L.L. Bean Aqua Stealth Studded River Treads

Review Date
February 3, 2008

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: J Horn ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $130.00 at LL Bean

Summary:
I splurged on a pair of these babies (I'm poor) about three years ago and haven't regretted the decision. LL Bean has since switched to a new style of boot that appears essentially the same, so I'll proceed with the assumption that the new boot has changed little in quality or materials.

I've seen other folks burn through a couple pairs of boots in the time that I've owned these babies -and I don't plan to buy new ones for at least another season). While I don't fish in the harshest conditions (40 days/year Ohio freestone streams), these have held up well on trips to more demanding regions as well (7 days/year). One of their biggest assets is they are almost as good while hiking as they are in the water, something most boots cannot claim.
I think this is where aqua stealth soles really shine, as felt is inferior when you have to climb steep slopes or walk on slick trails. The protection from rocks and overall support is stellar.

However, as with all boots I've found some maintenance issues and concerns that new buyers should know before purchasing these boots:

1. The carbide studs are very durable against abrasion, but begin to fall out after a couple years (I've still got ~2/3 of mine after 3 seasons). I still highly recommend the studded botos, and never buy boots without studs if you're planning on fishing high gradient streams.

2. The aqua stealth soles began to fall off of my pair within the 1st year. This requires re-glueing the soles about 2 times a season (but it's better than buying new felt). I've tried both Shoe Goo and Stick and Seal (Loctite) and the S&S works better.

3. The laces WILL break from the metal loops and rock abrasion, so invest in a quality set of waxed laces for the day this happens.

4. Finally, the stitching in rubber material on the side of the boot will fray from rock abrasion. Tip: the day you purchase these boots, invest in some Loctite S&S to put on these seams. This will protect the threads for at least one season before you'll need to add another coat. (takes five minutes)

Ultimately, I've found that these maintenance tasks are well worth preserving the longevity of these boots. Of course you could take them to a shoe repair store, but that's up to you. Nonetheless, if you're willing to buy a boot made outside the U.S. I highly recommend these boots (assuming the new style is as durable as the old).

Similar Products Used:
This was my first pair of wading boots, but have seen other folks burn through boots from Orvis, Redball, and Cabela's -haven't tried Simms (made in USA is a big draw)

Review Date
November 17, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: mprovost(Unregistered User) ,  40 days a year

Price Paid:  $145.00 at ll bean

Body of Water:
atlantic ocean

Favorite City:
new england

Summary:
These boots are the best. I upgraded from a cheap pair of felt-bottomed boots. What a difference! My old boots offered no support, were a bear to get into, and fell apart after one season. The beans are an aggressive boot with excellent ankle support, but completely comfortable right out of the box. My only concern before buying was the weight. Not a problem. Wet felt 'hangs on' to mud, sand, etc. The aquastealth sole doesn't, making the boots functionally much lighter. They are easy to get on and off. The studded aquastealth sole can't be beat. I fish mostly on sand and jetties, but the boots did very well in fresh water also. I had no problem with slippery rocks. I love these boots. You put them on and forget about them. I'd buy them again.

Strengths:
Combination of support and comfort.
Easy to get on and off.
Traction
They look great, and quality is top notch.

Weaknesses:
They're so comfortable, you might forget to take them off.

Customer Service:
Haven't needed it for these boots, but I know Bean's customer support can't be beat.

Similar Products Used:
Hodgeman

Review Date
November 5, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Ursus(Unregistered User) ,  50+ days a year

Price Paid:  $30.00 at EBay

Body of Water:
Upper Manistee

Summary:
Michigan winters spent in search of steelhead requires a wading boot that has the heel support neccessary for those long days, stepping and rolling, the traction for securely negotiating slippery, snowy banks and under-water anchor ice, and the structure to protect feet from rocks, while offering sufficent room for layering. The River Treads are the best boots for the job. They should be on every steelheaders wish list, if not already on their feet.

