Simms Blackfoot VS. Orvis Clearwater Felt Wading Boots

[stevewes2004]

First thing I have to say is, Simms has really impressed me with the quality they provide.

Ok, after owning and fishing/wading with both of these boots, I'll go ahead and compare these from my point of view.

After owning Red Head boots (Bass Pro brand) for a while and having them fall apart completely on the stream (I mean the soles were floating down the river, etc.) I decided to step up to something better.  I had owned a pair of Orvis Clearwaters years ago when I was an early teenager and wore the felt out but they stayed together.  I was obviously in the market for new boots so I went with the Simms Blackfoot felt soles.

The Simms wins in comfort, ankle support, looks (which really doesn't matter), ruggedness and anything else I can think of except two categories.  The Orvis are more packable and the felt is glued AND sewn on the soles.  They were both the same price ($69.99) at Bass Pro Shops.  BUT, I haven't worn the Simms enought to know whether I can go through the life of the felt without them falling apart like I did with the Orvis boots.

Simms: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10205274_175009003_175000000_175009000_175-9-3

Orvis: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_95996_175009003_175000000_175009000_175-9-3

[Woolly Bugger]

i'm getting a new pair of the Freestone model

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_104005_100013003_100000000_100013000_100-13-3

My old studded ll bean boots will be for Didymo streams and the new Simms for all the rest... 

[stevewes2004]

yes sir, i like those too.  simms rocks.