GRUB's Q&A

What makes these boots so great?

It’s all in the design. All Grub's™ are 100% waterproof keeping feet warm, dry, and protected in harsh weather and messy working conditions. The secret – our exclusive self-insulating waterproof CR-foam shell construction. The CR-foam bootie material acts as a “neutral medium” between inside and outside temperatures. Naturally lightweight, buoyant, and very comfortable, the material keeps the foot and lower leg warm and protected in cold and wet conditions.
Natural rubber overlays act as a protective skin for the upper bootie. The upper has a triple reinforced toe area and a quadruple reinforced heel area. The outsole is made of high abrasion natural rubber. The rubber in the boots will stay flexible for years.

How are the boots sized?

Standard U.S. sizes for men and women (unisex sizing). Boots and shoes are available in whole sizes only, but will stretch to fit half sizes. There is a 15mm toe allowance built into the sizing..

Do the boots fit wide widths?

Yes. Our boots are made to standard widths, but the materials will stretch comfortably to fit widths up to a EEEE. For narrow feet, we suggest wearing a thicker sock or putting in an additional sockliner to take up room..

Are the collar and calf stiff?

No. The upper calf and topline areas are made of soft, flexible CR-foam and will “stretch-fit” to virtually any calf girth. With the flexible upper, the pant leg can be worn over or inside the boot. The collar material can be turned down to allow hands-free removal and vent humidity in warmer working conditions...

Should people wear thick socks?

It isn’t necessary unless activities are planned for extreme cold conditions. The CR-foam bootie material is rated sub-zero during active use and will effectively withstand freezing temperatures for up to one hour. Medium-weight athletic socks should provide the best fit. The upper will stretch to accommodate thicker socks..

How does CR-foam compare or rate against Thinsulate® and/or Gore-Tex®?

Thinsulate, made by 3M Corporation, is typically used in work boots and hiking shoes to resist cold temperatures. Thinsulate is typically laminated to the whole shoe lining or glued into the toe area of a shoe or boot. It is not a waterproof material. Gore-Tex is a breathable, waterproof membrane but is not an insulating material. The CR-foam used in Grub's™ is both waterproof and self-insulating. Our materials exceed the long-term effectiveness of waterproof membrane materials and provide greater insulating properties than all non-specialty temperature-control substrates.

Do these boots allow your feet to breathe?

Unlike many pac boots, Grub's™ do not have an inner felt liner. Felt liners are very hot and can cause skin irritation with prolonged use. One of the most important and revolutionary features of Grub's™ footwear is the structured, breathable Airmesh™ lining used in all our products. Airmesh™ is made up of thousands of tiny vertical fibers that allow air to circulate throughout the interior lining surfaces. Excess humidity and perspiration that might build up in the boot are quickly wicked away. This creates a comfortable environment for your feet that lasts for extended periods of use.

How do you care for and clean these products?

The rubber shell and nylon upper are very durable and clean up easily with a spray of water or gentle scrubbing with soap and water. The rubber upper can be conditioned with wax polish, Armor-All® or liquid detergent. It is not recommended to use conditioners on the outsole areas. This may cause it to become slick in wet or icy conditions.

Can the rubber be repaired if punctured?

Yes. The natural rubber can be repaired with sealant found in local hardware stores. We recommend Goop® brand marine sealant. First, clean the punctured area thoroughly with mineral spirits. Then, apply the sealant over affected area and wipe to a thin film. The sealant should air dry for at least 24 hours.

What makes Grub's so great?

It's all in the design, Grub's fly-fishing gear will keep you warm dry and protected. The secret is in the materials INSU-FOAM is a self-insulating neutral medium between inside and outside temperatures. Naturally lightweight, buoyant and very comfortable, the material keeps the foot and lower leg warm and protected in cold water.

Natural rubber overlays in our boots protect the INSU-FOAM; the upper has a triple reinforced heel and toe. The outsole is made of high quality felt with tungsten steel staples for sure footed grip on streambeds.

Highly breathable and waterproof XT four-layer fabric has additional reinforcements on the knees means there is no sweat build up even on the warmest days. Innovative details like thumb looped INSU-FOAM cuffs on our DEEP-FLY™ Jacket and Bungee lacing on our boots are details that will leave you smiling!

How are Grub's Waders Sized?

Standard U.S. sizes for men and women (unisex sizing). Boots and waders are available in whole sizes only, but will stretch to fit half sizes. DEEP-FLY™ waders are available in both regular and short lengths. Our boots are standard widths but the materials will stretch comfortably to fit wider feet. For narrow feet we suggest wearing a thicker sock or putting in an additional sock liner to take up room

Should i wear a wader Belt?

A wader belt is an essential piece of kit, we supply a belt with our DEEP-FLY™ waders, and the belt should fit snugly around the waist and be worn as high as is comfortable. Not only does a belt keep the waders in position, but also should a fall occur in the river the belt would prevent the waders immediately filling with water. Grubs strongly recommend the use of an immersion floatation device when wading.

How do I clean Grub's Waders and Jackets?

Remove the suspenders and repair kit from the front pouch before washing.

Sock foot waders and jackets may be machine washed on a warm (30 o C) wash and tumble dried on a cool setting. Boot foot waders should always be hand washed in a bathtub and hung upside down to air dry.

Always use a non-biological detergent.

How do I dry and store my Grub's Waders?

Hang waders to air dry after use in a cool dry place. Dry waders completely before storing to avoid mildew, store in a cupboard or closet away from a heat source or direct sunlight.

Can I Repair Damaged Waders?

Yes, Grub's breathable waders come with a repair kit, which is in the front pouch, This can be used to seal any small tears and holes, with the use of a household iron:

1. Set the iron on to the low steam, polyester/rayon setting.
2. Turn the waders inside out.
3. For small tears cut a piece of the fabric tape to size, place over the hole, white (adhesive) side down.
4. Press with the iron for 10 seconds and allow cooling.

1. For large tears, cut a piece of the wader patch fabric to size. Place over the tear, grey side (lining) up.
2. Cover the edges of the patch with fabric tape, white (adhesive) side down.
3. Press with an iron for 10 seconds.
4. Ensure there are no gaps in the taping around the edge of the patch.

Seal cuts in boot foot, ARCTIC-TUNDRA™ neoprene waders and the sock of waders with a marine rubber sealant found in local hardware and DIY stores.

Wear waders in conjunction with over trousers or chaps to protect and extent the life of your waders.