Strengths:
They do everything well all year long and with incredible comfort.

Weaknesses:
None, zippo, zilch

Customer Service:
Bought them on E-Bay, so when they wear out, I'll just get a new pair. Hum, wonder how much these puppies will cost in 25 years.

Similar Products Used:
Orvis Henry Fork - felt bottom
Patagonia Beefy wading shoes - studded felt bottm

Review Date
October 9, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: opaquesquirrel(Unregistered User) ,  20 days a year , from Saratoga Springs, NY

Price Paid:  $135.00 at LLBean

Body of Water:
Ausable River

Favorite City:
Wilmington

Favorite State:
NY

Summary:
I spent the 2002 season wearing these boots while fishing Adirondack streams and rivers. Pocket water in these mountains can be some of the most difficult wading one can encounter. These boots provide excellent ankle support, are extremely durable, and were comfortable since day one. The River Treads double as hiking boots, a big plus.

The sole of the shoe does suck on slimy rocks (like ice, in some cases) but the studs will compensate.

I spend much of my time hiking to and along side rivers. The strengths of these boots on land compensate for the occasional, slightly less than adequate traction in the river.

If you can afford them, get them. They'll last for years.

Strengths:
Ankle support, durability, comfort and the ability to perform as a hiking boot.

Weaknesses:
River Treads suck on slime. Studs, for the most part, compensate.

Customer Service:
It's LLBean....don't like em', return them. No questions asked.

Review Date
September 15, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: apwilliamson(Unregistered User) ,  50+ days a year , from Salt Lake City, UT

Price Paid:  $139.00 at LL Bean website

Body of Water:
Green, San Juan, Madison

Summary:
Make no mistake; these are the "Mack Daddies", the Hummvees, of wading shoes. I used to guide and now fish 75-100 days/yr. I have trashed every major wading boot made, with few exceptions. I have years of experience on the Western and Southeastern trout streams with felt, studded felt and studded Stealth rubber soles under all conditions. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, even comes CLOSE to these LL Bean boots. Not Simms, not Weinbrenner, not Orvis, not Hodgman, and sure as hell not major wuss boots like Patagonia or Chota. These damn boots are the best on the market. Period. LL Bean -- who'd a thunk it? Who cares -- JUST BUY THEM. See www.llbean.com.

Strengths:
1. Grip/ankle support: These boots allow you to wade water you couldn't touch before. Just like locking the rod butt under your forearm when fighting a big fish, good ankle support gives you remarkable control on the river bottom. I was skeptical too, but trust me. These studded Stealth rubber soles are every bit as good as studded felt in the stream, and WORLDS better out of it, with excellent grip on rocks, mud, and grass, and no "pick-up" with snow. This is in part because of the real heel, and not just a sole-to-heel taper, that these boots have. You can "knife edge" over rocks better and the heel also markedly contributes to their traction out of the stream. I have waded really dicey water on the Madison, and the slickest rocks in the San Juan in these boots and I can tell you -- it's a whole new ballgame. The ankle support in this boot is also unparalleled. There is simply NOTHING like it among competing boots. Your ankles are locked in, stable, and protected on rugged stream bottoms and trails. This may mean nothing to you if you walk 50ft up and down the local urban trout stream. But if you wade fast water or hike miles up the South Fork of the Flathead or Slo

Weaknesses:
Absolutely none, except that nobody else wears them -- and this is actually good. This separates you from the "yip-yaps. Let the guys in their Orvis or Eddie Bauer Ford Explorers, Outrageously tooled-out 4-Runners, and worst, Range Rover Discoveries, traipse on downstream in their Danner's, Simms and Patagonias. Fools. They'll be fished out at Varney Bridge; you'll be sticking pigs in the fast water beneath Three Dollar bridge.

Customer Service:
It''s LL Bean. End of discussion.

Similar Products Used:
Simms, Weinbrenner, Orvis, Hodgman.