Wading boots are an essential part of fly fishing. They are responsible for getting you to and from where you are fishing, providing traction on slick surfaces, and supporting your feet for a long day on the water. Saltwater wading boots provide the same benefits and have an added level of protection against corrosive saltwater compared to regular wading boots. They aren’t glamorous and certainly don’t get the same love as rods and reels. Nonetheless, they are an essential piece of saltwater fishing gear that every angler uses. Taking the time to find the right footwear will have your feet thanking you in the long run. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite options, from fishing sand flats in the Bahamas to rock jetties in New England.
Best Saltwater Wading Boots of 2025
- Best Overall: Orvis Ultralight Boot
- Best for Waders: Simms FreeSalt Boot
- Best for Wet Wading: Orvis PRO Approach Saltwater Hiker
- Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Aransas Surf and Sand Shoe
- Best Wading Shoe/Lightweight: Korkers All Axis Shoe
- Best Sneaker: Simms Flats Sneaker
How We Tested:
In order to narrow down our favorite wading footwear for the salt, we tested an array of different products across multiple fisheries and fishermen. From chasing bonefish and permit on Mexican sand flats to striped bass from Cape Cod jetties and salt marsh habitats, we hit all the bases. The big three factors for scoring unsurprisingly included performance, comfort, and durability. The rigors of fishing in saltwater environments are especially hard on your gear and your body, so we gave each boot’s comfort rating and overall fit and feel a lot of weight here.
An average day of flats fishing while field testing gear in Mexico entailed 15-20 miles of walking, so wading boots that didn’t feel anything short of great underfoot were quickly cut. The abuses of the saltwater theatre while testing in the Northeast were equally punishing, demanding our saltwater wading boots to go up against slick rock scrambles, pounding surf, and mucky estuary bottoms. We didn’t go easy on our wading footwear, so we feel confident we weeded out each pair’s advantages and shortcomings.
Not to be overlooked, we found versatility in function to be one of our top criteria for testing. Saltwater wading boots that are perfectly tailored to your specific angling style and fishery are wonderful, but wading boots that hit all the bases for multiple habitats and types of angling endeavors are even better. We found that the advantages of some boots transcended quite a few fly fishing styles, so points were awarded accordingly.
Best Overall: Orvis Ultralight Boot
Best Overall
Orvis Ultralight Boot
Key Features:
- 100% recycled ripstop polyester upper construction with laminated TPU mudguard
- Non-removable EVA insoles and EVA midsoles
- Stud-compatible Michelin® rubber outsoles
- Breathable, quick-draining Ariaprene® tongue retains less water, and dries faster than the previous generation Ultralight Boot
Pros:
- Versatile choice, great for pairing with waders or wet wading
- Lightweight construction keeps the spring in your step at just 40.5 ounces per pair
- Available in women’s sizing
Cons:
- May allow fine debris to enter the boot if wet wading without a gravel guard
The Orvis Ultralight Boot is our pick for the best overall boot, thanks to its exceptional versatility in numerous saltwater wading contexts. Built with a 100% recycled ripstop polyester upper construction and laminated TPU mudguard, these boots are impressively durable for their weight (40.5 ounces per pair). They might not be as durable as heavier wading boot options, but you’ll no doubt be impressed with their integrity and lifespan, as long as you’re not consistently using them in absolutely punishing environments, such as oyster beds and hard coral.
I was a huge fan of Orvis’s last iteration of the Ultralight Boot, and the newer model is truly enhanced. They retain less water and dry faster than the previous generation. They also feature a new sole compound and lug shape for better grip and self-cleaning properties. The boots utilize closed-cell foam in the sidewalls (previous generation had open-cell foam) that is thinner, less absorbent, and wraps the ankle comfortably while providing better impact protection.
As a northeast angler who targets striped bass from rock jetties and gnarly shore structure, I love that the Ultralights are stud-compatible for some added traction. The Michelin® rubber outsoles are killer on their own, but having the option to add studs takes the versatility of these boots to the next level. When wearing the Ultralights without waders, a 3mm neoprene sock is perfect for wet wading endeavors.
