When I used to wade in rocky rivers before my knees went bad I used boots with metal cleats because they helped me to not slip, they grabbed the rocks. I highly recommend them.

Glad you're still with us! I haven't worn waders much because previously I didn't own any, most of the places where I wade are inaccessable (snow) or unfishable (high and fast) until the water is warm enough to wet wade anyway. But I did get a pair handed down to me recently. Actually another reason I'm looking at buying wading boots is that none of my current shoes are oversized enough to wear comfortably over the stockingfoot waders.

I have tried several brands of wading boots over the past 32 years. I currently am very happy with a pair of Simms boots. I also have a pair of Chotas, that protect my feet well and afford good traction, but they are very heavy, and at 74 years of age, not pleasant for a long walk. The Simms are lightweight and as comfortable as a pair of hiking boots. I have tried both felt and rubber soles, but have found I prefer rubber with aluminum cleats. Felt soles grip well on most wet rocks unless covered in really slimy rock snot, but do not grip well at all on on steep banks. I have found aluminum cleats to grip better than steel or ceramic. Anybody who has ever paddled an aluminum canoe down a river and run over some rocks will know what I am talking about. Aluminum is soft enough to really grip. Simms boots are not cheap, but in my opinion they are better made than some of the other brands and will last longer. Maybe I'm just unlucky, but I have not had good results in longevity with Korkers or Patagonia boots.

Larry

You know Cliff, for some reason I never thought of wearing knee pads while wading. That sure would have saved my knees a lot of pain over the years. Some shin pads would be useful also. I certainly have the scars to show a good reason for pads.

Larry

Old geezer you say! I would whup you with my walker if I could remember where I left the danged thing.

Larry

In my mind, a good wading staff is at least as important as boot sole type when conditions dictate. When your fly rod starts wind-milling and your CG exceeds safe limits, those three points of contact are priceless.
Harry

I like Korkers. I'm on my second pair, 1st pair were at the lower end of the cost range and they lasted me 3 years. Pair I use now were around $180 and are doing great after 2 years. I like the ease of changing out the soles. I have plain felt and studded felt, plain and studded rubber, and a pair with the aluminum bars. Wear the felts in summer, studded rubber this time of year because of ice. The ones with the bars are my least favorite.

I have been wearing the BOA felt bottom boots the last4 years. The BOA system is awesome, my only complaint about felt is how they suck up the mud on the way back to the motorcycle when I’m leaving.

And if you're using studded boots, don't walk onto a hardwood, laminate or vinyl floor.

Yep, I did it once when I was fishing in Mountain Home, Ark and walked into a fly shop there and didn't pay any attention to the floor, which was hardwood. The shop owner ran up to me, asked me to go outside, tell him what I wanted and he'd bring it to me. After that I always made sure to take off my boots and put on a cheap pair of shoes before I went into anyplace.