Simms G3 Guide Wading Boot Review | James Sinnamon
Over the years I have had the pleasure of trying a lot of different wading boots and I will be honest, I am not easy on my gear.
My favourite thing to do is to hike into the back lakes of Tasmania, bush bashing around lake shores – sight fishing to incredible brown trout. Most of the time I wore my wading boots with neoprene socks, unless it was peak summer, then I would resort to my hiking boots. When I was doing a lot of this, I was also working as full-time guide, so I was wearing my wading boots around 250 days a year. Not surprisingly, I trashed a number of boots and usually didn’t get more than a season out of a pair before they started falling apart – regardless of the brand.
When hiking in the back lakes, the bush can be very unforgiving with lots of dense highland shrubs about knee high that do not give way, resulting in your shoes copping a serious beating. Anyone who has been into the wilderness lakes of Tasmania knows what I’m talking about.
A few years back I got onto the older model Simms G3 Boots and was very pleased with how they held up. My first pair of boots lasted ages, to the point where I wore out the soles after two seasons with the rest of the boot holding up really well. One of my favourite things about the G3 boot model is the support and comfort they give. From the moment you put your foot inside they are instantly snug. After many kms hiking I have had zero issues with sore feet or hot spots (blisters), unlike some other cheaper boots, which I have found to be uncomfortable after only a few kms. Maybe it’s just my feet?
When I first looked at the new model Simms G3 Guide Wading Boots, I instantly liked the updated design. At first I didn’t do them up properly and found one pinch spot on the tongue. However, after I re-positioned the tongue and tied them up again, my feet were in heaven. 10km and 8 hours later – wading and hiking in and around lakes, there was not a single bit of discomfort.
I found the larger stitched sole was a little wider than the main boot and it took me a little bit to get used to it. However, with the wider sole I felt much more stable when it came to wading. It didn’t matter whether it was silt, mud or rocks, I seemed to forget I was walking on uneven ground. I’m also so happy to see they have reinforced the sole by stitching it to the boot, which gives me the feeling there is very little to no chance of the soles coming off.
Considering the positive experience I had with my older model G3 boots, I am excited to see how these new boots hold up over time. I’m expecting a long comfy life!
About the Author
James Sinnamon is a fly fishing guide who also works at The essential Flyfisher in Launceston, Tasmania. James has been deeply passionate about fly fishing since the age of 11.
