River Salt Wading Boots (Built By Danner)

I usually wear a size 10 so I went up one size in order for this boot to fit over the neoprene booties on my waders. The size 11 was too tight so I exchanged for a size 12 and they fit perfectly over my waders.

Aesthetics: As an Artist, I care for Aesthetics and Style first. I don't understand why fly fishing has such a boring everything is the same cookie cutter flavorless wack muted grumpy dumpy old man gadget dangling look. Any way the boots look FRESH. I've worn them off river with jeans and for a recent photo shoot for one of those style/design magazines you see at the supermarket. Those boxes are checked. On and Off River...At that price they have to do double time. Function: I have a wide foot 3E 11/11.5 size. I usually buy a size up for Width. I did this with the River Salt. I got a size 12. Brand new it felt right but mind and gut was telling me NO! Don't do it. So I reordered the 11. Perfect fit. I walked around the house first. They were tight. I tried different socks and thought I had made a bad choice because they felt kinda tight still after 2 weeks of house styling. I took them out on the River and the dew from the grass seemed to loosen them up before they got really wet. The trail walks to the river are comfortable. You can get a good long hike in the River Salts no problem. No discomfort for me. The grip is good in and out of the water. The support for me is good. The boot flexes with my ankles and are just there in the pocket like an old friend. I don't feel like I'm fighting padding or heavily sloshing around. The boots are nimble and light weight. I feel like the fish know my boots look good so it makes my fly's look good and they just hop on my line. Plus, I clean my boots after every trip to remove the grit. I want them to last cause I know how to tear a product up. So I need the Patagonia warranty. The boots now look scruffy and fresh like a fave pair of Docs. Cons: I feel like I'm always wanting to re tying my laces every hour or so now that the boot has relaxed. I was planning on adding some blue or safety orange laces anyway cause aesthetics and style. I will see if that helps. I may also add a new insole to see if I can get even more comfort out of a very comfortable light weight stylish boot that does good work.

These are the best wading boots I've ever owned. As a guide, I rely on durable and comfortable boots every day and these boots are top notch. I've had these boots for about a month now and have at least 15 days in them and I've beat them up. Everything from rough freestones, to tailwaters with basketball shaped boulders that roll, to sandy flats, to 12 mile hikes, these boots have done everything I've asked and shown minimal wear thus far. I can't speak for longevity, but so far I'm impressed. Being American made is a huge plus and important to me as well. Note: They do run a hair small. I initially ordered a 12, which it what I typically wear in boots, but they were a bit tight. I went to a 13 and they are good, slightly big, but that's fine since I need heavy socks for 4-5 months out of the year in the Northeast.

These are the best wading boots I've ever owned. As a guide, I rely on durable and comfortable boots every day and these boots are top notch. I've had these boots for about a month now and have at least 15 days in them and I've beat them up. Everything from rough freestones, to tailwaters with basketball shaped boulders that roll, to sandy flats, to 12 mile hikes, these boots have done everything I've asked and shown minimal wear thus far. I can't speak for longevity, but so far I'm impressed. Being American made is a huge plus and important to me as well. Note: They do run a hair small. I initially ordered a 12, which it what I typically wear in boots, but they were a bit tight. I went to a 13 and they are good, slightly big, but that's fine since I need heavy socks for 4-5 months out of the year in the Northeast.

I read all the reviews and ordered half size up (normal shoes size 7.5, own Danner hiking boots size 7) and they were way too small with the wading socks. Exchange process over a chat was so swift and smooth with the best customer service person. I absolutely love everything about Patagonia and what they make!