Get a grip
Taking the concept of winter tyres into your fishing boots
Jansen Teakle’s verdict on Rockgrip’s 4x4 boots.
ROCKGRIP STUDDED GRUBS SNOWLINE 8.5 BOOTS RRP £99.99
We’ve all been there before – that grassy slope or muddy track leading to the mark is undertaken with the agility of a ballerina. Despite one arm clutching your rods and a heavily laden rucksack doing its best to bring you down, you think you’ve cracked it, when, all of a sudden, your backside hits the deck and your pride takes a hefty blow - much to the amusement of your companion.
It’s not a laughing matter, particularly if the next time you slip, the only thing that breaks your fall is the raging sea itself, many meters down below you.
Sea anglers have paid particular attention to clothing in a bid to remain warm, dry and comfortable, but it’s only in recent years that tackle manufactures have applied any real thought to producing footwear designed specifically for the active shore angler.
A pair of walking boots offering good tread and ankle support has been the norm for a long time, but, recognising the need for something that offers a second-to-none grip for those heading out on algae-covered rock ledges in the middle of the night, some manufactures began offering spiked-soled boots in various guises.
COMFORT
One such boot is the Rockgrip Studded Grubs Snowline 8.5. At first glance you can see it is robust footwear with particular attention being paid to insulation and reinforcement. Take a much closer look and you will see a high-grade Vibram sole adorned with tungsten carbide-tipped spikes strategically placed at key points throughout.
Further inspection reveals a fleece lining, a 3.5mm highlight air trap layer, a whopping 5mm of foam insulation, and all encapsulated in a super-tough, waterproof outer.
The brains behind the Rockgrip operation, Paul Rogers, is a mechanic and has simply taken the concept of winter tyres into fishing boots. But it was only after some very thorough research across the globe that he found a stud type he was happy with.
Screw-in studs are nothing new, but the version used in these Rockgrip boots is of the best possible quality, ensuring that, as with those winter tyres, they will take a lot of stick before they show any signs of wearing down.
When I first slipped on the boots, what really struck me was their comfort. Armoured slippers would be a good description, and as I crunched my way along the tarmac to the start of a winding cliff track, I purposely headed for the muddy stuff. With both feet at a 45-degree angle, it was clear that I wasn’t going anywhere.
I actually found myself trying to slide, but it was simply not happening. Once on the mark, and with the rods out, again I tested the traction of my new ‘slippers’. Craggy limestone and wet, black, algae-smeared rock were no match for these boots with bite. The additional safety they offer alone means that they are worth every last penny in my eyes. After all, what price do you put on your life?