Cold Waters 115g Trainer -

The Cold Waters 115g Trainer is not the perfect boot for every scenario—it lacks the bombproof armor of a Korkers or the ankle brace of a Patagonia Foot Tractor. But for the vast majority of fly anglers who walk, stalk, and cast, this is the future.

By: [Author Name] | Fly Fishing Gear Expert cold waters 115g trainer

A: Yes. Rubber soles are legal everywhere felt is banned (Maryland, Missouri, New Zealand, etc.). The Cold Waters 115g Trainer is not the

However, the lightness is not cheap plastic. The EVA foam midsole is dense and responsive. Squeezing the sides reveals surprising torsional rigidity considering the lack of a steel shank. The mesh is aggressive—you can see through it—but feels like ballistic nylon rather than mosquito netting. Rubber soles are legal everywhere felt is banned

Incredible. You forget you are wearing boots. Long hikes into the canyon that used to require a break every mile are now easy. Your legs fatigue less because you aren't lifting a pound of lead with every step. 2. Traction on Slippery Rock We tested the Cold Waters 115g against the standard industry heavyweights. On dry rock, all boots are equal. On wet, bowling-ball-smooth basalt, the HydroGrip-7 rubber performed at 90% of traditional felt.

[Disclaimer: We may earn a commission if you purchase via links, but we only recommend gear we actually use.]

The HydroGrip-7 rubber is soft. If you are used to hard Vibram soles, this feels almost gummy. That is intentional. Soft rubber deforms to the microscopic texture of algae-covered rock, providing friction where hard soles slip. Performance Testing: The Good, The Bad, and The Rocky 1. The Wading Experience (The "Wet Sock" Factor) Because these boots are 115g, they do not have thick liners. You must wear a neoprene wading sock or thick merino crew sock with them. If you try to wear them barefoot, the drainage mesh will feel like sandpaper.