What are the best shoes/boots/booties to wear while wetsuiting? Presently, I wear a pair of ORVIS flats wading booties with golf spikes on the bottom. A shoe repair guy put them on the bottom for me alot of years ago, and they are wearing out. I was now thinking of a pair of wading boots with felt or studs or both ala stocking foot waders. What's your opinion?

Steve,

I uses these and like them. In the warm months I go without neoprene socks, but I do use them with the shoes when it gets colder.

No spikes on the bottom, but the felt works fairly well.

http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=2328&src=related_items&refer=From-2327-To-2328

Steve, how are your feet? You posted something about having a bad foot.. if so, I would look for a boot that will be as comfortable as possible- Joe Lyons used to sell studded felt soles that you could adhere to the bottom of any flat soled shoe-
There are millions of options out there for what to put on your feet...

tattoo's choice looks pretty good though-

Nebe, Thanks, yes I do need a substantial shoe as my foot is still sensitive but alot better than a year ago. That's why I was thinking about stocking foot wading boots. Tattoo - if my foot was normal, thost booties from NRS would work. We sell that line at the shop too.

Steve, I use LL Bean's Ultralight wading shoes with studded aquastealth soles and love them- I havent worn a pair of Korkers in 5 years either.. Wearing them is like wearing a pair of sneakers.

they are light and if you rinse them off with fresh water, they will last a long time- If you dont rinse them, the studds will want to rust out on you, but they have a lifetime warranty ;)

Eben, that's sounds like just what the doctor ordered. I love their stuff and they have an outlet right up yhe road in Mansfirld, Massachusetts. What do you wear for socks? BTW, I always rinse off everything. It is surprising how long everything last by taking 5 minutes after every trip. Thanks alot, Steve l

Socks? I usually wear smart wool socks when I am wearing my waders, so I will order boots that are one size larger than I usually wear- Because of this, If I was going to wetsuit, I would find some neoprene socks that are the same thickness as my wader booties-

You will love them I promise.

I 'm checking their web now! Thanks.

socks- http://www.nextag.com/neoprene-sock/search-html

I 'm checking their web now! Thanks.

:shocked: :grins: Man, guy gets a computer an' look out. so k slong winta!!!!:rotflmao::cheers:

T-cat, how's it going? Hey, I have to make up for all those years without one! Happy New Year!!!!!

Eben, Which ones????

These are the ones

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=45493&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=3937&feat=3937-tn&cat4=1109

Steve



check out korkers website

torent for wetsuiting (sneaker type)

ultra light for waders (boot type)

both have interchangable soles to go from felt to felt studded to traditional korker studs

light and bulletproof

used them last year and absolutely loved them...


I believe the guys from the edge are using them as well....maybe Pete can chime in

I use the chota wading boots I like the fact that I can change out the studs as needed,I know you can do the same with the korkers as well. That to me is a plus.To me the korker sneaker would be better if you are swimming out far other wise I like the ankle support of the boots.

Steve



check out korkers website

torent for wetsuiting (sneaker type)

ultra light for waders (boot type)

both have interchangable soles to go from felt to felt studded to traditional korker studs

light and bulletproof

used them last year and absolutely loved them...


I believe the guys from the edge are using them as well....maybe Pete can chime in

Jim,

I got the torrents per your recommendation and think they're great. I did a little swimming with them last year and the sneaker style gives you much better flexibility to swim versus the boot.

This is the problem I have to work out this winter ....again....too

I would NOT recommend the Cabela's ultralight wading boot. I do like the felt studded soles (little need for korkers)and they are light and comfortable with plenty of support, but they don't last. I had 2 pairs disintegrate on me this year and disappointingly Cabela's wouldn't warranty them cause they claimed that falling apart after 2 months constituted normal wear and tear cause I wore them almost everynight. The man made materials just didn't stand up to the salt ...Studs lasted very, very well though.
The Korkers sneakers are nice with the changebale soles, but I need ankle support. Can't chance rollin an ankle fishin by myself in remote places. The Boots look nice but I don't like how they don't have a stud more on the toe which I find I really need to help get out of the water and up on rocks.
There's never a perfect answer.

