ryansheehan wrote:
A few a things I've learned about burning through wading boots for many years.
1. All streams are not created equal. One day on the savage river=ten on the yellow breeches. The torque and impact that the slick round rocks put on the sole and toe box can tear them apart quickly, especially studs. When folks talk about number of days on the river a boot might last you are missing some important information.
2. Everyone's shape, gate and pressure points in their foot vary greatly. I have a buddy with the same size foot as me. We both purchased a pair of orvis boots(a number of years ago) on the same day. I tore a seam on the boot in two trips, orvis replaced them and it happened again three trips later. His lasted over two years and countless all day trips to some treacherous rivers. Those were the most durable boots he's ever worn, me not so much. We were fishing the same water together, for the same amount of time.
3. There are trade offs when it comes to durability. In my experience the heavier, stiffer boots last longer but are a little less mobile. The lighter more flexible boots tend to get beat up quicker. When selecting a boot know what style of wader you are and what kind of streams you mostly fish. Almost all the boot companies I have worn have heavier and lighter models. To just compare simms, korkers, chota, etc without taking into account the model is like comparing a mustang to a tacoma, it doesn't make sense.