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Un-matched traction. These really are that much better. I have never felt more confident while wading the river.
they are very roomy and not really all that comfortable out of the box.
I HIGHLY recommend getting a pair of insoles to provide some arch support.
Once you get them dialed in, then you will NOT regret getting them.
Most comfortable wade boot I have ever used. Easy on, easy off. Good foot protection, not much ankle support but not an issue for me. Now, the foot tractor sole. They are the best most incredible grip on river rock and slime. Oh! And wet grass going down the river bank, not one issue. Make sure you have rubber mats for your boats but these are a mu... Read Morest have guide boot.
Best traction on slimy Montana rock, loose bank soil and slick wet grass. Not as much ankle support as other boots but well worth the trade for the grip on rocks and slime. They are the most comfortable wading boots Ive found too. I waited to write the review until I gave them a thorough test. 20 days on the river so far and I may buy another back ... Read Moreup pair for myself.
Working as a guide in SW MT I spend 220+days a year in my Foot Tractor wading boots. Durability, traction and comfort is as good as it gets. These boots are truly indispensable. Not to mention they're backed by the best return policy in the business. I highly recommend this product.
I have guided and personal fish these on average around 120 days a year. Ive owned these boots for 5 years now and changed the bars twice. There is no evidence of failure in any part of the boot. Its hard to imagine the miles walked and time in them and truly they are as good as they have ever been. Well done Patagonia and Danner. I was tired of re... Read Moreturning boots that failed. You really have made a great product here. Thank you.
Had older Patagonia foot tracker (pre Danner) boot that could not be repaired. Customer serviced helped me upgrade. First pair were too large(roomy toe box), but return was painless. These have magic grip on slippery rocks on the Madison. -- top quality build, and expecting long life.
This is a great boot! I have had them for over a year now and this is my only pair of wading boots. I mostly wear them in winter or shoulder seasons as I typically wet wade all summer. I love the aluminum traction bars and the fact that you get extra replacement bars with the boots. Size was my biggest concern when buying these boots. I usually wea... Read Morer a 11.5 or 12 in street shoes and went with the size 12. It is a good fit over wader feet and medium to heavy socks. You can cinch them down good and tight. I love em. I would say I would buy again but I don't think I will need another pair of wading boots for a long time!
First off, I love these boots. I have the both the bar cleats and the felt bottom versions and they are my go-to. The cleated versions are really heavy, which isn't an issue, but I haven't found a situation where I benefit from the cleats. We have shale bottom rivers and they don't grip well. I actually have noticed myself sliding do... Read Morewnstream with the current when they fail to grip. When we fish limestone creeks, they don't seem to do well on too much texture. So, it seems like, to really benefit from the cleats, you have to have a river bottom that's not too flat, but also not too rocky.
great boot with big-time durability -- but it's heavy. I use in marine environments mostly and the aluminum bars work well except when rock weed is thick - then some slipping still happens.
solid solid solid
I've tried every boot out there - from the cheap to the most expensive. As a fish biologist I put my boots through the wringer, often putting more that 300-miles per season on my wading boots. These boots are the only pair that haven't come undone after a single season and I'm looking forward to putting them to the test this year. Th... Read Moreey have fantastic traction in the slipperiest late fall conditions on polished granite and I find rarely find myself second guessing a step. They are heavy - noticeably heavy - but I guess that's the price you pay for durability. As an ex-firefighter I'm well aware that the boots on your feet have the ability to make or break your day and I'm not sure why it took me so long to apply that same logic to my current profession, but I'm glad I did! Worth every pound and every penny!
I just wanted to add to the reviews that state these run small. My left is a 10.5 and my right an 11. I ordered the 11 because they say they run true and leave room for socks and waders. I have toe jam on both feet big time. I'm going to try the 12's.
That said these boots are a work of art. They display heirloom quality construction and... Read More I can't wait to get them on the river.
Finally a wader boot that grabs onto the ole slippery rocks! I have owned various brands with felt, studs and gripping soles, but none have performed like this Patagonia Foot Tractor. For me, I had to up-size from a 10 to 11 when wearing Patagonia Rio Gallegos waders and light pair of socks. The cobranding with Danner was brilliant in developing a ... Read Moreboot that is comfortable, practical, functional and with slip and fall prevention. Furthermore, I prefer lace up wader boots over mechanical mechanisms because I have seen those tensioners and cables fail and ruin someones day. When a shoestring breaks, a quick knot solves that problem. And by the way, thank you for the spare set of heavy duty shoe strings and cleats. Speaking of cleats, their traction on the slippery river bottom is amazing and a game changer. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant! I do have a couple cautionary experiences, be careful walking on wet wooden decks and steps and plan to wear your felt or non-studded boots when fishing from a boat. Another great Patagonia product to keep you in the river and not on the sidelines!
These things keep me upright in the river, very grippy! Fit is true to my shoe size and these boots have held up very well. They are a little heavier than your normal wading boots, but I chock that up to how beefy and well made they are. Highly recommended.
