The Freestone in felt — the everyday wading boot with the grippiest sole material there is. Synthetic scratch leather upper that does not hold water, so it stays light, over a 12mm felt outsole.
Construction
- Synthetic scratch leather upper with toe and heel reinforcements
- Partial neoprene lining; dual-density EVA midsole for comfort on longer walks
- 12mm felt outsole
- Weight: 58 oz (1,644 g) per pair, size 11
- Width EEE, sizes 5–16
Current pricing is on the selector above.
Felt, honestly
On slick algae-covered rock, felt is the best footing money buys, and for anglers who wade heavy water it is a real safety margin. That is why it still exists.
The downside is biosecurity. Felt stays wet and holds mud and organisms far longer than rubber, making it a far better carrier of whirling disease spores and didymo between drainages. Several states have banned it. Colorado has not, but whirling disease has a history in these waters and the concern is not theoretical.
Our advice: if you fish one river, felt is fine — just scrub, rinse, and dry the boots fully between trips. If you move between the Gunnison, the Uncompahgre, and the San Miguel in the same week, take the rubber version of this boot instead and add studs. We stock both.
Stepping up: the G3 Guide adds top-rated ankle support, better traction, and a boot Simms will re-sole rather than replace. Also stocked in felt and Vibram.
Sizing: wading boots go over your wader booties, so Simms says size one full size up from your street shoe, and half sizes round up. Bring your waders in and try boots on over them — that is the only reliable way. Call 970-964-9991 and we will pull sizes for you.
Warranty: defects in workmanship and materials covered; wear-related damage repaired for a reasonable fee. The 60-day and one-year terms are waders only.
Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.