Best for Waders: Simms FreeSalt Boot
Best for Waders
Simms FreeSalt Boot
Key Features:
- Dual-density EVA midsole
- Non-marking, boat-friendly, gum rubber outsole is stud compatible
- Neoprene lining ensures easy on and off, added insulation, and premium comfort
Pros:
- Built with non-corrosive, saltwater-friendly materials throughout the boot design
- Design is ideal for scenarios demanding extra ankle support and overall durability
Cons:
- Not an ideal wet wading boot due to the inherently higher weight (54 ounces)
Some saltwater anglers find themselves in areas like the northeast with cold water and slick rock faces. In these scenarios, wet wading is oftentimes not an option. Enter the Simms FreeSalt wading boot, a wading system designed specifically to be worn with waders in the salt.
This burly boot is designed with slick and cold conditions in mind. The non-marking outsoles offer plenty of traction and can be paired with Simms Hardbite cleats/studs or Alumibite Star Cleats for added grip. High, sturdy sides provide exceptional ankle support for rock jetties and precarious wading conditions where you need to endure the pounding surf. The Neoprene lining goes on to add some insulation benefit when water temps are chilly, and also assists with easy on and off action. Like any wading boot Simms makes, the FreeSalts are designed with comfort in mind. A dual-density EVA midsole offers plenty of cushion and support to fish all day with minimal fatigue.
If you find yourself in a scenario in which you’d like to wet wade, this boot can do that too. Just make sure to add a neoprene wet wading sock to effectively simulate the neoprene booty found in waders. If you want to utilize the FreeSalts out on the boat, the gum rubber outsole is conveniently non-marking and boat-friendly (as long as you haven’t equipped them with studs).
Best for Wet Wading: Orvis PRO Approach Saltwater Hiker
Best for Wet Wading
Orvis PRO Approach Saltwater Hiker
Key Features:
- Unique boot/bootie hybrid design employing traditional laces with a zippered gravel guard
- Abrasion-resistant PU cast exterior and tough rubber toe ensure high durability
- Easy-grab heel loops on lace cover and liner heel for easy on and off
Pros:
- Provides far superior ankle support when compared to traditional neoprene booties
- Designed for barefoot comfort, so no wading socks required
- Great for conquering especially suction-prone environments such as mud flats and estuaries
Cons:
- Gravel guard has a tendency to trap shell bits when wading in deeper mud
- Designed exclusively for wet wading, so the sizing won’t allow you to pair these with waders
Orvis set out to design a wet-wading boot capable of handling any warm saltwater fishery with the Approach Pro Hiker Salt. After putting these feature-rich booties to the test in the Bahamas, Orvis achieved this in a lightweight and comfortable package. Perfect for the flats fisherman who crushes miles, anglers who put in a lot of steps per day will find a friend here.
Unlike traditional neoprene flats booties, this unique wading option is designed to offer maximum support. This is achieved with an inner laced boot extending over the ankle and an integrated outer gravel guard to keep sand away from your feet. The result is a much sportier and snug feel than traditional booties. This makes the Approach PRO Hikers surprisingly just as suitable for clambering on sketchy rock jetties as they are for traversing sand and mud flats. The combination of inner boot body and outer gravel guard furthermore very effectively protects your feet from debris, so no more pouring out pesky sand midday (the one exception we found was in deep mud where shell fragments occasionally sneak in).
When it comes to traction, Orvis has employed an exclusive, non-marking Michelin® outsole for killer grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The soles are totally boat-friendly, so you won’t scuff or mark up the bow when you’re jumping on and off the flats skiff. The outsole also feels inherently more robust than your average bootie, so you can comfortably walk over uneven, hard surfaces without any pokey pressure underfoot.
Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Men’s Aransas 3.0 Waterproof Surf & Sand Shoe
Best Budget
Frogg Toggs Aransas Surf & Sand Shoe
Key Features:
- Zippered closure featuring a full gusset
- Reinforced toe and heel cap for added durability
- Adjustable ankle-tension strap
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Pack compact for travel
Cons:
- Offers little ankle support
- Expected lifespan is not terribly long if you’re hard on your gear
Fly fishermen seeking an affordable and reliable option for casual saltwater wading should consider the Aransas 3.0 Surf and Sand Shoe. While this option might not offer the same level of premium support, comfort rating, and long-term durability as higher-quality boots, that doesn’t mean it’s not a perfectly suitable choice for the right wading contexts.
