Hodgman are widely recognised as one of the oldest and most respected names in waders and outdoor gear , producing the first world's first fishing waders in 1838 . Almost 200 years later and their vast experience is all too evident in their new range of waders , wading boots and clothing.

Here at Mid Antrim Angling Centre we stock many products from the Hodgman range and believing as we do that we should have confidence in the products we sell , tested waders , jackets and boots from the range on a recent fishing trip .

We will feature waders and jackets in a future review after extended use and in this article will deal with the wading boots .

The Testing Ground

We tested the boots on a weeks fishing trip to Iceland . Just about every kind of terrain likely to be encountered was negotiated - boulder strewn river bed and banks , steep grassy slopes , tough climbs and long walks - and the boots were subjected to some serious punishment both in and out of the water.

                                    Icelandic testing ground                                                                               Challenging conditions for angler and equipment

The Boots

The Vion and H5 boots were on test , sharing many common features including the unique sole system , the main difference being the Vion is made from waterproof nubuck leather while the H5 has an abrasion resistant synthetic upper . 

Both boots performed admirably over the week , proving to be very comfortable over extended periods of wear and providing great support and protection thanks to neoprene linings , padded collars and reinforced moulded rubber toes .

The corrosion resistant lacing system worked well and should prove to be kind to laces and with a wide opening boots were easy to put on and take off .

                   Vion Wading Boot                                                                                           H5 Wading Boot

H-Lock Interchangeable Sole system 

One of the really special and unique features of these boots is Hodgman's H-Lock interchangeable sole system . Extra secure dual locks hold the soles firmly in place and cannot come off unless both front and rear locks are disengaged simultaneously .

We found the system to be simple , secure and totally reliable although there is an easily mastered knack to removing the soles which can be a little tricky for the first time . 

Each pair of boots is supplied with two pairs of soles , plain felt and Hodgman's specially formulated Wadetech rubber . 

We used the Wadetech soles exclusively all week , never feeling the need to change them and found grip to be excellent on almost all surfaces both in river and on the banks . The one exception was on some flat , very smooth rocks in one pool on which frankly any sole type would have struggled to retain grip .

Studded felt and studded Wadetech soles are available separately providing a versatile system for any terrain.

  More products from the Hodgman range

                     Aesis Sonic Waders                                                                                                   H5 Waders                                                                        Aesis 3in1 Jacket                                                                       Aesis Shell Jacket