Headwaters™ Boot

ITEM # SM-SLA8

$149.95

3 ways to buychoose a buying option below

  • Buy locally

    Enter your zip code to find a local retailer near your

  • Buy From An Online Dealer

    Choose a size & color to view authorized online dealers that you can buy from

  • Buy From Simms

    Choose a size & color to buy from Simms

    Please wait...
    $149.95

Headwaters Boot - Brown

Features

Description

When packing for far-off fishing destinations, baggage weight restrictions are easy to exceed when your boots are a pair of bricks. Select high-grade materials make the Headwaters™ Simms’ lightest wading boot in the line-up. And at a wallet-friendly price, they don’t sacrifice durability thanks to features such as rugged rubber toes and TPU heel clips.

Features

  • CleanStream™ design utilizes Schoeller®-dynatec mesh panels & synthetic leather upper for easy cleaning
  • Materials used in this boot make this design the lightest in the Simms wading boot line-up
  • EVA wedge midsole construction
  • Rubber toe & TPU heel clip increase durability and provide abrasion resistance
  • High quality, non-corrosive hardware & contoured speed lacing system
  • Synthetic construction and NanoSphere® water-resistant finish
  • Approximate pair weight (size 10): 35 oz
  • Men's whole sizes: 7 - 14, Width EEE
  • Click here for StreamTread™ cleat patterns and Vibram® Resoling resources

Technologies

Size Chart

Men's Wading Boot Size Chart

To allow proper room for the neoprene stockingfoot, find your regular shoe size in the right-hand columns and order the corresponding Simms Boot in the first column. This will typically be one size up from your normal shoe size for men and one size down for women (ie: a women's USA size 8 would take a men's boot size 7).

(Simms Boot size 5 will fit a Youth Size 4, etc.)

Simms Wading
Boot Size
USA
Size
Euro
Size
UK
Size
CM
Size
5** 4 37 3 22
6** 5 38 4 23
7 6 39 5 24
8 7 40 6 25
9 8 41 7 26
10 9 42 8 27
11 10 43 9 28
12 11 44 10 29
13 12 45 11 30
14 13 46 12 31
15** 14 47 13 32
16** 15 48 14 33

Not all styles available in all sizes; please see individual boot for size specifics
** Freestone Boot - Streamtread only

Video

CleanStream™


Product Care

Footwear Care:

For proper cleaning of your footwear to descrease the likelihood of spreading Aquatic Invasive Species, please reference our CleanStream™ page.

 

If using in saltwater always clean and rinse to prevent corrosion.

Use a brush to remove dust and dirt. Choose an old vegetable brush or toothbrush. For maximum thoroughness, remove laces prior to cleaning. Use specialized boot cleaner, saddle soap or maybe a mild dishwashing soap with luke-warm water.

Do not use bar soap or detergents.

Do not place wet boots close to a heat source (fireplace, campfire, wood stove, radiator, heater, sunny windowsill) as this can weaken adhesives and cause materials to become brittle or shrink.

Dry using natural methods (air dry) and try to keep them out of the sun for long periods of time. Boots dry faster when positioned upside-down. If desired, stuff a sheet or two of newspaper into each boot to absorb moisture. Change the paper each hour.

If you see any mold on your boots, brush in a mixture of 80% water and 20% vinegar.

Over time the use of leather conditioners may provide increased water repellency and can prevent cracking and drying of the leather.

Store footwear in a place where temperatures are stable and normal. Do not store footwear in attics, garages, car trunks or any unventilated spaces.

Never put footwear in washing machine.

Technology

Technologies

  • CleanStream™ is a design philosophy that runs through our line of wading footwear. While not specific to a product feature, this designation does indicate that the product includes features and/or materials that are more resistant to "hitch-hiking" organisms – have less exposed stitching, fewer ridges & pockets and utilize non-absorbent materials – all making the boots easier to inspect, clean and dry faster. All of these elements assist anglers in doing their part to prevent the spread of invasive species. For more information, please visit our CleanStream™ page or these organizations: www.cleanangling.org, www.protectyourwaters.net or www.tu.org.

  • The StreamTread™ sole featuring Vibram® technology is exclusive to Simms. Co-developed with Vibram®, the leader in sole technology, StreamTread™ provides two distinct advantages compared to other soles. One is a patented 360-degree lug pattern that cuts through moss and mud. The second is a proprietary mix of rubber compounds that offer super grippy traction, are extremely easy to clean and ensure that the boots don’t collect a lot of debris.

  • Vibram® soles are built from the bottom up and are designed to overcome very specific obstacles on a variety of terrains. Vibram® invests heavily in research and development of products never overlooking even the most minute detail. Vibram® soles boast innovative compounds and technical sole patterns, specifically developed to meet the challenges of many different environments and applications. www.vibram.us

  • Schoeller® NanoSphere® - the nanotech-based finishing technology allows dirt and water to simply run off the surface of the textiles. This mimics the natural self-cleaning effect of certain plants whose leaves always remain clean, because dirt simply cannot adhere to the finely structured surface, and is easily washed off when it rains.