Built with a 5mm neoprene upper and a high-density front zipper featuring a full gusset, the Aransas is designed to form a snug fit around your ankle and block out debris. The lack of laces means you won’t feel quite as snug and supported in there, but an adjustable ankle-tension strap at least enables you to cinch these booties down fairly well. The rubber outsole provides solid traction on wet and dry surfaces, but we don’t recommend these booties for use over hard surfaces. This recommendation has more to do with support than it does traction—the inherent design of the Aransas Shoe just doesn’t feel as solid underfoot while traversing uneven rocky or coral-ridden terrain. Frogg Toggs has named this wade shoe the “Surf & Sand Shoe” for a reason—it thrives when worn on sand/mud flats, and while fishing uniform coastlines.
If you wet-wade over mostly friendly, even terrain, you will find the Aransas 3.0 hits all the necessary bases without breaking the bank. Not to be overlooked, these are awesome booties for kayak missions, shore fishing, and all sorts of outdoor light-duty, so the versatility here extends beyond saltwater wet wading applications.
Best Wading Shoe: Korkers All Axis Shoe
Best Wading Shoe
Korkers All Axis Shoe
Key Features:
- OmniTrax® Interchangeable Sole System allows you to select from multiple outsoles and customize your traction based on your needs
- EVA midsole provides solid rebound and shock absorption
- Mono-mesh side panels block sediment and effectively vent to keep feet cool on hot days
- Underfoot sole plate for added protection from rocks, coral, and uneven terrain
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight at just 30 ounces per pair
- Very versatile option suitable for all sorts of salt and freshwater wading/fishing scenarios
- Interchangeable soles enable you to experiment with different traction options, and also to replace your favorite outsole when it eventually wears out
Cons:
- Lack of ankle support
- No integrated gravel guard or gusset to exclude finer debris and sediment
Korkers is known for building innovative wading solutions, and the All Axis Shoe is no exception. Similar in looks to a regular sneaker, this shoe is designed specifically for wet wading and is a versatile fishing footwear option.
Featuring mesh sides for low total weight, ample air circulation, and quick dry times, the All Axis Shoe is a very bare-bones, high-speed wading option for those anglers who put in a lot of steps each day and want to remain nimble on their feet. An EVA midsole provides solid rebound and shock absorption, while an underfoot sole plate adds protection from rocks, coral, and uneven terrain.
Like other Korkers, this shoe comes equipped with the OmniTrax® interchangeable sole system, so you can choose your outsole based on the day of fishing ahead of you. We found that we prefer the Trailtrac sole for maximum versatility. It’s great for getting in and out of boats and fishing various bottom types. If you find yourself most frequently wet wading over hard bottom, more thoroughly studded options are available. Korkers even offers their Kling-On Deck Gum Sole as an option here if you want your wet wading footwear to instantly double as deck shoes.
Beyond the All Axis Shoe’s versatile soles, these sporty wet wade shoes are also compact and lightweight (30 ounces per pair). This makes them a stellar choice for both quick grab-and-go missions as well as international trips. The utilized materials here are furthermore hydrophobic, so the All Axis Shoes dry that much faster when it comes time to stuff them back in your pack. The combination of its lightweight design, quick-drying features, and comfortable fit makes this a great option to simply keep in the boat or truck. If you find a particular flat or piece of water that looks good, slip them on, and you’re ready to wade.
Best Sneaker: Simms Flats Sneaker
Best Sneaker
Simms Flats Sneaker
Key Features:
- Traditional lace-up closure with reinforced eyelets
- Rigid, reinforced TPU upper with an emphasis on support
- Non-marking, gum rubber outsole provides wet/dry traction
- Molded rubber toe and heel cap for added integrity
Pros:
- Neoprene liner ensures all-day comfort
- A highly versatile option great for the rocks, the flats, and the boat
- Provide excellent ankle support and rigidity for especially challenging wading environments
Cons:
- The sneakers are purpose-built to be stiff, so there’s a break-in period
- Not compatible with studs
- Tall uppers and heavier weight (45 ounces) mean these aren’t especially packable for travel
- May allow fine debris to enter the boot if wet wading without a gravel guard
Flats fishermen who demand a high level of integrity and support from their wading footwear should consider the Simms Flats Sneaker. Built for maximum sure-footedness over dodgy uneven terrain, this purpose-built workhorse is ideal for navigating the most pokey and unforgiving flats.
