A really good wading boot should fit like a good walking boot - if you are into the boot thing. Some of the more recent Simms boots are excellent. Most wading boots I’ve used in the past don’t fit properly and your feet slides around in the bottom. The question I ask myself is if they were 1-2 sizes smaller then how would I feel about walking 20kms in them just wearing socks? Believe me I’ve done this with some boots and it’s been a nightmare. Blisters and once I couldn’t walk for two days afterwards, my feet and shins were so sore. Those are just really shitty boots.
That’s why I buy hiking boots and modify them. The leather doesn’t like it and I’ll get 2 hard seasons out of them. I hope to get more out of these boots because they won’t be continually wet which will make a big difference.
Mostly I walk a lot, it’s hard on boots. You are climbing over boulders, running across rivers, walking through the bush. Complete felt is no good for me because then it’s slippy and I have to walk down muddy banks.
(As a side note by the way, I only use felt nowadays when fishing one river and not moving between rivers.)
For me I like the ankle support and protection especially while carrying a heavy pack. I have used trail running shoes in the past but I really hurt my feet sometimes - but for speed they were unbeatable.
Poor fitting boots are painful but at worst they are downright dangerous. I need confidence when crossing fast broken water. If you miss a crossing and end up getting washed down a waterfall or slammed into a rock face then you might get seriously injured. Days like this were sheer hard work!
http://www.sexyloops.com/picofday/trans ... on33.shtml
Cheers, Paul