Pretentious Snobby Bastard Fly Fishing!

This Ain't Necessarily Fly Fishing => Gear Reviews => Topic started by: Big J on January 02, 2020, 19:50:01 PM

Title: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Big J on January 02, 2020, 19:50:01 PM
Looking at wading boots and I'm between the Simms Flyweight boots and Orvis Ultralight wading boots. Leaning towards the Flyweight. Anyone have any experience with either?
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Woolly Bugger on January 02, 2020, 20:36:22 PM
They will both tear up in a year or two — Look at all the "awards" the orvis boots got  'c;  and they are $30 less  :Dance
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: jwgnc on January 02, 2020, 22:20:48 PM
Light-weight boots are great if you like to feel every rock and your sweetheart gives foot massages.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dee-Vo on January 03, 2020, 09:06:00 AM
I've heard more negativity toward Orvis boots. That being said -- I haven't had Orvis personally. I will say that Simms replaced a pair for me that were given hell for at least 2 years. They sent me a new pair at zero charge, and for that, they've got my future business.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dee-Vo on January 03, 2020, 09:12:47 AM
https://www.brfff.com/forum/index.php?topic=14830.15
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Big J on January 03, 2020, 09:35:27 AM
I kind of feel like the soles of the Orvis boots seem a little beefier.  Going to run down to the Orvis shop today and check them out.  Seem to have decent reviews and no durability complaints.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Mudwall Gatewood 3.0 on January 03, 2020, 10:08:54 AM
http://youtu.be/IrKch-ScxsQ
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dee-Vo on January 03, 2020, 10:14:52 AM
@troutfanatic and @buddy_25_99 both had issues with the boots if I recall correctly. I think Brian mentioned it in the thread that I posted the link to. He had good luck with Orvis service from what I remember. Buddy has switched over to Simms for the most part.

It's funny how brands in all things (fishing products, furniture, vehicles, etc.) develop diehard customers that are loyal 'til the end, and others that won't give you a nickel for the same product. I think it's basically a cycle. You'll gain customers, and you'll lose them, then they'll be back again after someone else pisses them off.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Big J on January 03, 2020, 10:27:32 AM
Quote from: Dee-Vo on January 03, 2020, 10:14:52 AM@troutfanatic and @buddy_25_99 both had issues with the boots if I recall correctly. I think Brian mentioned it in the thread that I posted the link to. He had good luck with Orvis service from what I remember. Buddy has switched over to Simms for the most part.

It's funny how brands in all things (fishing products, furniture, vehicles, etc.) develop diehard customers that are loyal 'til the end, and others that won't give you a nickel for the same product. I think it's basically a cycle. You'll gain customers, and you'll lose them, then they'll be back again after someone else pisses them off.

Guess my question is more boot specific.  I usually go with Simms myself but their lower end/mid range gear quality seems to have declined imho in the past few years regarding durability.  Also I'm rough on boots.  If I get two years out of a lightweight boot, I'd be happy.  The Orvis lightweight boot has been on the market for a year longer then the Simms.  I really am interested in a lightweight boot because I'm going to Golden Trout Wilderness in July and want a boot I can hike in if I need to, but also is lightweight in the pack. 
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Mudwall Gatewood 3.0 on January 03, 2020, 10:42:43 AM
 Yes, I know, I am a dick!  Sorry, I can't resist.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dee-Vo on January 03, 2020, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: Big J on January 03, 2020, 10:27:32 AM
Quote from: Dee-Vo on January 03, 2020, 10:14:52 AM@troutfanatic and @buddy_25_99 both had issues with the boots if I recall correctly. I think Brian mentioned it in the thread that I posted the link to. He had good luck with Orvis service from what I remember. Buddy has switched over to Simms for the most part.

It's funny how brands in all things (fishing products, furniture, vehicles, etc.) develop diehard customers that are loyal 'til the end, and others that won't give you a nickel for the same product. I think it's basically a cycle. You'll gain customers, and you'll lose them, then they'll be back again after someone else pisses them off.

Guess my question is more boot specific.  I usually go with Simms myself but their lower end/mid range gear quality seems to have declined imho in the past few years regarding durability.  Also I'm rough on boots.  If I get two years out of a lightweight boot, I'd be happy.  The Orvis lightweight boot has been on the market for a year longer then the Simms.  I really am interested in a lightweight boot because I'm going to Golden Trout Wilderness in July and want a boot I can hike in if I need to, but also is lightweight in the pack. 