After fishing approximately 40 days in these, I can barely get them on when they are dry. The toe box shrunk and it's super painful to walk until they get wet and the leather relaxes a bit, at which time they feel snug but comfortable. I went back and forth on size when I purchased at the fly shop, my normal shoe size was a little snug but was... Read More told they'd relax in the water. Consider sizing up as they may shrink over time. I've also had several of the metal bar pieces simply fall off while wading, so may need to tighten them occasionally. I torqued each one when I went back and replaced the missing ones (a replacement set was included with the boots). Traction wise, they are the best I've used. Just wish I'd sized up.
We're sorry to hear the sizing issues with your boots. Please take them to the shop where you purchased, or to the [Patagonia-owned retail store in your area](https://www.patagonia.com/store-locator/) to discuss options. Thanks for your review, Jeremy!
November 3, 2022
This is my second pair
This is my second pair of Foot Tractors. The first pair was the original version. I wore them A LOT (I'm a Maine guide and a crazed angler), and wore them out. I just got the new Danner version, and they are fabulous! I fish a lot of big rivers in Maine, and the traction is often bad. These new Tractors are amazing - I feel like I can walk up ... Read Morewalls in them! I'm 72 years old, and good traction is critical for me. THANK YOU for making such an awesome product; I will definitely recommend them to everyone I fish with.
I borrowed my sister's foot tractor wading boots and love them. Her foot is bigger than mine so I ordered from the size chart. The size 6 is at least one size too small for my regular size 8 shoe sized foot. Will be exchanging these.
Thank you for this feedback, Kim. It's very helpful to our product designers, as well as other customers. We're glad to see you were able to get them exchanged for a better size for you.
August 21, 2022
Dinner Wading Boots
Love Patagonia and commitment to environment as a fellow BCorp employee and love these boots. They are expense but your worth it so add them to your kit. I was caught in a flash flood on a stream in western nc and had to scale a steep cliff to get a better bearing on location and these boots held me to to hillside, their great in and out of the riv... Read Moreer.
The thing I like best about this wading boot is the non-slip, sure footing it provides. I t is well constructed and I will get many years of use from this boot
Having only ever used felt wading boots, I was a little nervous about spending this much on non-felt sole boots. I am so happy I did. I spent a few days hiking and wading over slimy rocks, in rough water, and over dry uneven boulders and the like, and these boots were great throughout with terrific traction on all surfaces.
I was also concerned wi... Read Moreth how heavy they are, and figured my feet would be tired by the end of the day, but again, no problem there. The boots are just really comfortable and well-thought out!
When buying fishing boots I have always sized up to allow for plenty of circulation on cold days. These boots are plenty wide and allow for circulation. Also, after about a year of use my previous boots would stiffen up after they dried out creating pressure points around the ankle that would not go away until I had them back in the water for about... Read More an hour. It would make hiking to river painful. These are soft when dry and very comfortable. Love'em.
Ive never written a review for anything before, but these are worth every penny! I didnt know I could be so mobile in the river, you stick to slimy rocks like velcro. Super comfortable, stable, and supportive, 10/10 would recommend, super legit, best wading boots ever!
Still by far the best traction on the market. I fish in rivers more than 300 days a year. Yes I do wear out the bars faster than most, but they are easily replaceable. Warranty and repair / replacement are extremely valuable to me. Great product.
Loved these boots. Fished the Lower "O" with them last week. Nice fit and finish. Good traction as well. Hopping in and out of the river, crossing over rocks of all shapes and slime. No issues
Love these boots! Was a bit concerned about the rubber and aluminum rails( I upgraded from felt bottom spikes), but my concerns were quickly dismissed. They are exceptionally stable, I never felt like I would lose my footing even in a strong current. My feet didn't fatigue after 5 hours of fishing. All in all a great purchase! Can't wait ... Read Moreto use them again!
These things are grippy! They dont do great with side to side traction, but front to back, they will keep you glued to the bottom. I find that I wade a little differently in these. Once you figure it out after about an hour though, they are great!!!
with the alminum traction bars, these things stick to a rock like velcro and the ankle support is great! i was having major ankle support issues with my other name brand boots and was worried about my abilities with walking the banks until i got these, i'm a year into ownership and likely have about 150 miles on them. I couldn't be happie... Read Morer with this product. the only thing that i can think of that a buyer should be aware of is that its the complete opposite when you're walking over the occasional smooth and dry rock, these traction bars react like walking on marbles to that specific type of rock. as they say, i'll never buy another boot/cleat combo. you wont be disappointed!
As a guide in Alaska, I couldnt ever purchase another boot. I was having Achilles issues with other manufacturers and this immediately solved them. Craftsmanship matters, as do the little details. This boot delivers both.
Hello Ian, we appreciate you taking the time to leave a review. We're sorry to hear about the issue you are experiencing with the boots. Our products are covered by Patagonia's Ironclad Guarantee so if you are not satisfied with the boots' performance, you are welcome to [return](https://www.patagonia.com/returns.html) them.
August 30, 2021
Stable
I wrote this in a Trout Unlimited Community Forum post this past February in response to another angler's questions about the Foot Tractors compared to another leading wading boot. I've used them since when there was not ice on the ground and all of the positives hold true...
The short version is that while they do not perform at all on ... Read Moresolid ice in a parking lot, they are flawless while walking down a snowy, rocky hillside and are flawless on grapefruit to volleyball sized algae covered rocks in a riverbed.
