There are so many wading boot manufacturers out there to count, and it seems like more and more and cropping up.  While some fisherman tend to get caught up in the “I have____ brand boots, what are yours?” and like to flash brand names around, most of us have other priorities on our minds on the river.  Like, oh yeah, actually… fishing.  Just for the sake of discussion, though, let’s take a sweeping view of some of the main wading boot manufacturers out there and what useful gear they are making for us.

I sell wading boots in my day job here in Bozeman, and of course try to steer my customers to the highest quality boots in their price range.  Economic times what they are - people are looking for great value these days, and this post is written with that principle in mind. 

Often considered an entry level boot, Hodgman has been around forever, and still makes a pretty good product.  Most of their boots are a blend of canvas and synthetic leather construction, and they use nice, thick felt soles.  Hodgman is coming out with more boots with a more upper-end construction, such as the Wadetech wading shoe, which features a lightweight, sturdy mesh and PVC build and a mild price of $74.99.  With average prices ranging between $34.99 and $74.99 Hodgman wading boots are an excellent choice for new fisherman.

Bite and Chota, both relatively (in the grand scheme of things) new on the wading boot scene, are bringing with them some new and fun angles on the wading boot.  Bite wading boots and sandals feature felt soles only on the forefoot and heel of the sole, and a very, very stiff ridge reaching from the sole to about 1” upwards.  This ridge provides protection from stubbed toes, rock rubs, and other river accidents.  Bite products range from $54.99 to $129.99.  Chota has helped bring along black felt technology, which we discussed in an earlier posting.  Black felt lasts much longer, is sturdier, and also a bit ‘stickier’ than traditional white felt.  Chota boots range from $49.99 to $119.99.

Korkers, who we also discussed in an earlier post, bring removable and changeable soles to the market.  Without question the most popular new technology out there, Korkers changeable soles allow angler to hike in with a rubber soled show, quickly change to felt to fish, and then change back again for the hike out.  Korkers also has many other soles available; pretty much whatever you need soles for, they have them (even, believe it or not, golfing soles!)  Korkers retail prices range from $79.99 to $159.99.

There are many other venerable, high quality brands out there today that I have not touched on.  Orvis, Strouds, Simms (a Bozeman company!), and Patagonia – these are just a few of the other wading boot manufacturers who make unique and quality products.  One of the guys I fish with has just glued his Patagonia boots back together for their fourth season – a record for him.    Keep looking for the wading boot that fits your needs and, oh yeah, your feet.  It’s out there somewhere!

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