Let me THIRD that VOTE! When I first started fly fishing, I was so eager to get the hook to the fish, I spent as much time in the water as the fish! I certainly was NOT sure footed as I thought I was. For one thing, the boots are clumsier than are SCUBA booties that I was akin too, and I was 20 years older, which accounted for most of the misplaced footing.

I'm much more careful now-along with my wading staff-to slowly take in the water and look before stepping. If fishing an unfamiliar and swift river; I even wear an automatic inflating Personal Flotation Device. Who knows? I might fall and not be able to right myself in swift water! The PFD's are relatively inexpensive for the safety they afford.