The longer version? They are heavy which I like. I'm 6'3" with a lot of what I swear had to have been muscle at one time and I DO like having "foot boggers" on my feet with a rigid sole/bottom, bullet-proof but flexible (in the right places) "boot" part where my foot rests and ideally a well-protected and well-supported upper. So, I sought out a boot were I felt as though I slog my way through, up or down anything.
I was replacing a Simms Freestone felt-bottomed set of boots that were great but a friend convinced (guilted) me in to moving away from felt because of the algae transmission fears. The Simms had fit the bill nicely so I wanted at least to have the heft and solid feel of the Simms.
I selected the Patagonia as I had read several reviews claiming that in addition to having good support and traction IN the water, they were the best at traction OUT of the water. As I thought about my wading patterns, I use a wading staff and I am very deliberate as I move around all that "bulk formerly known as muscle" and if I see a tricky wading spot, my first thought is to find a better way around it. So, IN the water, I am a big coward and am fine. However, I have cracked a rib, snapped a rod and have had too many close calls OUT of the water where I'm not paying attention scrambling over boulders or slipping down a steep stream bank so that's where I wanted to focus my dollars. Also, I did like the idea of being able to repair and resole these. I have heavy-duty Vasque leather hiking boots that have been resoled over the years and it's a nice feature.
Out of the box, Patagonia seemed to be the perfect boot (for me) though the uppers were a little flimsy to the point where my first thought was that Patagonia had designed a great boot but got bored or complacent and forgot to finish everything above the ankle. But once on the water, that was not an issue and the strength of the bottom half supported everything and I had no complaints.
For actual performance, their only weakness was while standing on solid ice but I understand that that is not normally where one worries about wading (nice alliteration there). Yesterday morning in North Adams, MA , the parking lot where I put on my boots was a solid sheet of ice and once I stood up, I simply slid down the slight incline while trying to remain upright. So, the aluminum bars provide NO traction on solid smooth ice far worse than even a pair of sneakers or leather-bottomed dress shoes on a sidewalk in downtown Boston. However, they did not slip an inch as I walked down a hill through several inches of heavy melted and refrozen snow with scattered rocks poking up. Further, there was no slipping on any of the rocks getting to the river and for the first test, there was absolutely no slipping on the slimy rocks that we waded across to the get to the other side of the river and the rigid soles almost made me feel as though I was walking on the tops of the rocks and I felt very secure. At the end of the day, I was able to confidently walk back up that snowy bank without fear of faceplanting if you've ever walked up a snowy or muddy slope in felt boots you know my fears.
I did notice one significant difference between these and the felts in the felt boots can slide over rocks if you need them to where these did not. For example, if you're settling in for your cast and you kind of squirm and rotate your feet to find the most comfortable position, these do not allow for that. Once you are in position, you are sort of locked in. If I had to rotate or shift a foot, I had to take my weight off of it in order to re-place it I couldn't slide it or inch it. I don't know if that makes sense but shifting my position, even just a little, sometimes made we want my wading staff because most of my weight moved to the other foot.
Standing and walking all day on aluminum bars takes a little getting use to but the overall comfort / durability / traction and protection is phenomenal.
My puppy chewed the back out of my old wading boots. They were about ten years old and had become very difficult to get on and off and uncomfortable to wear. So the time had come. I hesitated on these boots because of the breathtaking price. Ugh. But I like the fact they're made in USA versus most wading boots that are made in China will littl... Read Moree or no information about the working conditions they're made under. I think we should be willing to pay more for things we know were made under fair labor conditions. I found the boots to be very roomy and very easy to get off and on. I wore them for the first time for a couple days of fishing this past weekend. I had not fished in that area before, so I can't say the traction of the aluminum was better than my old rubber-soled boots. But I can say the traction was excellent. The boots are very heavy-made but they're also very heavy, which might turn-off some folks. But if you have wide feet you will be grateful you paid a bit more for these boots. I wear a 10 in most shoes and bought an 11. There's a but of slip front to back but I also always wear thin socks with wading boots because of my crazy wide feet. Plenty of room for a hiking sock which solves this issue. Buy the best and you'll only cry once.
These are a replacement for the original foot tractors. These boots designed by Danner give greater traction than the older bar design. They dry in a fraction of the time. On the downside, the foot box is more narrow and offers less ankle protection. I found the design prior to Danner is more comfortable, but the rubber materials will eventually de... Read Moreteriorate.
Well made boot, cleats really grip slippery, wet rocks well. I am a size 91/2 to 10 shoe, size twelve boot is a little roomy but I would rather that then too tight. Double on Sox, extra cushion in the footbed, and its good for all seasons. When I hike or rock hop, Korkers are the better option for me.
This wading boot feels very sturdy and solid, but unfortunately has several downsides.
1. It's heavy (but probably why it feels so solid)
2. the insole is very squishy. I replaced with a Surfeet insole which makes it more comfortable for hikes to the river.
