Hodgman Lakestream Lite Wading Shoe

Has Hodgman has married quality with vaule with its Lakestream Lite felt soled wading shoe?

General Overview Hodgman has been in business making boots, waders and a whole host of other products aimed at sportsmen since 1838. In the past, I've owned some of their less expensive models and have generally been happy with them. Back when I was dropping 50 bucks on a set of wading shoes, I never had great hopes of them lasting more than a full season. Some hung tough for as many as a couple years, but the way I burned through boots back then, it was a lot to ask to have my foot wear survive from one steelhead season to the next.

I hadn't owned a pair of "Hodgies" for several seasons but when I saw the Lakestream Lites, I decided to get back to my roots. At just under $75, the were a bit more spendy than previous models but far less than boots made by some of the fly fishing manufacturers.

In the store, I was attracted to them for their weight (lack thereof) and apparent durability. I went with gray for no particular reason but they also come in dark brown.

Key Features

• Durable mesh upper with PVC reinforcements
• Scuff resistant rough skin counter and toe box
• Padded collar and tongue
• Convenient speed lace system with taslan laces and locking speed clips
• Nylon heel pull
• Super lightweight PU midsole
• Removable cushioned insole and replaceable felt outsoles with rubber toe and heel grips

On the Water Test

I bought the Lakestream Lites in Size 13, which is a size to a size-and-a half larger than my regular shore size. I’ve found that the improved circulation I get (translation: warmer feet) offsets the added bulkiness.

Right out of the gate, I noticed how comfortable they are. The wide base gave me lots of support and stability on cobble and the big, soft tongues are nice as well. The only down side is the laces seem a bit short because of the thickness of the padded tongue…not a real big problem, though and it improves if I really tie the laces tight.

The speed lace system is also a nice feature…I’ve had boots that required almost a full unlacing to get them off, but the Lakestream Lites are a snap to get on and off.

The toe area on the Lakestream Lite is nice and wide, which is a huge plus for me. I’ve had some wading shoes in the past that narrowed like a ship’s bow at the toe and my dogs would be more than barking after just an hour or so after wearing ‘em. The reinforced toe box is another attractive feature. I’m the master of jamming my toes into hard, immobile objects and these boots have held up to the abuse so far. You’ll notice that the stitches are still holding strong.

The same goes for the aft end of the shoe — it’s protected with a durable outer layer that seems to be holding up nicely.

I’m not sure that the rubber heel grips give me any better traction but they’re a great feature for a heel dragger like me. Normally, I grind the felt on the back of my boots down to nothing in just a few weeks. The grips are certainly prolonging the life of my soles!

Comfort aside, the Lakestream Lites really seem to want to come apart pretty quickly. The inseam of my right boot tore only a couple weeks after I started wearing them. My pal Vin Man bough a new pair for our trip to BC last week and he had three tears after two days of fishing from a boat. Not a good sign! Our guide Darren Bisson also had a pair and they were coming apart after only a few weeks of guiding.

I’m really bummed about that as these are possibly the most comfortable wading boots I’ve ever owned!!

Conclusion

After wearing the the Hodgeman Lakestream Lites, I’m extremely satisfied with the level of comfort they provide — and their lack of weight. The durability, however, remains severely in question…

If I had paid $40-50, I could probably live with the lack of toughness.

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