Skwala RS Wading Boot – Field Test on a Salmon River
The RS series from SKWALA is the flagship of the American brand and includes a wading jacket, waders and wading shoes. We put the RS wading shoe through a full week of tough practical use - salmon fishing on the Gaula in Norway, with everything that entails: long days, lots of walking, uneven banks, slippery stones and constant wading.
To start with: This shoe is clearly made for demanding anglers who spend a lot of time on and in the water and for whom high-quality footwear and a secure step are essential - so that the focus is fully on the fishing and not on every single step.
In this video, we show you all the important features and share our first impressions and personal practical experience from intensive use on the water.
First impression - solid, but not cumbersome
When unpacking the RS boots for the first time, they look surprisingly solid. The high sole area and the overall robust look briefly raised doubts about their size. After the first few metres, however, this impression was quickly put into perspective. The dimensions are deliberately chosen - and after a short period of familiarisation, the volume is no longer noticeable when wearing them.
The reason for this lies in the sole construction and the very balanced weight distribution, which is particularly noticeable on long days.
Vibram® IDROGRIP™ sole - developed for maximum grip
The centrepiece of the RS boot is undoubtedly the sole. SKWALA has teamed up with Vibram® here and used the tried-and-tested IDROGRIP™ material. In addition, a completely new cleat system was developed in cooperation.
Each individual stud is constructed like a small staircase and consists of three steps. As a result, the sole grips on different levels at the same time and always finds a foothold - whether on round, slippery stones, sloping rocks or changing surfaces.
In the practical test, this meant: no slipping or sliding. Neither when wading on slippery stones nor when walking on wet banks or climbing over large boulders. The grip was convincing throughout and gave a very high feeling of safety at all times.
Cushioning & comfort - made for long days
The sole is not just about the underside. The extremely thick EVA midsole, which provides exceptionally good cushioning, is striking. Even on hard, unyielding surfaces, shocks are effectively absorbed so that feet do not tire even after many hours.
SKWALA also uses a high-quality OrthoLite® insole in the RS boot. This is anatomically shaped, very well cushioned and offers noticeable support, especially in the midfoot area. The combination of midsole and insole creates a level of comfort that cannot be taken for granted in this class.
Shaft, fit & lacing system
The RS boot is cut slightly higher than many classic wading boots. The upper part of the shaft is made from a flexible yet very stable material. A special foam is used on the inside, which does not absorb water and therefore prevents the boot from soaking up water when wading.
In combination with the ingenious lacing system, the shoe adapts perfectly to the foot and lower leg. The lacing system itself has been thought through down to the last detail:
- Multiple fixing straps for even pressure distribution
- Upper laces made from robust, non-corrosive plastic
- Very finely rounded eyelets for maximum durability of the laces
A lot of pressure can be built up when tightening without pinching or pinching anywhere. The boot fits snugly around the foot and ankle and is barely noticeable when fishing.
Material & durability - built for the toughest conditions
SKWALA has also consistently focussed on durability in the upper material. The lower part of the shoe has a solid TPU reinforcement that is extremely abrasion-resistant. The toe area in particular is very well protected by a pre-moulded, rubberised toe cap.
All seams are additionally glued, often even triple glued. In this way, SKWALA deliberately provides a second layer of protection in terms of durability - a detail that makes all the difference, especially during intensive use.
Practical experience - a week in Norway
During the entire week on the Salmon River, the RS boats were in daily use. Many hours in the water, long distances on foot and constantly changing terrain. And the most important thing: at no time did we feel like we had to concentrate on the shoe.
That's the biggest compliment for us. The RS boot provides a firm, secure step at all times and allows you to concentrate fully on the essentials - the fishing.
Our conclusion - premium wading shoe without compromise
The countless 5-star reviews on various platforms are no coincidence. After our test, we can fully confirm this. The RS wading boot delivers the best grip, cushioning, fit and durability currently available on the market.
The fact that the RS boot also won the Fly Fishermen Magazine "Gear Guide" Award 2026 for Best New Wading Boots only emphasises this impression.
After a week of intensive use, many kilometres covered and countless hours in the water, we can give it an unreserved recommendation. Anyone looking for an uncompromising premium wading boot that sets standards in terms of slip resistance and surefootedness as well as support in the ankle area should definitely take a look at the RS from SKWALA.
With this in mind, we wish you a safe step and as always: Tight Lines.
