Let's talk Wading Boots...One brand is killing it! Simms or Orvis - the truth!

Deciding on wading boots is important and expensive...so let me share my experience with Simms G4 and Featherweight / Orvis UL's and Pro Wading Boots.
Find me here:
/ looknfishy
/ looknfishy
#flyfishing #fishingtips #troutfishing

[@JP-dz7zu]

“All waders suck and I hate them” -anyone who fishes on a regular basis

[@gtoutdoorexcursions2938]

I concur, it's gotta be ice cold and even then I'll probably opt for boots and just some quick dry pants, lol!

[@oak8728]

@@gtoutdoorexcursions2938 glacier melt rivers out here or cold salt water will have you wearing waders 10 months out of the year at least on almost all waterways. Enjoy that wet wading lifestyle, but for us we must have waders that work.

[@coasterbrookie]

Have you tried Patagonia? I've got 2 pair of the zip front and I've had good success with them.

[@user-zy5rp5rr6m]

Sorry you had this experience, Drew. I've had my Simms Rivertek BOAs for almost 7 years without any issues. Not even a BOA failure. I've been very happy with them. I don't use them hiking much. Basically only from the truck to the water, and then all day in the water. I still don't see any wear on the sole, and no damage whatsoever on the uppers. I thought I would need cleats with these and bought a set with the boots. They are still in the bags. I don't know if my experience is typical or not, but they've made me really happy.

[@angustroutman3494]

Ditched wading specific boots and shoes a long time ago. I just look for cheap wide hiking shoes, non gore tex. I am currently on a pair of Saloman X ultra. I fish pretty regularly 3 months out of the year. Good traction, light and drain fast.

[@DGaydon]

Interesting. I've got an old pair of those Salomon's laying around that I'll screw some studs in and give them a try.

[@jeremyvelkoff1487]

Drew, I found the same things to be true. Had the Simms light weight Boots and they started falling apart fairly quickly... I also found that they would collect sand, even though I was using hip waders with guards. I got the Orvis pros... they work great and are holding up well...

[@RandallW20]

Surprised. I have a pair of Simms M’s Flyweight for a couple of years. They’ve survived fishing in CO & NM. As well as hiking for many many miles including almost two weeks portaging in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota. Honestly, I’d buy another pair today…

[@bram_goes_fishing]

I had a similar experience with Simms. They were my first wading boots and they started losing the sole during my first season fishing! And I wasn’t even hiking that much. Luckily Simms gave me a replacement pair which I’m still using. That being said, I’ll be switching to Orvis or Patagonia for my next pair for sure.

[@gtoutdoorexcursions2938]

Cool, glad you put this one out. Im in the market for a new pair of boots myself, something more than just the wet wading by the truck variety. More times than not Im opting for more of a traditional gortex hiker that can shed some water quickly for those more than a couple miles hike in and fish. Im usually in more of a militaryesque Lowa Zephyr which is great for hiking and shedding water and drying fairly quickly but the traction in stream isn't what my wading boots are. Wading boots are often too clunky to put the miles in for me. I don't really care about price or brand or flashy little this's and that's , I just want something that works and is comfortable and durable.

[@Trvl2hnt]

This is good intel! Thanks. My Simms experience has been similar. Comfy but not lasting very long.

[@Trailridersusa]

I really like my Orvis Ultralights still going strong after 4 seasons. I cover a lot of ground fishing backcountry streams so they have a lot of miles in them.

[@craigborrenpohl1233]

Thanks for sharing your experience. More than 100 days in my basic Simms boots with only a broken lace convinced me to try them again. Went with the G4 Pro Powerlock but appreciate knowing Orvis might be a viable option if these wear quickly.

[@easttnflyfreak2870]

great review this why I went to korkers boots I can change the soles for hiking then change it for fishing tight lines !

[@DGaydon]

I have the other version of the Simms Flyweight Boots (I believe yours are the Flyweight Access). I really wanted to love these but the durability was terrible. This version has a much better sole and had fantastic grip w/studs. They're super lightweight and were super comfortable hiking long distances. But.... After 2 seasons (~ 60 days on the water) they've done. Sole is worn down, I've had to glue sole edges, one of the cloth eyelets busted in a critical location and there's serious wear spots on the boots themselves on the sides near the toe. Next pair will either be the Orvis Flyweight (which are a tad heavier than the Simms) or Patagonia Forra (not sure I'm ready to spend that kind $$...).

