10 Best Lightweight Wading Boots in 2023

There is no piece of fishing gear more important than your boots. When it comes to fly fishing, a good pair of lightweight wading boots can make all the difference. Not only do they keep you safe and comfortable while you’re on the water, but wading boots also help you move more easily and stealthily. So, what are the best lightweight wading boots for fly fishers? Keep reading to find out!

We tested multiple options available in the market, and the best lightweight wading boots from our experience are Foxelli Lightweight Wading Boots.

Chota Outdoor Wading Boots are another great lightweight option under $120. They are extremely lightweight, and breathable. Plus provide great traction on slippery rocks.

Top Choices: Best Lightweight Wading Boots

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10 Best Lightweight Wading Boots – Reviews

While purchasing the best lightweight wading boots please note that not only does the weight of the boots matter but how quickly water drains from them. That is why good lightweight wading boots have multiple water ports so the water does not stay in the boots for a long time, and boots get dry pretty quickly.

Lightweight boots do not have to be less uncomfortable on treacherous terrain that is why it is important to invest in boots that are made from high-quality material and have comfortable soles such as Vibram EVA soles for long hours of wading in water. Considering all these basic features, we reviewed dozens of lightweight boots from various companies, and based on customer satisfaction here we have provided the 10 best lightweight wading boots currently present in the market. Also, check out our comprehensive guide on the overall best wading boots.

Now detailed reviews of all the best lightweight wader boots.

1. Foxelli Lightweight Boots – Best Under $100

The anti-slip rubber soles of these extremely lightweight Foxelli wading boots make them fit for hiking too. The soft and flexible construction material sheds off extra weight and gives a comfortable fit. Hence, they are great value for money if you are looking for a 2-in-1 option. The insole is removable and takes care of your joints by being shock-absorbent.

The rubber guards around the toe area protect your feet when you unknowingly bump into rugged rocks. Also, the upper of these lightweight wading boots are abrasion-resistant, increasing the shelf life manyfold. The drain holes work to remove all water accumulated in them when you step on dry ground.

The body of Foxelli Wading Boots is breathable to keep your feet from stinking. And the kick-log and lace hooks are small but convenient additions to the design. But what attracted me the most to buy these best lightweight wading boots is their affordable price tag. Foxelli has managed to keep the price down without compromising on durability and functionality.

However, the vague sizing caused me a bit of trouble. You can order a couple of sizes and send back the one that doesn’t fit. Other than that Foxelli Lightweight Boots are the best lightweight budget wading boots on the market.

2. Redington Benchmark Unisex Boots – Most Comfortable

Our last entry in the list of most lightweight fishing shoes is these boots by Redington. The Benchmark wading boots are light in weight as well as comfortable to wear. The EVA lining on the midsole area is shock-absorbent and enables you to sprint without difficulty.

The upper portion of Redington Wading Boot is rubberized for better protection against abrasion and scratches from the debris underwater. It also helps in keeping your feet safe from any injuries. Then, the drainage system is effective enough to remove the accumulated water and keep the boots light.

The Unisex-Adult Wading Boots hardware for the laces is rust-proof making these lightweight wading boots fit for use in seawater too. The laces themselves are elastic and long enough to ensure a tight fit.

One thing that I didn’t like is the wide toe box. Even after wearing waders, I could still feel some extra space around my toes. It didn’t bother me much, but the fit would have been better without it.

3. Chota Outdoor Gear, Rubber Soled Boots – Best Quality

Chota is a pretty well-established brand when it comes to outdoor gear. These incredibly lightweight fly fishing shoes are one of their best products. You can use them for wading, hiking, kayaking, hunting, and much more. The versatility of these ultralight-wading boots is impressive.

The heels, toes, and ankles are all protected by padding and reinforcements. And the sole is a lush PU that keeps your feet relaxed when walking on the roughest terrain. Not to forget, the insole of Chota Rubber Soled Wading Boots is removable and replaceable to let you tweak your comfort level. You can take the sole out and make space for neoprene waders if the weather calls for it. 

The laces are another attention to detail. They are elastic to help you tighten them all you want. Plus, a pair of lace hooks are very feasible to secure these laces. Next, the ingenious side panels have a micro screen that helps in removing the water from these lightweight wading boots.

But the unavailability of half sizes was a turn-off for me. The boots also run a bit smaller than the standard shoe sizes.

4. Orvis Men’s Ultralight Wading Boots – Premium Option

An angler would have seen this coming. When someone says “best lightweight wading boots,” our minds instantly name the Orvis Men’s Ultralight Wading Boots. The sole purpose of designing these is to provide anglers the lightest boot they yearn for.

The material of the Orvis Ultralight Wading Boots is called Clarino microfiber. It dries very quickly, is more rigid than leather, and has little weight. Plus, the top coating of a scratch-resistant rubber spray adds to the overall strength and life span. 

The high-grade Vibram outsole and the EVA insole are the best possible combination for traction and comfort. Moreover, the outsole has strategic grooves to accept wading studs, if need be. 

What’s not so good about them? The strong laces are pretty short. Though manageable, I would still like them a bit longer for better stability.

Similar to men, Orvis Ultralight Women Wading Boots are designed specifically for women with better sizing. For review check our best women’s wading boots guide.

5. 8 Fans Men’s Fishing Hunting Boots – Best Budget Lightweight Wading Boots

The 8 Fans lightweight wading boots are one of my favorite budget wading boots for fly fishing. They are easy on the feet and provide adequate support while walking. The shoes are interiorly lined with foam all around. And the oxford upper with added reinforcements for toes and heels is tough enough to survive prolonged abuse.