First of all, I'm envious. Congrats. I'm hoping to get out there at some point in the future.


Secondly, I guess these are out of the question --

https://www.patagonia.com/product/foot-tractor-wading-boots-aluminum-bar/79320.html?dwvar_79320_color=FGE&cgid=mens-waders#tile-19=&start=1&sz=36


The cheaper Freestones I had from Simms and the cheaper Redingtons I had didn't last maybe two years, but with very rough usage and lots of hiking. They were actually good boots, I guess.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Big J on January 03, 2020, 10:52:36 AM
Yes, Patagucci is out of the question. 

Hiner, you know I just wear what my wife tells me.  Take it up with her.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dee-Vo on January 03, 2020, 10:54:35 AM
Quote from: Mudwall Gatewood 3.0 on January 03, 2020, 10:42:43 AMYes, I know, I am a dick!  Sorry, I can't resist.

There really is no place like the BRFFF -- one day we've got a detailed debate regarding scat origin, the next we've got the latest fashion in fly-fishing garb. Who knew.....
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Mudwall Gatewood 3.0 on January 03, 2020, 11:41:53 AM
Quote from: Big J on January 03, 2020, 10:52:36 AMYes, Patagucci is out of the question. 

Hiner, you know I just wear what my wife tells me.  Take it up with her.

Take a double dose of ecstasy and go boot-wader boot shopping.  After Orvis, stop by The Gift Niche and check out the Tervis Tumblers and Star City Afghans.  Then slip in to Polished by Claire V to get your monthly pedicure.  Happy day on The Market!

http://youtu.be/OtkR4OaS-h0

Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Big J on January 03, 2020, 12:53:31 PM
Went with the Whorvis UltraLights.  Seemed like quality but time will tell.  Salesmen thought they matched my Pedicure. 
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Onslow on January 03, 2020, 16:40:51 PM
Wading boots are ok, but as with waders, they are not essentials.  Forgot them one day while creekin this past year, with pair of Merrills, and all went well.  My next pair of wading boots will be a pair of Bethel tactical boots that can be purchased at Robbies in Mt. Airy NC.

I've had too many slip incidents on mud/wet dirt that nearly put me on some rocks that would have resulted in serious injury. I believe conventional vibram soles are generally more functional for the overall fishing experience which also involves hiking/hill scrambling. 
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dougfish on January 04, 2020, 11:08:33 AM
I'm hiking in lightweight boots and wading (what little there is) in even lighter sandals. GT are the other GT.
 :Dance
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dee-Vo on January 04, 2020, 13:35:57 PM
If there's any distance to it I usually use my hiking shoes nowadays and slide the wading boots on once I get to the fishing part. My Merrell hiking shoes do not do well in streams concerning grip, not at all. @Onslow - what type do you use? Also, Robbie's is a no-go for me.  p;-
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: driver on January 08, 2020, 07:18:54 AM
I forgot my wading boots one day. So I wore what I had on. Keen Detroit Mids. On land these are the grippyest shoes I have ever worn. And they did exceptionally well on the stream. But I do have to keep in mind this was a high elevation granite brookie creek with very few slick rocks.

That also being said hiking boots are not designed to be wet all the time arlnd are likely to fall apart and rot quicker than a wading boot.

With all that being said, I've had good luck with Simms in the higher price ranges. Freestones... not so much.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: troutrus on January 27, 2021, 19:32:00 PM
Just bought a pair of the Orvis Ultralights after reading this thread. Followed the advice on Amazon reviews to get two sizes larger than foot size. Glad I did. My normal shoe size is 11 so I ordered a 13. Fit very nice over the waders.
Somewhat disappointed to see they were made in Viet Nam.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dougfish on January 27, 2021, 20:12:28 PM
I've got 3 years on my Freestones (which is a world record for me). They will fail me this year.
Like those Orvis. But, I love my felt and studs. I'm gonna have a tough decision.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Onslow on January 27, 2021, 20:28:03 PM
Quote from: troutrus on January 27, 2021, 19:32:00 PMJust bought a pair of the Orvis Ultralights after reading this thread. Followed the advice on Amazon reviews to get two sizes larger than foot size. Glad I did. My normal shoe size is 11 so I ordered a 13. Fit very nice over the waders.
Somewhat disappointed to see they were made in Viet Nam.

