Wading boots by shoe companies

[Paul Arden]

Very interesting I had a reply on this topic:

when we developed this boot we tested different kind of Corduras, to see which best fulfilled the criteria of resistance to wear&tear on one side, and water drainage on the other. The material chosen is the one we are using still after almost 10 years of existence in the market with perfect result. Its an old material, from the time when materials where made to last.

The problem is that its an material used less and less, and the colour options from the manufacturer are very limited, and also getting more so. Before we had a kind of olive-green colour to chose from, which we used for fishers etc, but this colour has been eliminated. Of course, camoflaje is NOT available. Instead of the green one we now make black/grey as an option, but only on mayor orders.

The available camouflage textiles on the market are in general of poor quality when it comes to endurance and functionality, which is something we always put in the first room.

[sms]

Ha!

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Bestards are 12UK. 11.5 could have been enough size-wise, but I can use thick sock and wool sock to keep warm in these without real pressure, so I’m happy. The comparative wading boot is Vision Loikka in size 13 that I was using with extra neoprene sock over the wader’s sock. Does not work that way with Bestards, but wasn’t aiming for that.

I do now understand why these are easy to put on. The below says it all I think. And the lacing makes tightening and untightening fast and easy.

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I would say these run circles around most wading boots. And are much lower cost and not made somewhere were the actual manufacturer does not get decent money for them (the brand and stockists are getting their share before the shop). From first impression these are good value for money. Of course truth will reveal only in use thou, which is months away.

[Paul Arden]

Something I’ve noticed is that I can drive in them. Of course I’ve often driven trucks wearing wading and hiking boots but it’s far easier in the Bestards. I use them every day to check out my trail camera but I really need to get them properly wet and spend a couple of months on the river.

I see babies past the boat...

Cheers

[Paul Arden]

Ha

I’m particularly impressed with the lacing, the speed, the way they lock, and the ease at which they tuck away. Laces coming undone has always been a total PITA for me.

So for me it’s now all about durability and wet rocks. I doubt I’ll be able to do any thorough testing before Sungai Tiang is fishable again. But then I expect I’ll be on the river pretty much for three months beginning of next year.

Cheers, Paul

[sms]

Anyone had a look at canyoning boots? I have a guide friend who swears by them. Think this was the brand http://www.upandunder.co.uk/Watersports ... e---35531/.

A big thanks to you Will! Without you bringing these boots up in this thread, these would have gone under the radar otherwise I think.

I’m particularly impressed with the lacing, the speed, the way they lock, and the ease at which they tuck away.

Before I received these, I was a bit "Right, can't be so great. Boots are always a bit tough to put on and take off."
So, I was overlooking your comment to be honest and also the added value of that function. Well, the added value is such that I think I will now start using these even for my spey training. Also now my expectations of easiness of putting on and taking off have raised a lot. Damn.

[Paul Arden]

Same with the built-in gravel guards too. I mean why wouldn’t you integrate them when you design boots? There has been a lot of thought and experience put into these.

Do you know how difficult it was for me to buy a decent set of gravel guards in Malaysia? It ended up costing me half the price of these boots! But I didn’t have any choice - not because of gravel but because of leeches.

But what impresses me most is how nimble I feel while wearing them. I actually enjoy putting them on and I think that says everything really.

Cheers, Paul

[sms]

But what impresses me most is how ... I feel while wearing them. I actually enjoy putting them on and I think that says everything really.

Fly fisher’s ”stilettos”

[Michal Duzynski]

I love them more with every outing. Sometimes I twist my leg on a rock and the shoe hits another rock with a cut/scratch like sound. Cgeck the boot, nothing.
Yes, I drive with them as well, fully titghten, but I leave the gravel guards loose.
The only thing is the fabric lining from the insert is of, so I left with rubber only, not a big issue.
mike