2 Boots in 1: Orvis PRO Approach Hikers

Orvis’s new PRO Approach Hikers may have answered many a prayer of backcountry fly anglers. These dual-purpose boots were designed for both hiking and wet wading.

They come with a built-in zippered gravel guard over a lace-up interior. This provides bonus ankle support for hiking on rocky trails or slippery river rocks, while the snug fit keeps gravel out. It’s like a zippered wading shell welded around a laced hiking boot.

And while my size 11s fit great on my feet, I cannot always cinch the zipper up around my extremely “muscular” cankles.

I have actually taken to wearing them on my daily winter walks in my icy Montana neighborhood due to the sticky Michelin rubber outer soles, and have yet to show any signs of hot spots or blistering.

As the snow slowly melts and backcountry fishing season nears, consider adding these superb boots to your minimalist repertoire.

$229 | orvis.com