Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD
I probably wear boots more than half the time while I’m fishing on the Great Lakes. I wear boots 100 percent of the time when winter fishing. Basically, it’s only June through September that I hit the lakes with my feet unbooted.
I have lightweight “deck” boots for use in warm weather, I have heavily insulated boots I wear in March and early April to keep my toes warm and dry, but by late April, I need something in the middle. I found the perfect boot in the Dry Walker S-Track model.
I’ve also found a winter-use for these medium insulated boots, as well. There are plenty of times when my “temperature-minus” boots are perfect to wear all day. If I’m not going to be in a shelter, or I slap on the HD, but there are days when I’m going to be inside much or all of the time. Again, the S-Track model is the perfect answer.
The S-Track is molded from a tough EVA plastic material, so totally waterproof with the feel of sturdy leather. Add to this a thin, full-lenght, wool-felt insert to provide insulation. The boot slips on easily and the 12″ height provides plenty of protection when walking in slush, or when washing down a deck covered with early season fish slime.
The S-Tracks are multi-season, if you wish – and I wish. I slide out the felt liner and wear them as uninsulated muck boots. I pop them on in the uninsulated mode all season at some of the launch ramps I use where I have to get down to or past the water’s edge to hook or unhook the bow strap when loading the boat and at some of the fish-cleaning stations I use with what seem to be perpetually wet floors. With the liner removed, they are doubly easy to slip on or off.
Winter or summer, an aggressive tread on the bottom insures a solid, non-slip grip. Dry Walker boots are available at some retailers or online at http://www.drywalkerbootsusa.com.
FISHING TOYS 