Any American made boot whether work or wading will cost around $350.  Patagucci/Danner appear to be the only American made wading boots on the market.

My first pair of wading boots were Danner.  Damn things lasted 7 years.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: troutrus on January 27, 2021, 21:59:20 PM
The irony of fighting wars under the guise of preventing the spread of Communism only to turn around a few years later and conduct open trade with a couple communist countries is beyond my comprehension.
China and now more and more from Viet Nam. North Korean product is likely on the horizon.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Big J on January 28, 2021, 09:20:20 AM
Quote from: troutrus on January 27, 2021, 19:32:00 PMJust bought a pair of the Orvis Ultralights after reading this thread. Followed the advice on Amazon reviews to get two sizes larger than foot size. Glad I did. My normal shoe size is 11 so I ordered a 13. Fit very nice over the waders.
Somewhat disappointed to see they were made in Viet Nam.

I've been happy with my pair.  Just don't hike 7 miles uphill in the Sierras in them and they will treat you good.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: troutboy_II on January 28, 2021, 11:45:48 AM
They are made in China, but I continue to be a fan of Chota STL's for comfort. relative light weight and durability.  I think there were some on the board that had issues with them in the past, but I have always had good luck with them.  Might be something else to look at, if you can find them - not every shop carries them these days.

My $.02.

TB
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: troutrus on January 28, 2021, 14:37:31 PM
Quote from: troutboy_II on January 28, 2021, 11:45:48 AMThey are made in China, but I continue to be a fan of Chota STL's for comfort. relative light weight and durability.  I think there were some on the board that had issues with them in the past, but I have always had good luck with them.  Might be something else to look at, if you can find them - not every shop carries them these days.

My $.02.

TB

Yeah, I7C5AFD0A-7DF6-4868-BF07-EB1EAE157B94.jpeg4DB86809-C452-4BB5-B975-F0FA6E86D787.jpeg have a pair of the Chota's and liked them a lot. They are nice and light but the pair I've been wearing seem to be getting tighter every time I wear them. Apparently it's more than just my waistline that has been spreading. 🙂.  Figured I'd try something different. Side by side, the Chota appears and feels to be lighters and less cumbersome, but the scale suggests no significant difference in weight.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dougfish on June 03, 2021, 20:37:27 PM

Picked up my Orvis Lightweights.
Put the studs in and decided to try them out before I take them to CO next week.

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Good grip, didn't bust my ass.
And I caught the slam. I think they'll do fine.
I did lose a stud. But J has been losing them, too.
Rubber soles don't hang on to them like felt.



Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: troutrus on June 04, 2021, 06:52:54 AM
https://youtu.be/1UY7Evpxb9w
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dougfish on June 04, 2021, 06:59:06 AM
Yep. I have a bag of 250 I have been using for years.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Onslow on January 01, 2024, 15:57:33 PM
Quote from: Dougfish on June 03, 2021, 20:37:27 PM

Picked up my Orvis Lightweights.
Put the studs in and decided to try them out before I take them to CO next week.

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Good grip, didn't bust my ass.
And I caught the slam. I think they'll do fine.
I did lose a stud. But J has been losing them, too.
Rubber soles don't hang on to them like felt.




Well, how do you like them?  Shopping... Tired of hoofing about with a backpack just for boot stashing.  I've been carrying a dry pair of shoes in a backpack for my hikes out.  This does help my feet, but I do wish to simplify things a bit.

Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dougfish on January 01, 2024, 16:35:06 PM
Disclaimer: I kill boots and waders. Quickly. I'm rough and tumble.

2 1/2 years in, 150+ trips, I'm wearing the tops of the toes out. The sole on the side of one is coming loose. Some stud holes in the soles have wallowed out and won't retain a stud anymore.
Would I buy again, yes.
Will be pulling the trigger in a few months, more than likely.
The fit is good. Order one size up
I have worn out a lot of other boots faster. Non stream traction is very good. Stream traction is not as good as felt, but I have adjusted and almost always use a staff.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: streamereater_101691 on January 07, 2024, 19:00:27 PM
Quote from: Dougfish on January 01, 2024, 16:35:06 PMDisclaimer: I kill boots and waders. Quickly. I'm rough and tumble.

