My wading boots get sun-tortured in the summer. They’re always lying in the skiff somewhere, just in case I need them. No boots I’ve owned have gone into summer and survived to see fall. The sun just rots them away.
About a year ago I slipped on my brand new pair of Patagonia Rock Grip Wading Boots. I wore them today and they still look good — even like they might be around to see next summer.
The last several pair of wading boots I’ve owned felt heavy and solid, like work boots. The Rock Grips are very light and comfortable, but still rugged — a big improvement.
Though the wading I do is mild, I do run into a few slippery rocks, especially when I’m sneaking around on one of Beaver’s boulder gardens. The standard rubber-soled Rock Grips makes climbing over those slippery rocks feel secure, not like felt or cleats but good enough.
They do have a drawback that was initially a positive. They came with a slippery liner on the inside of the boots which made putting them on very easy. But my liner tore apart quickly and was completely gone after a month or two. The boots don’t slip on and off like they used to, but the material underneath works fine, so it isn’t that big of a deal.
After a year of steady use, I give the Rock Grips an A. I would recommend them to anyone. Comfortable and durable, they’re an excellent pair of wading boots.
