Footwear for Fly Anglers: Wading Boots Aren't Your Only Option
For those who follow along, you know that as a functional movement and mobility specialist turned avid fly angler and fly fish instructor I’ve got some major opinions where our footwear and foot health is concerned. Not only does our footwear choices directly affect how we move and perform while on the water, it impacts the long-term health of our feet and entire bodies, especially for those who put in a whole lot of river time.
All of the major fly fish apparel brands produce many wading and wet wading boot options(of which there are typically some women specific designs thrown in there from time to time these days, too), but what’s more, there are a few solid and lesser known options that have come to be some of my preferred favorites for many of my days spent on the water, specifically during the more temperate seasons. While I do indeed wear a standard wading boot option in plenty of scenarios, let’s take a quick look outside of the ‘wading boot box’ and into the more expansive world of water-friendly and foot health friendly footwear.
Astrals: Currently my number one choice for wet wading footwear, I’ve found that Astral’s are the most solid option on the market that hits the major points that are important to me: a wide toe box, zero drop design, impressive non-slip traction, quick dry, and lightweight. They produce quite a few different styles depending upon your personal preference; I’ve enjoyed both the Rasslers and the Loyaks myself.
Vivo Barefoot: One of the higher end minimalist footwear options, Vivo offers a large variety of styles based upon your footwear needs. Whether you’re looking for something that’s appropriate for outdoor excursions(they offer some water appropriate options), gym or fitness footwear, or even everyday business casual options, Vivo’s are definitely an investment, but they offer a lot of opportunity to help initiate more time spent in barefoot footwear.
Earth Runners: Quite minimal in their design, while I do fly fish in earth runners from time to time they’re best suited for softer substrate, days spent on the boat, or as everyday sandals that I wear in the same respect that I might slip on a pair of flip flops. They’re also a nice alternative for hot summertime walks or hikes.
Altra’s Lone Peak Trail Runners: For when I’m embarking upon a longer hike to a fishing spot, am on a regular daily hike or walk, or even for wearing around town, I oftentimes treat these are go-to tennis shoes. I mentioned the specific Lone Peak design that I happen to really like, but there are various styles based upon your personal preference. Especially if you’re at the beginning stage of slowly transitioning towards more minimal footwear, do note that Altra offers a lot of great options that have a wide toe box and are zero drop but that still include built in support.
Of course it’s important to note that as individuals we really need to look closely at our own personal circumstances while assessing which footwear option is best for us. Those characteristics include not only the landscape of our bodies but also the literal landscapes that we’re exploring. As shared above, I absolutely choose my footwear based upon the fishery that I’ll be exploring, how I’ll be exploring it, as well as the duration that I plan to be out on the water. For those who are die hard fans of their wading boots, the option of simply incorporating more minimalist footwear into your lifestyle while off of the water can have a very positive impact on the health and mobility of not only your feet and ankles but entire body as a whole. Do remember that transitioning to minimalist footwear of any kind must be executed slowly and progressively. Go check out this article from Earth Runners to learn more about how to transition, and of course keep in mind that if you’re experiencing any chronic foot pain or conditions you should consult a physician.
Let us not forget that comprehensive foot health requires far more than mindful footwear choices. Wander over to the Wade Well YouTube channel and watch this introductory video that shares some of my foundational foot health routine. Happy walking and wading!