Simms Flyweight 2025 Boots | Pro Review - Angus Reynolds

I judge a wading boot on how it performs without studs. I don't like studs, felt, bars or any additions if I can avoid it. I’ve thumbs up and thumbs downed many boots in the past based on their 'raw-dogability' – my boots have got to be functional otherwise I'd wear a pair of $30 Kmart specials with some hex screws in the bottom.

My next criteria in order of importance are: Durability, fit, comfort and appearance.

As fly fishing gear enters an astonishing new level of quality, we leave behind an era of gimmick and trial tech for what seems to be an era where quality and function rules and form comes naturally along for the ride. The new Simms Flyweight boots are slick and well designed. They look like the love child of a sleek basketball shoe and a super sexy secret military aircraft. With a neoprene sock on, it feels like you've put on some kind of Ironman style foot armour. It's lightweight, lean and the feeling of tightening the laces sent my eyebrows upward as one pull tightened the whole boot effortlessly and evenly. I didn't know shoes could do that!

I set off on the slipperiest river I know; the Goobarragandra. (Editor note: not a made up name!). Mossy rocks of varying shapes, sizes and textures with a fast flow and depth varying from ankle to neck deep. Thankfully I still have cat-like groin and leg ligaments and a skerrick of my skateboarding reflexes, so I will happily lunge and lurch recklessly through slippery freestone rivers – but only with a good rubber sole and solid ankle support. I took a rod and fished it hard while on the move constantly, crossing the river and moving up – I felt very steady. The medium height top with firm support felt great and the streamlined boot didn’t create unnecessary drag. It holds minimal water within the boot and the new Vibram sole grips like shite to a blanket. 

I'm wildly impressed with this boot and if you like the idea of a comfortable, agile and sturdy wading boot that you won't be in a hurry to take off at the end of a big day, then you should sincerely consider Simms 2025 Flyweight. These are the best boots I've owned to date.

Angus Reynolds