Anyone who has suffered from an ankle injury will know the importance of ankle support. The ankle collar in these boots is rigid and padded to protect your ankles from rolling. In addition to that, it is wide enough to make room for your waders to let you fish in cold rivers too. The rubber soles provide exceptional grip over slippery river beds. 

All in all, these are the lightweight wading boots that I usually recommend to seasonal anglers. You get great features in them, plus the price is pretty affordable too if you don’t want to splurge on high-end gear. The only issue with these is that they aren’t the quickest to dry.

6. Adamsbuilt Gunnison River Wading Boots – Studs Compatible

These Adamsbuilt Gunnison River lightweight wading boots are terrific for anyone who needs to wade in highly slick conditions, but the state regulations don’t allow felt. The sticky rubber bottom of these boots has specific grooves for studs placement. You can place metallic or carbide studs in them and watch as their traction increases considerably.

Apart from the soles, the upper part of Adamsbuilt Gunnison River Wading Boots has synthetic leather with mesh polyester which is pretty lightweight and adds no extra weight to your feet. The necessary protection for injury-prone areas is also there. The traditional laces are simple to use and last a long time without giving you trouble.

But the same cannot be said for the construction of the boot. Only suitable for those who wade sparingly, a little loose.

7. SoftScience The Fin Boot Men’s Boating & Fishing Boots – Most Flexible

Approximate weight: 2lbs

This fabric SoftScience boot didn’t look like much to me when I first saw its picture online. But great reviews compelled me to try them once. And they impressed me a lot! I was amazed by the support and stability they provide. And because of the synthetic and fabric materials, the weight is almost negligible.

I took SoftScience wading boot on a fishing trip with me that involved being on a boat and in the river for wading. The deck and riverbed were both pretty slippery, but that didn’t bother me even once. The amazing anti-slip and non-marking rubber soles offer decent traction. The neoprene and mesh upper can keep your feet warm and is breathable as well. The mesh drains water quickly and dries even faster.

Also, the side zipper and the web strap on the top are convenient when you need to put on these boots. 

They are easily the most flexible and lightweight wading boots I have ever tried. However, the mesh upper is not that good at keeping the sand out, but it is effortless to rinse them once you are done fishing. So, it’s a fair deal, in my opinion.

8. Korkers Redside Wading Boots – Customizable Traction

The interchangeable sole in these lightweight wading boots by Korkers is a nice touch of innovation. You can opt between a rubber, and a felt sole to better adapt to the wading conditions. The two soles are easy to place using six pins that snap into place on the bottom of these boots.

Moreover, the material of Korkers Redside Wading Boots is very fast-drying to ensure that you don’t spread any harmful species when hopping from one lake to another. The cinch laces are effective at giving you a secure fit. And durability is what Korkers is known for. Their boots use abrasion-fighting materials and technologies that keep the shoes in shape even after years of abuse. My pair turned seven this year and is still going strong.

The only issue I faced was with the lace clasps. I could feel them getting loose when I was walking in the mud. The Redside Wading Boots stay put, a good choice for wading across the river banks.

9. Caddis Men’s Ultralite Felt Sole Wading Shoe – For Felt Lovers

These lightweight wading shoes by Caddis are a fantastic choice when the conditions call for felt sole wading boots, and the regulations allow them. With felt, they provide optimum traction on mossy rocks, sandy riverbeds, and wet logs.

The outer body of Caddis Ultralite Wading Boots is high-grade polyester. The toe and heel caps have reinforcements for better protection against injuries. The insoles have a cushion to prevent sore feet at the end of a full day of wading. Plus, the side panels are internally lined with foam to keep your feet relaxed.

The speed laces are handy to keep your feet secured within these boots. The pricing on Caddis Wading boots is also pretty moderate, considering all the benefits you get in a single package.

There might be some durability issues, but a good choice overall for light wading.

10. Orvis Men’s Light Encounter Boots – Best Lightweight Wading Boots For Beginners

Being new at fly fishing doesn’t mean you have to settle for substandard gear. Instead, it must be rough and tough to withstand your failed attempts at wading. Hence, Orvis created these lightweight fishing boots specifically for entry-level anglers.

The upper body of lightweight wading boots is all synthetic material that is durable and fast-drying. These are rigid enough to fight off the scratches a river throws at them. The tough rubber toe guards protect your toes from injuries when you stomp your feet in rocks or protruded logs. 

The soles of Orvis Men’s Light Encounter Wading Boots are felt for optimal traction, but the fast-drying property reduces the chances of exotic species getting a ride to other water bodies through your boots. Also, the ankle collar has subtle padding to keep you comfortable while supporting your ankles and preventing them from twisting.

The sizing is troublesome, however. Even though the website suggests ordering the exact wading boot size you usually wear, I think these boots run pretty large. I wear a size 8, which is what I ordered, and these lightweight boots are still roomy. I recommend ordering one or two sizes down.

Related Article: 10 Best Wading Pants

FAQs

Here are some most frequently asked questions people ask while buying the best ultralight wading boot.

Conclusion

So that was my take on the best lightweight wading boots that I have tried myself. The lightweight boots help me to wade through rocks all day and reel fish without having to think about my feet or back. 

Although I reviewed ten, the best lightweight wading boots are the Foxelli Wading Boots. They are one of the lightest wading shoes that offer the most benefit. The lightweight Clarino microfiber combines quick-drying times and durability.

So next time you wade, don’t take any extra weight!

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