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After being sick and tired of the disposable cabelas ultra lites that fall apart within a month, this season i have gone thru the same quandry for a better option. My boots are a size 10 and usd both over LLbean waders and 5mm wetsuit socks. I wanted light weight as i walk and swim a lot and thus also did not want an overly stiff boot
This is what i found and went thru.
Korkers were not an option as they fall apart just as much as the cableas boots
The LLbean greyghost which were a good boot are no longer made
I wanted boots without that stupid Boa system. Had them on LLbean greyghost and had to cut them off as mechanism jammed with sand
So i decided to try Simms even tho they cost 2-4 times as much as the cablas
Now i ordered a pair of the Oceanteks ($140) which are designed to stand up to salt water. They came and i was completely disappointed. They were heavy as cinderblocks and stiff as ski boots. Not to mention they have no drain holes for water to come out. No deal. Sent them back.
At this point i convinced myself the cableAs ultralites would have to do again. Afterall i could buy 2 pairs for the cost of the simms. Well they changed the design and quite a few reviewers said they had problems with the boots diggin into their ankles. I thought maybe those people just had weird ankles. I have blown through 4 pairs in the past and they were alright. I got them and after usin them about 3 times i cringe at the thought of walking in them. I must have weird ankles too because they dig into the side of my ankle to the point of bruising. Last time i had to take them off and just walk back in my waders
So i decided to break the bank and ordered a pair of Simms Vapor trails ($170)
Hands down the most comfortable wading boot i have ever owned. Light and flexible. They are like wearing light weight hiking boots with excellent mobility. Will be interesting to see if they hold up for a full season. They do make a saltwater version but i just went with the regular vapor trail
Good luck
Ps- finally went with the grip studs instead of using hvac tek screws and the traction with them is amazing
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device
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