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Go clean with the
Simms new StreamTread enabled G4 Guide Boots
| Date: |
10/19/09 |
| Tackle type: |
Fly Apparel |
| Manufacturer: |
Simms |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.16 -
GREAT
Introduction:
With the weather cooling it is time to mix in some trout fishing into our normal
bassing routine. When fly fishermen think premium wading apparel Simms is often
high up on the list. The company has long been known by fly fishermen for both
build quality and performance and is a top choice for working guides that are
hard on their gear year round. Simms has been introducing more boots featuring
StreamTread Vibram based soles which are designed to offer the grip required to
remain upright in streams and lakes but are easier to clean as well as help
prevent the transmission of aquatic fish killing diseases.
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Simms G4
Guide Boots Specifications |
| Material |
Schoeller®-dynatec high performance abrasion-resistant mesh panels with
Nanosphere® finish |
| Sole |
StreamTread traction sole with Vibram Idrogrip 360 degree traction lug sole |
| Color |
Grey/Black |
| Size |
7-14EEE |
| Fastening |
Laces |
| Features |
Minimum exposed stitching for increased durability and less opportunity for
"hitchhikers," Fully neoprene lined with closed-cell foam for minimal water
absorption |
| MSRP |
$219.95 |
A look at the top of the line G4
wading boots from Simms
Impressions: First
let’s examine the reasoning behind moving to a non-felt pair of boots. I think
most of us have grown to appreciate the benefits and reliability of felt soled
boots, but what we can’t see is that these boots remain wet long after leaving
the water and are often hard to clean. This makes it possible to transfer
invasive species such as mud snails and didymo which have become a growing
threat to the health of trout populations and aquatic ecosystems. In an effort
to promote eco-conscious design CleanStream™ design was introduced. CleanStream™ is a
design philosophy that highlights a combination of features that the company
utilizes to assist anglers in doing their part to prevent the spread of invasive
species.
Sometimes getting to good water
requires a little hiking and the G4 is extremely comfortable to walk longer
distances in
Products with this design feature materials that are more resistant to
“hitchhiking” organisms and have less exposed stitching and fewer ridges and
pockets that could potentially hide stowaways. This design makes the boots
easier to clean and maintain as well. While Trout Unlimited is asking boot
manufacturers to phase out felt by 2011 Simms is already ahead of the curve with
their offerings.
Wading into the water to get to
drop offs at Pyramid Lake Nevada
The G4 Guide Boots are the
top of the line wading shoe from the company and are designed for serious
anglers and guides. The G4 features a wide overall design with a two tone finish
that makes use of Schoeller® dynatec high performance abrasion-resistant mesh
panels. The stitching is exposed whenever possible for increased durability and
to help make the boots easier to clean. StreamTread sole makes the boots look
more like a traditional pair of hiking boots rather than application specific
wading boots. The G4 is also fully lined with neoprene for reduced water
absorption. The G4 boots are offered in a wide range of whole sizes from 7 to
14EEE, and you will want to go one to two sizes larger than your normal shoe
size depending on the type of waders you own and how tight you like your boots
to fit. If it feels too loose than you definitely need to go down a size as a
loose boat will negatively affect your ability to navigate treacherous water.
A look underwater as the G4
adheres to rocks and dirt well
Overall the boots felt
heavier dry than felt based Simms or Hodgeman boots I have owned in the past,
and I was eager to see how this would translate once wet. The large leather
tongue makes it very quick and easy to get in and out of this particular pair of
boots especially with the G4’s speed lacing system. At the base of the speed
lacing system Simms cleverly includes a roller guide which allows for friction
free adjustment of the G4 making it effortless to tighten or loosen the boots
quickly without having to forcefully tug on laces. There are many elements of
tackle that you can purchase online but this is one where a trial in store with
the same type of waders you plan on pairing the boots with is a good idea, this
will ensure you purchase the right size and have a truly comfortable and
functional fit between your waders and the boots. With our initial inspections
done and feeling rather odd all suited up in the lab we decided it was time to
break down the gear and load the truck and go fly fishing.
Mobility with the G4 boots is
excellent, I wish some of my hiking boots were as comfortable as these wading
boots
Real World Tests:
To test the G4 Guide Boots we head to a number of Northern California Rivers to
fish for trout and steelhead, as well as travelled east to the Truckee River and
Bishop then concluded our tests on a trip to Pyramid Lake in Nevada. Unlike
normal outings where we avoided slicked over structures or sharp rocks we
deliberately searched out these obstructions to see how the StreamTread sole
would compare to a pair of previous generation Simms Guide series boots as well
as Hodgeman Wadetech boots, both of which had felt soles.
After walking and wading in
vegetation the soles are still very clean
Performance: A lot
of the rivers up North including the Feather and the Yuba have quite a bit of
moss growth at this time of year and Pyramid Lake also had an unexpected level
of algae growth as well. We tested the G4 on a number of slick surfaces side by
side against felt but even before we started these comparisons I noticed a
number of interesting performance attributes with the G4. In the lab I remarked
that the boots were rather wide and when looking down at them they looked
somewhat like moon boots with the markedly wide toe section. While it took a
little getting used to cosmetically the benefits in comfort while hiking on the
shoreline or walking in the water were clear. There was no bunching of socks or
waders inside the G4 boots and my toes never felt cramped at all.
The moss and vegetation that
caused some trouble up at the Feather River
The second thing I noticed
before I really got fishing was that while the boots do indeed feel heavier on
land than some other boots I’ve used in the past but once they are in the water
they feel pretty comparable. The wet weight is relatively similar, and because
the StreamTread soles to not absorb water like felt they make up a little weight
there. The G4 boots also feel much more like a normal hiking shoe over long
distances than felt soled boots and felt right at home when walking on sand or
gravel.
The bottom of a brand new felt
boot after just one use, its hard to verify these boots are clean or dry
Once I had a chance to
really walk around and traverse faster moving water I further appreciated the
molded toe and heel counters and the G4 delivers exceptional ankle stability
when moving over rocks at odd angles. This especially came into play on the
Truckee River when I deliberately moved across faster moving water lined with
rocky outcroppings. With normal rocks the StreamTread soles perform just fine
and I felt confident moving at the same speeds I would normally walk in felt,
but rocks that were covered in vegetation were a slightly different story.
I compared the new G4 boots to
previous generation Guide boots from Simms that made use of felt soles
Next Section: Performance on slick
vegitation
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