Author Topic: Patagonia Rock Gripper Wading Boots (Read 418 times)

Mark Hanes · « **on:** January 26, 2012, 11:21:29 AM »

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/patagonia-rock-grip-wading-boot-aluminum-bar?p=79315-0-602

I just noticed these a week or two ago and thought wow that is interesting. Has anyone had a chance to get there hands on a pair of these. I have a feeling they really could be the ticket for top notch traction. What do you think?

Bill Strickland · « **Reply #1 on:** January 26, 2012, 02:16:57 PM »

I recieved a pair of them first of last year and was not very impressed with comfort or stability. I had just worn out my river walkers and thought they would be similar in comfort but they were not. Very rubbery feeling almost like i had a rubber boot on. Traction was ok but within a week of wearing them all the studs that i had put in them had fallen out. Patagonia said they had made the wrong diameter screw so they sent me a new pack of studs which looked like 1/2 inch lag bolts. I wore them for another month and decided to send them back and went with the Simms Rivershead. Much happier although i would love to have the old patagonia river walker with a vibram sole!

Chris Galvin · « **Reply #2 on:** April 09, 2012, 12:32:29 AM »

I was going to post this question myself. Has anyone used the Patagonia boots with the aluminum bars, or the river crampons (aluminum bar based as well)? Seems like an interesting design, as the aluminum gets chewed up it helps hold like rough sandpaper.

Using Simms rubber soles with star studs right now...

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #3 on:** April 09, 2012, 09:49:12 AM »

I'm still on the hunt for a system that doesn't make me look like a new fawn. I have the simms with alumbite studs and loved them for about 2 weeks - but they ground down so fast now they are just slick little skating nubs.

I hate to say it... but I think the only thing that's going to work for me is a pair of felt soles and changing out studs every month.

Chris Smith · « **Reply #4 on:** April 09, 2012, 10:05:37 AM »

Chris,

Michael Sprouse bought a pair of the aluminum bar boots and had very positive remarks to share.

That was two weeks ago. I'll check in with him.

Just bought Simms with alumi-bite cleats. If they wear down like D's, I may swipe a few star cleats from my son and see how the combo works.

Greg Gondella · « **Reply #5 on:** April 09, 2012, 10:25:28 AM »

Dejon, I will send you a pair of the Goat Head Gear Studs. You'll be much happier. They are awesome.

Michael Sprouse · « **Reply #6 on:** April 09, 2012, 11:28:55 AM »

I do have the Patagonia boots with the aluminum bar and they are great. It is taking some getting used to because there is no slip at all. I had the same rock grippers as Strikland and had the same problem but the aluminum bar boot seams to the the way to go for me.