Orvis Pro BOA Wading Boots Review: A Game-Changer for Serious Fly Fishing

Why I Upgraded My Wading Boots
After five years of heavy use, my last pair of boots were starting to show their age—especially with all the extra time I’ve spent fishing since retiring. I needed a new pair that could offer better traction on rugged streams like Penns Creek, while also being easier to take on and off multiple times a day. After a week of intensive use, I’m confident I’ve found the best boots I’ve ever worn: the Orvis Pro BOA Wading Boots.

Putting the Orvis Pro BOA Boots to the Test on Pennsylvania Streams
I picked up the boots just before heading to Penns Creek in May. I put them through their paces—using them about ten times over six days, from large rivers to remote brookie streams. Conditions were challenging, with all types of terrain and flow, and the boots performed exceptionally well.

This was my first time using Orvis wading gear, although I’ve followed the brand for years and trust what they bring to the angling community. The Pro BOA Wading Boots have been around for a few years, but this latest version is a refresh introduced within the last year or two.

What Makes the BOA Fit System Ideal for Fly Fishing Boots?
The BOA Fit System, not exclusive to Orvis gear, replaces traditional laces with a precision closure mechanism. It features a dial, steel wire laces, and low-friction guides that deliver a secure, adjustable fit. I first saw BOA on ski boots decades ago, but it has since become popular in everything from cycling shoes to wading gear.

The key benefit is how effortlessly you can tighten or loosen the boots. I didn’t fully appreciate how easy and fast the system was until I tried it in the Orvis store. The wide opening makes it simple to slide your foot in, then a few clicks of the dial ratchet everything down for a snug fit. Releasing the system is even easier—just pull the dial, and the laces loosen instantly, making it easy to slip the boots off.

No more untied laces. No more skipping top eyelets. No more struggling to get wet boots on or off.

Michelin Soles: High-Traction Wading in Slick Streambeds
Orvis partnered with Michelin to create the Outdoor Extreme Tread for these boots. At first, it sounded like a gimmick—but in practice, it’s been a game-changer. I added studs, like any sane angler should in Pennsylvania’s slick streams, and the grip is excellent. Subjectively, they perform better than any boots I’ve used—particularly when wading across the greasy, bowling ball-like rocks in Penns Creek.

Lightweight, Quick-Drying Materials for Multi-Day Trips
The boots feature a microfiber upper that dries quickly and keeps weight down at about 50 oz. I’ve been impressed by how little water the boots retain. After walking out of the stream, they shed water quickly and never felt soggy the next morning. Today was the first time I even considered putting them out in the sun to dry.

There’s a heel pull tab for convenience, but honestly, I haven’t needed it—these boots are that easy to get in and out of.

Fit, Comfort & Sizing Tips
The fit is supportive and comfortable overall. I did notice a bit of pressure over the top of my right foot, likely due to the tongue not being seated properly. It’s isolated to one side, and I expect I can resolve it with some minor adjustment.

Like most wading boots, you’ll want to size up. My feet are normally a 10.5, and when trying them on at the Orvis store, I wore my standard wading socks along with neoprene booties. The boots only come in full sizes, so I went with a size 12—an ideal choice. The BOA system allows for small adjustments, so getting the right snugness isn’t an issue.

Pros and Cons of the Orvis Pro BOA Wading Boots
What I Love:

• BOA Fit System: Lightning-fast to tighten and release
• Michelin Soles: Unmatched traction on wet, rocky surfaces
• Lightweight & Quick-Drying: Ideal for multi-day trips and remote waters
• Orvis Craftsmanship: Durable and built with the angler in mind

Minor Drawbacks:

• Slight tongue pressure on one foot (adjustable)
• You'll want to carry spare BOA laces for peace of mind, although the system is rugged

Final Verdict: A Top-Tier Wading Boot for Demanding Anglers​

The Orvis Pro BOA Wading Boots deliver exceptional performance, comfort, and ease of use. The BOA System simplifies gear changes, while the Michelin treads offer industry-leading traction. These boots have already exceeded my expectations, and I’m excited to keep using them throughout the season.

They’re a premium option for anglers who demand high performance and no-nonsense reliability on the water.

(Update after 22 days of hard fishing)
The tongue pressure went away. Must been just stiffness in the material that worked itself out. Love the boots even more. The Michelin soles with studs are awesome, the ease of getting in and out of the BOA boots are fantastic.

