I realize that there are likely a lot of threads out there, but I am looking for some specific advice. I am a fan of high end gear and clothes. I have been using ski bibs and a ski jacket as my outerwear for a few years. As I get more invested in the sport, I decided to buy a set of bibs. I went with the Simms Challenger. Main purpose will be to keep me warm on chilly mornings until the sun gets up, and also for fishing in the rain/wind. I will be using my GORE-TEX ski jacket that I have from work. I figure if its worth $600 it better do just fine. It is just a shell. Underneath, I have various clothing items that will all work just fine.

 

I typically wear sperry boat shoes or sneakers on the boat. I usually end up taking them off due to foot pain or comfort. I am planning on getting a pair of Chaco sandals for the really warm days. On cold or rainy days, I have a nice pair of boots and a pair of bean boots respectively. 

 

Looking for a pair of sneakers that are breathable and look good with the bibs. Mainly for days that aren't crazy warm or cold, like 60-75*. Looking atat the Simms Challenger Boat shoe specifically, but can't find my size. Will also add an insole likely.

I used to have a set of sperry sandals and shoes until they fell apart after about 8 years. The model I used is discontinued and technically sperry’s footwear is designed for sailing, but they worked wonders when fishing. They were expensive but the durability was unrivaled. I tried a pair of keens after the sperrys and they barely lasted one season. I’m currently using a pair of tevas and my third season is coming up with them.

 

Bear in mind I live and fish in Minnesota so my season using them runs for about 5 months, not 12.

I use the World Wide Sportsman shoes  (found of page #568 in the 2020 BPS master catalog.). Listed at $80 in the catalog, they go on sale a few times per year for $ 40 or $50.  I've gotten these soaking wet many times and after an overnight on the shoe dryer they were just like new.   Anyway, I got 2 pairs and I like them for fishing and yard work/

 

* later edit - these shoes have good arch support.   I have a leaning post in the front of my boat, so my weight is on my feet all the time when I'm fishing.

The best fishing shoes (boat deck) I have found hands down are Zekos. But I like my Crocks also. 

Google water shoes...there are some good looking ones out there.

 

I bought a pair of UA Kilichi's for the canoe and kayak. I like them and wear them around as a quick slip on too.

For me, it's all about the support.  With proper support there is less fatigue and my knees, hips and back do better.

Not many of the so called fishing shoes have suck support.

3 hours ago, Fishes in trees said:

I use the World Wide Sportsman shoes  (found of page #568 in the 2020 BPS master catalog.). Listed at $80 in the catalog, they go on sale a few times per year for $ 40 or $50.  I've gotten these soaking wet many times and after an overnight on the shoe dryer they were just like new.   Anyway, I got 2 pairs and I like them for fishing and yard work/

 

* later edit - these shoes have good arch support.   I have a leaning post in the front of my boat, so my weight is on my feet all the time when I'm fishing.

Which model of shoe? World Wide Sportsman shoe has a lot of different styles

If your wanting actual shoes that breathe really well look into any Merrell shoe that says "ventilator". I love the MOAB series (technically it's a boot but wears like a shoe to me) and I can actually feel a good wind moving through them. They have water shoe options too but a mid height MOAB ventilator gives great support, breathes incredibly well, and dries pretty quick. They have waterproof options but those don't breathe nearly as well... obviously. 

16 minutes ago, Lead Head said:

If your wanting actual shoes that breathe really well look into any Merrell shoe that says "ventilator". I love the MOAB series (technically it's a boot but wears like a shoe to me) and I can actually feel a good wind moving through them. They have water shoe options too but a mid height MOAB ventilator gives great support, breathes incredibly well, and dries pretty quick. They have waterproof options but those don't breathe nearly as well... obviously. 

My go to are the jungle mock and moab wsterproof

29 minutes ago, Lead Head said:

If your wanting actual shoes that breathe really well look into any Merrell shoe that says "ventilator". I love the MOAB series (technically it's a boot but wears like a shoe to me) and I can actually feel a good wind moving through them. They have water shoe options too but a mid height MOAB ventilator gives great support, breathes incredibly well, and dries pretty quick. They have waterproof options but those don't breathe nearly as well... obviously. 

