Patagonia Foot Tractor Wading Boots - Sticky Rubber Sale

The Foot Tractor is the most over-built wading boot Patagonia has ever sold — codeveloped with Danner and handcrafted in Portland, Oregon. Waterproof full-grain leather, 1,000-denier nylon paneling, and stitchdown construction that gives it a wider, more stable platform. Patagonia's own claim: the most durable, highest-performing wading boots possible.

The detail that separates it from every other boot we sell: stitchdown construction means Danner can resole them. These are meant to be repaired, not replaced. The leather can be reconditioned, too.

This listing is the sticky rubber version, on a Vibram Idrogrip sole — all-around traction for long approaches and mixed streambed footing, and the sole accepts studs if you want more bite.

Construction

• Waterproof full-grain leather with improved resistance to breakdown, even in salt water; tanning process does not use intentionally added PFAS
• 1,000-denier nylon paneling for abrasion resistance
• Stitchdown construction — wider platform, protected sidewalls, resoleable by Danner
• Molded bi-fit board combining shank, lasting board, and midsole in one piece
• Perforated drains both sides; nylon-coated corrosion-resistant hardware; speed lacing through the ankle
• Weight: 1,950 g

Sizing, from Patagonia: Danner boots are built to accommodate additional layers such as wader booties or socks, so we suggest choosing your regular street-shoe size. If you want to wear them with thin wader booties or if you're wet-wading, please size down. That is unusual — most wading boots want you to size up — so read it twice, and better yet bring your waders in and try a pair on over them.

Worth knowing before you buy: Patagonia has moved the Foot Tractor into closeout, and their current wading boot lineup leads with the Forra and River Salt. If you want a resoleable American-made leather boot, this is likely your last chance at one — and that is a genuine argument for buying rather than against it. Call us at 970-964-9991 and we will tell you exactly what sizes are still gettable.

Foot Tractor or Forra? The Forra weighs 1,162 g against this boot's 1,950 g, dries much faster, and is the better choice if there is a real hike involved. The Foot Tractor is heavier, tougher, resoleable, and comes in a choice of soles. Both are on our site.

On soles in Colorado: this sticky rubber version is the responsible default — felt carries whirling disease spores and didymo between drainages far more readily than rubber. Studs will get you most of felt's traction back on slick freestone. Clean and dry your boots between rivers regardless.

Guarantee: Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee, no time limit. Patagonia does not run wading boots through their repair program, but Danner resoling is what makes this boot a long-term proposition.

Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.