IMHO Orvis Fly Fishing, and probably most of the others, should provide a tube of Sikaflex 291 with every pair of wading boots… you’re gonna need it if you want your boots to last more than a season or so!
18 months ago, when these Orvis Clearwater boots almost totally fell apart, I bought some replacement boots, but also thought I’d try glueing them to get maybe to the end of that season. They are still rock solid – I’ve only just had to glue the bits that didn’t come apart the first time! The new boots are still in their box!
I do fish rocky streams, which put a bit of strain on things, but if Sikaflex glue can take it, why the hell don’t the manufacturers use something that can? I reckon the new boots will be waiting until Spring 2027 at this rate 🙂
Also, the glue does a brilliant job on wader leaks – looks super ugly, but works! I just use a big screw to clear the nozzle each time, and wash hands with rubbing alcohol – too easy!