To test these men’s wading boots, we alternated different models on my left and right feet through multiple days of testing. For instance, one day, we wore the Korkers boot on a left foot and the Simms on a right foot while fishing in low water winter conditions with slime-covered river rocks.

We fished multiple rivers and streams in Utah and Wyoming, many of which required walking on snow and in muddy areas. We walked roughly two miles on average, fishing along the way and walked the entire length back to the parking area on multiple occasions.

The Patagonia Ultralight Wading Boots earned Best in Class honors after proving themselves capable of providing good comfort, durability, and grip in all conditions. The Ultralight Wading Boots fit like a comfortable pair of walking shoes, provide hiking boot-like support, and offered traction as good as any in the class.

The Korker Buckskin boots, also earned praise, earning Best Value accolades due to their low price and high performance in most rating categories. Indeed, we found the Buckskins — despite being the lowest price boot in the class — to be the most versatile of all the wading boots we tested.

The Simms and Cabelas boots, meanwhile, offered yeoman-like performance. Decent performance and features without being flashy or overwhelming in any category or rating set.