This is the problem I have to work out this winter ....again....too

I would NOT recommend the Cabela's ultralight wading boot. I do like the felt studded soles (little need for korkers)and they are light and comfortable with plenty of support, but they don't last. I had 2 pairs disintegrate on me this year and disappointingly Cabela's wouldn't warranty them cause they claimed that falling apart after 2 months constituted normal wear and tear cause I wore them almost everynight. The man made materials just didn't stand up to the salt ...Studs lasted very, very well though.
The Korkers sneakers are nice with the changebale soles, but I need ankle support. Can't chance rollin an ankle fishin by myself in remote places. The Boots look nice but I don't like how they don't have a stud more on the toe which I find I really need to help get out of the water and up on rocks.
There's never a perfect answer.

Toughen up and go barefoot like they did in the old days...don't worry, nobody will laugh at your webbed feet.:laugha:

i second jim, and back beach....ive heard great things about the korker shoes and boots.

Has anyone caulked the NRS workboots? I use the Beans ultralites but go thru a pair a year.

no issues here with the korkers boots (swappable soles) while in the wetsuit.

The korkers do NOT like walking on sand for extended periods, the sand works its way under the sole and pops it out/off.

no issues here with the korkers boots (swappable soles) while in the wetsuit.

The korkers do NOT like walking on sand for extended periods, the sand works its way under the sole and pops it out/off.


good point vic

I usually take the inserts off while walking in the sand....when I get to the rocks...i put them back on

This is the problem I have to work out this winter ....again....too

I would NOT recommend the Cabela's ultralight wading boot. I do like the felt studded soles (little need for korkers)and they are light and comfortable with plenty of support, but they don't last. I had 2 pairs disintegrate on me this year and disappointingly Cabela's wouldn't warranty them cause they claimed that falling apart after 2 months constituted normal wear and tear cause I wore them almost everynight. The man made materials just didn't stand up to the salt ...Studs lasted very, very well though.
The Korkers sneakers are nice with the changebale soles, but I need ankle support. Can't chance rollin an ankle fishin by myself in remote places. The Boots look nice but I don't like how they don't have a stud more on the toe which I find I really need to help get out of the water and up on rocks.
There's never a perfect answer.

Just the opposite here.

My Cabelas Ultralight wading boots have lasted ever since the year they first intor'd them.Rinse in fresh water and hang them and let dry in a dry area.Best wading boot for the price imo.

I use the LLBean ultralight wading boot and I love them, lots of support and the spikes hold up really well. The only problem is the seems and stitching will wear quickly, at least in my case 5-6 nights a week. This caused me to go through two pairs last year, which isn't a problem with Bean's lifetime warranty.

If you are a size 11 I will sell you a brand new pair of the ultralight bean wading boots for $30. I "sold" them here awhile ago but the guy never followed through. Do a search and you'll find the pictures.

I agree with the Korker Boots with the interchangeable soles. 1 size up from my normal size when im in waders or i'll wear my Hodgman 2mm socks when im in the wetsuit to fill in the loose space.

If you are a size 11 I will sell you a brand new pair of the ultralight bean wading boots for $30. I "sold" them here awhile ago but the guy never followed through. Do a search and you'll find the pictures.

If Steve's not interested in the boots, I sure am - I had a pair of Patagonia wading boots that have totally disintegrated after one season - I got 'em for pretty short money but they're shot.

Let me know if ya want to sell them - I can get a check out to ya -

Thanks -

This is the problem I have to work out this winter ....again....too

I would NOT recommend the Cabela's ultralight wading boot. I do like the felt studded soles (little need for korkers)and they are light and comfortable with plenty of support, but they don't last. I had 2 pairs disintegrate on me this year and disappointingly Cabela's wouldn't warranty them cause they claimed that falling apart after 2 months constituted normal wear and tear cause I wore them almost everynight. The man made materials just didn't stand up to the salt ...Studs lasted very, very well though.
The Korkers sneakers are nice with the changebale soles, but I need ankle support. Can't chance rollin an ankle fishin by myself in remote places. The Boots look nice but I don't like how they don't have a stud more on the toe which I find I really need to help get out of the water and up on rocks.
There's never a perfect answer.

http://www.mfgsupply.com/img/snowmobile/misc/klymaxx.jpg

First thing I noticed when I first tried the korker boots.I was kind of uncomfortable with the Stud pattern.In NJ we do quite a bit of what I call "top of the mountain" trekking on the jetty's.Lots of our rockpiles have been redeposited from the surge of the ocean over the years turning em pointy sides up..This requires studs in the middle of the boot as a step on the rubber only will cause slippage and broken bones.I used Bergstom Skegs to fill a bunch of voids..I put four of em across the toes.I am going to try these.As they look like they will give ya a better bite.One other thing with the korker boots is ya have to constantly check the studs to be sure they are tight.Especially when walking over rocks for any distance.They have had the tendency to spin out on me.I do use a anti-seize product to keep em from locking up.This is a must as the sole will be rendered useless when the freeze up on ya and they are all worn down.Being over 250 lb they get worn down..
The ones in the pic are from a company called klymax studs..
I think you can get 48 pcs for about 50 bucks which ain't to bad..