3. The biggest downside -- the tractor bars wear out quickly and become very slipper... Read Morey. I am hoping to find some aftermarket cleats that will screw into the tractor bar threaded receptacle and ditch the aluminum bar. Otherwise I will be switching these out very soon. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you for this valuable feedback, Rick! We're reaching out privately to address the details and options for you.
June 14, 2021
Way too heavy
I have been a loyal supporter of Patagonia for 50 years and do my best to say in shape for the activities I love. I bought these boots on the advice of a fishing guide who said they would give superior stability on slippery rocks and he was right. They are of exceptional quality and comfort and are very functional. I would give this boot 5 stars fo... Read Morer craftsmanship and performance, however they are very heavy and may not be suitable for some older guys like me. I used them for half a day and it felt like I was dragging a ball and chain. Patagonia's lighter boot may be more suitable for some. That being said - thank you Patagonia for standing by your Ironclad Guarantee and allowing me to return the boots with a full refund. I remain a loyal customer.
Great wading boot but look terrible after a season
The premium price placed on these boots is supposed to be justified by the longevity of the product. Unfortunately, after a single season of light use on freshwater rivers the boots look horrible. The grey color of the leather appears to be only painted on rather than dyed into the leather. Leaving the boots fading to a light tan color and light sc... Read Moreuffs around the toes and heel showing the undying light tan leather.
We're so sorry to hear this Andy! This is not what we expect from these boots. Please reach out to our Customer Service team to get set up with a warranty return.
Pros: - Best boot ever owned while in water and on slippery rocks where you do all of your fishing.
- It's weight adds to a secure feeling of being anchored to the bottom in fast flowing waters
- Feels like you have armor around your foot, no ankle or toe bash concerns when crashing through rocks.
Cons:
- Heavy in general, you will not wan... Read Moret to use these boots for any trips with over a mile hike in. After waterlogged and a long day they feel like cinder blocks on the hike back.
- Only relevant to some but Absolutely the worst boot ever on ice due to being elevated on metal bars. Almost unusable if having to hike uphill on an icy slope.
This is the first pair of wading shoes I've owned. Previously I bought the cheap stuff, waders with boots attached which did not give me the traction I need while wading on slippery rock river bottom. The aluminum bars on these Danner Foot Tractor boots cut through the slime to the rocks and provide great traction and much needed confidence th... Read Moreat I'll remain upright and above the surface of the water. The boots are easy on and easy off. For sizing I was a little concerned because I have wide feet, 10 1/2 EE. I bought size 11 because there are no half sizes and I hoped it would accommodate my foot width. They fit darned near perfect even with a light weight sock inside the neoprene booties of my waders. I have bought Danner boots for decades and have always been pleased in the quality in materials and craftsmanship they put onto their products. I am confident that these boots will last for many years to come. Keep up the good work!
The first issue with these boots is that there aren't half sizes. I ordered a 9 initially and it was cramped enough that my foot hurt. The 10 is loose enough that they almost came off when I stepped in some deep muck in the river.
They're also heavy as hell. I didn't think it would be an issue, but it's really noticeable even in... Read More the water.
The biggest issue, though, is that they're dangerously slippery on every surface I've tried. Going down the concrete ramp to the access point felt sketchy, dirt wasn't much better, and the rock snot-covered limestone in the Guadalupe River totally defeated these boots. I slipped and fell more in these than in my old crappy Cabela's wading boots. By the end of the day, I didn't trust them on anything but a perfectly level surface; any incline or decline was a recipe for filled waders.
The biggest bummer is that I wanted to love these. I never buy myself nice gear but splurged with these boots. Whoops.
We are so sorry to hear that your boots didn't hold up for you. All of our gear is covered by our Ironclad Guarantee. Please reach out to our customer service team and we'll help you out.
November 18, 2020
Terrible boot
This boot has great traction while it lasts. However, the boot quickly wears out and falls apart. Mine lasted less than 6 months of occasional use.
We're sorry to hear that the boots did not last for you. Please reach out to our [Customer Service](https://help.patagonia.com/s/) team so we can take a look at our options. If you have already returned, we're happy to chat about what would work best for you as well.
We appreciate your feedback. If you have not already been in contact with a [Customer Service](https://help.patagonia.com/s/) rep, please reach out so we can get you in a size that works for you.
September 13, 2020
"The Goods"
I bought a size larger (11) than street shoe (10) because I have a wide foot (3EEE) and a very high instep which makes finding comfortable footwear difficult. They are a perfect fit for my feet. They go on and come off with ease (love the speed lacing). They have superb traction in the river and provide confidence for this 72 year old fisherman. Th... Read Moree uppers are very supple and none restrictive when walking/wading. They are just plain comfortable and the best wading shoes I have owned. Worth every penny. They are "the goods". Thanks Patagonia/Danner. It has taken way too long but I have finally found the boot I've been looking for.
Comfort is not a term I associate with wading boots but these are the most comfortable wading boots I have ever worn. They feel like I am wearing a good hiking boot. And they slip on and off like slippers, unlike my previous boots. I am a size 8.5M and originally ordered an 8 (I prefer tighter rather than looser when wading). They were too tight so... Read More I exchanged them for a 9, which fit fine. I recommend half sizes size up. Can't speak of their durability but they seem to be built (& weigh) like a tank. They are noticeably heavy when carrying but are not too heavy on the stream. The weight might impact how far you are willing to walk or climb to your fishing hole but is offset by the superior comfort. Traction is very good but is a shade below studded felt. It's nice they are made in USA, which is why they are pricey. But you get what you pay for.