Related Resources​

You may also like:
Paflyfish Gear Talk Forum
Orvis
BOA Fit System

 

View attachment 1641242043Why I Upgraded My Wading Boots
After five years of heavy use, my last pair of boots were starting to show their age—especially with all the extra time I’ve spent fishing since retiring. I needed a new pair that could offer better traction on rugged streams like Penns Creek, while also being easier to take on and off multiple times a day. After a week of intensive use, I’m confident I’ve found the best boots I’ve ever worn: the Orvis Pro BOA Wading Boots.

Putting the Orvis Pro BOA Boots to the Test on Pennsylvania Streams
I picked up the boots just before heading to Penns Creek in May. I put them through their paces—using them about ten times over six days, from large rivers to remote brookie streams. Conditions were challenging, with all types of terrain and flow, and the boots performed exceptionally well.

This was my first time using Orvis wading gear, although I’ve followed the brand for years and trust what they bring to the angling community. The Pro BOA Wading Boots have been around for a few years, but this latest version is a refresh introduced within the last year or two.

What Makes the BOA Fit System Ideal for Fly Fishing Boots?
The BOA Fit System, not exclusive to Orvis gear, replaces traditional laces with a precision closure mechanism. It features a dial, steel wire laces, and low-friction guides that deliver a secure, adjustable fit. I first saw BOA on ski boots decades ago, but it has since become popular in everything from cycling shoes to wading gear.

The key benefit is how effortlessly you can tighten or loosen the boots. I didn’t fully appreciate how easy and fast the system was until I tried it in the Orvis store. The wide opening makes it simple to slide your foot in, then a few clicks of the dial ratchet everything down for a snug fit. Releasing the system is even easier—just pull the dial, and the laces loosen instantly, making it easy to slip the boots off.

No more untied laces. No more skipping top eyelets. No more struggling to get wet boots on or off.

Michelin Soles: High-Traction Wading in Slick Streambeds
Orvis partnered with Michelin to create the Outdoor Extreme Tread for these boots. At first, it sounded like a gimmick—but in practice, it’s been a game-changer. I added studs, like any sane angler should in Pennsylvania’s slick streams, and the grip is excellent. Subjectively, they perform better than any boots I’ve used—particularly when wading across the greasy, bowling ball-like rocks in Penns Creek.

Lightweight, Quick-Drying Materials for Multi-Day Trips
The boots feature a microfiber upper that dries quickly and keeps weight down at about 50 oz. I’ve been impressed by how little water the boots retain. After walking out of the stream, they shed water quickly and never felt soggy the next morning. Today was the first time I even considered putting them out in the sun to dry.

There’s a heel pull tab for convenience, but honestly, I haven’t needed it—these boots are that easy to get in and out of.

Fit, Comfort & Sizing Tips
The fit is supportive and comfortable overall. I did notice a bit of pressure over the top of my right foot, likely due to the tongue not being seated properly. It’s isolated to one side, and I expect I can resolve it with some minor adjustment.

Like most wading boots, you’ll want to size up. My feet are normally a 10.5, and when trying them on at the Orvis store, I wore my standard wading socks along with neoprene booties. The boots only come in full sizes, so I went with a size 12—an ideal choice. The BOA system allows for small adjustments, so getting the right snugness isn’t an issue.

Pros and Cons of the Orvis Pro BOA Wading Boots
What I Love:

• BOA Fit System: Lightning-fast to tighten and release
• Michelin Soles: Unmatched traction on wet, rocky surfaces
• Lightweight & Quick-Drying: Ideal for multi-day trips and remote waters
• Orvis Craftsmanship: Durable and built with the angler in mind

Minor Drawbacks:

• Slight tongue pressure on one foot (adjustable)
• You'll want to carry spare BOA laces for peace of mind, although the system is rugged

Final Verdict: A Top-Tier Wading Boot for Demanding Anglers​

The Orvis Pro BOA Wading Boots deliver exceptional performance, comfort, and ease of use. The BOA System simplifies gear changes, while the Michelin treads offer industry-leading traction. These boots have already exceeded my expectations, and I’m excited to keep using them throughout the season.

They’re a premium option for anglers who demand high performance and no-nonsense reliability on the water.

(Update after 22 days of hard fishing)
The tongue pressure went away. Must been just stiffness in the material that worked itself out. Love the boots even more. The Michelin soles with studs are awesome, the ease of getting in and out of the BOA boots are fantastic.

Related Resources​

You may also like:
Paflyfish Gear Talk Forum
Orvis
BOA Fit System

I hope that they are much higher quality than my Clearwater boots, as the sides have blown out in under 2 years of use with ample drying between uses. Extremely disappointed with whatever they use to bind/adhere materials for those ones.

 

How is the width? I wear wide shoes and one of my gripes with wading boots is that they never come in wide sizes. I size up, but the width is not always enough. Wide toe box shoes like Altra make great boots but they do not have the shank or support or durability that I would need in waders. I have fished in the Danner/Patagonia boots, but they are leather and very heavy, despite being wide.