Been doing some research and found this.

http://www.wearbars.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=246

I think the boot shown is a Chota

Been doing some research and found this.

http://www.wearbars.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=246

I think the boot shown is a Chota
will these work in a NRS wetshoe? Does anyone know how thick the soles are?

no issues here with the korkers boots (swappable soles) while in the wetsuit.

The korkers do NOT like walking on sand for extended periods, the sand works its way under the sole and pops it out/off.

I have the same boot what I do is pull up the innersole and drill right threw and put ss bolt with large washers and a nut on and on my grinder I grind off the excess ss bolt . and they never, I mean never come off until u want them too.:wid:

I have the same boot what I do is pull up the innersole and drill right threw and put ss bolt with large washers and a nut on and on my grinder I grind off the excess ss bolt . and they never, I mean never come off until u want them too.:wid:


Let me know when you want me to drop my boots off :hidin:

If Steve's not interested in the boots, I sure am - I had a pair of Patagonia wading boots that have totally disintegrated after one season - I got 'em for pretty short money but they're shot.

Let me know if ya want to sell them - I can get a check out to ya -

Thanks -

Hi Crafty,

One of the guys who was next in line at the time they were put up for sale is interested. I'm sorry I have to give him first shot it seems to me. I'll let you know if for some reason it doesn't work out. Thanks for the interest.

Thanks, reebok - if it doesn't go thru just give me a shout -

SIMMS boots with the screw in studs are the best boot I've ever used. I've walked over a hundred miles (conservatively) in mine this season over the worst rock around and never lost a stud and they still work great. They are pretty good to swim in, flippers fit over them perfectly and they are very light weight.

I've tried lots of stuff and would NOT recommend any of the orvis or korker style boots compared to the simms.

For years I used a golf rubber over my wet suit booties. It was lightweight and nice spikes on the rubber. I missed the boat when they went to plastic spikes. This year I tried the Korker shoe the sneaker type. It was great with the interchangeable soles. I only wish they had a couple spikes on the toes. There is a lip for the soles to fit in on the toes and no room for spikes. They are very lightweight. In the fall I switch back to a wetsuit bootie and korker soles for warmth. Gary

SIMMS boots with the screw in studs are the best boot I've ever used. I've walked over a hundred miles (conservatively) in mine this season over the worst rock around and never lost a stud and they still work great. They are pretty good to swim in, flippers fit over them perfectly and they are very light weight.

I've tried lots of stuff and would NOT recommend any of the orvis or korker style boots compared to the simms.

Are those screwed into aquastealth soles? Are you able to compare them to Simms studded felt? Sounds like they last longer, how are they in weed?

Numbskull -

I think I have the L2's and there are a bunch of little ball bearings in the bottom of the studs that screw in. There is 10 per shoe I think. I never lost a screw all year and they still look new. I was very skeptical at first as all the boots I've tried were very poorly designed. The orvis henry forks were the worst. The studs folded over in no time and the tungston spikes wore away very fast.

The simms studs only stick out like 1/4" tops so they are lousy in bubble weed, but slick algae covered stuff they are great. Weekapaug or squibnocket at low tide kinda sucks no matter what you have for boots on.

Numbskull -

I think I have the L2's and there are a bunch of little ball bearings in the bottom of the studs that screw in. There is 10 per shoe I think. I never lost a screw all year and they still look new. I was very skeptical at first as all the boots I've tried were very poorly designed. The orvis henry forks were the worst. The studs folded over in no time and the tungston spikes wore away very fast.

The simms studs only stick out like 1/4" tops so they are lousy in bubble weed, but slick algae covered stuff they are great. Weekapaug or squibnocket at low tide kinda sucks no matter what you have for boots on.

I've got the L2's, studded felt. They last about a year. Eyelets corrode away and the felt wears down to nothing, the studs fall out. Good footing, fair in thick weed, particularly after the soles wear down 1/2 way, great support, but at 130 bucks a season I was hoping to find something more durable. Simms does make an aquastealth rubber sole, into which you can screw their studs, but I don't think they make a factory studded aquastealth sole anymore (they used to). I'm skeptical the screw in version would hold up.