Comfort is not a term I associate with wading boots but these are the most comfortable wading boots I have ever worn. They feel like I am wearing a good hiking boot. And they slip on and off like slippers, unlike my previous boots. I am a size 8.5M and originally ordered an 8 (I prefer tighter rather than looser when wading). They were too tight so... Read More I exchanged them for a 9, which fit fine. I recommend half sizes size up. Can't speak of their durability but they seem to be built (& weigh) like a tank. They are noticeably heavy when carrying but are not too heavy on the stream. The weight might impact how far you are willing to walk or climb to your fishing hole but is offset by the superior comfort. Traction is very good but is a shade below studded felt. It's nice they are made in USA, which is why they are pricey. But you get what you pay for.
I'm a size 9 in pretty much every brand shoe but these felt too tight in a 9. I went with the 10's and they are too loose with heel slip in the back. Trying out inserts, double socks, etc to get them to feel right and it's still not there. 9.5 would have been perfect.
They are super heavy and I wouldn't want to hike in anywher... Read Moree with these, but in the water the weight helps me feel sturdy and the aluminum bars grip well. The toe leather discolors after one wear but I'm not participating in a fashion show with these so I personally don't mind.
I got these as Christmas present to replace my old worn out Simms G4 Boots. The difference is night and day. I wish I would gotten these boots sooner. I can fish all day and my feet do not hurt at the end of the day like they used to with my old G4 boots. The traction is awesome, and they are so easy to get on and off. The Patagonia Danner Boots ar... Read Moree amazing!
I use these boots for my work as a hydrologist in Alaska in all seasons. I have small feet (6.5 in women) so I was worried the smallest size offered in this boot would still be too big. Turns out they are a little big but that's perfect because even in summer, I'm working in cold water so having plenty of room for extra socks is needed. T... Read Morehey are not oversize enough to interfere with hiking. As other reviewers have mentioned, the boot feels heavy in your hands but not on your foot. I appreciate that the boot material is not too thick/bulky which also allows for good drainage. I don't have to lace them up super tight for the boots to feel secure on my feet which has been an issue with other boots that tend to cut off circulation and lead to cold toes. The boots have gripped well in all conditions except bare ice but that's to be expected. Even though there is not "women specific" version, these have worked well for me and I would recommend.
Unlike the prior model of Foot Tractor boots (the non-Danner version) these fit differently when wet than they do when dry in my experience. I needed to switch sizes after learning this. When dry the size 13's are a perfect fit for me but as soon as I wade into the river I need to re-lace them as tight as I can as they are much too big once we... Read Moret. I ended up replacing the 13's with a pair of size 12. I'm not sure if it's a case of wet leather having more give to it than the synthetic boots I've used in the past but these really seem to expand and fit "larger" once wet.
These are certainly the best wading boots I've ever owned but getting the size right was a little challenging for me until I learned how they behave once wet.
Use 68 days this past season.
Much like the original “Tractor” series of boots (completely rotted out in two years) these boots offer excellent traction (although not as good as the originals.), but disappoint in their durability.
In 8 months of use, the inner toe leather has deformed and has become quite painful to wear. This problem is not fixa... Read Moreble and is hard on waders and feet.
Pro-Advice: If your looking for fishing gear; waders, boots, jackets. BUY SIMMS PRODUCTS. Their fishing gear is far superior.
Just got a pair yesterday and was eager to try them out. Almost fell on my butt several times just standing still gearing up by the car on packed snow/ice and walking down a somewhat icy trail to river. Super slippery on snow/ice! BUT.....once I got in the river, they were by far the most grippy boots I have EVER worn. Very confident crossing even ... Read Moredeeper and faster sections that I wouldn't normally cross. Easy to lace. Heavy in the hand but feel super stout and burly in the water and not clunky. I normally wear 11's and the 11's felt big with wool socks and 3.5MM wader feet. I was nervous they may be sloppy in the summer while wet wading with just a thinner wading sock. Easy enough to fix with an additional pare of insoles to soak up space in summer. Even if you do fish in snow and ice, these are awesome boots, just be careful on the ice. Otherwise they are killer.
I wasn't sure whether to get size 12 or 13, so I got 13. They seemed fine when I tried them on, but then when I actually went fishing and got them wet wading in the riverI realized I should have gotten size 12. But, now that I've used them it's too late to return them, so I guess I'll get t bigger socks. Despite that, the alumin... Read Moreum bars gave me the best traction on slipper river rocks. They were great.
These boots, in a word, are bomber. When I first read the name for these boots, Foot Tractor, I was not sure why you would name a boot after farm machinery. After wearing them on six different fishing outings I now get it. Your boots basically plow their way through any river substrate - with ease. A big positive are the aluminum bars. Having never... Read More used a wading boots with aluminum I was a bit sceptical. Not anymore. If you fish/wade in any river/creek with slick rocks these boots (the aluminum bars) are the answer. One final positive. The width of the boot allows for ample room for your waders wading sock to fit in the boot without your foot being 'squished'. This allows for more blood flow to your foot which makes your feet happier and ultimately warmer (better blood circulation equals warmer feet). Can't wait for fair weather to return next spring (it's late November in Montana) so I can get out again with my tractors.
