Having watched a pair of wading Orvis wading boots fall to pieces in under a season with no real rambling or hardship bestowed upon them I was amazed at their price tag. The saddle stitching around the toe broke up and frayed and at other parts it was just loose. The toe caps worked loose and the felt sole wore out rapidlly

I've been looking at other wading boots, some of which are extortionate and others I've been told are poor and to avoid. The choice is minimal also.

I then spotted field boots (Google, field boots) I can't see any problem in using these as wading boots if not clambering over wet boulders. At around half the price of the low end wading boots, these boots look perfect for the job with brass eyelets etc. All that I can see is missing are holes to let the water out. Easily solved with a drill/battery gun.

They range from £20-£35 Anybody tried them for wading boots already?

A chap I used to go netting with for the E.A. always used hiking boots. Certainly seemed to last better than wading boots and better for walking the bank with, he didn't seem to have any problem with grip in the water either so thinking of trying a pair myself when I next get a new pair.
dave

Totally with you on this S, a rip off market if ever there was one.
When it's time to replace my Dynatracks, I will be looking at the walking boot market, and drilling holes.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

I dare say you could screw studs into the tread if thats how you like your boots. To me, they look better than the boots I bought with their entirely moulded soles, no stitching to get frayed. One big finger up to the the rip-off merchants, eh!

I use hiking boots, buy them from M&M catalogue.

Andy

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Let's "Tackle Cancer" supporter.
World Record Holder for Navigating the length of Loch Ness.......on a Pedalo!!!

I've been using Jalas orienteering shoes (the ones with ankle support) for the past 3 years. These have metal studs in them. These are much better for walking in and there is no more skiing down steep grassy banks but not as good as felt for wading on really bad rock. Basically I choose whether to wear one or the other depending on conditions, mostly it's the orienteering shoes.

But will they accommodate the thickness of the neoprene on stocking-foot waders?

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cumbriafishingfestival.co.uk

I always go two sizes over David with wading boots as I also wear neoprene socks in the winter.
I would definitely take a pair of waders with me when purchasing any boots, I would rather be laughed at in the shop than have pinching toes.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Assume I bought a pair of boots for £25, on the net, and they were a tad too small. I don't drill any holes in them and use them for bank boots, or for use in the snow. I then order a size larger or 2 knowing they'll fit. Either way I have two pair of boots, probably more durable than the cheap wading boots I'd get for £50.

Someone mentioned these today S, seem GVFV.
Millets Men's Kruger II Boots

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.