Simms describes the Flats Sneaker as “combining rugged puncture resistance for sharp, rocky terrain and a sneaker-like fit for effortless on-the-go comfort and support.”, and we couldn’t agree more. This is a high-speed wading option that offers the durability and support of traditional boots, along with the sportiness of an agile sneaker.
The former model of Flats Sneaker featured wonderful performance, but fell short regarding integrity. I’ve seen more than a couple of pairs of Flats Sneakers delaminate at the sole and blow out firsthand over the years; yet my angling companions would return to the same model of footwear due to its performance during its lifespan. If you fall into this category, the new Flats Sneakers feature reinforced soles and seams. Designed with a reinforced TPU upper, non-corrosive hardware, and molded rubber toe and heel caps, Simms has engineered the Flats Sneakers with a longer lifespan and overall integrity in mind.
We recommend these sneakers for wet wading applications, but if you size them accordingly, we don’t see any reason they won’t wear just fine with waders. Simm’s Guide Wet Wading Sock pairs wonderfully with the Flats Sneaker, but if you already have a favorite sock for wet wading, chances are it’s a great match as well.
What You Need to Know About Saltwater Wading Boots:
Saltwater wading boots endure more than most wading boots. Corrosive conditions, varying bottom types, and harsh UV rays mean the boot must be built to withstand these conditions for seasons to come. When looking for a good boot, it’s important to consider where you fish, how you fish, and the needs of your feet.
Where You Fish:
Depending on where you fish, your footwear needs may dramatically change. Anglers in the northeast face slick rock jetties and cold water. For these scenarios, a boot made to use with waders, with lots of traction and good ankle support, is a must. On the other end of the spectrum, tropical anglers should look for lightweight wet-wading boots that keep sand and debris away from their feet. Consider the conditions you’ll be facing before deciding on your saltwater wading boot.
How You Fish:
Determining the needs of how you fish is equally as important when deciding on your preferred boot. If you are a mobile angler who likes to cover water, finding lightweight boots with plenty of foot support is essential for long days on the water. In comparison, anglers who fish from a boat and occasionally get out to wade a flat should look into a sneaker style they can throw on and take up a minimal amount of space.
Boot Fit and Features:
Every angler has different requirements for how a boot fits. It’s important to consider this when buying a saltwater wading boot. If you need good ankle support, look for boots with high and stiff sides for maximum support. On the other hand, anglers who like to cover water should look for lightweight boots. These often have less support but are less taxing when covering miles. Boot fit and feel vary across brands, so when possible, try them on in person to narrow down the best option.
FAQs:
Q: When should I wet wade?
The best time to wet wade is when the water temperature is tolerably warm and pleasant to be in without waders. As soon as I can comfortably stay in the water for the entirety of a fishing day, I far prefer to be wearing board shorts and booties rather than waders and boots. While wet wading requires a few more pieces of gear and apparel beyond your footwear, such as submersible storage and full coverage sun garments, it’s liberating to be free of your chest waders.
Scenarios such as flats fishing typically demand a lot of steps per day, so ditching the waders and utilizing a streamlined wet wading system can make your high-mileage angling endeavors a lot more enjoyable.
Q: Do you wear socks with wet wading boots?
Thin neoprene or wool socks can be a great option for pairing with flats sneakers or wading boots if they’re not designed for barefoot comfort. I personally prefer to wear a wool or wool/synthetic sock with my wet wading footwear because they are much thinner than even the thinnest neoprene options, and therefore allow me to purchase my footwear true to size. If you want to utilize a wading boot for wet wading applications that you would normally pair with waders, a 3mm neoprene sock is typically an effective way to match the fit and feel you’re used to.
Final Thoughts:
Saltwater anglers love their gear, and an essential piece of the kit is a quality wading boot. Whether fishing for striped bass in the surf or wading a flat for bonefish, every angler has their own saltwater needs. When looking for the best boot available, it’s crucial to consider where, how, and what you are fishing for. These conditions will ultimately determine the best boot for the job. Once you’ve narrowed your options, it never hurts to try them on when you can. The result will be a comfortable boot ready to tackle many seasons to come.