River Salt Wading Boots (Built By Danner)

I have to admit that I've only used these once, but I was extremely impressed. I spent an entire afternoon wading a tributary of Lake Superior going after trout. My previous pair of wading boots were the cheapest possible felt soled pair I found at a drastic discount online when I wasn't sure how serious I would be about fly fishing. Now that I was more convinced I want to fish, I was looking around for better boots that transitioned between hiking and dry and wet wading. I landed on these because I've had a pair of Danner Mountain Light II's for nearly fifteen years and I also love all my Patagonia gear. The first thing I noticed when putting these boots on was how snug they were with the waders I was using. This worried me a bit because I was wading in extremely cold water and didn't have much room for extra socks. While I was a little chilly, I think I stayed warm enough after four hours in the ~30 degree water. I also noticed how stable the boots were. The base of the boot looks a little wide when you're wearing them, but once you're in the water you know why. The width provides stability on uneven (and often invisible) river bottoms so you're not constantly turning your ankle. I also love the Vibram sole. I was using felt soles before (I shouldn't have but I didn't know better!) and these are noticeably more supportive and protective. I also found they transition between water and shore far better (snow often cakes on the felt soles making it nearly impossible to hike or fish from shore in them during early trout season). The other factors that I noticed was how durable they seem, how excited I am to wet wade in them in rocky streams (wading in sandals left my feet full of cuts during a long painful afternoon last year), and the fact that they can be recrafted gives me a lot of confidence I won't be buying new ones any time soon. I had my Danners recrafted a couple years ago, and though it wasn't cheap, I have a perfectly broken in pair of boots that look almost brand new and I expect the same will happen with the River Salts when I need to recraft them. The last thing I liked about these is the potential for hiking in them. I prefer to at least have the option to take a minimal pack and hike to a stream in my waders without having to carry extra gear. These boots, because they are so much like regular boots (particularly the sole) make that very possible. I'm eager to get these out more often this year, and am so far more than pleased with my use of them so far.

Solid built, comfortable, will last a long time, sewed on soles are what sold them. Pricey but tired of other wadding boots that have glued soles coming apart.

I wear a size 10 in the Danner Mountain 600 and Jag Boot. I ordered these in size 10. Hiked 6 miles in backcountry. They ran a little large out of the water for me, even with thick wool socks. In the water with waders they felt solid, I didn't seem to notice the increase in size (once submerged in the water) that others have mentioned. I exchanged for size 9 which I am looking forward to trying because over all these boots are well made, durable, comfortable, and are perfect for trips where you're covering ground and don't want to haul extra boots. Pricey sure, but made by two companies that stand by their products. Spend the extra money and reduce waste by buying a product that will last you a long time!

These boots are easily one of the best pieces of outdoor gear I own. I've put a full season of wade fishing on mine now and have no complaints. Night and day difference from the previous generation of Patagonia ultra light sticky wading boots (which fell apart on me with less than 100 days on the water). The soles are holding up well and grip is good in the water on varying surfaces. The River Salts are extremely comfortable, light, dry amazingly fast and will accommodate waders or a neoprene wet wading sock. I've even worn mine with just a thick pair of wool socks and it worked out alright. They feel more like standard tall hiking boots than a pair of heavy wading boots and are easier to hike in when you have a trek to get to the water. Bonus that they come with a spare set of laces and studs. Sizing and fit: I agree with some of the other reviewers, these aren't the easiest boot to choose a size. My advice: Choose your standard wading boot size. When you first put them on dry with waders they feel snug, almost too small. However, they stretch A LOT once they get wet. I had to stop and re-tie mine after wading a bit the first few outings wearing them. I sense they are designed more for the neoprene sock/wet wading or flats fishing scenarios but I've found they work great with waders as well for 3-season use. For winter fishing, I would go up a size or better yet buy the Foot Tractors/a different style of wading boot.

Bought these after another fishing brand failed me. I was pleasantly surprised. Wore them all day, hiked a couple of miles to and from stream. Sturdy and actually more grip over felts that I have used in past. Hoping these will be my last pair of wading boots I own ! Regarding the fit - they will loosen up once wet, no need to size up.