[@chrisbailey5957]

Man maybe I’m just lucky! I have simms g3 boots that are 5 or 6 years old and I have a lot of miles on them. I feel like I’m pretty rough on them too. Always stabbing my foot into cracks in the rocks and stuff. They have held up really well! I picked up a pair of the simms flyweights last year for a trip to WY. Hiked a lot of miles in them out there and was pleased on the trail. I agree they aren’t the best with traction on slick rock though. Have used them back east on several day trips in remote streams and same thing, I like them on the trail but not on slick rock so much. No damage or signs of premature wear. Might try the studs!

[@NP_OhioRiverCountry]

Good video and appreciate your opinion. Which net do you use and are you thinking about posting a video to review?

[@allendks45]

Great review. Just picked up some Orvis Ultralight boots. Like you I cover a lot of terrain out here in the west and will see how these hold up. Now that FarBank is the parent company for Simms and others (Sage, RIO, etc) expect quality to get worse as they push manufacturing out of the US. The $300+ boots I had from them didn't last 2 years. If these Orvis boots don't last I'll try some military grade boots and put studs in them.

[@scottmacdonald9269]

I love my Orvis Pro wading boots and have recently got the Orvis Pro Hybrid wading boot and really love them for snotty slippery rocks. Guiding many days a year on the Kings and the Sequoias in them and have not worn them out! My clients all use the ultra lights and they beat them up but they still keep going. Good review. Tight lines.

[@coasterbrookie]

You should do a review on your XR2 Bison. Great channel on fishing and your travels. Just sub’d and enjoying your channel.

[@njg5942]

Super helpful thanks.

[@danlight2684]

Orvis ultralight boots rock! Great recommendation Drew. I wore them on a Lookn' Fishy style trip dispersed camping and fly fishing for 9 straight weeks last summer in Wyoming. I put a lot of hiking and wading miles on them and expect to use them all summer this year too.

[@NickAndCaroline]

Dang dude that sounds like an amazing trip! Maybe someday I can do something like that!

[@oak8728]

I used to guide for an outfitter that was Simms sponsored. Man I tore through boots. Then I moved to the west coast, and barnacles, long river hikes etc killed my last two simms. Then I bought the Orvis Pro boots and two pairs of Orvis Lightweight, game changer! The Pros are still going strong, and the one pair of Lightweights lasted 2.5yrs of hard, hard use on barnacles and hundreds of miles of hiking. Second pair is on 6 months and still going strong.

[@wawywawo]

Just to be fair Simms is right up front about the softer soles on the Access boot on their website and recommends other soles for durability if that’s the priority - this is an excellent light weight boot especially if your not looking to cleat or spike them and are prioritizing grip without adding anything to the soles - I have a pair and I love them - thanks for All your vids - I really enjoy them

[@tidalwave953]

Hey Drew, love your videos. Do you have any experience with the Patagonia/Danner Foot Tractors? I’m wondering how they compare to the Orvis.

[@stevenschoppmann4946]

Into my third season in my Orvis ultra lites and they're holding up really well. I'm out 50 days a year and I've only had to replace the laces. My son had a pair of Simms boots and the soles were separated after 3 seasons.

[@g2bold174]

I’ve been running Dryft Waders and Korkers. Just closing out my 4th season of steelhead fishing and have no complaints. Waders wear like iron and the boots have been excellent. Boots are starting to look rough but I beat them mercilessly

[@kingfisher6802]

I agree Drew. Those simms flyweights are comfortable but that’s where it ends. Even with grip studs, I’ve fallen too many times and the soles get eaten too fast

[@jimkelehan1366]

I own both. I like them both!

[@dennybowser5533]

Thanks for sharing

[@johnkinsfather6369]

I always wore felt sole, then tried Simms Flyweights, love them , just ready to start 3rd season. Most wear has been on surface from granite rocks Vibram rubber great and boot is super light. They have a new updated version I will go to next season.

[@onealjones9039]

Thanks!

