Picking out Hiking Boots

Hiking boots

   If you do a lot of walking to get to where you want to fish, you might consider purchasing a pair of hiking boots. This is not an easy job. You will find that each brand name will fit you differently. The reason is each manufacture uses what the call a "last" and this is what they consider to be what the average foot is shaped like. That's why that same types of shoes or boots will fit you different depending on the manufactures view on what the average foot is shaped like. If you find a hiking boot that you think feels really good on, you probably should stay with that manufacture.

   You need to  look at how the upper is attached to the last. They are usually stitched together. These are called seams and the more seam the better. Keep in mind though, the more seam the better the fit and usually the more the hiking boot will cost. Single stitched hiking boots are usually less expensive, this does not necessarily mean the are bad. If the fit well you might want to buy them, just remember they probably will not last as long.

   The leather is something else to consider when pick out a pair of hiking boots. Some have the smooth side of the leather turned out. These will show scuff marks very easily and look banged up. Choosing the rough side out on the leather will stay looking nicer longer. After all, they are all ready roughed up.

   You need to look at the sole and decide which is best for you. Hard sole work better on grassy areas or dirt. Softer soles do good on rocky areas. Depending on where you go fishing the most will be the determining factor on which sole you use.

   Other things to think about when you are purchasing a pair of hiking boots are the tongue, is it one piece or two. You want one piece. Also look at the type of lacing the boot has. Eyelet is the strongest but not the fastest when putting on your boots. Speed hooks are good but don't provide the best in secure lacing. The manufactures have come out now with d-rings. These are a great choice giving you the best of both worlds. Most manufactures will do eyelets on the foot part of the hiking boot and then d-rings on the ankle part.

   So many things to think about. You may end up with more then one pair of boot, if you can afford them. Have fun finding a pair that is right for you and most of all have fun fishing.

Footwear for fishing waders

   If you choose a wader without any boot or shoe on it, you will have to buy one separately. There are a lot to choose from and a wide range of prices. If this is your first pair of footwear or fishing boot, I suggest going to the most expensive place that sales them and get as much information as you can get from the salesperson. Try on all the different types as you can. Try the low tops, high tops, cleats (lugs) and felt bottoms. Once you have picked a style, now go home and call around and find the store that sells that type the cheapest and go there and by them.

   The reason I do it this way is that most salespeople at the more expensive store usually know more about the footwear. The more inexpensive stores I go to you sometime have trouble finding someone to wait on you and they usually don't know much about fishing footwear. Now you can read the information on the box of footwear and  find what you want without a salesperson. Who knows you might just buy the footwear for your fishing waders there. That's me, I usually have a salesperson that has a good personally and is very knowledgeable and I end up just buying them right then and there.

   Be sure you go home and practice getting in and out of your fishing waders and putting on and tying your footwear. You will find that if you practice at home putting them on you don't get flustered when you are at the river trying to go fishing. Now that you feel comfortable putting your fishing waders and footwear, Go Fishing.

   You have now made it possible to fish in a lot more spots. You now do not have to worry about if there is enough area to stand or sit on the bank and keep dry. Also, you can get closer to the spot or holes where the fish hang out and do not have to cast as far.

   Remember, if you are not well experienced with fishing with fishing waders, take it slow and do not go to far out into the water. You need to know the type of bottom on the river or lake and move slowly. you never know when it will drop off quickly. To many fishermen get hurt or even killed by being over confident.