North 40 Fly Shop eMagazine March 2018 | Página 34

foot for better fit and performance. Think ankle
stability and support. The integrated t-shaped pull
tab is a great feature and provides an easy grip
for pulling on the boot. Sole choices include either
the Vibram Hydrogrip (best for hiking and for states
that prohibit felt soles) or 12mm felt. Both soles
feature a hard-polyurethane stud holding layer
underneath.
FORM AND FUNCTION
When you own a good pair of boots, you should
look forward to slipping them on, not dread the
process. The G3 is easy to pull on and laces up
securely. When hiking to or in the water, the boot
should be secure on your feet. On my feet, the G3
was solid and stable over uneven terrain. I typically
wear a size-12 street shoe and the size-12 G3 fit
me perfectly. Traction is always important. On the
water I generally fish—Montana’s upper Missouri
River—studs or felt are not necessary. I prefer a
good rubber tread. The Vibram Hydrogrip works
great for me. If I travel somewhere where more
serious traction is needed, I add AlumiBite Cleats.
They have always provided great security on other
boots. After I put on a pair of wading boots, I want
to forget about them and just go fishing. If I keep
thinking about them throughout the day, then
something is wrong. Every foot is slightly different
and many of us have differing needs, but on my
feet, the G3 works great. Retail $229.95
- Fred Telleen, North 40 Great Falls
SIMMS’ FREESTONE WADING BOOT
Durability is a feature some companies don’t
believe is important. I’m not sure why. With gobs of
information available at the consumer’s fingertips,
most customers are educated shoppers these days.
A couple of bad reviews on a boot’s durability could
mean the end for the boot, or even the company.
That’s why I continue to shop with a company that
values the customer’s needs. With Simms, you
don’t have to worry about getting swindled into
buying a boot that fails quickly.
I first bought a pair of Freestone wading
boots in May 2015 because my previous pair of
boots disintegrated somewhere along Idaho’s
Henry’s Fork River. I was in desperate need of
durable/affordable boots. I stumbled upon Simms’
Freestone boots in a shop, liked the feel, the look,
and the price, so I bought them. Little did I know
that these boots would turn out to be a home run.
I fish 100-to 125 days a year, so these boots
took abuse. After several years, many miles, and
some personal best fish, my beloved boots grew
a slight tear along the inside. They were still
comfortably fishable, but I knew it was time for a
new pair. I was very satisfied with
the performance and longevity
of the boot considering they
were in the bed of my truck
90 percent of time, exposed
to all sorts of weather,
including burning sun and
freezing rain.
As I searched for my
next pair of boots, I read up
on the latest and greatest
choices. Then, after a
couple days of research,
it hit me: Why would I take
a chance of buying a pair of
boots I might not like, when
I could buy the pair of boots I
know I’ll love? So, I bought the
Freestones again.
I am now a couple months into my new pair
of Freestones and I couldn’t be happier. My new
boots have already seen 15 days of tough winter
conditions and I’m smiling every time I lace them up.
An upgraded feature I noticed immediately is
the tag on the outer heel of the boot. It changed
from a horizontal 3-finger tag to a vertical thumb
tag. The tag was something I always grabbed onto
when slipping on each boot. I believe the upgraded
thumb tag will last longer than the previous.
The new Freestone is available with Simms’
rubber or Simms thick felt soles. The latest version
of the Simms’ Freestone wading boots should
appeal to any serious fisherman looking for a
durable and comfortable pair of boots for under
$200. These boots, whether you go with felt or
rubber soles, retail for $159.99
- Dillon Given, North 40 Ponderay