When Patagonia and Danner teamed up to make the new boot line up I knew they would be good. I just didn't realise how good. The new Foot Tractor boots offer an incredibly comfortable fit, superior traction, and durability. I couldn't be happier with them. Perfect for long days on the river. Even those big walk and wade days.
After wearing the last pair of Patagonia boots out and the soles falling apart, I sent the boots back for repair. I had not known that was going to be the last time I saw them for Patagonia sent me a credit for a future purchase rather than fix the sole of the boot. Then I found that the only boots available from Patagonia are these new Danner boot... Read Mores. After taking a couple days to get over the sticker shock I spent time researching these new Danners and decided it was worth the shot. The warranty and repair side of the house seemed in order at Danner and it better be if I’m being charged such a large sum for wading boots.
I took these up to fish Steelhead last week in NE Ohio and was VERY pleased and comfortable with how well the boots wore. They didn’t feel like moon boots like previous boots I’d had from Simms and Patagonia. These new boots are on a whole new level indeed.
The price is very expensive but the comfort and feel of the boot are the best I’ve experience yet!
These are my favorite boots I’ve used. These things are beasts in the water. I haven’t used a boot as sticky as them. They seem super well built. They come out of the box super comfortable. I’ve put some miles out of the river in them as well. It’s not the best boot for that, but that is 100% a sacrifice I would make for my stability in the water. ... Read MoreLove the boot and will recommended them to everybody.
I wish they had just a little more ankle support. I would not call it poor ankle support by any means, but a little beefier would be nice.
All of my buddies and I have also had our foot inserts fold up/cup on cold mornings. It always fixes it self once you slid wiggle around a little bit and they warm up. Just a little disappointing giving how much the boots cost.
My boots (size 8) fit perfectly but I have had a few buddies in the 11 range normally have to size down. Just try them on pre-purchase if you can!
I’ve been using and older version of the Foot Tractors with felt soles for the past two years. The new version with aluminum bars have a sturdy construction and are super stable in the river. The aluminum bars really help with traction on rocks. My only complaint is the boot volume seems really big. I tried to compensate at the time of my order and... Read More sized down one size, but the boot still feels sort of big. However, their performance in the river far outweighs the adjustment that I have to make on the fit. Highly recommended boot!
These boots are fantastic I never slip and best of all since I guide in Alaska and use rafts for all my trip the fact that the aluminum bars do not cut into the rafts fabric is a great plus old style pegs would sometimes cut into the fabric had to be very careful.
Really solid build quality and really nice boot. I wear Size 9 shoes normally, but decided to size up to account for waders in the boot, but now they are a little too big. But an amazing boot overall!
Since felt became illegal here in Alaska these are the only boots that work on what used to be slick rocks. Thanks Patagonia for teaming up with Danner and making an amazing boot. They seem to run narrower then boots from other manufacturers but they are still fairly new to me and may just need to be worn in a little.
boots exude quality materials and construction. break in was minimal. the fit seems wider than it should be. experiencing some lace bite. the exterior boot toe could use a rubber protection piece, otherwise down the road, i could see some potential for premature wear..
I was blown away at the traction and overall performance of my new Foot Tractor Wading Boots. I was a little nervous at first that it would feel like walking in ski boots, but was pleasantly surprised at how natural the step in them was, even in waist deep river water. I had solid traction and no slippage throughout multiple 10 hour days on the Yak... Read Moreima River. It was also nice to see an additional set of aluminum bars and shoelaces included with the purchase. Well done!
I got these for my husband for a fishing trip to Wyoming. They were exactly what he needed. He said he wouldn’t have been able to stay in the water without them.
Nice high quality boot. Easy in and off, getting the laces tight enough is pretty tough. The aluminum bars work OK on most surfaces but are poor on smooth rock. These boots are also heavy but I’m cool with that. I am glad I bought these boots and would do it again. I wish I’d have ordered them in two sizes to return the one that didn’t fit right. I... Read More feel the sizing is too wide and I have a wide foot. If you have narrow feet chances are these boots will not lace tight enough for you.
When I hike and hunt, I wear Danner. When I wade, I wear tractors. Know I get to have my aluminum and wear it too. For me, these are the most comfortable, stable wading boots I've worn. So far I've used them on the Trinity and Sacramento rivers here in Northern California.
I absolutely applaud Patagonia and Danner for coming together to make the best wading boot ever. My home river is loaded with big boulders and large cobble, coming across a flat surface for your feet is a rare treat. The stability and support these boots offer as well and the grip of the aluminum bars is amazing. I feel like I can stick to anything... Read More I step on and cross the river anywhere. The only issue I had was the first day and the boot felt really wide, after it dried up a little and the leather got used they have since fit like a glove. I look forward to years of beating up these boots and not worrying about them. Thank you to two great companies that have made one great boot!