[@biggreenfish3267]

Never used the Simms Flyweight Access Vibram shoe, but I have put 3 hard seasons on my Simms Flyweight Vibram and Felt sole show. I picked up both for $169 instead of the $229 I see on the website. For algae, the Felt with studs is perfect. For hiking, I like the Vibram sole. No issues so far and honestly I have ignored my G4 Guide Boots.

[@Yikes5824]

I’ve had the Ultralights for 4 seasons and love them, but I need more toe box space. Any opinions on the new Orvis LT boots?

[@westernsoutherner1]

Had 2 pairs of Simms shrink so much I couldnt wear them. I think it was the G4 boots (the high end ones). Simms actually sent me another pair which I was grateful for but they shrank also. Use the Patagonia/Danner ones now. I like those Orvis ones might have to give them a shot.

[@stealthfirefishing]

I have not tried the Orvis boots that you have but the Sims that I have have been holding up not the ones you have up in the video they have been working for me for about 2 1/2 years now willing to try the ones you have the Orvis ones

[@Stewburner771]

When I am out hiking and wet wading I use the Merrel All Out Blaze hiking water shoe. Long name but I haven't had any durability issues yet.

[@manygates]

I use a chaco water shoe and love it for fishing.

[@flyfisher530]

Great video Drew. I have had the Simms BOA boots for many years now with no issues, curious what others have had for experiences with this boot?

[@dynamicphotography_]

My Simms BOAs have been amazing for a few years now. All my Simms gear has been incredible. I just make sure to clean and dry everything out after use. That's the most crucial thing to keep them going strong.

[@OG-Paul-Valentine]

Once I skipped to Korkers boots I haven't ever looked back.

[@davidhalesmith2491]

Korkers are no comparison to the Orvis Pro boots, however. Korkers are cheap because they are cheap.

[@OG-Paul-Valentine]

@@davidhalesmith2491 I disagree. Not only do they perform extraordinarily well, I've never had a problem with them coming apart. Every pair I have bought have lasted me several years of hard use without needing to replace the lacing system, soles, or had any issues with stitching or glue failing.

[@OG-Paul-Valentine]

@@davidhalesmith2491 the current pair of Darkhorse boots I am using now I bought in April of 2019. The pair of Whitehorse boots I was using before that lasted me four years.

[@davidhalesmith2491]

@@OG-Paul-Valentine I tried them when they first hit the scene and had a bad experience. I guess quality has gotten better?

[@OG-Paul-Valentine]

@@davidhalesmith2491 you based your reply and opinion on a single bad experience? Over a decade using them and I have never had anything negative to say about any aspect of Korkers. For the simple reason that I have never had to replace a set of laces or soles they are the only wading boots I will buy.

[@MikePGuitars]

Yeah man. I got a pair of the Orvis ultralights and for the price I expected to get one, maybe two seasons out of them. I fish all seasons, all weather, and don’t take particular care of my boots. They freeze and thaw and stay wet for days on end. But I’m entering my fourth spring with them now and they are still 90%+. Only very, very minor wear. Super, super happy with them. I wish I could say the same of their low end waders.

[@Bradimoose]

try the orvis pro waders I crawl all over rocks and logs and walk through brush. It's like armor on your legs.

[@MikePGuitars]

@@Bradimoose how are the stocking feet? My wader seams and such are holding together decently well. But I wore through the sole of both feet.

[@Bradimoose]

They're fine but I make a point not to walk around gravel parking lots@@MikePGuitars

[@nolanmiller257]

I really like the keen water shoes. It’s just unfortunate they are not for very suitable for hiking and have no ankle support.

[@Sochmo18]

I just got a slightly used pair of Patagonia/danner river salt boots for 100 bucks. Best boots ive ever tried

[@KEYVAN.M.G.]

Hello, dear friend, I would be grateful if you could give a brief explanation about the fishing technique and the choice and type of thread and fly used.

[@benjaminferguson1288]

The Orvis Pro wading boot is my go to boot. I went through 3 pairs of simms boots, and they just haven’t held up for me.

[@blackflycreations]

Great review Drew! I have the simms flywieght and im happy with them. But im only on the river once a week with light hikes. I will keep the orvis on my list along side korkers as a future investment. Thanks for sharing and tight lines! Steve @blackflycreations ✌️

[@kansasscout4322]

Korkers rule.

