The Freestone is Simms's everyday wading boot, in a women's fit with a rubber sole — and for most anglers in Colorado, rubber is the one to buy.
The upper is synthetic scratch leather that does not hold water, so the boot stays light rather than soaking up the river. Underneath is Simms's updated rubber compound with toe and heel reinforcements.
Construction
- Synthetic scratch leather upper with toe and heel reinforcements
- Partial neoprene lining; dual-density EVA midsole — the reason it is comfortable on longer walks
- Updated rubber outsole; studdable
Check the selector for available sizes. Current pricing is on the selector above.
Why we point most people to rubber. Felt grips slick rock better — that is true and worth respecting. But felt stays wet and holds mud and organisms far longer, making it the best-known carrier of whirling disease spores and didymo between drainages. Around here that means the Gunnison, the Uncompahgre, and the San Miguel, which are separate drainages and deserve to stay that way. Rubber plus a set of studs gets you most of the traction with far less risk. We stock the felt version too if you fish a single home river and prefer it.
Sizing — worth care in women's boots
Boots go over your wader booties, so Simms says size one full size up from your street shoe, and half sizes round up. Women's conversions catch people out more than men's. Too tight compresses the neoprene and gives you cold feet inside an hour; too loose rolls an ankle on a slick rock.
Bring your waders in and try boots on over them — it takes ten minutes and it is the only reliable way. Call 970-964-9991 and we will pull sizes before you arrive.
Stepping up: the G3 Guide adds top-rated ankle support and Simms re-soling; the Flyweight goes the other direction — much lighter, for anglers who hike to their water. Both stocked.
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.
