Chota STL or Simms L2 wading boots

[lone wolf]

I'm thinking about getting a pair of Chota STL (felt) wading boots. I keep boots for years, so I wanted to get some opinions from anyone who has a pair. I'm looking for a lightweight, quick drying, traveling wading boot, that is comfortable for a long time in the water. I liked the "quick lace-up" feature that was advertised for the Chota's. Is this feature any good?
I was also looking at the Simms L2's. I know Simms makes great boots.
They cost about the same.
Any opinions would be appreciated.
wolf

[wetfly]

Hi Lone.....I was looking at the same two boots you are about 2 years ago....I was limited to the "higher end" boots due to wide 3E feet....any of the less expensive boots were too tight.... The two boots fit fine and the final decision was a tossup. The Chota uppers dry very fast but the felt soles take a day or two to air dry completely...the lacing system worked fine but the bungee deteriorated and broke on one boot in the first season.....they wanted 15 bucks for a replacement....I just put some good nylon bootlaces on them and couldnt tell the difference in comfort.
I think you will be pleased with either of them......Jason

[Tam o' Shanter]

Wolf, I went for the L2's. My issue is opposite Wetfly's; my foot is narrow. Tried on both the Chota and the L2's - my foot was swimming in the Chota's. Discovered along the way that the L2's use a narrower 'last' to build the boot. Both great boots, but the L2's worked better for my foot width. Hope this helps.

BTW, you can turn whatever you buy into a studded boot with a 1/2 dozen small sheet-metal screws (4 up front, 2 in back - may get some different opinions on this from some of the other guys)/a $1.50 investment. Convert back to straight felt-sole by backing the screws out and tossing them into a zip-lock bag. No need to pop an add'l ~$20 on a studded boot (that may/may not have removable studs).

Good luck

[DAWGFISH]

Lonewolf,

Both of these are good boots. There is a comprehensive review of these boots in a thread titled "wading boot reviews" in the "Ask the Experts" category. The overall performance of both the boots is pretty close. I find the L2's to have slightly better ankle support and foot protection, while the Chota's are more comfortable. The other folks have given you good advice about the width of the boot. Besides the way the boots fit your feet, you may want to consider what circumstances you will be using the boots in to help you make a decision. If you are planning on using these more in the winter, the Chotas would probably be the better choice because the more generous fit would accomadate layering better. If you are going to do more wet wading in warmer weather, the L2's are a much better fit. I typically wear some of those neoprene wading socks when wet wading along with a heavy pair of socks. Even then this combination does not take up as much room as wearing a typical stockingfoot wader and a heavy pair of stocks. The Chotas fit pretty loosely when wet wading and I have a foot that's definitely more on the wide side. Just something else to consider.

[bluewater194]

My Chotas didn't last a season of about 60 trips. Manufacturer replaced, but it was a headache.

[MetrelaBrown]

try them both on and buy the ones that are the most comfortable to you. They are both nice boots.

[lone wolf]

Thanks to all for the input. I would "try them on" if the nearest dealer wasn't over 2 hours away, and I'm leaving for a week long fishing trip to Montana soon. Maybe I'll pick-out my boots in Montana.
Thanks again.
wolf

[BG]

I have a wide foot, so I have the STL's for wet wading and the Simms Guides for wearing with my waders. Probably going to get a size larger in the Simms for winter, the ones I've got get a little tight with heavy socks and liners.

Love the Chotas, though, great ankle support and really comfortable. They're just not wide enough for my feet.

BTW, whatever boot you end up with, you can get the Chota laces and use them with just about any boot. I use them with the Simms and they really simplify the on'n'off.

Bill

[OldDawg]

I am satisfied with my Chotas but suspect that either one is a good choice.

[LineSlinger]

I have the Simms. Fantastic boots. I am very satisfied with them. Interestingly, the felt dries overnight but the uppers take about 2 days to dry. That is a bit of a pain but that's the only pain I would report. Last long and look brand new even after 40 trips.