For at least a couple of years now, we’ve been referring to Skwala Fishing using monikers like “upstart,” “relative newcomer” and so on. All the while, the Bozeman-based company has delivered a slew of innovative, over-engineered fly fishing gear that has been showered with praise by anglers that haven taken the leap into the great unknown. With Skwala now firmly established as one of fly fishing’s premier gear makers, it’s high time we dispense with descriptors that impugn the brand’s legitimacy — even if that was never the intent. Skwala’s recent announcement of its first-ever entries into the wading boot market only serve as a further reminder of that fact.
The two new wading boot models — the new RS Boot and Carbon Boot — expand Skwala’s existing RS and Carbon lineups, which both feature waders and wading jackets, as well as other offerings. According to Skwala, much like other products it has developed, both boots were designed from the ground up to solve fishing problems that have plagued anglers for years.
“This launch is a major moment for us,” said Kevin Sloan, Skwala’s founder and CEO. “We’ve built our brand around solving real problems for serious anglers, and now we’re extending that same ethos to footwear. These boots are designed from the ground up to meet the unique challenges of wading and walking.”
Like the rest of the RS lineup, the RS Wading Boots are built for anglers that put serious miles on their gear and do so in rough, challenging environments. According to the brand, the RS Boot “is engineered with rugged, high-wear environments in mind, from jagged riverbanks to long slogs through brush and rock.” Skwala built the RS Boot with expected features like a fully molded toe cap, ESS rock plate, and double lasting construction. The boots sport a Vibram IDROGRIP sole for which Skwala designed a new, custom tri-tiered lug system to help the boots find purchase even in slick environments. Also along for the ride are thoughtful, innovative features like a glass-impregnated D-ring lacing system designed to reduce friction and make your laces last longer — something any angler who has busted a lace on the riverbank (and who hasn’t?) will appreciate.
The Skwala RS Wading Boots (photo: Skwala Fishing).
The Carbon Boot, by contrast, is built for fly fishers for whom agility is paramount. Designed to be lighter and more nimble, with a “hiking boot mentality and a wading boot backbone,” the Carbon boot weighs in at 7 oz lighter than its RS counterpart. If that doesn’t sound like a massive difference, that’s because it’s not — likely because the Carbons still sport many of the same burly features found in the RS, such as the aforementioned fully molded toe cap, double lasting construction, and ESS rock plate. The Carbon boots sport a different EVA midsole, rockered and cushioned to offer additional comfort when hiking. They also tout a “burrito-wrap” tongue designed to improve fit — a feature we’re eager to get to the bottom of when testing in the field.
Another look at the Skwala Carbon wading boot (photo: Skwala Fishing).
“This is a natural and exciting evolution for Skwala,” said Rich Hohne, Skwala’s CMO. “The footwear space represents a significant opportunity for us to broaden our offering and better serve anglers from head to toe. By bringing the same thoughtful design, technical performance, and durability that we’re known for into boots, we’re creating new ways to grow the brand and connect with our community.”
Both boots are available immediately from Skwala Fishing and authorized dealers.
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