The combination of the sole, fit and the lightness makes for a very comfortable and easy boot to walk in. Being synthetic they do dry quickly. Only a longer test will determine their durability.
In this article reproduced from Trout Fisherman Magazine Robbie Winram reviews the Airflo Airtex 2 fly fishing wading boots.
If weight is an important issue in your choice of wading boots check out these new Vibram-soled Airtex Pro boots that tip the scales at a mere 1lb 14oz for the pair of size 10’s that I had for review.
The uppers are made from a light but durable and abrasion-resistant synthetic material, and protection has been added in the form of a reinforced rubber toe, heel and side bumper that runs all the way around the boot. All this is bonded to the business part of the boot – the dense foam midsole and Vibram hydrogrip sole.
Although this particular sole design does not have an aggressive cleated pattern it does provide excellent grip over a range of slippery surfaces. If you find you need extra grip on very difficult terrain such as weed-covered boulders, you can add studs to give that extra bite.
The sole curves over the front of the boot to add a little more in the way of protection to the toe area. Second only in importance to the sole, for me anyway, is the quality of the toe box. There was sufficient reinforcement for it not to buckle over my toes when I was in deeper water, it offered good protection from toe strikes and there was plenty of wiggle room for my toes.
These are very easy boots to get in and out of with four sets of webbing eyelets and two pairs of quick-release metal lace hooks on the ankle. The thick laces tighten easily and although the tongue, which has reinforced abrasion panels, doesn’t have a lot of padding there’s sufficient to stop the laces from cutting down on top of your foot. While I was breaking the boots in I just used the webbing eyelets and the first set of metal hooks, which still gave sufficient comfort and support.
The boots are padded around the ankle and ankle cuff, have removable insoles, a pull tab on the heel and two drain holes on the inside edge of each boot.
Available in sizes 7-13. Also available with a felt sole in the same size range and price.
