Wet Wading

Simms Pursuit Shoe

Pursuing versatility: a cross trainer shoe for fly-fishing pursuits.

Kara Armano

March 7, 2024

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Simms | Pursuit Shoe

product description

The Simms Pursuit Shoe is your ultimate wet-wading cross trainer powered by an upstanding in-river grip that’s equally at home on the deck, paddle board, or anywhere you plan to pool your efforts.

company ethos

“Like you, we’ve come to realize that fishing isn’t a pastime. It’s not a hobby. And it’s not a sport. Fishing is our way of life. And we firmly believe we all owe it to ourselves to make as much time as possible to do the things we truly live for. After all, you get one life. #FishItWell.” – Simms

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Product story

From Simms: “The Simms Pursuit Shoe is your ultimate wet-wading cross trainer powered by an upstanding in-river grip that’s equally at home on the deck, paddle board, or anywhere you plan to pool your efforts. Constructed with an ultra-breathable and quick-draining mesh upper, stretch collar and high-abrasion TPU overlays in key wear areas, the Pursuit Shoe comes equipped with a quick-lacing system, a non-marking siped outsole and is designed to be worn next-to-skin or with a thin liner sock. From saltwater, to fresh, to warm water–the Pursuit Shoe provides universal fishability for any angler, in any environment.”

Performance

This new wet-wading shoe from Simms is über-versatile. I just wore it for three weeks in every manner of river and stream around the North and South Islands of New Zealand. I even wore it while patrolling the flats of Golden Bay for kingfish.

On bigger rivers, it performed equally well on riverbanks as it did crossing currents waist-deep to chase big browns. I never slipped, other than when I found myself watching these beasts while wading, rather than watching my footing.

On a small mountain stream with the most slippery wet rocks I’ve ever encountered, I was able to rock hop on the dry spots without a second thought. While I think any shoe or boot would’ve struggled in this creek, I was able to maneuver with somewhat graceful ease while using the standard three-points of contact.

In the saltwater, slipping wasn’t an issue, but sand was. Of course, sand entered the shoe, but I was able to slip it off, dump out the sand and put it back on all without exiting the water, which allowed me to continue spotting for rays and trailing kings.

I love how quickly they dried, how easily they cleaned up and how grippy they were. I can see wearing these saltwater flats fishing, river rafting for toe protection and even SUPing (if I found the need to wear shoes doing that). I also like that I could easily wear these around town if needed.

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Pros

Simms nailed the versatility here. I’m not a fan of big wading boots when I’m not wearing waders, so this is a perfect option for me while wet wading. Bring on summer!

Good color options.

Cons

If you need ankle support while wading, this shoe is not for you.

Pricing

This shoe is more than worth it. For $139.95 you get two-to-three shoes in one.

Craftsmanship

Both color options are great, the non-slip, quick lacing system stays in place and doesn’t grab your line. Small rocks and sand can get in the top, but they’re easy to remove and dump.

Durability

I put these shoes through serious paces. Hiking an hour plus, each way, into a high mountain stream, wading flats for two full days, rock hopping on miles of river, bushwhacking through dense New Zealand forests, and even cliff jumping to cool off on a hot day–these shoes kept up with me with no signs of wear.

Price: $139.95
Models: Non-marking siped outsole for wet-slip resistance
Sizing: Barefoot or with a thin liner sock
Lacing: Quick-lacing system allows for easy fit adjustment and low-line snag
Colors: Steel, Riffle Green
Weight: NA
Construction/Materials: Ultra-breathable and quick-draining mesh upper, stretch collar and high-abrasion TPU overlays in key wear areas
Warranty information: Simms warranty

Simms warranty.

“If your SIMMS product fails due to a defect in workmanship or materials, SIMMS will repair or replace your gear and get you back on the water as soon as possible. If your SIMMS product fails due to excessive wear, accidents involving barbed wire or campfires, or the natural breakdown of materials over extended time, SIMMS will make every effort to repair your gear for a reasonable fee.”

Likely buyers

Traveling anglers or anyone who wants a simpler, low-profile wading shoe is the ideal buyer. If you’re sure-footed and don’t need ankle support, these shoes really can do it all while wet wading.