Bought the new Orvis Ultralight Wading Boots and gave them my first tryout yesterday. For comparison purposes, my previous boots have been Chota Lost Creek (with leather uppers), and Redington Palix.
The Orvis boots are definitely the best combination of support, comfort, and light weight. I would compare them more to a hiking boot. They are the quickest drying of the three - - they basically dried overnight. They are lower in ankle height, but there was still plenty of ankle support.
They excel in light weight, and I noticed at the end of a day of biking and wet-wading, I was not as tired. The lighter weight is especially welcome on days filled with rock-scrambling. The vibram sole has a more "random" tread pattern, and the grip on wet rocks was fine for me. I have not attached any cleats (purchased separately) yet.
A couple of caveats:
- These are lace-up only, so if the Boa lacing system is your thing, you won't find it here.
- There's a hoop for your gravel guard hook, but it seems a bit far forward, so I just hook to the laces instead.
- Orvis boots are slightly over-sized. I am size 10.5 in street shoes. Wet wading, I use Simms 3.5 mm wading booties and my Orvis ultralights are size 11. All other brands make me jump up to a size 12 for the same fit.
The Orvis boots are definitely the best combination of support, comfort, and light weight. I would compare them more to a hiking boot. They are the quickest drying of the three - - they basically dried overnight. They are lower in ankle height, but there was still plenty of ankle support.
They excel in light weight, and I noticed at the end of a day of biking and wet-wading, I was not as tired. The lighter weight is especially welcome on days filled with rock-scrambling. The vibram sole has a more "random" tread pattern, and the grip on wet rocks was fine for me. I have not attached any cleats (purchased separately) yet.
A couple of caveats:
- These are lace-up only, so if the Boa lacing system is your thing, you won't find it here.
- There's a hoop for your gravel guard hook, but it seems a bit far forward, so I just hook to the laces instead.
- Orvis boots are slightly over-sized. I am size 10.5 in street shoes. Wet wading, I use Simms 3.5 mm wading booties and my Orvis ultralights are size 11. All other brands make me jump up to a size 12 for the same fit.
