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.

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.

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.