The Tributary in felt — Simms's entry wading boot with the grippiest sole material available, at 54 oz (1,531 g) per pair.
Construction
- Rugged synthetic leather and mesh upper with scratch rubber overlays
- Full neoprene lining — comfortable from day one
- Fully gusseted tongue; corrosion-resistant lacing hardware
- 12mm synthetic felt outsole
- Width EEE, sizes 4–15 — whole sizes only
Current pricing is on the selector above.
Why felt on an entry boot makes sense. Simms rates the Tributary's rubber version 2 out of 5 for traction, the lowest in their line. Felt sidesteps that entirely — on wet rock it grips better than any rubber compound at any price. If you fish one home river and want sure footing without spending up, this is a sensible combination.
The trade-off you need to know. Felt stays wet and holds mud and organisms much longer than rubber, which makes it a far better carrier of whirling disease spores and didymo from one drainage to the next. Some states have banned felt. Colorado has not, but whirling disease has a history in these waters.
So: scrub, rinse, and dry your boots completely between rivers, and never go straight from one drainage to another on wet felt. If you fish several different rivers in a week, take the rubber version and add studs instead — we stock it.
Whole sizes only on this model, unlike the rest of the Simms boot line. Simms says size one full size up from your street shoe to clear your wader booties, which makes trying a pair on genuinely worthwhile. Bring your waders to the shop, or call 970-964-9991 and we will have sizes pulled.
Stepping up: the Freestone adds a dual-density EVA midsole and better traction; the G3 Guide adds top-rated ankle support and Simms re-soling. Both stocked in felt and rubber.
Warranty: defects in workmanship and materials covered; wear damage repaired for a reasonable fee. The 60-day and one-year terms apply to waders only.
Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.
