Orvis Ultralight Wading Boots
As with any other sport or hobby, fly fishing requires gear and equipment that you can count on. Your gear should be able to perform as intended and not let you down. In today’s market, there are too many companies that focus on quantity instead of quality. Usually, these companies provide cheaper equipment which the sellers claim provides the same level of performance as the high-dollar stuff.
Even though you can sometimes find diamonds in the rough, those incidences are few and far between. The saying “you get what you pay for” is especially true when it comes to hunting and fishing gear.
It took me a long time to figure this out. I used to find the cheapest stuff I could buy, thinking that I could make do with it. But I’d then find that the cheap product was unusable or that I had to replace it very quickly. So I changed my mentality and thought process to “Buy once, cry once.” This new way of thinking has actually saved me money in the long run for a few reasons:
- My equipment tends to last a long time if taken care of properly.
- I can resell the items for top dollar if I decide to.
- Most companies provide a lifetime warranty with their products, so the risk of having to replace faulty equipment is rare.
With all that being said, I can honestly say that the Orvis Ultralight Wading Boots are high-quality gear and perform so well, you’ll be able to use them year after year. Orvis has always been known for their high-end fly fishing gear, and I can assure you that they don’t disappoint with these wading boots.
I purchased these boots for my recent trip to Austria because I was going to be in the Alps for a few days in a great place called Wagrain. This quiet little town has so much to offer, from stunning views to rushing streams for fishing. I was able to take a couple of hours to walk down the local stream just outside the village and try my luck with the fly rod. Unfortunately, I wasn’t successful in getting any fish to bite, but I was able to test out my new equipment.
Fit and Feel
The Orvis Ultralight Wading Boots are extremely lightweight, with a size 10 pair weighing around 40 oz. Besides being light, they’re also very comfortable due to the custom Vibram® EVA midsole. This component gives you long-lasting comfort in both wet and dry conditions. The midsole made my approximately 5-mile trip really enjoyable, as I was able to easily maneuver through the rocky streambed and rushing water.
Size
These boots run a little big in my opinion, which is okay since most people will be using them with waders. I’m usually a men’s size 10.5 in boots, and I ordered a size 11 in the Orvis Ultralight Boots. They definitely have extra space in them if you put them on without the waders. Putting the waders on with regular socks will still leave some extra room, but that’s okay since the extra space gives me the option to use heavier socks if I decide to fish in colder waters. My recommendation is to purchase boots closest to your size. Since they don’t offer half sizes, I suggest sizing up by a half size instead of sizing down.
Safety Features
The outer sole of the boots has a great tread on them which grips slippery rocks very well. Not once during my trip did I slip or lose my balance from uneven footing. This was probably my favorite feature of the boots. They also have nine strategically placed holes in the bottom where you can screw in pegs for better gripping.
I don’t really feel it’s necessary to use these holes unless you’re fishing in some really algae-infested streams. I felt very comfortable keeping a steady pace and didn’t worry about where I placed my feet during my trip. This comfort was great because I could focus more on fishing and enjoying the scenery.
Price and Warranty
As with any high-quality gear, these boots are not cheap. They sell for $199.00 before tax and shipping. Considering how well these boots are made and perform, the price really isn’t that bad. I honestly don’t foresee myself having to buy another pair for many years down the road.
Additionally, all Orvis’ merchandise is backed by the Orvis 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee. If you aren’t completely satisfied, they will make it right. With that being said, the price isn’t an issue, especially if you compare it to replacing 2 or 3 pairs of mid-grade boots before these Orvis ones expire.
Overall, I feel these boots performed the way they should and then some. They’re the perfect addition to any fly fisherman’s gear. Since the boots are so versatile and well-made, you can use them on land or in the water. I personally will use them only for fishing, walking along streams, and wading in lakes. If you’re looking for a good pair of wading boots, make sure to check out the Orvis Ultralight Wading Boots at the following affiliates of Sizzlin Arrow.
Sizzlin Arrow YouTube- Orvis Boot Review
Sportsmans Warehouse – Orvis Ultra Light Wading Boots
Trident Fly Fishing- Orvis Ultra Light Wading Boots
Happy Fishing,
Paul Rhoades