I have been using my Chota STL Plus boots for over eight months on a daily basis including a month of walking/wading on the South Island of New Zealand. This I believe, is more than enough time in which to judge the quality of a wading boot. I have seen many of the more expensive brands last little more than a fortnight of heavy walking on the South Island and have to say I was very impressed with the Chotas as a value for money, quality wading boot.

Firstly they are extremely lightweight. While in most conditions this is not that big a deal, when you are walking long distances in a day you soon notice these things. They are very comfortable and feel more like a sneaker than a wading boot. They offer excellent ankle support without being too restrictive.

I like to use mine with the studs attached. I have heard all the arguments regarding fish and clanging studs on rocks, but have caught enough of them to know that it is not a problem. The combination of tungsten stud and felt makes them super grippy and you have no problems on rocks. They even provide grip on mud-dirt, which as anyone who wears felts knows is a real PLUS. Felt and wet grass or mud is usually best described as skiing without the fringe benefits! So they are a real winner in this respect too.

My only criticism is the elasticised draw string used instead of laces. While it is still going strong I feel that this will eventually wear and need replacing. A set of strong waterproof laces will then replace the current system, but only when they do break. For now they are easy to get on with no knots to tie/undo or have come undone while you are fishing.

So all in all I say these boots represent excellent value for money. Anyone who doesn't fish every week or who just cannot justify going to the next level ($80-100 more), should seriously consider the Chotas when next looking for a wading boot.

-David Pickering david@theflyshop.com.au

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