Better grip than felt soles

[dfinn]

I'm wondering if something like the Patagonia boots with the foot tractor bars on the bottom are going to keep me from swimming more than I do in my Simms Guide boots with felt bottoms. I'm pretty sure footed on dry ground but put me in some moving water with greasy rocks and I struggle. I think the big problem is that I'm more focused on finding and casting to fish than I am on where I'm putting my feet but I don't see that changing. I'd rather not go with full on spikes because I'd like to use one boot for all fishing which includes in boats. Any first hand reviews from the gucci boots?

[snapt]

The Gucci's are excellent for real slippery places. I mostly use em steelheading in bigger water where I tend to struggle more. Tip: unscrew the screws and add some aquaseal or other waterproof epoxy then screw them back in to help hold the bars in better. I lost 4 or 5 bars on the Dean, though they were cool about sending me more for free.

You can find the add on river crampon for pretty cheap currently.

[McCorduroy]

I don't know anything about 'gucci wading boots. I will say, I have not been impressed with the durability of the one pair of shoes and a shirt I bought from them. Jackets have been fine.

Maybe try adding something like this to your felt boots when needed?

http://www.steepandcheap.com/gear-ca...rel/PAT2950-SI

[dfinn]

Interesting, that's the first I've heard anyone not happy with their shoes. The 3 pairs I've had have probably held up as well or better than any others.

Thanks snapt, you wear them in a boat without scratching it all up?

[steved]

Those Pataguccis & Korkers look nice. Got a deal on last year's Guide Boots(Simms) with the hardbite cleats... Nice support and comfort..not to mention warmth with the Orvis Convertables...
Quite the change....last waders were neoprene(80s)..lol.

[snapt]

Interesting, that's the first I've heard anyone not happy with their shoes. The 3 pairs I've had have probably held up as well or better than any others.

Thanks snapt, you wear them in a boat without scratching it all up?

Yah, Aluminum doesn't seem to tear up stiff like the harder carbide studs do. I think it works so well because the aluminum wears on impact rather than what your walking on. I actually added Simms alumabites to my felt boots after using the patagonia bar boots. Those river crampons are a solid deal for what you're looking for.

[Meadow Skipper]

So, has anyone actually used those P-gooch 'pons? I'd like something for greasy rocks without having to buy new shoes, but these things look pretty clunky. I'd be interested to hear real-life experiences.

[half-fast]

korkers

[Tap]

Love my studs on the Deschutes. Will be fishing the Umpqua this year, I hear it's much more treacherous. Have you tried a thin carpet (Home Depot) or rubber kitchen mats cut to size for the boat?

[snapt]

Commercial kitchen floor mats work great, carpet is nice too as it reduces noise but also is kind of a pain if it gets soaked.

MeadowSkipper, get the bars, you won't regret it.

[Meadow Skipper]

MeadowSkipper, get the bars, you won't regret it.

Copy.

[dfinn]

haven't added any mats yet since it's an older boat and I'm not too worried about it getting jacked up but didn't want to totally destroy it before passing it along. I'll definitely be putting something down in the next boat.

[spankthepow]

Korkers > Patagucci. I switched over and really like the one boot that can do it all. Essentially, you just have to switch out the soles, which takes just a few secons. I've got rubber, studded rubber, and felt. They all work great and I've had zero issues so far. I just switch the soles out depending on where I'm fishing.

[dfinn]

I tried Korkers a few years ago when first getting back into fishing and I don't think I'm going to go that route again. Multiple failures with the boots including getting back to the car and not having any soles left on the boots at all.

[spankthepow]

They fixed that issue with an added latch on the heel. I've hiked miles upon miles in these boots and haven't lost a sole yet. Also, they added Boa lacing systems on some of their models if you're into that.

[dfinn]

just checked out the 2015 boots on their site and it's the same system that failed me in multiple ways. glad they are working out for you.

[Sagamoron]

I have a pair of Korkers that lace over my boots which I like, but I also have gone with drilling Kold Kutter Screws directly into the sole. No Issues thus far...

Super cheap too, I bring box of screws and a cordless drill with me when I winter steelhead in NY.