Great river fishing gear that was worth buying! Comfortable river fishing with Montbell's "Sawa Trekker"

The biggest dilemma I faced in preparing for my first river lure fishing trip was my footwear. After thinking through various options, I purchased shoes and tested them in the field.

Types of Stream Lure Fishing Shoes Overview

Source: Montbell

Stream lure fishing typically involves stepping into the river and walking while changing points. There are two basic styles of essential gear: one is the style of fishing using waterproof chest waders to keep feet dry, and the other is the style of fishing lightly while getting wet by using tights or shorts.

The author prefers to enjoy fishing in a cool manner during summer, so I decided to go with the latter style.

Source: Montbell

Whichever style you choose, you generally need shoes called wading shoes. Moreover, there are different types of soles, with the rubber sole like that of regular hiking boots, and the felt sole made of fabric.

The main difference lies in the grip on moss, as the felt sole is specialized for areas with moss. The rubber sole is more resistant to wear on hard surfaces like gravel or asphalt, and each type of sole has its advantages.

What was proposed at Montbell was the canyoning shoes "Sawa Trekker"

When it came to actually choosing wading shoes, I did some research but found that all the brands were unfamiliar, and I didn't know which one to choose. So I thought, "It would be safe to choose something from a standard outdoor brand," and went to Montbell to ask various questions.

Montbell's "Felt Wading Shoes" are made wide to fit with waders, resulting in a loose fit. If you're using waders, wading shoes are the only option, but after hearing my needs, they recommended the "Sawa Trekker," which is designed for canyoning.

When comparing both, the Sawa Trekker has high breathability, is lightweight, and has a very good snug fit. Since it is suitable for walking in the upstream area, which I consider my main fishing spot, I purchased the Sawa Trekker.

Testing the Sawa Trekker on site!

With my heart racing, I arrived at a fishing spot I had been eyeing for a while. I wore the Sawa Trekker along with the thick socks I purchased with them and headed out to the field.

Cautiously stepping onto the moss-covered stone, I can truly feel the grip it provides. The fit that holds my ankles also gives the impression of preventing injuries. More than anything, since there were many moments of lifting my thighs to climb rocky areas and slopes, its lightweight nature helped reduce fatigue.

The stream is cool and beautiful, and just walking feels good. Thanks to the shoes, I can walk comfortably and fully enjoy the natural air and scenery.

However, the crucial results of fishing led to a painful realization of my lack of skill...

Encountering my favorite shoes has made this new hobby enjoyable.

Regarding the sole's durability and wear, there were no problems at all after a few uses. Having found my favorite shoes this time, I feel I can continue this new hobby for a long time. Since there should be differences in the river's appearance depending on the area, I want to explore various locations in the future.

Interview and text by Kazuma Tanaka.

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