Wading into position

High water. Slick bedrock. Cobble like greased bowling balls. Riverwalker Wading Boots built their reputation in the most demanding wading conditions. They feature great flexibility, fast dry times and are lighter weight than most of what's out there in the water. Notched flex zones allow for more natural foot movement and a polypropylene insole/shank offers stability. But don’t let the comfort fool you—these are tough boots for serious wading. Details: molded EVA midsole, synthetic leather and polyester, 100% recycled, high filtration mesh uppers and protected lacing. Riverwalkers come in three sole choices: resoleable felt; tungsten-carbide studded; and sticky rubber. Engineered to accommodate neoprene stocking-foot waders. Felt • 1,108 g (39.1 oz) pair, Felt/Studded • 1,213 g (42.8 oz) pair, Sticky Rubber • 1,037 g (36.6 oz) pair

Fabric
Strong, lightweight, 100% recycled, high-filtration polyester mesh, synthetic leather upper, with nylon/spandex neoprene in tongue and polypropylene insole board. Full-length molded EVA Rockstopper midsole

Features

• Wide last is engineered to accommodate a neoprene foot wader without constriction
• Tough, durable, quick-drying materials and construction
• Padded ankle support
• Sculpted flex zones for improved flexibility
• Compression molded EVA midsole and polypropylene insole/shank combination provide excellent torsional rigidity, support, protection from stone bruising; creates a stable platform without sacrificing flexibility
• High-filtration mesh keeps out more sand and silt and drains quickly
• Protected lacing loops with two speed lace hooks at the top
• Padded insole for comfort and arch support
• Stout, reinforced toebox and heel counter
• Molded rubber toe bumper provides abrasion resistance
• Sole designed to hold fin straps for float tubers and kickboaters
  

Outsoles:

Felt: Long-wearing, polyester wool felt sole is bonded to a rubber carrier and stitched on for added insurance

Felt/Studded: Felt soles studded with tungsten-carbide tips embedded in a dual rubber layer to prevent wobble. The felt is also stitched on for added insurance

Sticky Rubber: Star-patterned sticky rubber sole provides excellent multi-directional traction and no grit, mud, debris or snow pick up. This outsole can also be customized into a "studded" bottom with several after market solutions.

All outsoles can be resoled

Color
Marsh Green synthetic leather with Sage Khaki mesh

"Lunch" photo by Brian Bennett
"Turned tail" photo by John Frankot

Riverwalker Vest

Course was set before Spring 2008 to create a 21st Century version of our classic mesh vest, which we introduced way back in ‘87. The result is the Riverwalker Vest (M's & W's). This vest incorporates pack-like storage pockets with detailed vest construction (just try counting all the bar tacks). Convenient, easy-to-use curved and straight coil zippers with two molded pockets offer easy access and a clean, fly-line friendly exterior. The Riverwalker Vest is a lightweight (M's 17.5oz and W's 17oz) and highly functional piece of fishing equipment. Mesh (our signature version) and stretch nylon construction; specifically designed storage for fly boxes, tippet, tools, etc.; integrated attachment points; removable fly patch and built in rod holder are all contained in it's framework. This vest has two center clip adjustments for a more form fit when desired. There are two vertical zippers on either side of the back allowing access without having to take the vest off. There is also a single horizontal pocket on the back intentionally placed high for additional boxes, spare spools, food or whatever. The collar is padded and covered in a wicking and odor resistant looped poly fabric and the shoulder pattern helps support the load. There's also a burly webbing loop placed on the back below the collar for carrying and hanging this vest when loaded. The W's version is designed to have a feminine fit. With all the attention that the Guidewater Vest has received I though it might be a good idea to shed light on it's product line companion. Both M's and W's Riverwalker Vest come in Forge Grey.
Detail photos by Rene Braun
Photo of Chris Owens with taimen courtesy of AEG