I wear a nine EEE with high arches. The Simms boots size 10 fit me very nicely.

 

The only down side is if the tightening mechanism / wheel breaks, you're out of luck, there's no real quick fix there.

Had a Boa system once. The cable started fraying and finally broke. The company did send me another system st no charge. After a while, the cable started cutting through the tongue of the wading boots. In the winter, when I got out of the stream, the system would get ice covered and I could not pop it to loosen the boot to take it off until I set in the truck with the heater on.

 

I was watching a video, forget who's it was, but the young fellow had a Boa boot cable break while he was fishing. He had to quit fishing and leave because of it. I guess he had no repair items with him. I'll stick with regular laces, which I carry replacements for. It'll keep me on the stream.

 

I was watching a video, forget who's it was, but the young fellow had a Boa boot cable break while he was fishing. He had to quit fishing and leave because of it. I guess he had no repair items with him. I'll stick with regular laces, which I carry replacements for. It'll keep me on the stream.

I have thought about this issue. I think the same can be said for laces, as I have had laces fray and bust on me too as they get cut up over time from the lace hooks. I was with someone two weeks ago and his laces busted as a result of the lace hooks. The question then becomes how often each one is a problem for each person. Everything has trade-offs. Seems like carrying extra laces and BOA wires are smart for whatever system you like.

 

I have thought about this issue. I think the same can be said for laces, as I have had laces fray and bust on me too as they get cut up over time from the lace hooks. I was with someone two weeks ago and his laces busted as a result of the lace hooks. The question then becomes how often each one is a problem for each person. Everything has trade-offs. Seems like carrying extra laces and BOA wires are smart for whatever system you like.

I always carry spare laces for the regular lace wading shoes and I wear a paracord bracelet when fishing. In regards to Boa laces...

I don't own any Boa wading boots but I have watched repair videos and it wouldn't be something I'd want to have to do in the field as tools & cutters may be required, however...

Has anyone tried passing some thin (1mm) Spectra, UHMWPE or Dyneema cord through the loops the Boa cord goes through? You could make things a little easier and create a makeshift aglet by melting the end of the thin cord.

If you can pass thin cord through those loops, you could carry 3 feet of the stuff in a pocket and use it as an emergency lace if your Boa system fails in the field.

Some of this micro cord has a breaking strength of 350 lbs so it SHOULD be strong enough to save the day in a pinch until you get a chance to repair the boots properly at home or camp.

Just a thought...

 

I have thought about this issue. I think the same can be said for laces, as I have had laces fray and bust on me too as they get cut up over time from the lace hooks. I was with someone two weeks ago and his laces busted as a result of the lace hooks. The question then becomes how often each one is a problem for each person. Everything has trade-offs. Seems like carrying extra laces and BOA wires are smart for whatever system you like.

That's a fair assessement. The lace catching the edge of a lace hook is usually the cause. To be honest, I've yet to have a lace break while on the stream, though I'm sure I don't fish as often as a lot of fishermen. It's just personal preference, I guess.

 

That's a fair assessement. The lace catching the edge of a boot hook is usually the cause. To be honest, I've yet to have a lace break while on the stream, though I'm sure I don't fish as often as a lot of fishermen. It's just personal preference, I guess.

None of my wading shoes has metal lace hooks (they're plastic) and only two pair even have metal eyelets, usually the eyelets are fabric loops.

That however doesn't prevent lace breakage from accelerated fabric wear caused by embedded grit & silt. One thing that does help a LITTLE is drawing up the tension slowly.

 

That's a fair assessement. The lace catching the edge of a lace hook is usually the cause. To be honest, I've yet to have a lace break while on the stream, though I'm sure I don't fish as often as a lot of fishermen. It's just personal preference, I guess.

Agree

 

I have a pair, love the BOA system but the boot itself is not nearly as comfortable as my simms. I’ll continue to lace up my simms until they fall apart.

 

None of my wading shoes has metal lace hooks (they're plastic) and only two pair even have metal eyelets, usually the eyelets are fabric loops.

That however doesn't prevent lace breakage from accelerated fabric wear caused by embedded grit & silt. One thing that does help a LITTLE is drawing up the tension slowly.

It’s a bit retro but you can wax boot laces to reduce abrasion, and/or use poly wrapped kevlar core laces if/when the originals fail. I’d be concerned that full kevlar laces might abrade non-metal holes and hooks, though wax should help with that too.

Personally I just don’t quite understand the attraction of BOA (beyond the coolness factor 👍), as laces simply work, and good laces rarely fail.