Simms M's Freestone Boot - Rubber
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Synthetic scratch leather upper does not hold water so it stays light even after hours in the water
- Toe and heel reinforcements for durability and protection
- Partial neoprene lining for comfort and easy on/off
- Dual density EVA midsole for a comfortable ride underfoot
- Updated rubber outsole package is compatible with Simms Hardbite Star Cleats, Hardbite Studs and Alumibite Star Cleats
Description
Defined by proven support, determined traction, and rugged durability, the time-tested Freestone Boot powers through a full range of wading conditions. A synthetic scratch leather upper doesn't hold water, so it stays light even after hours in the water, and toe and heel reinforcements add durability and protection at the boot's highest-wear points.
A partial neoprene lining adds comfort and easy on/off over a stockingfoot wader, while a dual-density EVA midsole delivers a comfortable ride underfoot through long days of wading. The updated rubber outsole package is compatible with Simms Hardbite Star Cleats, Hardbite Studs, and Alumibite Star Cleats, sold separately, for anglers who want added traction.
Features
• Synthetic Scratch Leather Upper — Doesn't hold water, so it stays light even after hours in the water.
• Toe and Heel Reinforcements — Durability and protection at the boot's highest-wear points.
• Partial Neoprene Lining — Comfort and easy on/off over a stockingfoot wader.
• Dual-Density EVA Midsole — A comfortable ride underfoot.
• Updated Rubber Outsole Package — Compatible with Hardbite Star Cleats, Hardbite Studs, and Alumibite Star Cleats (sold separately).
Size Guide
Use your regular street shoe size when ordering wading boots - Simms wading boots are designed to accommodate the neoprene stockingfoot of the typical wader.
If you are a half size, then you should size up to the next full size. Women should size down for men's wading boots (ie: a women's USA shoe size 8 would take a men's wading boot size 7).
| Boot Size | Men's US Shoe Size | Women's US Shoe Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 | 11 |
| 10 | 10 | 12 |
| 11 | 11 | 13 |
| 12 | 12 | 14 |
| 13 | 13 | 15 |
Care
| After Use | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Every session | Rinse thoroughly with fresh water, including the neoprene lining, laces, and eyelets. | Grit and residue left to dry accelerates wear on stitching, laces, and eyelets over time. |
| Between trips | Air-dry fully out of direct sun before storing. | Trapped moisture in the neoprene lining can lead to odor and premature breakdown. |
| Switching rivers or watersheds | Rinse and fully dry before use in a different body of water. | Helps prevent the spread of invasive species and pathogens between waterways. |
FAQ
Who is this boot for?
The Freestone Rubber Sole is Simms' step-up freshwater wading boot, built for anglers who want more structure and durability than the entry-level Tributary without moving up to the guide-grade G3 or G4 lines. A synthetic scratch leather upper that doesn't hold water keeps it light even after hours in the water, toe and heel reinforcements protect the boot's highest-wear points, and a dual-density EVA midsole adds all-day comfort underfoot. It suits anglers who spend regular days wading freestone and tailwater rivers and want a durable, well-supported boot at a mid-tier price point. Anglers who want the absolute lightest or most technical boot in Simms' lineup may want to look at the Flyweight or G-series instead; the Freestone's strength is dependable, everyday support and durability.
What does it mean that the upper "does not hold water"?
The synthetic scratch leather upper is built to resist water absorption, so the boot doesn't get progressively heavier and waterlogged over a long day of wading the way some absorbent materials do -- it stays close to its dry weight even after hours in the river.
What traction options are available?
The updated rubber outsole package is compatible with Alumibite Star Cleats, Hardbite Star Cleats, and Hardbite Studs, all sold separately. Alumibite cleats use a softer aluminum construction that molds to the surface, Hardbite cleats use carbide construction with textured overlays for deeper penetration, and studs are the better choice for slippery moss, algae, or slime.
Why choose rubber over felt?
The rubber sole is lighter (54 oz per pair vs. 58 oz for the felt version, both size 11), dries faster, and is legal to use everywhere -- felt soles are restricted or banned in some states/countries over invasive species concerns. Rubber also accepts a wider range of cleats and studs, while felt accepts studs only. Choose felt instead if you specifically want traditional felt grip on slick, algae-covered rock and don't mind the added weight and slower dry time.