Orvis Ratings and Reviews

Top Rated Product

River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot

The new River Guard Clearwater® II studded wading boot's lightweight, yet rugged synthetic upper resists damage from rocks and debris as well as rot, mildew, and ultraviolet radiation. The boot is constructed from durable polyurethane and high-density nylon mesh to provide years of use. The toe cap and heel counter are wrapped in textured rubber to add additional protection in high wear areas. The Orvis-exclusive EcoTraX® soles have a proprietary lug pattern with sharp leading edges to afford the angler better traction. Comes with 20 pre-installed PosiGrip Screw-In Studs for added security in slippery environments. Screen-covered drain holes. Studded wading boots in charcoal and tan. Imported. Men's whole sizes: 6-14. Weighs 4 lbs., 6 oz. in size 9.
Average Customer Rating:
4.333 out of 5
4.3
 out of 
5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (18 reviews)
5 stars
12
4 stars
4
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
2
16 of 18(89%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Review 1 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Very pleased,
May 7, 2013
By: OldManfromGeorgia
from North Georgia
"First, I am a very frugal person. I considered buying used wading boots before I purchased this boot. I fish on a budget and I assumed an orivis product didn't fit in my budget. I did a lot of research, and considered all my options before purchasing this boot. Every sports store from discount outlets to high end suppliers and I kept coming back to this boot for three reasons; I wanted a good product, I wanted a good deal, and I wanted the support of a good company. I found other boots for a little cheaper at other suppliers, but their warrantee was basically, "if you don't like it, you can return it". Once again, I wanted a good product, so that didn't leave me feeling too confident that it would be a good decision. Orvis stands behind their products with a guarantee that is much more than a returns policy, and for the small difference in price between these boots and a bottom dollar outdoor store's boot, It was a no brainer to go with a reputable company like Orvis. I know Orvis does product development based on the need of fishermen, not based on how cheaply they can put together a product that people will buy.
I put these boots on over my orvis silver label waders at 8am a couple weeks ago, and fished off and on all day, and took the boots off at 7pm and have no complaints. No slippage, no drainage problems, and the durability seems to be first rate.
I do have one concern... I am slightly worried that the top eylets will fail before the rest of the boot does. It is a well built and strong looking boot, but the top two eylets are made out of plastic and the shoelaces are brought into place by "popping" them into the eyelets. I would prefer to see a metal hook that serves the same purpose. I work in construction and go through a pair of work boots per year. Many boots I've have had have a similar design. Closed eyes up 80% of the boot and then an open eye to finish the last few laces. I would not buy a work boot that I would be using every day if it had a plastic eyelet at the top. It is not enough of a concern that I wouldn't buy this boot again.
Also, I wear a size 11.5 in a work boot. I ordered a size 12 in this wading boot thinking that with the wader foot, and some heavy socks, there would be plenty of room left. It was a snug fit. Be aware before purchasing that if you have to decide between a smaller or bigger size, I would definitely go with the bigger. It is not enough of a problem that I would order a size 13, for fear of the boot being much too big.."
Review 2 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
1 / 5
1 / 5
Disappointing,
March 18, 2013
By: Fishless
from Fresno, Ca.
"The inside of these boots were very poorly constructed. The stitching was coming apart and in some places gone. Pieces of fabric that were sewed together were already coming a part and I hadn't even worn them. Thankful for the Orvis 100% satisfaction guarantee. A great company they just missed on this one."
Review 3 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Light & Comfortable,
December 31, 2012
By: JustCARF
from Chicago, IL
"I was really surprised at how light these boots in the store. They also stay this light when on the water, which is awesome for a long day of fishing. The studs on the bottom of the boots are amazing! I was skeptic at how they were going to be standing on wet rocks, but my doubts were quickly answered. These are excellent boots, and I highly recommend them to everyone!"
Review 4 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great boots,
December 29, 2012
By: Anonymous
from Canada
"The sevare super comfortable and provide great support."
Review 5 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Excellent Boots,
October 17, 2012
By: Muzzman
from Scotland
"Dear All,
Have used these boots for a season now. Overall they have been very impressive.
Positives
1. Very comfortable.
2. Ecotrax sole shows no obvious signs of wear and the studs are intact. Brilliant grip on nearly all surfaces. Much better than felt soles in my opinion.
Negatives
1. Not sure if this is still the case but the boots are US size. I assumed the Orvis UK site would quote UK sizes! This meant I had to send my first pair of boots back to get the next size up. Wasted time and additional postage costs was frustrating!