Really impressed with the traction on every river I guide on. I was skeptical about their performance on the San Jaun River, but they were rock solid. I have been on the water every day with them since I got them and they won’t get a chance to dry out for about 30 more days. We will see how they hold up. Impressive so far.
I've had these for about 4 months so far. Here are my impressions:
Out of box: Oozes quality as expected at the premium price point. I was excited to see that they come with a spare set of alu bars and a spare set of laces. I didn't see that highlighted anywhere on the website and that is a real value add. In my last set of foot tractor... Read Mores, I went thru laces in about 6 months (no biggie) and the alu bars in about 10 months. Im a bigger guy and do lots of hiking so Im sure that is much accelerated compared to others. (One of my buddies has had his for 2 years and bars were not showing near the wear mine were.)
Fit: The fit is really nice and the comfort level is second to none. The uppers on these boots are flexible and make it feel like you are not wearing a wading boot yet the lowers feel strong and robust. One thing I will note about fit is that these are VERY high volume. I have feet that are on the wider side and even still when I draw the laces tight, the lower portion of the boot nearly closes until it touches the other side. This could be an issue for someone with a small volume foot.
Function: Im absolutely sold on the alu bars. Grip for DAYS. Ive honestly never really understood the hype about the vibram soles as my experience with their rubber has been subpar (esp when compared with the five.10 steath rubber). That said, it's really the alu bars that make these boots what they are!!! The level of confidence you have in your footing and grip actually takes a while to get used to - they are that good. You can make steps and get grip in places it just does not seem possible.
Boots are very comfortable, supportive, durable and provide next level traction. No other boot can compare. My only critique is they're quite a bit heavier than previous model.
I owned the original Foot Tractor for several years and liked their fit, comfort and traction. I sprung for a new pair of the Patagonia/Danner boots this spring and was impressed with the fit and design out of the box, but wanted to fish them some before reviewing. Their fit is equally as good and my feet like the ample room in the toe box, compare... Read Mored to other brand boots I've used. Traction and security on slippery rocks does not disappoint. Where I feel the new boot excels it's predecessor is the stability the upper offers both in the river and when hiking. An added bonus is they dry out much faster than the previous model. Yup, after fishing them about 30 days, they're a bit scuffed up, but this certainly doesn't take away from their performance. If wear becomes an issue, I'm confident that Patagonia and Danner will help me out and keep me fishing. A bit pricey, yes, but worth every penny, ... HIGHLY recommended!
After having back surgery I was looking for a boot with good traction. I have fished them for 20 days on very rocky rivers in Norway and can say that these boots are very good.
My husband has 3 current pair of Patagonia wading boots and countless pairs have been 'retired' from use. When his latest trip recommended bars we searched for the bars to fit his current boots but were unable to track them down. I suggested these but the price was staggering to him. I knew the quality of Danner and the design and researc... Read Moreh Patagonia puts into their gear would be a winner. I ordered them for my husband as a surprise. He is so glad I did. They are the safest, strongest, most durable boots ever. He is fishing rare waters and some areas of the river were too shallow to float so the group has to pull the rafts and gear. These boots kept him safe and stable and able to put his full strength into the work despite super slippery rocks and rough terrain. The fishing has been amazing and he can concentrate on having a great time instead of worrying about foot placement while he is enjoying reeling in fish. He has hiked in these to get down river and the support and comfort has been wonderful on various surfaces. We order his true size, 11, and then ordered the 12 because his older Patagonia waders had thicker booties and made the 11 feel too tight at first. He ended up keeping the 11s because the 12 were just too big and we felt the all leather boot will stretch some to accommodate his other waders if necessary. Danner and Patagonia advertise these as boots for a lifetime. Both of these companies are well known for their durability, quality and standing behind their products so we are confident in the investment in these boots. We are going to test that out because he loves them and I don't see him using any other pair after this! The Patagonia X Danner collaboration is a dream come true for fly fisherman and women! WORTH EVERY PENNY!
That's what they should call it. I am always hesitant to say never, or ever. I had a pair of 2nd generation "original" foot tractors and they work. But they were not a great boot. These, I can tell... are a great boot. I can't wait to get them on the river. My wife was super jazzed watching me wader-up in the living room and glo... Read Moreat. I'm surprised she didn't take pictures. After 2 swims, and F'n up a pair of gore-tex waders, I was all in. I don't think these boots will disappoint. Not in the slightest. I love my super light Patagonia boots for the raft and drifty. But if you're like me, and tired of doing the Las Vegas shuffle wade, just flip the coin, and finish your day on the water on your terms. (not applicable to rivers with gravel bottom)
It's not unusual for me to hike a half mile or more to where I fish. Over the course of the summer I'll put on many more miles bushwhacking in my wading boots than I will in the river. As a result, I need a wading boot that is as sturdy as a hiking boot while still offering excellent on-stream traction. Over the years I've tried rubb... Read Moreer, felt, the new "grippy" compounds, studs and aluminum bars. Unquestionably the aluminum bars, pioneered by Patagonia, offer the best traction under all conditions.
