Last year, I discussed my great experience with Simms on my waders.  I took advantage of the first year repair guarantee and returned the waders to Simms for evaluation.  They just sent me a new pair - I was stunned then.  And... I am stunned now.

In April, I purchased a pair of the Simms Aquastealth Guide boots to take advantage of the rubber/cleat combination.  I wore them exclusively fishing for the remainder of the year - probably 40 - 50 times.  As you can appreciate from my blog, I walk and then I fish.  So, these boots always got a workout. 

When I cleaned them at the end of the year, I noticed that I was missing cleats and that the stitching was starting to come loose where the boot would bend.  I went to the Simms online repair service, filled in a form and returned the boots for evaluation. 

About a week later, one of their very nice customer service representatives called me with the bad news.  The boots needed to be replaced and this particular model had been discontinued.  They had none remaining in stock that were my size

They gave me several options:

1. Accept a refund through the store where I purchased the boots
2. Accept the 2008 model, but it would not ship until March
3. Accept one of their boots without the aquastealth sole

WOW!  Not only were they standing behind their products, but they were putting my interests first!  After the experience with the waders, I should not have been surprised!

I chose option 2 and will receive the new model shown above.  It is expressly designed for folks like me who combine hiking with fishing.  I'll bet that it does much better than the other boot - just looking at the picture, it looks lighter and more hiking friendly. 

I'll let you know how it works out.

And!  No doubt in my mind about Simms - a great company!!

Both boots were missing cleats - the sharp rocks of the Potomac at Seneca Breaks must have done the dirty deed

Pencil shows where the stitching is coming loose.