By Ian Scott




Back when I had a pair of William Joseph waders to review while fishing the Canadian Fly Fishing Championships, I also needed a new pair of boots. So off I went to see Ray Collesso of Hook, Line & Sinker in Guelph, Ontario. While in Ray's shop, I tried on a variety of wading boots. It's sometimes tough for me to get well fitting footwear of any sort as my shoe size is 13. A lot of places don't have much stock of footwear in that size - but Ray did. I had visited another shop earlier and tried on a pair of wading boots they had in stock in size 13, but I was not impressed at all due to the lack of comfort for my feet.

As I tried on various pairs of boots, Ray pointed me to the "Aquastealth Guide" model of boot, made by Simms. They were the most expensive pair in the store - but as I slipped my foot covered by the William Joseph stocking foot, I knew immediately that these were the boots for me. These boots along with the waders felt more comfortable than the pair of running shoes I had been wearing prior to trying on boots.

"Ian, they are more expensive than the other brands we carry," Ray warned me, "but - I think they are the best you can get. Walk around the store as long as you want and let me know what you think."

Well, in the store as far as comfort level, they were great! And you know, sometimes we ignore our feet - and pay for skimping on footwear later with sore ankles, sore feet, and other walking or hiking hazards. Some of the places I like to fish involve a good hike in to where the good holes are - and good footwear is a pleasure over lousy footwear. It really does seem silly to me to spend good dough on a pair of waders only to skimp on the footwear - which is sure to distract from the fishing when your feet start to ache.

Of course, comfort isn't the only quality you're looking for in wading boots - you want boots that will provide support as well as good traction when wading the river - and of course, on the longer hikes to the honey holes. You also want boots that drain well and dry fast after the fishing is done. How did the Aquastealth do?

Well, when my son Colin came to visit me, we went fishing every day for a month - and then when he went home, I continued to fish as often as possible over the rest of the season. So, I've got miles and miles on these Simms Aquastealth boots. And I remain impressed with the quality, durability and comfort of them.

I found these boots provided my feet and ankles with excellent support, comfort, and traction throughout the season that I have fished with them. The rubber sole with steel spikes worked great both in the river and along the trail. Just don't go walking across a hardwood floor with these on! After each fishing session, I left the boots in the back of my van and the next day, they were always dry with no shrinkage and ready for another hike and some hours in the water.

I seriously put miles and miles on these boots over the course of the past season, and there is still no evident wearing of any part of the boot. These are quality boots that I figure are going to last me a while before I ever have to purchase new ones - and my feet thank me as well. Before next season, I may treat the Nubuck leather with Aquaseal's "Suede & Nubuck" water repellant to increase the longetivity of the leather the boots are partially constructed from.

If you're looking for new wading shoes/boots, take a good look at the Guide series of boots available from Simms. Yes, you may pay a little more - but your feet will thank you.

If you're in the market for new wading shoes or boots, I'd suggest you visit your local fly shop. If you must purchase boots or shoes over the Internet, consider a place like TCO Fly Shop which offers a "Try It To Buy It Program." As long as you don't get the boots wet, you can send them back for exchange for a different size.

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