Reviews

Customer Reviews

6 Review(s)

6 Item(s)

great product Review by smallie_stalker
Overall
I beat the crap out of my gear. Granted, I'm not a guide, but I put my soft goods through the ringer! A lot of my fishing is hike in/out & I appreciate the trail side traction & light weight. Here in Maryland felt soles have been banned. The vibram soles offer good on stream traction that can be custom tailored to your needs with several cleat options. After 5 years of rugged use, these guys are just about done for. I've looked at several other boots, but it's a no–brainer, I'm going with another pair of headwaters.

(Posted on 3/17/13)

Excellent light weight shoe!! Review by Stuart C Andrews
Overall
Spending long hours out on the water guiding, I've found that the Headwaters boot fills all my criteria for great, safe wading. I've been using the Headwaters boot for 4 years now, and find it to be the best for me on the market. Great fit & support, with durability to allow for hike-in approaches. Fishing 200+ days a year, it's critical for my safety and energy level to have boots that are this light, even when wet. The Vibram soles (I don't use studs, for a number of reasons.) make navigating the grassy or rocky banks of Summer and snowy approaches in the winter much safer than felt. In the water, I've found the soles to behave much like climbing shoes and have adjusted my wading style to reflect that. When used with the aid of a good wading staff, I've no trouble with all but the swiftest water on the Ark. I'd recommend this boot to anyone who likes less weight on their feet without sacrificing comfort or support, who's willing to adjust their wading technique a little.

(Posted on 3/1/13)

Great Boot Review by Dox
Overall
Great Boot! Light weight, sturdy and comfortable. You can walk miles, fish 14 hours a day, and still feel comfortable at the end of the day. Had my pair a year- 100+ fishing days, and no problem with the boot. The only negative, is the laces... didn't last more than 20 times, started to come unwoven. Bought a new pair of laces, $7.99 and the boots have been great since... not sure why the laces would be so cheapo on such a nice boot. Anyway - I highly recommend.

(Posted on 8/9/12)

Wow!!! Review by bill jones
Overall
Let's get down to the details. Extremely light. Similar to a Salomon fast hiker boot. Dry quickly when wet. NO floppy, flimsy feel like the CHEAP light weight boots. Your feet will not flop and your ankles will NOT bend in these boots. The boots do the work of providing stability below your knees. Wonderful fit built on European last. Not for really wide feet unless you size up a full size. In soles are not removable. True sizing, but toe box is slightly enlarged for toes of neoprene socks. Lacing allows customizing tightness in toe box area versus ankle area or visa versa. Fit and finish are perfect. Schoeller fabric, in most soft shell jackets, repels water and is as strong as all get out. Grip: Steady as Gorilla glue on all dry rock, polished or decayed. Good as gold on mud and small pebbles. Big slime on big rocks takes some balance and good decision making. Not quite as good as felt, but the compensations I had to make did not crimp my style one bit or change my fishing habits. How to make this boot work for you: If a whole size, then buy THAT size unless you want an additional HEAVY layer besides your waders neoprene foot. If you do not plan on additional layer then buy your street shoe size. If a half size, then buy two pairs and try the half size smaller and half size bigger. Your choice. My Personal preference: From a balance perspective I prefer a slightly tight wading boot. When I balance I do not want my foot to slip inside my boot. Even minimal slippage creates dangerous imbalance. I purchased these thinking I would also need the Riprap low cuts for summer wet wading wear. Nope. With a pair of thick socks these boots are as good as the Salomon fast hikers. I can wear these on the, unfortunately, four mile hike here in California to reach good water. I rock hop like a goat. My footing is secure in warm water slime on big rocks. These boots are it. Cost? They are mid priced, and unless you plan on some serous toe work on the nearest crag, they will last your YEARS. One more time. This boot is IT, if you plan on a lot of walking during your fishing and want a LIGHT, stable Boot. Finally, they are stylish. Nice color contrasts.

(Posted on 7/16/12)

Great Boot Review by RFA
Overall
I am a big fan of these boots. They are lightweight, grippy, and have a sturdy toe. I have waded in these in freestone, algae covered rocks, and mud, and they feel very similar to felt. Hiking in to remote areas is a plus with the aquastealth, especially in snow. No more clumping frankenstein boots.

(Posted on 7/16/12)

Almost perfect Review by Ralph
Overall
I own the Simms guide boot, the G4 guide boot and the Rivershed boot. Since getting the Headwaters, the other boots are basically retired. I love the light weight and relatively flexible sole. It doesn't matter to me that these won't last as long as the high end models - I'll sacrifice longevity (they last PLENTY long) for comfort. I can swim in these (don't try with a G4) and wear all day like a light hiker in and out of the water. Aluminum cleats are a must. Much grippier than the hard bite. The Vibram rubber wears very well but is simply not as grippy as felt. Cosmetically speaking, they bleach out quickly under the sun, but I really couldn't care less. My go to boot.

(Posted on 7/16/12)

Write Your Own Review

You're reviewing: Headwaters Boot

How do you rate this product? *

  1 star 2 stars 3 stars 4 stars 5 stars
Overall

You may also need...