http://www.vibramfivefingers.com

http://www.chotaoutdoorgear.com

http://www.cabelas.com

http://www.korkers.com

Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - Magazine - Index

Vibram FiveFingers Surge
If you love the feel and balance of wading hard-sand flats in bare
feet, but want a degree of protection from coral, shells and other sharp
objects, the cool, new FiveFingers Surge flats “boots” from Vibram are
what you need. The uppers are constructed from abrasion-resistant,
stretch polyamide fabric with 2mm neoprene lining for thermal protection,
and include five completely independent, anatomically correct
little toes. The footbeds are made of 2mm EVA foam with an AgION
inert antimicrobial application that kills odor-causing microbes without
any adverse environmental effects. Three adjustable straps—top,
bottom and instep—with Velcro closures provide a secure, comfortable
fit. Non-marring, razor-siped, Vibram TC1 performance rubber soles
provide feel and sensitivity, as well as slip resistance. They weigh 8.5
oz. each and are available in seven men’s and women’s sizes. See them
at your outdoor retailer ($100), or contact Vibram USA, Dept FFA;
Tel.: (978) 318-0000; Web: www.vibramfivefingers.com
Cabela’s Bone Sneaker
Similar in appearance and features to Patagonia’s Marlwalker II,
the Bone Sneaker from Cabela’s is also light (21 oz. each), rugged,
sure-footed, abrasion resistant, quick drying, comfortable and easy
to get on and off. The Bone Sneaker’s uppers are also constructed
from tough synthetic leather and high-filtration polyester mesh,
and they, too, have hard toe boxes and molded heel counters for
impact protection. Other common features include rubber chafe
guards over the toes, heels and sides to prevent abrasion damage,
an efficient speed lacing system with three sets of speed hooks, web
pull-on loops, deeply padded ankles, quick-drain vents, padded collar,
gusseted tongue to keep sand on the outside, and high-traction,
non-marring outsoles that won’t leave marks on boat decks. The only
big difference is they cost 45 bucks less. Available in men’s whole
sizes 7 through 13, they sell for $69.95. Contact Cabela’s, Dept
FFA; Tel.: (800) 237-4444; Web: www.cabelas.com
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Chota NB500 Flats Bootie
Chota’s NB500 Flats Booties are basically 5mm neoprene booties
with 7mm rubber outsoles vulcanized on. The neoprene uppers
include vented side panels for air circulation and drainage, and fullheight
YKK zippers with neoprene gussets prevent sand infiltration
and afford easy on-off. Fiber midsoles provide rigidity without compromising
the ability to “feel” the bottom. The specially formulated
rubber in the outsoles provides excellent traction on wet boat decks,
and chafe guards made from the same rubber extend from the toe
up through the instep, from the heel up the back of the bootie, and
all around the perimeter for an inch up the sides. They lack hard toe
and heel boxes, but do include molded heel lugs for fin retention.
Available in sizes 4 through 14, they weigh 15 oz. each and sell for
$62.95. Contact Chota Outdoor Gear, Dept FFA; Tel.: (977)
462-4682; Web: www.chotaoutdoorgear.com
Korkers Ultra-Lite
Although they weren’t specifically designed as flats boots, Korkers
Ultra-Lites equipped with optional siped boat soles fit the bill perfectly.
Weighing 21 oz. each with siped boat soles installed, Ultra Lites offer
the added benefit of being readily adaptable to almost any hiking, fishing
or watersports application simply by swapping out soles. Priced at
$99.99 in sizes 6 through 14, they come with a set of trail lug soles plus
a $13 discount coupon for the purchase of these accessory soles: plain
felt ($24.95 per set), or siped boat, Aquastealth, or studded felt ($29.95
per set). Other features include synthetic leather and high-filtration
polyester mesh uppers, screened mesh drainage vents, padded top collar,
padded and gusseted tongue, speed lace system, rubber chafe guards
over the toes, heels and sides to prevent abrasion damage, web pull-on
loops, and non-marring outsoles. Contact Korkers Products, Dept
FFA; Tel.: (800) 524-8899; Web: www.korkers.com