2 1/2 years in, 150+ trips, I'm wearing the tops of the toes out. The sole on the side of one is coming loose. Some stud holes in the soles have wallowed out and won't retain a stud anymore.
Would I buy again, yes.
Will be pulling the trigger in a few months, more than likely.
The fit is good. Order one size up
I have worn out a lot of other boots faster. Non stream traction is very good. Stream traction is not as good as felt, but I have adjusted and almost always use a staff.


I can attest. Mine are 2 years. One pair with studs and one without. One size up is a key. I wear a 10 shoe and need a 11 boot. Better shop fast, new spring line is coming.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dougfish on January 08, 2024, 09:44:10 AM
20240105_141211.jpg

20240105_141202.jpg

20240105_141214.jpg

20240105_141222.jpg

 d:b     
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Onslow on January 09, 2024, 16:25:50 PM
I ended up purchasing a pair of Redington benchmark boots with rubber soles.  Not exactly lightweight, but I need a big toe box. Will compose a review later.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Phil on January 09, 2024, 17:45:30 PM
Forgive me for asking, but why not ol'felt soles with studs? Boy, they sure grip better than rubber for this old guy. I do dip them in clorox water after use on streams with didymo....
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dougfish on January 09, 2024, 19:33:22 PM
Quote from: Phil on January 09, 2024, 17:45:30 PMForgive me for asking, but why not ol'felt soles with studs? Boy, they sure grip better than rubber for this old guy. I do dip them in clorox water after use on streams with didymo....

I loved felt. Loved. Loooved.
This old guy quit felt because:

No snow traction.
Poor mud/slick slope traction.
Some states outlawing it.
I've thrown two felt soles. If it had happened miles in on the trail...
Rubber soles have evolved. Much stickier.
Still using studs.
My wading has slowed down. I'm more careful by default.
I rarely fish without a staff.

To each, his own.
Your miles may vary.
 
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Phil on January 09, 2024, 19:50:15 PM
Quote from: Dougfish on January 09, 2024, 19:33:22 PM
Quote from: Phil on January 09, 2024, 17:45:30 PMForgive me for asking, but why not ol'felt soles with studs? Boy, they sure grip better than rubber for this old guy. I do dip them in clorox water after use on streams with didymo....

I loved felt. Loved. Loooved.
This old guy quit felt because:

No snow traction.
Poor mud/slick slope traction.
Some states outlawing it.
I've thrown two felt soles. If it had happened miles in on the trail...
Rubber soles have evolved. Much stickier.
Still using studs.
My wading has slowed down. I'm more careful by default.
I rarely fish without a staff.

To each, his own.
Your miles may vary.
 

Ok, some of that I can get. You say they've evolved? Hmmm. I haven't tried any in about 10 years.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Dougfish on January 09, 2024, 23:10:32 PM
And they are lighter.
Every pound you take off your shoes, equals 5 pounds off a load on your back.
Title: Re: Simms or Orvis LW boots
Post by: Onslow on January 10, 2024, 07:15:01 AM
Quote from: Dougfish on January 09, 2024, 19:33:22 PM
Quote from: Phil on January 09, 2024, 17:45:30 PMForgive me for asking, but why not ol'felt soles with studs? Boy, they sure grip better than rubber for this old guy. I do dip them in clorox water after use on streams with didymo....

I loved felt. Loved. Loooved.
This old guy quit felt because:

No snow traction.
Poor mud/slick slope traction.
Some states outlawing it.
I've thrown two felt soles. If it had happened miles in on the trail...
Rubber soles have evolved. Much stickier.
Still using studs.
My wading has slowed down. I'm more careful by default.
I rarely fish without a staff.

To each, his own.
Your miles may vary.
 

Spring of 2023 while making my way down a steep grassy embankment, my felt shoes came out from under me not far above some basketball size rip rap. My feet hit the rocks while I was travelling considerable speed, maybe 8 mph while sliding on my arse. This seemingly minor incident caused considerable pain, and probably nearly broke my ankle.

I'm done with felt as well.

I have to be mindful the shape of the toebox.  Bunions, Morton's neuroma and wading don't mix well. I press on anyway. I may try the Orvis boot someday provided I'm still able to wade at all.