Why Do I Need Wading Boots when I Go Fly Fishing?

Water and lichen make surfaces slippery. Lake and river banks can be muddy and marshy. Everyday shoes are not waterproof and can be highly unstable when you step in mud, on rocks, or in the middle of a stream.

When you go fly fishing, you often can’t see what is happening in the water. You have poor visibility and need all your attention and balance to cast your line and fly at the right spot. If you want to stand upright and well-balanced, you need proper shoes—shoes that are comfortable and sturdy in all riparian conditions. That’s where wading boots come in.

What Type of Sole Should I Choose for My Wading Boots?

Wading boots offer you a choice between felt soles and rubber soles.

Felt soles have a tight grip on rocks. However, they do less well in muddy marshy waters and get worn out quickly compared to rubber soles. Also, some states have forbidden the use of felt soles because they may transfer bacteria and other aquatic life matter from one river to the other. If a species is invasive, it could upset the fragile aquatic balance of a river or stream. For this reason, states like Alaska have outlawed the use of felt soles in wading boots.

Rubber soles are sturdy and versatile and will do well in most conditions, including mud and snow. The Orvis PRO Wading boots boast exceptional traction thanks to Michelin’s innovative outsole. Some people place studs on rubber soles to increase their grip and traction. However, remember that studs could puncture rafts, so don’t step into one if your wading boots have studs.

How Tall Should My Wading Boots Be?

The height of your wading boots is a matter of personal preference. Taller wading boots offer better ankle support, so they may help your legs feel firm and well-balanced. However, tall wading boots are heavier than shorter ones.

Shorter wading boots still protect your ankles while weighing less. If you want something more comfortable and easier to wear for long hours, you could try shorter ones. The Orvis lightweight wading boot is great for hiking into a more secluded stream.

What Are Wading Boots Made of?

Modern wading boots are made of several materials. The best wet wading boots for fly fishing are made from a selection of materials, each chosen for a separate part of the boot to ensure optimum support.

Most wading boots are made of rubber, nylon, and synthetic leather. The best fly fishing wading boots will have rubber-encased toes to protect your toes from bumping on rocks and other hard surfaces. The top should be soft but sturdy to help you bend your ankles and upper foot without hurting it.

All the materials used are obviously suitable for water. Even so, you should always clean your wading boots after a fly fishing expedition, especially if you go saltwater fishing.

How Should I Choose My Wading Boots?

If you have chosen stockngfoot waders, then you also need wading boots. If you have opted for bootfoot waders, then you don’t need wading boots as these are already part of your waders.

You should choose wading boots that are as lightweight as possible. You will spend long hours in these boots and want to feel comfortable. Heavy or ill-fitting boots will exhaust you quickly, preventing you from enjoying your fly fishing adventure.

You also want sturdy laces that will keep your wading boots in place. At the same time, your wading boots should be easy to lace up. You don’t want to have complicated ties and knots. Some wading boots have an advanced system called BOA. Instead of tying shoelaces, you press a button that automatically ties the laces and tightens or loosens the boot.

If you have chosen wet wading boots, make sure they drain well. As you enter the water, you want it to drain from your boots fast and give you mobility and steadiness.
The whole point of your wading boots is to deliver solid ankle support. Make sure your foot is comfortable in your boot and you can stand upright and balanced with ease. Don’t leave any space between your foot and your boot, as this can cause you to lose your balance and miscalculate your steps. This is the perfect recipe for sprained ankles and broken bones.

Finally, if you prefer felt soles, make sure that the stream, lake, or river you have chosen allows their use.

Fly Fishing Outfitters Wading Boots

Here at Fly Fishing Outfitters, we have a large selection of wading boots for all sizes and of all lengths. You will find men’s and women’s fly fishing wading boots from various reputable and quality brands, including Orvis wading boots. We have several budget-friendly wading boots that deliver comfort and good ankle support as well as higher end, state-of-the-art boots for anglers who spend long hours in the water.