Patagonia Forra Wading Boots

[jeradjames]

I was quite excited when I purchased these boots last year with how incredibly light they were, made in Italy (usually an indicator of quality in the footwear industry), and the boots having non corrosive lacing components. I put the boots on the back burner for quite a bit because I have still been using my older Patagonia Foot Tractors and cheap felt bottoms when I need the grip.
I generally cover a decent amount of water on foot and am often hiking a few miles before fishing. Most recently, I was hiking 6-10 miles in Colorado on river trails with these boots and had high hopes.

Well, after about 2 months of regular use, I would not recommend them. For $319, the boots should have held up better IMO. The Orvis Ultralights, though not as comfortable, have held up fine after nearly 3 years of use.

Idk how Patagonia’s testers or ambassadors use their shoes but I find it hard to believe it took them years to create this shoe with the quality flaws it has. Mainly the attachment and glue/cement. Perhaps I got a bad pair.
I’ve been kind of a Patagonia loyalist for fly fishing gear and bags/packs so I’m a bit bummed about the shoes. I’ll reach out to customer service and I’m sure we’ll figure it out but just word of caution if anyone else ends up looking at these.

 

[Zak]

I was quite excited when I purchased these boots last year with how incredibly light they were, made in Italy (usually an indicator of quality in the footwear industry), and the boots having non corrosive lacing components. I put the boots on the back burner for quite a bit because I have still been using my older Patagonia Foot Tractors and cheap felt bottoms when I need the grip.
I generally cover a decent amount of water on foot and am often hiking a few miles before fishing. Most recently, I was hiking 6-10 miles in Colorado on river trails with these boots and had high hopes.

Well, after about 2 months of regular use, I would not recommend them. For $319, the boots should have held up better IMO. The Orvis Ultralights, though not as comfortable, have held up fine after nearly 3 years of use.

Idk how Patagonia’s testers or ambassadors use their shoes but I find it hard to believe it took them years to create this shoe with the quality flaws it has. Mainly the attachment and glue/cement. Perhaps I got a bad pair.
I’ve been kind of a Patagonia loyalist for fly fishing gear and bags/packs so I’m a bit bummed about the shoes. I’ll reach out to customer service and I’m sure we’ll figure it out but just word of caution if anyone else ends up looking at these.


View attachment 187825View attachment 187826View attachment 187827View attachment 187828View attachment 187829

I am sure Patagonia will replace those for free (or exchange them for the PataDanners). Too bad they did not hold up!

 

[Guy Gregory]

Do you have any thoughts about the slip resistance of the rubber soles?

 

[Porter2]

I prefer stitched/glued soles over glued only. I don’t know enough about the Forras and their construction. I Looked at them a year or so ago and went with the heavily discounted pat/danners instead. Although heavier they felt really comfortable, and had a bigger toe box which I like. I believe when you want to go light you are gonna sacrifice some durability due to materials used in keeping that product light. And not to creeate any waves but why did Patagonia go with purple in that wader shoe. At first I thought they were women’s boots and I was looking for the other color like a navy blue or something darker for the men’s. Nope!!

 

[Matt B]

I prefer stitched/glued soles over glued only. I don’t know enough about the Forras and their construction. I Looked at them a year or so ago and went with the heavily discounted pat/danners instead. Although heavier they felt really comfortable, and had a bigger toe box which I like. I believe when you want to go light you are gonna sacrifice some durability due to materials used in keeping that product light. And not to creeate any waves but why did Patagonia go with purple in that wader shoe. At first I thought they were women’s boots and I was looking for the other color like a navy blue or something darker for the men’s. Nope!!

I like it, reminds me of the 90s. Oh 1990s if only we knew at the time that we were at the peak of culture...

 

[chrome/22]

I must be well in touch with my feminine side, when l look at the wall rack of Smartwool socks I'll usually color/pattern gravitate to the women's socks ....

That being said I'd def pass on those old school purple boots

 

[DimeBrite]

Thanks for the detailed review

 

[jeradjames]

Do you have any thoughts about the slip resistance of the rubber soles?

I didn't try them without studs so I can't comment solely on the rubber but I have slipped a few times with studs. They seem to wear quickly but that seems pretty normal in comparison to the Orvis Ultralight. The design on the bottom is kind of odd as well in regards to placement.

 

[Scottybs]

These were the best Patagucci boots made… comfy and durable. Anytime I have a seem letting loose or sole issues I take them to the shoe cobbler. Newer is not always better.

 

[chrome/22]

I currently have this style. An older Simms lightweight. Have the stud kit installed