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As an active outdoorsman I am often hard pressed to find equipment that will stand up to my active lifestyle. As a blogger I am afforded an opportunity from time to time to test out some of the best. Pictured to the left are three things sent to me from a great name in outdoor gear, Columbia Sportswear. The Master of Faster Sport Shoes are on the left, the Bug Shurt in the middle, and the Drainmaker Water Shoes are on the right. In this review I will tackle the Drainmaker Shoes as my third and final installment in this series of Columbia Sportswear reviews.
As an avid angler I have done a great deal of wading to get to the fish. In the spring, summer, and in the fall it can be the only avenue of success. For the most part I always wore traditional chest waders and hated the attached boots. I then graduated to stocking foot, and eventually to neoprene. But in the heat of August you have to go light and neoprene is way too hot. That is when I break out my ultra lights and a pair of sneakers or wading shoes.
Enter the Drainmaker…
I have a great pair of Redball ultra lights that I swear by in the heat of August, but I have never had a pair of shoes I truly liked. With things like the didymo and other invasive weeds becoming more of an issue in Maine, I had to go back to a standard sole and abandon the felt sole. I have even gone so far as to carry a washtub in my trunk and I wash my waders and my footgear before leaving any body of water. I always have dish liquid and spring water jugs in my trunk. As a responsible angler I feel I have to do my part to protect my natural resources.
Here is a video to watch to help you understand the new technology in these shoes.
The Drainmaker’s wet grip sole is like a godsend for slippery rocks and my style of fishing. In the video they showed the wearer going bare foot (wearing no socks). Well I wear the shorter footie socks in mine just for walking comfort and to reduce normal walking friction. I’m just that particular. Not to mention when you pull on the ultralites the socks just make the package more wearer friendly.
My home river is full of slippery rocks and shifting sands. The Drainmakers were more than up to the task and they were great! I especially liked the flexible nature of the soles so I could feel the bottom structure, making it easier to choose which rocks to walk over and which to step on. When a fish is on… he demands and requires your full attention. Thinking about or having to worry over your ability to move is not an option. You must be able to move and anticipate the fish. These wading shoes gave me the grip and the comfort I need to be able to do that.
Quality
They are extremely well built, beginning with the stitching of all the components of the body of the shoe to the breathable mesh-like fabric. The fit is amazing and they can be easily laced to stay put and minimize friction. The sole is the “key” to everything. The right amount of padding and sole flex add to the unique internal Drainmaker system.
Mine have conquered several rivers and a few streams. But a quick run in the washer and they look like new!! Amazing! A pure home run in my book.
Reliability
As I have stated I am abusive to my gear. Not just to say I am but all of my gear has to perform. These truly earned their place in my flyfishing kit. A more enjoyable and well designed pair of water shoes has never existed.
Price/Value
You can probably go and find a pair of cheaper water shoes, but they won't offer what the Drainmaker does. All things considered, you are looking at a pair of shoes that can act as your water shoes for the beach, wading shoes for fishing and kayaking, and a stylish pair of camp shoes for just about whatever else pops up. Not to mention these are high performance casuals that look great feel great and are just worth the cost. Save room when you pack, bring the Drainmakers and travel better and lighter.
Referability
What more can I say? Would I refer these to anyone else?
Suffice it to say that I will take advantage of every opportunity to show off these great shoes. I can honestly say that I have yet to be able to find a flaw in them, soI would not hesitate to share my experiences with anyone who asked.
I can honestly say out of all the products I have tested and written about the Drainmaker shoe is in my top two. A unique shoe that just does what it says it will. It combines ultra-lite comfort, modern style, and easy utility in a rugged well-designed package. Truly a referable item.
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