Wading boots are an essential part of fly fishing. They are responsible for getting you to and from where you are fishing, providing traction on slick surfaces, and support for your feet for a long day of fishing. Saltwater wading boots provide the same benefits and have an added level of protection against corrosive saltwater compared to regular wading boots. They aren’t glamorous and certainly don’t get the same love as rods and reels. Nonetheless, they are an essential piece of saltwater fishing gear that every angler uses. Taking the time to find the right footwear will have your feet thanking you in the long run. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite options, from fishing sand flats in the Bahamas to rock jetties in New England.
- Best Overall: Orvis Approach Pro Hiker – Salt
- Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Saltshaker
- Best Sneaker: Korkers All Axis Shoe
- Best Lightweight: Patagonia Forro
- Best for Waders: Simms FreeSalt Wading Boot
What You Need to Know About Saltwater Wading Boots:
Saltwater wading boots endure more than most wading boots. Corrosive conditions, varying bottom types, and harsh UV rays mean the boot must be built to withstand these conditions for seasons to come. When looking for a good boot, it’s important to consider where you fish, how you fish, and the needs of your feet.
Where You Fish:
Depending on where you fish, your footwear needs may dramatically change. Anglers in the northeast face slick rock jetties and cold water. For these scenarios, a boot made to use with waders, with lots of traction and good ankle support, is a must. On the other end of the spectrum, tropical anglers should look for lightweight wet-wading boots that keep sand and debris away from their feet. Consider the conditions you’ll be facing before deciding on your saltwater wading boot.
How You Fish:
Determining the needs of how you fish is equally as important when deciding on your preferred boot. If you are a mobile angler who likes to cover water, finding lightweight boots with plenty of foot support is essential for long days on the water. In comparison, anglers who fish from a boat and occasionally get out to wade a flat should look into a sneaker style they can throw on and take up a minimal amount of space.
Boot Fit and Features:
Every angler has different requirements for how a boot fits. It’s important to consider this when buying a saltwater wading boot. If you need good ankle support, look for boots with high and stiff sides for maximum support. On the other hand, anglers who like to cover water should look for lightweight boots. These often have less support but are less taxing when covering miles. Boot fit and feel vary across brands, so when possible, trying them on in person can help narrow down the best option.
Best Overall: Orvis Approach Pro Hiker – Salt
Features:
- Lacing System: Traditional laces with a zippered gravel guard
- Sole type: Michelin® Outsole that is non-marking
- Width: Size Range: 7-12
Pros:
- Lightweight boot
- Excellent ankle support
- Soles offer great traction on a variety of surfaces
Cons:
- Gravel guard traps shell bits when wading in mud
The Low Down:
Orvis set out to design a boot capable of handling any warm water saltwater wade fishing with the Approach Pro Hiker Salt. After putting these to the test in the Bahamas, Orvis achieved this in a lightweight and comfortable package. Unlike neoprene flats booties, this boot is designed to offer maximum support. This is achieved with an inner boot extending over the ankle and an integrated outer gravel guard to keep sand away from your feet. This combination protects your feet (the one exception we found was in deep mud where shell fragments occasionally sneak in) and lets you cover serious water. To add to the package, Orvis partnered with the tire company Michelin to create a non-marking sole offering superior traction on wet and dry surfaces. TKTK
Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Saltshaker
Features:
- Lacing System: Traditional Laces
- Sole type: Cleated outsole
- Width: Size Range: 7-14
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Good ankle support
- Anti-corrosive hardware for saltwater wading
Cons:
- Outsole material is not the best for nonmarking
The Low Down:
Flats fishing on a budget can be tricky, but choosing the right budget-friendly gear can get you on the water. Frogg Toggs Shaltshaker wading boot does precisely this. This entry-level wading boot is built for flats fishing with corrosion-resistant parts and ample support. The outsole’s aggressive tread pattern adds to its fishability opening access to sand, coral, rock, and more. When you’re not in the water, integrated side vents help drain excess water for a comfortable ride home. For anglers looking to explore their home flats on a budget, the Frogg Toggs Saltshaker offers an affordable solution to access flats.
Best Sneaker: Korkers All Axis Shoe
Features:
- Lacing System: Traditional Laces
- Sole type: Interchangeable sole system
- Width: Size Range: 8-14
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Quick drying
- Interchangeable sole system for a variety of conditions
Cons:
- Lacks ankle support
The Low Down:
Korkers is known for building innovative wading solutions, and the All Axis Shoe is no exception. Similar in looks to a regular sneaker, this shoe is made specifically for wet wading. It features mesh sides for ample air circulation and quick drying when not in the water. Like other Korkers, this show comes with the OmniTrax® interchangeable sole system. I prefer the Trailtrac sole for getting in and of boats and fishing various bottom types. If you find yourself fishing hard bottom, more frequently studded options are available. The combination of its lightweight design, quick drying features, and comfortable fit make this a great option to keep in the boat or truck. If you find a particular flat that looks good, slip them on, and you’re ready to wade.
Best Lightweight: Patagonia Forra
Features:
- Lacing System: Traditional Laces
- Sole type: Vibram® Mars Sole
- Width: Size Range: 5-14
Pros:
- Incredibly lightweight
- Ample ankle support
- Wide range of size options
Cons:
- Not designed specifically for saltwater anglers
The Low Down:
Some boots aren’t designed specifically for saltwater but are right at home on a pristine flat. The Patagonia Forro is one of these. It was originally designed as an ultralight wading boot to be worn with waders but is the perfect solution as a wet wading boot. For starters, the pair weighs just 41 ounces, which is plenty light to wade around a flat all day. Freshwater boots often run into issues dealing with corrosive saltwater. Patagonia solved this with a unique lacing system that uses no metal. The result is a freshwater boot that can effectively fish saltwater with minimal maintenance. This boot also offers ample ankle support and traction for the slickest conditions. Since it is designed to be worn with waders, a good wet wading sock like the Simms Flyweight wading socks adds an extra level of comfort while keeping sand and other debris out of the boot.
Best for Waders: Simms FreeSalt Wading Boot
Features:
- Lacing System: Traditional Laces
- Sole type: Non-marking outsole
- Width: Size Range: 5-115
Pros:
- Sturdy boot with plenty of support
- Non-marking soles for use in boots
- Built with corrosion-resistant materials for heavy saltwater use
Cons:
- Not the best option for wet wading anglers
The Low Down:
Some saltwater anglers find themselves in areas like the northeast with cold water and slick rock faces. In these scenarios, wet wading is not an option. Enter the Simms FreeSalt wading boot, a wading system designed specifically to be worn with waders in the salt. This boot is designed with slick conditions in mind. The non-marking soles offer plenty of traction and can be paired with studs for added grip. High, sturdy sides provide exceptional ankle support for rock jetties and rough wading conditions. Like any wading boot Simms makes, this is designed with comfort in mind. A dual-density EVA midsole offers plenty of cushion and support to fish all day with minimal fatigue. If you find yourself in an area where you’d wet wade, this boot can do that, too. Just make sure to add a wet wading sock to replace the neoprene booty found in waders.
Conclusion:
Saltwater anglers love their gear, and an essential piece of the kit is a quality wading boot. Whether fishing for striped bass in the surf or wading a flat for bonefish, every angler has their own saltwater needs. When looking for the best boot available, it’s crucial to consider where, how, and what you are fishing for. These conditions will ultimately determine the best boot for the job. Once you’ve narrowed your options, it never hurts to try them on when you can. The result will be a comfortable boot ready to tackle many seasons to come.