Tackle Review: Simms G3 Guide Wading Boot

simmsIn swift currents, where slippery surfaces and shifting rocks are plentiful, sure footing is something not to be overlooked. It is for this reason that fly anglers rely on their wading boots so much when fishing the rivers. Today we’ll take a look at the new G3 Guide wading boot from Simms to help any fly fishermen out there who are in the market for a new pair of boots.

Simms is a company with legendary status among the fly fishing community. Synonymous with quality, Simms’ delivers yet again with their latest iteration of the G3 boot. The G3 itself is not a brand new product, but the updates that Simms has made to its design set it apart in new ways.

The rugged, durable exterior of the G3 features tough, waterproof nubuck leather and TPU-coated textile uppers. The interior offers neoprene linings in crucial areas to provide cushioning, as well as increased warmth in cold waters, comfort, and an easy to remove design.

Where contact with terrain is concerned, the G3’s RiverTread platforms perform exceedingly well, and also boost support and traction. Furthermore, the boot’s TPU-molded heel clips provide a snug fit to prevent your feet from sliding around inside the boot. The G3 also possesses Vibram rubber outsoles, which feature 4-mm self-sharpening, multi-directional lugs to provide sure footing on some of the worst surfaces the river can throw at you.

The G3 Guide comes with a $200 price tag, which may steer some more casual river visitors away. The higher cost may not make the G3 a better purchase than some less expensive models from Simms (the Freestone, for instance) or any other brand, but fly anglers who know quality and who are fans of Simms probably won’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks. That’s your call, though.

With a sterling reputation on the river, Simms is a company you can rely on for quality products, and the G3 Guide boot is no exception. The boot’s higher price tag may not appeal to everyone, but it’s a worthy price to pay for the more serious angler. Give the boot the once-over the next time you’re at your local fly shop or fishing retailer and see for yourself!