[@joebowbliss-rs5dl]

My Simms, in my opinion, also didn't hold up that well. Customer service said it was normal wear and tear. My Danner RAT summer boots with drainage holes are doing great. $60 overstock is great too. Just put studs in them.

[@scottnock5241]

Drew you wade , hike more aggressively than anyone I know!!! You talked me into the orvis ultra lights and I don’t have anything bad to say about them except they aren’t felts!!!! Im very surprised you’re orvis outlasted the simms, they look cheaper in the store.. I’m a big korkers fan for a lot of reasons but light they are not.. Can’t beat changing the soles..

[@DrJohn493]

After about 5 seasons I've gotten good service out of the Orvis Ultralights with studs. No more deep sea diving boots for me.

[@seribas]

Still rocking cheapo hip waders with built in rubber boots from Bimart for $40.

[@H3DG3xC043]

My simms waders took a dump after one season, id say i tried to take good care of them but they still got a hole somehow

[@martinhodell8465]

odd. I like Simms way better than Orvis. I've had terrible luck with 3 pairs of Orvis boots where the lace 'cleats' bend easily, which then results in the laces not staying tight. Orvis did send a free replacement pair when I showed them the issue...but the same thing happened. Zero issues with Simms.

[@everettstevenson6110]

Thanks for the review. It’s challenging to find something light enough for long backcountry hikes that is also durable. I’ve tried Simms and my observations are the same. I don’t buy Orvis any longer for other reasons.

[@gregkosinski2303]

Annoying company, but the new Patagonia Forras are supposed to be awesome. I might hold my nose and buy a pair

[@everettstevenson6110]

@@gregkosinski2303 they look interesting. Might have to look more into those myself.

[@Trvl2hnt]

We need lightweight wet wading FELT boots. I don’t care if they only last one summer. Simms had some good ones but discontinued

[@MrMinkey11]

I have had my Sims ultralight waiting boots for 15 years. I tossed them in the back bed of my truck and that’s where they sit all summer. We are not all special agents like you. A.k.A fish whisperer :)

[@stealthfirefishing]

I use wader only if I’m not hiking too far

[@BubbaN-JolenesLifeintheOzarks]

Korkers rule!

[@2002guy]

Last pair of Simms boots I purchased got about 3 uses before I bought the Patagonia Tractor boots. Nothing wrong with the Simms, I just preferred the Tractor boots. Next time I went floating I used the Simms so the felt bottoms wouldn't scratch my raft frame. First run I fished, the felt bottom on one of the Simms boots came off. They barely even had any use on them. I sent them back to Simms. It didn't matter that they had very little use. They were older than 12 months old so no warranty coverage. They told me that "they were no longer serviceable" but I could pay $50 to have them fixed. F*ck Simms. They still make decent waders, but their made in Asia stuff sucks and they won't warranty it. Buy Patagonia.

[@highpro1394]

Have you tried the Patagonia boots that were made by Danner? I know they are pricey but the nice thing is you can have the soles redone. All the boots you showed are garbage once the sole is chewed up and gone.

[@GarrettThornburg]

I’ve taken mine to hell and back multiple times and they’re still in excellent shape. I got them on sale and then a discount applied. I’ve worn throw a lot of gear but these boots keep going.

[@jacobdeakins6497]

Love my Patagonia/Danner Foot Tractors!

[@twobrooklodgefishingadventures]

I have returned 2 pair of Orvis Pro wading boots as the soles came off. The last returned resulted in a full refund. Now wearing Simms G3's. So far so good

[@manygates]

I had a pair of Simms boots, but not very long .. they were horribly uncomfortable, slippery as shit, and half the cleats were missing at the end of one day. I ended up wearing them maybe only 5 days and got rid of them. They were so bad I probably won't ever buy Simms gear again, moved on.

[@LeakyWaders]

Simms is trash anymore in my opinion. Those soles should be replaceable , but they're only worried about profits so that'll never happen.

[@hablep]

Patagonia’s are my favorite. I was not impressed with the Simms

[@helok9]

Neither, Korkers is killing it.