By Neil Taylor

www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

Simms products are something I was introduced to a few months ago.  I had seen other people with Simms water boots and I was intrigued.   Decades of time around and in the water, there is one thing I learned:  Nothing is better than a good pair of water shoes.   The experiences I have had with different footwear have been interesting.  For a very long time, I have been on a quest to find the perfect water shoe.

Without question, shoes in heavy use will wear down and wear out.   I truly believe that water is the most corrosive agent in the world and that applies to footwear as well.   Just about every pair I have had, they wore out pretty quickly with heavy use in or around the water.   The Simms Zip-It Bootie is very well built and I give it the highest rating there is for marine environment footwear.

Choose the right size for comfort and you will enjoy this shoe for a very long time.   The design is very simple with a great fit of the foot, snug up above the ankle, secured by a zipper that doesn’t stick, corrode or gunk up with sand.    They slide on and off with minimal effort, wet or dry.  The design of the Zip-It Bootie prevents sand, sediment or sharp shell fragments from getting into the shoe.  Coming up above the ankle, the product design protects the feet, the toes and the ankles from injuries.

The grip of this shoe is excellent.  Walking on surfaces that are slippery is less risky than in other shoes.   Walking in the water, the shoes are not going to get sucked off your feet if you are dealing with mud.  Ultimately, you are protected from sharp objects.

The shoe “after use” is low maintenance.   They clean-up nicely and air dry quickly.   A quick blast with the hose and they are 100% clean for the next outing.   They will not get any odor like other water shoes you may have had in the past.

Add it all up and the Zip-It Bootie is an investment.   Just as it is with other equipment, you can buy cheap stuff and replace it often or you can get something with lasting qualities.   In addition to durability, this is a shoe that you will appreciate for what it is:  Superior footwear for the water lover.  If you are like me and spend so much time around the water, you too may have been searching for the perfect footwear.   I strongly recommend you try out this product.

From the Simms web site:

Description

The ultimate bootie for hard-charging pursuits, Simms’ Zipit II goes on and off fast thanks to a cavernous gusseted opening and YKK® corrosion-resistant zippers. Wear them barefoot or stick a sock in it while storming big surf or skinny flats. And source bomber durability via perforated neoprene uppers, vulcanized rubber overlays, and the puncture-free footing of a full length Bi-Fit™ lasting board.

Features

  • Easy on/easy off saltwater wet wading shoe with gusseted zipper opening & YKK® locking corrosion-resistant zipper
  • Perforated neoprene upper with vulcanized rubber overlays for additional durability
  • Durable vulcanized rubber outsole & molded EVA sockliner& full length Bi-Fit™ lasting board for puncture resistance
  • Designed to be worn barefoot or with a light liner sock; order straight shoe size or nearest whole size up
  • Men’s whole sizes: 8 – 14, Width: EE
  • Approximate pair weight: 36.8 oz

For complete information on Simms products, visit their web site
To locate a retail outlet:  Dealer Finder

Neil Taylor is a kayak fishing guide, outdoor writer and speaker and the owner of www.capmel.com.   For more product reviews by Neil, visit this Link

He can be reached at Livelybaits@aol.com or 727-692-6345

 

Neil Taylor
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