I'm into my off-season down here in NZ and I'm trying to keep busy and I know you guys are gearing up in the northern hemisphere.
My credentials are 4 years in the NZPFGA. I do big miles with clients every year. On top of that I own a wide gamut of boots.
I generally avoid buying Simms products(screw private equity) but NZ has limited options especially at friendly prices for client gear.
I am not paid by anyone for this but I do get my gear at roughly 50/60% off being a professional guide.
I got these boots to replace a previous size that had worn out. This was a men's size 8. If any of you owned the previous fly weights you'd know they were light but basically disintegrated on the cloth sides.
The new ones got rid of all the clothe bits and did a synthetic harder shell outside. Huge upgrade. Way less degradation. The upper bit held up as well as any boot I've owned. Still fairly light as well. Truly held up! The laces and catches also really held up.
Comfortable and light. Good arches. Top of the pack. Internally held up well also. The internal heel has just started to wear out. This boot initially was an absolute winner to me. I thought finally worthy successor to the original G3. Which had really fallen off.
If you look through the pics you'll see the bottoms. Complete failure. Absolutely no grip left. Falling apart. Massive flex in the bottom. Slippery as fuck.
Disappointing to say the least.
My final verdict is this: If you're not doing huge K's like me (think 50k steps per week or more) and you want a light boot these will be great. If you're doing a lot of mixed hiking walking like me they're not it.
Patagonia or Orvis are going to be your better option. Possibly Korker although I have little experience with them. Soon to change!
If there's more interest I'll post further brands.
Sightandstalkflyfishingnz.com
Posted by TheFryHole
5 Comments
Simms has been dog shit for a while and it’s a total bummer. I used to love all the gear I bought from them.
Years ago I decided to spend some money on a “nice” pair of waders and boots. The first week long trip the booties blew out. I got a new pair and they blew out. Boots last less than a year.
The best pair of waders I ever owned were Allans. Cheap but solid and last for YEARS.
I think people have mixed experiences with Korkers, but my first pair lasted four seasons, decent amount of hiking, and my current pair are on season three, also with a fair amount of hiking but probably not as much as you’re doing (both Buckskin Marys, 🚺 here). Their customer service is also really good, though doubt it does you much good down in NZ.
I love workers but steer clear of the river ops. They made the rubber on the toe way too soft and it wears out quick. Dark horse boas are great tho
It’s all a cash grab now. I wet wade in socks and it rocks.