The 10 Best Fishing Boots

Editor's Notes

June 10, 2020:

Removed the Korkers Redside because we have already included the Korkers Greenback and there isn't a significant enough difference between the two. Added the Simms Tributary Wading Boots.

Fishing boots usually come with either rubber soles or felt soles. The felt sole was the original sole material for wading boots because (among other reasons) it really does give excellent traction when you're in a river or lake where the rocks are slippery and often covered in slime algae. Technology advances have allowed rubber soles to close the gap with felt. The Hodgman Neoprene has a very sticky sole and fits quite comfortably when worn barefoot. Many boots such as the Simms Tributary are great on their own but can be made even better when you install studs on the soles. Just be careful when using studded boots on a boat as they can be harsh on the finish.

In recent years, felt boots have been banned for fishing in several places in the United States and elsewhere. The reasoning given was that felt soles can harbor invasive species that can then be transferred to other ecosystems. The frequency and likelihood of transferring invasive species on felt boots is unclear. But to avoid breaking the law, you should check your local regulations on fishing with felt soles.