Patagonia Rock Grip Boot - Aluminum Bar - Review
By Dan Gigone
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I've had a number of chances to try Patagonia's new Rock Grip wading boots with aluminum bars. If you haven't seen them yet, they look like something Frankenstein might wear, were he a fly fisherman. Patagonia has taken a pair of rubber-soled boots and screwed 5 rather large aluminum bars into the soles. According to Patagonia, these metal bars provide superior traction on slippery rocks. Being a rather clumsy wader with a propensity to take unplanned swims, I decided that I'm just the one to test that claim.
My first outing with the boots was to the Gallatin River, with its deadly bowling-ball rocks. I also waded in the Yellowstone, where the stream bottom is composed of smaller, silt-covered rocks. What's the verdict? Not one slip during either foray. The soles really did seem to securely grab on to the rocks, even when I was somewhat off-balance. They felt at least as stable as felt soles, and easily bested the rubber-soled boots that I normally wear. Given that they should be easier to rid of invasive critters than felt soles, the Patagonia Rock Grip boots with aluminum bars may be the answer for eco-aware anglers who are tired of amusing their companions with impromptu dances and plunges.
The boots sport a grey synthetic leather upper, which should be easy to clean. A full-coverage rubber rand and rubber toe bumper should keep the sharp rocks at bay. The fit of the boots (a 1/2 size larger than my usual shoe size) was good and comfortable, even with extra-thick socks. There was just a little heel slip when I was walking to the stream. The toe box was plenty big to allow me to wiggle my piggies and fight off toe-numbness for a few extra minutes. Walking was not as awkward as it might appear, though I wouldn't want to do any extended hiking. The soles did collect some snow, but not the inch-thick ice clumps that you tend to get with felt soles in the winter. Patagonia claims that the aluminum bars are more boat-friendly than traditional cleats; that said, I sure wouldn't let anyone scrape around my boat with these on their feet.
Overall, Patagonia's Rock Grip Boots with aluminum bars are a legitimate option for anglers who want to remain upright on slippery rocks. Whether they'll supplant felt soles as the go-to choice remains to be seen.
Update: After several more trips, I continue to be extremely impressed with the traction and comfort of the Rock Grip boots. I have yet to take a spill while wearing them. One word of caution - be careful not to step on your fly line; the aluminum bars will leave quite a divot. I learned this the hard way.
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