River Salt Wading Boots (Built By Danner)

These boots are amazing, easy to hike in and great traction on slippery rocky stream bottoms. I agree with the other reviews that sizing up if you're wearing waders, I normally wear a size 13 but the 14 fits unreal w/ my new Rio Gallegos waders (w/ booties). Looking forward to years of trout slaying in these boots!

I snagged these boots right before heading out on my first ever fly fishing trip... 8 days on the Aniak River. Patagonia's reputation for quality and the weight (light) of the River Salt boots sold me. Upon receipt I loved the feel and was excited to get them out, albeit a little nervous taking brand new boots on such a long trip. My worries turned out to never be a problem. The boots fit perfectly and after 8 long days on the river, 12-14 hours a day wearing them, I never had a single blister or hot spot. The traction was great and the quality is not in question. I'll probably have these forever, but when it comes time for another pair of Wading Boots, I'll be getting another pair from Patagonia.

The most comfortable wading boot I’ve ever owned in my 60 years of fly fishing. With the provided studs they provide extremely secure footing. And they are downright beautiful.

I'm hard on my wading boots. They get dragged on backcountry trips and hike/wading adventures more than anything else. The need to cover miles comfortably, work with waders or when temperatures climb wet wade all rank high. So far I can say the River Salt Boots have been up to the task. They took a a short break moment - Two days on the river until I forgot I was wearing them. They felt great with waders and worked without waders when used for hiking on tundra/wet wading. The fact they can be rebuilt comes as a big bonus. I'd rather repair then replace. As with any product, they will have to withstand the tests of time, and hard usage, but reaction after a 2 week backcountry trip is that they are a big jump in quality and design from my last pair of wading boots.

I took these bad boys to Christmas Island, a place that destroys tennis shoes and my past wading boots in a week. We fished open ocean with coral, sand and rocks pounding on us. It’s usually a boot destroyer day, but my soles looked untouched after two weeks on the island. I didn’t even have to break in my boot. My first day wearing them was on the island and they worked out perfect. I am a women’s size 8, and went to a men’s size 6: I usually like my boots bigger, but these fit perfectly. The boot fits so tight around my ankle in a good way! Keeping river sediment out as well as salt and coral on the saltwater trips I didn’t even wear a gravel guard and it worked out fine (I somehow didn’t pack my wading socks is the reason I didn’t wear any). I am now half way through my guide season and obsessed with the traction, durability and comfort I get every day. They do look worn, well loved and how a boot should look. But I have no doubt I’ll get many years out them. Couldn’t recommend a better wet wading boot.