I am looking for a good but cheap pair of flats wading boots/shoes that will protect against sharp bottom and rocks/sand getting into them. Any feedback on types/brands you have tried and liked would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!

Jeremy

Unfortunately, good and cheap can't really be used in the same sentence when it comes to flats boots. I wear the Patagonia Marl Walkers, which I think were the best before they changed the style of them. The cheap neoprene booties don't wear well and have no ankle support. I think the cheapest good pair of flats boots that you can get now are the Cabela's. I think they call them flats sneakers, or bone sneakers , or something like that. I believe they cost about seventy dollars. If you are looking for something cheaper and don't really care about being too stylish, an old pair of Chuck Taylor hightop Converse sneakers will do the job.

If you are lucky enough to be the right size, jump on these quick. They run a little on the tight side so you may want to order a size larger.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/ba.../qx/product.htm

I would recommend Simm's Flats Sneakers, but they run about $99. If you go cheap, just get a pair of cheap high top basketball shoes.

Good find, Dunfly, an incredible deal on the best flats boots going. Damuley, if they have your size, you want to be jumping all over these. I think I'll have to pick up a pair as a spare. The new style of Marlwalkers are more like the flats sneakers and are much lower and won't give you the ankle support.

I've got a pair of cabelas flats boots that work well on rocks, shells etc( here in the NE so no experience with coral.) For REALLY CHEAP protection, look at Wall-Mart/ K-Mart for those "water shoes/slippers". They don't offer ankle protection but the wraparound soles can be tougher than some wadeing boots I've seen. I always keep a set in the truck and wear them when paddling as well.

BTW, if you look, check a few stores. Seems that some ( even within the same display) wil use a thicker /stiffer rubber than others. All are under $10.

Jeremy,

I have a pair of Christmas Island wading boots that I use for freshwater and saltwater. Only pair I have ever had so they have held up well all these years and are still in good shape. I think you will like them. Very comfortable boots with non-corrosive plastic type zippers. Price isn't too bad either considering who is selling them in this link. There are also low-tops for less.

http://shorterlink.com/?KPCYTI

First off, thanks to everyone for their replies. Unfortunatley th eones at sierra trading post aren't in my size, but I think that these orvis low top ones look about right. Dixie, how are they size-wise? I usually wear a 10 1/2 in running shoes and an 11 in boots. Does their size relate to what you usually wear?

Thanks again everyone!

Jeremy

I have a small foot and wear a size 8.5 in shoe size but I order boots one size larger and that is especially true for boots that I have to put on over my waders. So I have size 9s or 9.5s for my Christmas Island boots. They have some room to spare if I don't put them on over my waders but they fit just right with the wader on. I would recommend one full size larger than what you normally wear. I would think that the 11 in your boot size should be fine. Best of luck .