Shimano Evair Boots Review
October 23, 2006

I had the opportunity to field test a new pair of Shimano® Evair™ boots during the past couple of months.  I have now worn these boots approximately 20 days during the past 60-90 days in a variety of conditions.  In all cases, I used only a lightweight nylon sock and/or a white gym sock over my foot.

My first impression of the Shimano boots when I picked them up is that they are EXTREMELY lightweight.  Shimano says that their size #8 boot weighs 10 ounces.  My size #12 weighed in at a whopping 12 ounces compared to my old boot at 2-1/4 pounds!  By reducing my foot weight by two thirds, I noticed a vast improvement in the amount of time I can stand.  In addition, my feet were much less tired at the end of each day.

Shimano Evair boots are lightweight

Unlike a heavy, hard rubber boot, the EVA material feels like a very dense foam, with a little stretch, and soft to the touch.  Shimano says that these boots are constructed from one-piece molded EVA and they are 100% waterproof.  Note: Although EVA is the same material used on the butt end of the shaft of most saltwater fishing rods, this foam appears much more durable and is also waterproof.

Shimano Evair boots are cool

The boots do come with a small lightweight insert (not a support) that I did not find useful.  The insert provided minimal arch support and as I do with all my shoes because I need the extra support, I ended up adding additional arch support inside the boot. 

Shimano Evair boots insoles

The insole of the Evair boot has a "water canal" molded into it, which might be part of the reason that it remains dry and comfortable all day.  Although water spilled into my boots several times during my long range trips, I never felt uncomfortable.  In the evenings, when I removed my boots, my feet did not show any signs of being wet or have any blisters.  It doesn’t make sense to me how this worked, because I assumed that I would have ended up with blisters and water-soaked feet.

Shimano Evair boots

The outer sole is a non-skid, non-marking material which has hundreds of small water channels built in.  Almost like a close-knit tread on an auto tire, this sole provided a very good grip on the boat deck.  This sole appears similar to some deck shoes I’ve seen.

Shimano Evair boots grip the boat deck

After the field test, I noticed some wear on the outer edges of the sole.  After closer examination, what appears to be wear is more like paint scraped off of the EVA material.  This is strictly cosmetic and did not have any effect on the performance of the boot.

Shimano boots Evair

A nice feature that Shimano took into consideration, was incorporating a small edge on the backside of the heel to facilitate removal of the shoe.  I found this to be very useful especially when the exterior of the boots are wet.

Shimano Evair boots

Cleaning:  After my last fishing trip, I left my dirty boots sit outside (as a test) in the hot sun for several weeks before cleaning them.  As shown below, the boot (closest to the camera) cleaned up pretty well with just dish soap, a rag, and cold water. 

Shimano Evair boots clean up well

Shimano says that the Evair boots will be available in sizes from 8 through 13 and will retail for $69.99 a pair.  They will come in Blue and Gray and will be available in stores in November 2006.

Gray Shimano Evair boots

The Evair's are about the same price as other fishing boots on the market today, but I’d have to admit that these stand far apart from the rest.  Just take into account how dry they keep your feet and the fact that they weigh 2/3 less than a normal boot ... they deserve a serious look! If you're lucky, you'll find a pair of these under your Christmas tree.

More Info Visit: http://fish.shimano.com/evair

Thanks!

Jeff Jost
Albackore Sportfishing Gear (not affiliated with Shimano)