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Okay, Last season I bought some Simms breathable guideweight waders and the neoprene footie is thicker than my old Hodgemans. Now my old boots are much too tight. Here is the question.
What boots should I be considering and why? I do a lot of float tube fishing and some river and lake wade fishing. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Firehawk
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I spend quite a bit of time in the rivers and lakes, and I have one suggestion. That is, Don't waste your money on another pair of Hodgeman anything. I have owned a couple of pairs of their boots, and if you get a half season out of them, your lucky.
Jacob
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[cool][blue][size 1]Hey Fire_Hawk, almost everybody who tubes keeps tapdancing with the balance of waders, boots and fins. I'm the moderator over on the float tubing board and have posted quite a few pics over the last year of different kinds of footwear. I will attach a pic of a group of different options for soft foot neoprenes or lightweight waders.[/size][/blue]
[#0000ff][size 1]If you have the Simms, you will get a lot of good wear out of them. But, if they are too tight in your old boots, you need to get larger ones. Constriction is not only uncomfortable, it will make for cold feet a lot faster.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Don't know what shoe size you wear, but if it isn't over about size 11 or 12, you can find those hard soled zippered "flats boots" up to about a size 14. They will go over size 12 neoprene feet, with a pair of good socks underneath.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Most important is to take your waders and socks with you when you are shopping for outer footwear. Try before you buy. If they won't let you "suit up" and try the boots on, take your business where they will.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Next, you may find you have to get larger fins...for the same reason. Unless you have the strap on adjustable fins, you will need to be able to get your "upsized" booted feet into the pockets.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]I use Xlarge Mares diving fins, and I have a size 13 foot inside socks, neoprene boot feet and flats boots. They can get a bit snug in the coldest weather with an extra pair of socks, but doable.[/size][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][size 1]Come on over to the float tubing board and go back through some of the past threads on waders, boots, fins and such.[/size][/#0000ff]
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Check out the Korkers with removable soles. they rock.
They come with both felt soles and rubber and you can get studded and others for them.
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Hey I had a pair of hodgeman boots that lasted me almost 5 years of HARD fishing. they did need to have some maintenace repairs but I got my money's worth out of them. I just scored me a pair of reddington boots on ebay that I can't wait to try out. Good luck finding something that works for you. chicken
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I would consider different boots for your tube than stream wading. I like somewhat harder boots in streams to protect my ankles. In a tube, check out the selection of wetshoes from NRS. I use them in my yak and they are much more comfortable for all day use. You want to buy them a size larger than you would normally wear. Just a thought.
[url "http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1169"]http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=1169[/url]
Good Fishing, Kayote
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I wouldn't worry about your tube at all. When I float tube, I don't wear any footwear at all -- except for fins of course, but even those can be optional (just ask polokid)!
Anyway, I just have my stockingfoot waders and fins on and nothing else. If you try and get boots that work for both stream wading and float tubing, you're going to have some extra weight on your feet and you'll get tired a lot quicker when you're kicking around on a lake, especially if you're fighting any kind of wind. I have some felt soled boots that I use for stream wading, but like I said I don't use them in my float tube. If you're worried about wearing out the stocking feet in your waders by not having anything between them and your fins, you could always by some of those water socks. They very inexpensive and just get them big enough that they'll fit over your waders. They look a lot like the shoes Kayote mentioned that he uses for his kayak, but I think you can get them for like $10.
I just got a new pair of waders from cabelas, UPS will be dropping it off tomorrow. I think I might try cutting my old waders off at the knee or shin and seeing if I can use them as sort of a bootie to put on over my waders before putting my fins on. We'll see though.
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I agree with HFT Korkers ROCK....
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Thanks for the ideas guys. I was thinking of getting some good boots for wading and then find some of those cheaper shoes for float tubing. That said, HFT I have a question for you. It seems that the strap on the back of the Korkers would eventually give out and the soles could potentially pop out. Any complaints on that?
I like the idea of both types of soles but I am a little weary of the long term durability of them. Help me to feel better Dr. HFT.
Thanks! FH
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No chance at all because it is not the strap that holds it in place. the soles Have lips that snap them into place. The strap is extra precaution. It doesn't show that too well in the picture. When I saw these at the denver show last year they had samples that had been 139 days on the water and they looked impresive. since I have carried them I have yet to see a problem. 6 months,50 sales,usually I would see a problem by now if there were any.
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I would just get a pair of wading booties to wear while float tubing. I have a pair and they are light weight and easy to use. I got mine at Gart Sports for $20. I have had them for about six years now. For river fishing I have two pair of shoes. I have one pair of hodgmans and they are heavy. I don't wear them to often. I have another pair of light weight on with felt soles that I love. Even when they are wet they are still easy to move around in. What ever you decide make sure that they are light weight. You don't want to feel like you have bricks strapped on your feet. I can't remember what brand my light weight ones are but if you would like to know I can find out. Send me a PM if you want some more information.
C&R
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