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.

Related Resources​

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

 

Nice review, thanks. What are your thoughts on studs vs aluminum cleats? I *thought* (don’t know where I got this) that rubber benefits more from aluminum, and felt benefits more from carbide studs, especially when navigating boulders and such.

 

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.

 

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.

Forget about these if you have a wide foot. This is why I got rid of my pair. That and rubbing because of the material the inside of the boots are made from.

 

Nice review, thanks. What are your thoughts on studs vs aluminum cleats? I *thought* (don’t know where I got this) that rubber benefits more from aluminum, and felt benefits more from carbide studs, especially when navigating boulders and such.

I am using the Orvis tungsten carbide-tipped PosiGrip Screw-In Studs with these rubber soles. Hard for me to say the benefit of these studs just yet and whether they work better with rubber or felt. I'm expecting them to last longer than the aluminum studs.

 

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 know I don't have a narrow foot and guess I'm on the regular or a little wide side of my feet. Being that I'm about a 1 1/2 size up they feel fine in the width for me. @HopBack offers some experience with a wider foot and is good advice from him.

The synthetic material for the boot is much lighter than leather and this makes difference on long days walking in and out of the steam. Plus the drain and dry much more quickly.

 

Forget about these if you have a wide foot. This is why I got rid of my pair. That and rubbing because of the material the inside of the boots are made from.

Thanks and good information.

 

Love these boots. Much nicer than others I've used (see gear forum).

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 2E shoes and have no problem with these boots, I sized up 1 size. Try them on with neoprene booties.
I also love Altra, Topo and Xero shoe for the natural footshape.

 

I know I don't have a narrow foot and guess I'm on the regular or a little wide side of my feet. Being that I'm about a 1 1/2 size up they feel fine in the width for me. @HopBack offers some experience with a wider foot and is good advice from him.

The synthetic material for the boot is much lighter than leather and this makes difference on long days walking in and out of the steam. Plus the drain and dry much more quickly.

To be fair I didn’t size up 1.5 sizes but they did seem narrow in the toe box. They are a fine product just not for me. I realize I came off a little bit negatively and that’s not really what I wanted covey.

 

To be fair I didn’t size up 1.5 sizes but they did seem narrow in the toe box. They are a fine product just not for me. I realize I came off a little bit negatively and that’s not really what I wanted covey.

It's a fair comment. Shoe sizing for everyone is a bit of a fitting challenge. What did end up with next and do you like them?

 

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.

Related Resources​

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

 

In the 90's , there was a company, 5.10, I think, that had a sole material called STEALTH. Bean' had stealth rubber bottom boots and I really liked it. But it kinds disappeared. It was used a lot for climbing shoes. I tried the Vibram stuff from years ago, but it was MEH at best without studs. I would like to give this Michelein stuff a go to see. I wade fish smallmouth a good bit in the summer. The rocks in the Allegheny and Oil Creek are round and GREEEEZY or flat and GREEEZY. Other creeks further east that I fish are tough wading, but I never found L. J. or Penns to be slippery, just trippy, fast and treacherous at points. It's my observation that greasy rocks are tougher for this sticky rubber to deal with.

 

To be fair I didn’t size up 1.5 sizes but they did seem narrow in the toe box. They are a fine product just not for me. I realize I came off a little bit negatively and that’s not really what I wanted covey.

Dear HopBack,

I wear size 12 EEEE street shoes and find that Chota boots in size 13 fit me fine over neoprene wader stocking feet and medium weight wool socks. I even found a pair of old style Hodgman canvas studded felt soled boots in size 13 NIB that fit perfectly too.

The best wading shoes by far were the Weinbrenner Borger boots but unfortunately in size 13 when wet they weigh about 10 pounds per boot. The same problem exists with the original Simms Freestone boots in the tan patent leather. They both are too heavy to wear for very long for me anymore.

The synthetic boots are much lighter but depending on the material some of them dry out to 2 sizes smaller than normal and can be a bear to get on when dry. Wearing them a second day before they are fully dry makes the fit so much better.

Last part of this rant is that 25 years ago every single shoe made was built on the same last. Two different shoes of the same size designation, ie 12EEEE regardless of what brand made them were the exact same size inside and outside. Today different shoe manufacturers use different lasts as a starting point. It makes it a PITA to try to buy shoes, or boots for this old fart.

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