Best Wading Boots & Shoes of 2025

The Fly Fishers Guide to the Best Wading Boots & Shoes (REVIEWED)

Looking for recommendations on the best wading boots for fly fishing? The new Patagonia Foot Tractor boots are the best new wading boots available in 2025. Patagonia’s top-rated boots are the most durable, highest-performance boots we’ve ever seen.

Check out all the premium Patagonia Danner fly fishing boots and Patagonia wading boots for sale at the shop.

2025’s Top-Selling Wading Boots: Patagonia X Danner Foot Tractor Boots

Patagonia and Danner have created the Foot Tractor, a high-performance wading boot built to last. Handcrafted in Portland, Oregon, the boots feature full-grain leather and stitch-down construction for exceptional durability and support. The Vibram Idrogrip rubber sole delivers outstanding traction in the water.  These boots are among the best wading gear for fly fishing this year. 

Why We Love the Patagonia Foot Tractor Boots:

Vibram Soles: Foot Tractor boots use Vibram Idrogrip for exceptional slip resistance on wet rocks, while River Salt models feature Vibram Megagrip for reliable traction on all surfaces. Both come with traction cleats and extra laces.

Supportive Midsoles: The Foot Tractor includes a dual midsole made from waterproof, military-grade materials. River Salt boots feature a bi-fit board midsole, which combines multiple layers into a single, lightweight piece for optimal support.

Full-Grain Leather: Tough and long-lasting, the full-grain leather molds to your foot and resists breakdown with a PFC-free saline tanning process. It can be reconditioned for extended durability.

Durable Nylon Uppers: Constructed from 1,000 denier nylon, uppers resist abrasion and use a perforation system from Danner’s combat boots. The speed lacing system is both fast and secure.

Recraftable Stitchdown Construction: Danner’s stitchdown method allows for resoling and reconditioning. The boots are built to last a lifetime.

Felt vs. Rubber Soles: Which is Best for Wading Boots?

While felt soles once dominated for traction, modern rubber soles have significantly advanced to become today’s top choice. Rubber-bottom boots like the Foot Tractor now offer exceptional durability, superior grip and a lighter weight compared to felt. For the best performance and value, rubber soles are the clear winner, providing enhanced traction and longer-lasting quality.

Should I Size Up or Down?

The Foot Tractor Wading Boots by Danner are designed to be worn with neoprene wader booties. Men should choose their usual street shoe size, while women should size up by 2 sizes. 

If wearing the boots with wading socks or packable wader booties, it’s best to size down from your street shoe size. Men should size down 1 size, while women should size down 3 sizes. 

See the Patagonia website for the most up-to-date information.

Patagonia’s Commitment to Sustainability

Nylon: Lightweight yet durable, this is one of the main materials used in the boots. By 2025, Patagonia hopes to stop using this nonrenewable resource, made from petroleum. 

Polyester: By 2025, Patagonia hopes to discontinue this non-renewable resource and replace it with recycled or bio-based polyester.