2. Laces did not last long. Needed to be replaced shortly after purchase.
In conclusion, these boots offer excellent value for money. I hope to get many more seasons use out of them. Recommended!
Regards,
Muzzman"
Review 6 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Light & Comfortable,
September 25, 2012
By: CARF
from Chicago, IL
"I was really surprised at how light these boots in the store. They also stay this light when on the water, which is awesome for a long day of fishing. The studs on the bottom of the boots are amazing! I was skeptic at how they were going to be standing on wet rocks, but my doubts were quickly answered. These are excellent boots, and I highly recommend them to everyone!"
Review 7 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Solid pair of wading boots,
September 19, 2012
By: TroutBumTT
from Boston, MA
"I've worn these wading boots on the Deerfield and the Farmington Rivers, and they have performed well. The shoes are a little bulky and don't drain incredibly fast, but they have kept me from slipping multiple times and are reasonably comfortable. They seem to be well-constructed and should last a long time."
Review 8 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
A fine wading boot,
July 27, 2012
By: ADKtrout
"I purchased these boots a while ago and have now had ample to time to use them. I bought mine with the EcoTraX sole and have found that, although they are a bit bulky, they are a great boot that provides firm footing in most water conditions. The only time the carbide cleats don't perform as well as felt soles is in freestone streams with medium to small size rocks. Other than that, they work flawlessly and appear to be much better at preventing the spread of aquatic invasives than other boots."
Review 9 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
1 / 5
1 / 5
Poor Quality,
July 26, 2012
By: Chaz89
from VA
"These boots don't hold up very well. I have had these for around 5 months and already have holes in them."
Review 10 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Excellent boots,
July 26, 2012
By: Libraryman
from Visalia California
"I'm a felt soler from way back, and so I was surprised how well these boots gripped mossy rocks. I felt confident wading in them, plus they are comfortable to wear. A little on the heavy side, but that speaks to good construction."
Review 11 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Comfortable boot!,
July 23, 2012
By: WarreninTennessee
from Tennessee
"Extremely comfortable wading boot! They are very lightweight for long fishing excursions. The laces are heavy duty and the lacing hooks on the boots are very secure. They hold the laces in place even when removing boot."
Review 12 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Good boot,
June 6, 2012
By: JD79
from Western New York
"I bought a pair with the ecotrax sole and haven't had any trouble with slipping on mossy rocks. They are light and comfortable."
Review 13 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Just tried purchase,
May 23, 2012
By: IndicatoRx
from Beaverdam Creek TN
"First time out on a freestone stream. Clearwater II boots in rubber/spikes worked well on various sized rocks that were mossy and wet. I couldn't tell the difference from felt/spike boots except that these boots are more Eco-friendly."
Review 14 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
May 17, 2012
By: Darent
from London
"I got these in the sale with the rubber stud grip. An excellent boot with huge support and very rugged build. These are fantastic, only slight gripe would be they don't drain quick enough. But the quality of build out weighs that gripe"
Review 15 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Good boot,
May 11, 2012
By: Gumpcorn
from S.F. Bay Area
"I have been looking for a light weight boot for some time and found it in this boot. Comfortable fit and I especially like the cleats. I highly recommend this wading boot."
Review 16 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
excellent wading boot,
May 7, 2012
By: jim333
"I fish a lot of streams in central Oregon that have mossy rocks, and I get great traction from these boots."
Review 17 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Sure Footed,
April 25, 2012
By: Woodenshoeangler
from Teutopolis,IL
"I just got back from a 5 day Fly Fishing trip in MO.
The River Guard boots I purchased for this trip worked to perfection. They went on very easy and kept the sand out.
This is a very sure footed boot in the river or climbing out onto the bank .
Great addition to my Fishing Gear.
I would highly recomend this boot.
"
Review 18 for River Guard™ Clearwater® II Boot
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great boots,
April 23, 2012
By: JMGross
from Ohio
"I love these boots. As more states are beginning to ban felt soles, and my old boots were showing severe signs of wear, I decided to give these boots a shot. I purchased the EcoTraX sole boots.
These are the most comfortable and secure fitting wading boots I've ever worn (in this price range). I was worried about slipping on rocks, but I actually feel more confident when wading in these boots than in my old felt ones (subjective opinion, I know).
I have one incredibly minor complaint. The shoe laces aren't that great (fat and hard to weave through the upper guides, plus not terribly strong), but I plan to replace them with some stronger cord for a couple of bucks and then the boots will be perfect. (Note: The laces did not look like the ones in this picture)"