This post is not a review or an onslaught against Chota. I'd just like to show how my boots have held up in the year and half I've owned them. I bought these boots in May 2012 mainly because of the recommendations from friends. The reputation was that the boots were very durable and will hold up for several years. I fish about 60-70 days a year. 95% or more of these trips involve wading. The other 5% involve fishing from shore or a boat.
The first thing to go on the boots was the inner soles. After two trips the inner soles came unglued in both boots and started to slide around. It became such a nuisance I ripped the soles out. In about 8 months the lace on one of the boots started to come apart. Eventually it got so bad I had to replace the laces. Around the same time the leather on the front of the boots has slowly deteriorated.
You can see overall the boots just look really bad in the front. The rest of the boot has held up pretty well. I was hoping to get a few years out of these boots and I think I can get at least one more. The felt still holds up really well and the part where the leather is splitting isn't so bad that the boot is physically coming apart. Ice skating wax laces have taken the place of original ones. You can get these fairly cheap, $5 at DicksSportingGoods.
How long do your wading boots normally last? How long do you think they should last?
I believe that there are certain key pieces of gear that you don't cheap out on. Polarized lenses, fly rod, and, most definitely, wading boots. I've always been picky about what I put on my feet because problems there translate throughout the body. With quality comes comfort, safety, and longevity. Better to buy one $200 pair of boots and wear them for four years than two $100 pairs and wear them for two, maybe three, each. The cost evens out and, in the meantime, you're wearing good stuff.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I'm a Simms man.
I'm starting to buy in on this philosophy. I recently picked up some sonic welded waders. Because I'm tired of wader seams leaking. I'm also looking at buying some Simms boots at this years Fly Show.
DeleteKevin
ReplyDeleteA buddy of mine told me about a product called Neats -Foot-Oil he used it on his boots to keep uppers more flexible and help with the cracking. I didn't ask where he got the oil from but I would imagine one can get a similar product at Cabelas or Bass Pro. I have been wearing a pair of Korkers for about a year now and really like the feel. Thanks for sharing
I had Korkers once. They boot cap fell off so the soles never stayed in place. It was a first generation of their boots. I just haven't tried them since. I don't really see myself changing soles even if I had the opportunity.
DeleteI am with Bill on this one. I have a pair of Korker's that I have had for over a year and really like them. For what it is worth though, I don't wade fish as much as you do so I can't say how they would do if it were Apples and Oranges though. I will say while Mike's point is well taken, not all of us can afford top of the line products. Mike is right though. You get what you pay for!
ReplyDeleteWe'll see Mel. I have some Simms Guide boots in the mail.
DeleteFor what it's worth, I've had good luck with Hodgman boots and waders. They're not all that expensive and seem to wear really well. I now use Simms Guide waders that are many years old and I've never had a leaky seam. I don't wear them much but I'm really rough on them. Extra expensive but worth it. I also bought a pair of Proline boots many years ago at a discount fishing store for $15.00. They are the toughest boots I've ever worn. They're ugly as all get out but made well, great support for bad ankles and good prices on ebay. That being said, I wouldn't listen to me.
ReplyDelete"I wouldn't listen to me." Haha that actually made me laugh.
Delete