already using one, invest in a small collapsible stool to sit on versus using the tailgate of your vehicle or sitting on the ground. It makes a HUGE difference putting on or taking off ANY kind of shoe or boot when you are sitting at a comfortable height from the ground.

If you don't have a stool and want a recommendation, nothing comes close to the Walkstool Comfort made in Sweden. They are pricey, but they are hands down the best collapsible stool out there, light as a feather, comfortable, available in 4 different heights AND the manufacturer even offers replacement parts if needed.

I have a shorter size in my wader bag and I keep a few of the taller stools in the back of my SUV if the wife or I want something to sit on when lugging around camp chairs isn't practical.

Good luck with the shoe selection!
 
I have two pairs of Orvis Pro Boa wading boots. The first pair has been used on about 100 trips, the second on about 30 (two different sizes to allow for one or two pair of socks). I have been very happy with these boots. I like boas and have been using them for over 15 years and have never had one fail. Regarding the Orvis boots, one thing that stands out is the boa seems longer than on the Simms and Korkers I have had in the past. This allow the tongue of the boot to open up more and makes it easier to get a neoprene sock in and out of the boot more easily. They also offer better support for my ankles than the Korkers or Simms. I added Grip Studs to both of the Orvis boots.
 
NetWork said:
I have two pairs of Orvis Pro Boa wading boots. The first pair has been used on about 100 trips, the second on about 30 (two different sizes to allow for one or two pair of socks). I have been very happy with these boots. I like boas and have been using them for over 15 years and have never had one fail. Regarding the Orvis boots, one thing that stands out is the boa seems longer than on the Simms and Korkers I have had in the past. This allow the tongue of the boot to open up more and makes it easier to get a neoprene sock in and out of the boot more easily. They also offer better support for my ankles than the Korkers or Simms. I added Grip Studs to both of the Orvis boots.
Click to expand...
Thank you. The claim is they are easy to get off and on. What do you think about that statement?
 
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