Gear We Use: Simms Access Boot

I have been wearing the new Simms Access Boot for the last few months on the San Juan and in Pennsylvania, and I can say without hesitation these are the best wading boots I have ever used. I have worn Simms boots since I was 18 years old, so that is not something I say lightly. What stands out right away is how intelligently these boots are built. There is very little exposed stitching, which matters more than most people realize when you spend real time grinding through rock, mud, and hard guide days. The upper is lightweight and abrasion resistant, so you get a boot that does not feel clunky or overbuilt, but still feels like it is made to last. Underfoot is where the real story is. The dual-compound Vibram outsole is flat out impressive. The softer Idrogrip-Flex inlay gives you serious traction where it counts, while the tougher Idrogrip perimeter holds up in high-wear areas and can be studded if you want even more bite. That combination makes these feel more secure on slick river bottom without the usual tradeoff in durability. They are also extremely comfortable. That matters on long guide days, long personal days, and any time you are covering ground and staying in your boots for hours. Lightweight, supportive, durable, and noticeably grippier than most rubber-soled boots I have worn, the Simms Access Boot really does feel like a major step forward. Simms calls it their most innovative and versatile wading boot yet, and for once that kind of claim actually feels earned.