Looking at those to practice rucking, seems to be very popular in SOF, my ultimate goal   I tried my dads on today and loved em. 

 

1 hour ago, Armtx77 said:

I bought a pair of UA Kilichi's for the canoe and kayak. I like them and wear them around as a quick slip on too.

I like the look and functionality of those shoes. How do you like the insole? Can I add my own and remove the old one?

5 minutes ago, Quarry Man said:

Looking at those to practice rucking, seems to be very popular in SOF, my ultimate goal   I tried my dads on today and loved em. 

 

I like the look and functionality of those shoes. How do you like the insole? Can I add my own and remove the old one?

 

I like them and the insole can be removed, but it is glued in. So there is a level of work involved getting them out.

28 minutes ago, Armtx77 said:

 

I like them and the insole can be removed, but it is glued in. So there is a level of work involved getting them out.

thanks, ill probably give these and the moabs a shot

For fishing shoes/sandals on the boat....  I have tried several over the years... Sperry, Keen, Chaco, NRS, Birkenstock, OluKai, Teva, Merrell, etc....

 

Here is what I have settled on.....

 

Cold wet weather> Muck winter boots

 

Not so cold> Asolo TPS Hiking Boots.  

 

Almost warm> Vasque Breeze Hiking Boots > best overall boot, not to hot not to cold and breathes well

 

Hot Summers>Teva Strata.  I have tried and liked a few Chacos but these are the best I have found.  Comfortable and some what slip resistant. 

9 minutes ago, FishTank said:

hot Summers>Teva Strata.  I have tried and liked a few Chacos but these are the best I have found.  Comfortable and some what slip resistant. 

I want to try sandals because I can get them wet, strap em down for performance mode, have arch support, and look like I know how to fish (most important part)

REPLY  -  the shoes on page #568, but not the Bill Dance ones on the bottom of the page, the other ones.

i have high arches so i wear WIDE fit Skechers shoes or sandals because i stand most of the time unless i’m in the little johnny. 

I am on my third pair of ASICS over the last 19 years or so.  Feather weight, great support interiors and drain well if they get wet.

17 hours ago, Quarry Man said:

I want to try sandals because I can get them wet, strap em down for performance mode, have arch support, and look like I know how to fish (most important part)

With the Strata Sandals....  think super comfortable, lots of arch support that you can customize, stable for a day standing and a sole that feels like it should be a hiking boot.   I have worn these in a kayak as well and have gotten them wet multiple times. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 hours ago, FishTank said:

With the Strata Sandals....  think super comfortable, lots of arch support that you can customize, stable for a day standing and a sole that feels like it should be a hiking boot.   I have worn these in a kayak as well and have gotten them wet multiple times. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How is the Teva traction on wet surfaces?

every Keen shoe/sandal I have is slippery when wet

18 minutes ago, GTN said:

How is the Teva traction on wet surfaces?

every Keen shoe/sandal I have is slippery when wet

It's not bad.  

 

Some of the boat ramps we go to, go from shallow to deep quick and the ramp gets slimy during the summer.  They do a better job than most but are not perfect.  I think it's the vibram soles.  I tried the Keens (Newports and Rialtos) as well and returned two pairs before I bought these.  Luckily I bought them at REI and they are pretty forgiving on the returns.  One pair pinched my pinky toe and the others were like ice skates when wet.   I liked the Chaco's I had years ago but they were a pain to get all the straps done properly and when they got wet the straps would slip loose.  Also, I didn't like how dangly the straps were but they were comfortable.  One downside to the Tevas, my wife makes fun of the tan lines I get.

I’ve got a pair of the Magellan brand boat shoes that look similar to the under Armour Kilchis. They’re awesome. Have the elastic laces that are tension based and breathe really well. 

14 hours ago, FishTank said:

One downside to the Tevas, my wife makes fun of the tan lines I get.

If she thinks those leave funny tan lines check out these by Merrel