This is Patagonia's third generation Foot Tractor. I've owned all three and believe these to be the best yet. Unlike the previous versions which had aluminum bars that spanned the entire sole from heel to toe, the latest Foot Tractor uses a combination of short bars on the heel and toe and individual aluminum pieces elsewhere. A total of seven chunks of aluminum on each boot. The aluminum really digs in and grips on any surface I've waded, even slimy rocks. Your feet feel like they're being held to the river bottom. At my age it's extra insurance that I really value. When new, nothing holds like aluminum bars but they will wear down over time and should be replaced every couple of years depending on how much you wade. Replacement on the previous models was easy and I expect it will be on these as well.
This generation of Foot Tractor is made by Danner and has a few notable differences. For one, it comes up higher, offering better ankle support, a particularly useful feature for my style of wading. Also, the toe cap is more rounded giving a little extra room for your toes. Fit of my size 12's is spot on. The boots are very comfortable to wear with no slipping, pinching or sore spots after a full day's use.
These boots have been touted as the last pair of wading boots you'll ever need to buy. At my age that's probably correct. Danner indicates that they can repair/rebuild the boots as they wear out. The boots are a new design and I'm still breaking mine in. I'll be very curious to see how they feel after a full season of wear. For right now I am very pleased and give them a top rating. They're the best pair of wading boots I've ever had in a long line of boots.
The best feature of these boots is how stable they are. Perfect for rocky stream beds. Construction detail is excellent. I ordered the wrong size at first. Patagonia mage the exchange effortless. Extraordinary Customer Service.
I’ve used these twice now for fishing all day in Arkansas on some slick river beds and I love the stability they provided. Didn’t slip and slide at all! Each step feels solid. I was even able to climb up a greasy underwater boulder (and get back down) with little trouble which would not have been possible in my other boots. The trade off is that th... Read Moreese boots are a bit on the heavy side but it’s been worth it to me. Overall I’m very happy with these wading boots.
I am a fishing guide in Livingston, Montana and have been fishing our spring creeks in these boots for the last couple of weeks. Really happy with how well these boots are made. Never had a pair like them and in 25 years of guiding I have had several different pairs. These boots are made like heavy duty hiking boots and will last for years. The Foo... Read Moret Tractor grips even the rocks in Armstrong Spring Creek which I am sure are some of the slickest of any in the world. Definitely worth every penny if you are a serious fisherman!
I'd been splooging over these boots since I first saw them last summer. As a frequent Colorado angler, I put my boots through the wringer. I'd formerly used the lightweight patagonia sticky boot, but found they were terrible. In about a year, the edges had completely worn out. Eyelets popped out, seams bursted, etc. The reason I keep buyi... Read Moreng Patagonia is because of their warranty. I brought the boots back into store and offered me a gift card valued at the full retail value. Awesome. You cannot afford to shop anywhere else. The helped drive down the cost, but was still out some serious coin.
Onto the boots. I've used them five times now under varying colorado conditions this spring, so I feel I can leave an adequate review. I just put them up to the ultimate test yesterday- A 1000 foot descent under 45 degree pitch in mud, sand, loose rock and boulders. Simply put, the boot delivered. The support never failed, and the aluminum bars allowed me to gracefully descend the face, and then provided great traction on the slog back up. The grip is unrivaled on the river, always managing to find sure footing. I'd occasionally precariously jump into fast, uneven conditions just to see how they held up. Almost always had sure footing. The boots seem to drain very well, almost instantly. The foot beds are by far the most comfortable I've experienced, with a cushioning spring effect. True to my street size 11 shoes.
My only complaints would be the weight when wet- considerable. You'll feel it more when you take them off, though it's not really enough to notice on our 3 mile long hike. The weight kind of swings with your foot. The laces that came with the boot need to be replaced- they are too dynamic when wet. I always lace them up as tight as possible at first, but they seem to loosen and are so long that I have to wrap them around my ankle. By the end of the day, there was a minor slippage on the heel because of how loose they were, and I had to re-tighten them. Swap them out with something with less give.
Overall Incredibly impressed by these boots. For $550, I won't know if they were worth the investment until five years from now. Until then, I'd recommend them to anyone who replaces their boots every year to 18 months, with patagonias warranty and care program, you'll always be taken care of.
These boots at first thought were a bit heavy but it was to be expected from a boot with this type of construction. I've had them on the stream now many times over the past few months and I can say easily that there is no other boot with this level of traction in the stream. Slimy round boulders and greasy flat rocks are no match for these sol... Read Morees. With the bars on either side of the sole you can feel the boot wrap around the surface and you are glued down. The fit for me is excellent and feels like a proper boot. I went up one size from my street shoe and it is perfect with my Gallegos waders and a heavy pair of socks. Awesome Boot!!!
I've blasted through the old tractors blowing out the seems on the sides of both boots. Those boots had amazing traction, but were clunky, heavy and fell apart.
I moved onto the g3 simms boots with the quality issues on the tractor seams. I never liked the fit, they didn't hike well, poor traction, an all around of a let down on performa... Read Morence.
I liked the idea of the danner collaboration hoping to up the quality over the old tractor. This boot one ups everything. Pricey but worth every penny. Fit is amazing, they go on easy, traction on par with the old tractor, and I nice supple, dexterous ankle. They don't feel bulky and clunky like either the g3 or the old tractor.
I love this boot