[Rudolf]

I also have the Chota boots for some four years now, they are great! Putting them on is a breeze. No problems with the laces or the eyelets. I don't do 100+ days, but where I fish is a lot of rocks and I don't see any damage. The studs, however, must be replaced soon.

[bmorejoe]

Frank,
I suppose the elastic laces and nylon eyelets could wear out at some point but hasn't been an issue for me after 3 years with the boots. If I were to guess, the elasticity of the laces would be a problem earlier, but by then all the benefits of the boot (comfort, speed, traction, etc) would have been realized. Good luck with the decision.
Joe

[FISHN50]

Well the Chota's bit the dust. I caught the heel under a rock & the whole sole came off. There is a metal instep in them & that was rusted & the material around it was deterioated. I called Chota & they said no warrenty, so I'm done with them. I picked up a pair of LL Bean's studded aquastealth boots & will give a report when I try them out. I'm starting to get more & more fishing stuff from LL Bean because of their warranty. & I pass the Freeport store a few times a year on the way to GLS.

[axle27]

I got these for a decent price of $29.99. Good boot.

Allen Big Horn with Felt sole

[FISHN50]

With all the microbes etc that you can move from watershed to watershed, I wanted to avoid felt if I could. I finally found these in size 14 which is actually 1 size larger than my shoe size but they fit OK. I also am a firm believer in studs as they've saved my butt a few times.

[axle27]

You can get the studded version for $10 more.

Allen Big Horn with Studded soles

[Fly2Fish]

I have a pair of Korkers Konvertibles, which feature interchangeable soles that (if you are more flexible than I am) can actually be changed while the boot is left on. Frankly, the ability to change soles from, say, a lug sole for lengthy walking on trails to get away from the crowd, then changing the sole to a studded felt or Acquastealth (or whatever you prefer of their several other soles) when you get to the water means I'd never think about another brand of wading shoe. Used to get tired of having to replace the entire boot when the felt wore out, or having to cobble up some way to replace the felt myself. Korkers makes several models of their interchangeable-sole wading boots, ranging from around $80 to double that.

[Hardyreels]

Go with a studded rubber sole if you can find one in your price range. If they run a little more save some more money because they are worth it. They will not cake up with snow on ya like felts and the studs will hold you fast even in the upper Penobscot. I don't know where you are at exactly but if it snows and the rocks are slick as grease get rubber and studs! Check with L.L.Bean online they have them I think.

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Fishn50,

Is this the Bean boot you got?

Bean Ultralight II Wading Boots with Aqua Stealth and studs.

I read your post about the Chota STL Plus boots. It seemed that you really liked then and used them a lot. How old were they when the sole failed? I assume they were out of warranty?

Frank

[MikeG]

Frank,

If you are interested in a good lasting boot where the lace system (meaning eyelets and laces will fail) look into Korkers. They make a specific wading boot called Korkers - Guide Wading Boot It uses a steel lacing system. It would probably last longer than most lacing systems as long as you would not use it in saltwater. I actually own a pair of korkers wading sandals. I love the interchangeable soles. One week I could be in the boundary waters canoeing and portaging with rubber sole sandals. The next week I could be in the streams of Wisconsin with a felt sole going after smallies and muskies. The following week I could be in the Bahamas sailing on a boat with friends, with non skid boat shoe soles. Korkers really make versatile wading shoes.