The Forra is the wading boot for anglers who walk to their water. Patagonia's framing is overland, underwater — expedition-tough for technical approaches and unpredictable wading conditions, and the spec that backs it up is the weight: 1,162 g (41 oz), which is roughly a pound and a half lighter than a pair of Foot Tractors.
Built in Italy by Fitwell. That is not a detail most wading boots can claim.
Construction
- Upper: abrasion-resistant Cordura nylon mesh — quick-drying, light, and deliberately free of foam and backers so it dries fast
- Sole: Vibram Mars with XS Trek compound and HexaBase lugs — a large contact patch for grip on rock and trail alike
- Ankle: high collar and a stiffer upper for support and stability on uneven bottoms
- Toe: reinforced toe caps for technical wading
- Engineered to clear water quickly on the walk out
Sizes: we carry 5 through 14 in Forge Grey and Forge Grey with Basin Green. Check the selector for what is available now — anything not showing we can order in.
Current pricing is on the selector above.
One sole option, and that is deliberate. The Forra comes in Vibram Mars only — there is no felt version. If you want more bite on slick freestone, Patagonia's Grip Studs Traction Kit drops 26 tungsten-carbide studs into the outsole with a hand driver and no glue. Ask us about it; on the Gunnison and the Uncompahgre it is a worthwhile add for winter and spring.
Forra or Foot Tractor?
| Forra | Foot Tractor | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1,162 g | 1,724–2,461 g |
| Upper | Cordura mesh, fast-drying | Full-grain leather + 1,000-denier nylon |
| Built | Fitwell, Italy | Danner, Portland, Oregon |
| Soles | Vibram Mars only (studs optional) | Aluminum bar, felt, or sticky rubber |
| Resoleable | Not stated by Patagonia | Yes, by Danner |
Short version: Forra if there is a hike involved. Foot Tractor if you want maximum durability and the option to resole.
A word on felt in Colorado. Felt grips slick rock better than anything, but it also carries whirling disease spores, didymo, and mud between drainages far more readily than rubber. Rubber-soled boots like the Forra are the responsible default here, and studs get you most of the traction back. Whatever you fish, clean and dry your boots between rivers.
Fit: Patagonia does not publish a footwear size chart, so we will not invent one. Wading boots need to fit over your wader booties, which usually means sizing up from your street shoe. Bring your waders to the shop and try boots on over them — that ten minutes is the difference between boots you love and boots you resent. Call 970-964-9991 if you want us to have sizes pulled and waiting.
Guarantee: Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee, no time limit. Worth knowing that Patagonia does not repair wading boots, so the guarantee here covers performance and defects rather than resoling.
Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.