Orvis Christmas Island Bootie - Grey
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Airprene upper allows water to flow freely through the boot, but keeps sand and grit out
- Easy on-and-off with a YKK side zipper
- Line snag-preventing low-pro TPU/VELCRO® fastener
- Sole and sidewall are a heavy-duty ridged rubber to protect against abrasion
Description
An improved flats boot based on Orvis' long-standing and best-selling Christmas Island Bootie. Made of Airprene and vulcanized rubber, the Airprene upper allows water to flow freely through the boot but keeps sand and grit out, so you can trek through the flats without collecting debris underfoot.
Easy on-and-off with a YKK® side zipper, secured at the top by a low-profile TPU/VELCRO® Brand fastener to prevent line snags. The sole and sidewall are a heavy-duty ridged rubber to protect against coral abrasion and offer excellent stability, but this version is much more flexible than its predecessor for comfort and "feel" on uneven surfaces.
Features
• Airprene Upper — Allows water to flow freely through the boot while keeping sand and grit out.
• YKK® Side Zipper — Easy on-and-off.
• Low-Profile TPU/VELCRO® Fastener — Secures the zipper's top and prevents fly line snags.
• Heavy-Duty Ridged Rubber Sole and Sidewall — Protects against coral abrasion; offers excellent stability.
• Flexible Construction — More flexible than its predecessor for comfort and "feel" on uneven surfaces.
Size Guide
When sizing for wading boots, typically we like to start one size up from your normal shoe size. This is to accommodate for the added volume needed when wearing stockingfoot waders.
The chart below lists the ORVIS Wading Boot sizing with equivalent shoe sizes. Please use this chart when ordering to ensure an ideal fit. (i.e. Men's US size 10 would take an ORVIS Men's Wading Boot size 11.)
| US Men's Shoe Size | Orvis Boot Size | UK Size | EURO Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6 | 40 |
| 8 | 9 | 7 | 41 |
| 9 | 10 | 8 | 42 |
| 10 | 11 | 9 | 43 |
| 11 | 12 | 10 | 44 |
| 12 | 13 | 11 | 45 |
| 13 | 14 | 12 | 46 |
Care
| After Use | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Every session | Flush thoroughly with fresh water, working sand and salt out of the zipper and rubber sidewall. | Orvis' own care instructions specify flushing with fresh water; trapped sand and salt accelerate wear on the zipper and seams. |
| Between trips | Air-dry fully before storing or packing for travel. | Trapped moisture in a zip-entry boot can lead to odor between trips. |
FAQ
Who is this boot for?
The Christmas Island Boots are built for anglers wading sand, grass, and coral flats, with frequent transitions on and off a skiff. A heavy-duty ridged rubber sole and sidewall protect against sharp coral and shells underfoot, while a more flexible build than its predecessor helps you feel changes in the bottom as you wade -- useful for anything from spotting fish to watching your footing around stingrays. The Airprene upper lets water flow through freely while keeping sand and grit out, and a YKK side zipper makes for quick on-and-off between wading and boat time. They're particularly well suited to wade-heavy saltwater destinations like the Bahamas and Belize. They also work for destinations like Christmas Island and Seychelles, but we also recommend anglers invest in a boot with more ankle and heel support for destinations that require a week of dedicated wading.
Do I wear these barefoot or with a sock?
Both are common. As a zip-entry bootie design, the Christmas Island Boots are one of the few wading boot styles regularly worn directly against bare feet, though many anglers still wear a thin liner sock for comfort or sun protection. Bare feet work in a pinch when you need to hop off the bow and get into the water to pursue a fish. If you are fishing a long day with them, a thin sock will reduce the risk of chafing.
What is the low-profile TPU/Velcro fastener for?
It secures the top of the YKK side zipper with a low-profile closure, specifically designed to prevent fly line from snagging on it during casts and retrieves -- a small detail that matters on the flats, where a line catching on your boot at the wrong moment can cost you a shot at a fish.
