Best Wading Boots: 2025 Guide Recommend
I just completed my article on the best waders, so here is the follow-up article on the best wading boots.
As a guide, I’ve tested a lot of boots, I practically live in them for 200 to 300 days a year. Last I counted, I have 11 pairs because I provide boots to my clients and my students.
Plus, I’ve been able to get feedback from thousands of guys on their wading boots, and I’ve even sold boots in my fishing store, so I got to see how well these companies take care of their clients with warranty and service.
Wading boots are one item that I will spend the money on because it’s a safety issue. Yes, good boots are safer and can prevent injury or worse.
There are a ton of wading boots out there, but only 6 or 7 I would buy or recommend because I know which boots are good at all price ranges, which are the most comfortable, and which provide the best traction and ankle support.
The rest I would ignore.
I’ll provide you some info to help you get the right boot for you and your fishing needs.
Best Wading Boots: Tested and Approved
These are the boots I’ve tested and would recommend to my guide clients and students who take my fishing classes
Click the links below for prices and specs on each.
- Best High-End Wading Boot – Simms G3 Guide Wading Boots: These are the best boots on the market for multiple reasons.
- Best functional Boot – Korkers River Ops BOA Wading Boots – You can change the soles for different types of river bottom, they look cool, and provide exceptional ankle support, which is why these are my favorite of all the boots listed.
- Best Mid-price Boot – Korkers Devils Canyon – I wore these for 2 seasons; they are lighter than many other boots but still had great ankle support with the interchangeable sole. A close second is the Simms Men’s Freestone Wading Boot.
- Best Entry Level Boot – Orvis Encounter Wading Boots – One of the best boots for those who need a reliable boot under $150. The Orvis Encounter, the Simms Tributary boot, and the Korkers Buckskin boots are what I use for my client’s boots now. You CAN’T go wrong with any of these.
- Best Budget Boot: Good wading boots under $100 are hard to find. Most are junk and fall apart quickly or don’t provide good ankle support or traction. These are my top choices: Consider the Paramount Outdoors Deep Eddy Cleated Wading Boots or FROGG TOGGS Men’s Hellbender Fishing Wading Boot
Laces Vs Boa
I really like and prefer the boa laces, however, they can stick if you get sand in them. But that is rare.
They are great for any time of the year but shine in the winter when your fingers are frozen.
Regular laces also have their downside, like coming undone or freezing solid in the winter so you can’t tie them or untie them.
Otherwise, it’s a personal preference.
Felt Vs. Rubber Soles VS. Studded
FELT SOLES: On slipery rocks, felt is my go to, however, it sucks in snow and mud.. and Felt is illegal in some areas..
RUBBER SOLES: Rubber is my least favorite for most terrain and river bottoms. These can be slippery and provide less traction, but they are better than felt soles when used in mud and snow.
STUDDED SOLES: Studded rubber soles are the way to go, especially for a guy like me who sometimes needs extra stability and traction to ensure my clients make it across the river.
However, studs suck on bigger flat rocks and concrete. The biggest downside to studs is when fishing for weary trout since the studs scrape and tick on the rocks, making enough noise to spook nearby big trout.
Studded felt is also good except in wet snow or where prohibited by law.
Sizing
Don’t buy your regular show size, unless thats what the brand suggests.
Remember, these boots are going onto thick neoprene bootfoot waders, so some companies tell you to go one or two sizes bigger than your shoe size. However, some companies are now taking the wader thickness into consideration, so be sure to read the sizing info carefully.
That’s all for now folks, these wading boots will do what you need.
Tight Lines
Graham
