Review: Cabela's Bonesneaker Wading Boot

My criteria for judging a wading boot for kayak fishing:

• All-day comfort for pedaling or paddling
• Have hiking-type tread
• Do not mark up my kayak from the sole
• Do not rust out from saltwater use
• Do not break the bank
• Must protect my foot from fish spines, rocks, etc.

I have been through a couple pairs of the super-cheap Caddis "Explorer" wading boots, which retail for $60. I really just wanted the cheapest thing I could find that would protect my feet. The problems with these boots included that they dry really really slowly after use, the metal eyelets start rusting after their first contact with saltwater (in spite of oiling them first and immediate rinsing in fresh water), and the black rubber soles leave black marks all over my kayak. I should mention I love my Caddis waders that I've had for quite a while now, so I'm not down on the brand.

Tired of spending money on something I know I'm going to replace, I began looking for something that would last longer. It's surprisingly hard to find a non-felt sole wading boot that has a non-marking sole. It's also hard (around Portland at least) to find a wading boot that is devoid of metal pieces or that uses stainless steel. And lastly, it's hard to find any wading boots for less than $100.

After some research and talking to people at various stores, I found the Cabela's Bonesneaker wading boot.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Mens-Bonesneaker-Wading-Boots/1915741.uts

I just got done fishing with them for 3 consecutive days, and I'm really happy with them. They are comfortable in the boat and while mucking around on shore or dragging my kayaks around to and from the car, the white soles are non-marking and have a nice all-purpose hiking tread, they have tough plastic pieces for the laces, and they dry quickly. They're light too, compared to what I'm used to.

And did I mention they're only $90?

My only concerns so far:

There are small mesh drain holes near the sole on the side that look a lot like painted metal. They could be plastic, I don't know. If they are metal, that'll be a bummer.

There is not quite as much toe-height room as I was hoping for to accommodate lots of socks and wader booties. I ended up getting 3 sizes up from my shoe size to accommodate what I usually wear, plus enough wiggle room to keep my blood moving. Make sure to try them on with big socks and neoprene (or whatever you use). Cabela's has socks, neoprene booties, etc. for you to use when trying them on. Once I got the right size they feel great.

Just thought I'd pass this along if it helps someone else. They seem pretty ideal to me for PacNW mixed-use fresh/salt kayak fishing.

(I'm not in any way associated with Cabela's.)

Out of curiosity how many guys use a wading type boot in their kayak?
I have always used a NRS neoprene bootie as opposed to a full wading shoe. Largely because I have huge feet (14) I like the smaller profile.
So who runs boots vs who uses booties?

I used to do wading boots,  I stick to neoprene booties or sandals these days.

booties here. the missus as well. we both found that for whatever reason the neoprene booties seemed to keep our feet much warmer than the boots. they also seem much less heavy/clunky/in the way. different strokes for different folks, though.

Surf boots

I use dive boots

One of my biggest challenges has been keeping my feet warm enough, and I find wading boots less constricting than booties. The ability to layer thick wool without constriction seems to work best for me for cold river/ocean conditions. I also like hiking around in them more than my booties.

Different things definitely work for different people. I was having the crocs vs. boots conversation with someone and I found out that most people do not use their feet as weapons against spiny rockfish flopping around in their drive well! I do, so I guess that's a consideration for me as well. Also I'm clumsy and I'm always stubbing my toes on things when I wear booties and sandals.

My feet tend are hard to keep warm.  What I have found works for me is a 6 or 7 mil dive booties with a boot like sole and rubberized toe.  They are designed for dry suits.  I also buy them over sized in order to layer wool socks in the winter.  If course you need to go to a dive shop to find what works for you.  I think I paid about $65  4-5 years ago for the pair I have.
Dana

NRS ATB Wetshoe (neoprene boot with hard sole and full over toe rubber protection).  Inner sole is 7mm neoprene and really comfortable.

They haven't marked up my dune colored Revo yet.

Paid $55 for them.

I have a pair of old neoprene drysuit boots salvaged from a dead suit, worn with grungy old wool socks on warmer days.  Lately (before my surgery anyway) I've been using another pair of dive boots over my new dry-pants w/ socks, couple layers of interior wool socks for warmth.  No problems but they were short outings.

Jim

I formerly used wading boots but recently transitioned to NRS booties. I really enjoy them a lot more. Less prone to soak and holding water translating to lighter and warmer feet.

I have been using NRS neoprene booties for the last few years & recently upgraded to Korker wading boots. One major downside of the booties for me was having wet feet for hours. I also didn't like them for river trips where I was walking on rocks at times, but I imagine the rubber sole protection of the NRS ATB would resolve that. What I notice about about the Korkers:
+They are VERY light weight and have excellent drainage that prevents water retention
+Interchangeable sole for all conditions (infamous)
+Tough as nails & a local company with excellent customer service (so far)
+/- I chose the M2 BOA Quick on/off lacing system because I want to be able to adjust the boots easily while paddling or remove them even with cold hands. This may be an issue with saltwater trips & I may go back to using my neoprene booties for the salt.
-$$ These boots are not cheap but if you know someone who works for the company or is a Rep. then you can get a great deal on a pair.
note: I am a size 10 & I have a size 10 Korker boot as the newer lines of boots accommodate for plenty of extra room needed to wear thick wool socks & wader booties. I bought a size 14 boot for my father-in-law & I can see how this Sasquatch size boot could become an issue for some.

HH