[Comparing DRESS and Workman rain boots] We tried out rain boots that can be used for fishing

【DRESSとワークマンの長靴を比較】釣りに使えるレインブーツを履き比べてみた

What kind of boots do you wear when you go fishing on a rainy day?
Especially during the rainy season, when fish are more likely to respond, you'll want to make sure the conditions around you are in good condition...
If the tackle is difficult to walk on or has poor waterproofing, it can be uncomfortable and may even have a negative impact on your fishing results.
The rain boots we will introduce this time are from the immensely popular DRESS and Workman brands.
These are truly the ultimate boots that combine high levels of cost-effectiveness and functionality, making them suitable not only for fishing activities but also for a variety of other outdoor activities.
I actually purchased both and tried them out at the fishing spot, so if you're thinking about buying rain boots, please refer to this article.


Features of DRESS Rain Boots Airborne


The first thing I would like to introduce is the Airborne boots from DRESS.
These boots were just released recently and are very stylish and cool looking.
As expected from a fishing manufacturer, they are equipped with a variety of functions and give the impression that just wearing them will make going fishing more fun.
The main features included are as follows:



Sleek Look



A design full of military taste with a black base color.
Featuring a print that is symbolic of the Airborne brand, the shiny black silhouette makes them look more like combat boots than rain boots.
The natural rubber outer surface adheres to your feet like a glove.



Radial sole for stable walking posture



The soles are radial soles that allow you to maintain a stable walking posture.
It helps you maintain your balance when walking not only on well-maintained concrete embankments such as breakwaters and sea fishing parks, but also when walking on slippery underwater rocks.



Equipped with kick-off and pull strap function for easy removal



The bottom of the unit is equipped with a kick-off function that makes it easy to attach and remove, which is very convenient.
With regular boots, you need to use both hands to take them off, but if you step on the toe of your other toe, you can take them off without using your hands.





The included pull strap makes it easy to put on!



Calf section has cord for easy tightening! Folds up for compact storage.



The elastic shock cord allows you to tighten the calf area for a perfect fit!
There is no need to worry about them slipping off when walking in difficult areas.
In addition, the surface material is extremely soft, so it is packable and can be rolled up for easy carrying.



Features of Workman's waterproof Fest Boots


The other pair of boots we'd like to introduce is the Workman brand's Waterproof Fest Boots, which have been a hot topic among campers and anglers in recent years.
These boots are cost-effective and completely waterproof, making them the ultimate rain boots.
Because it's so popular, it's hard to get hold of, so I pre-ordered it.
The highlights of the performance are as follows:



Folds up easily


Although it has some similar details to DRESS's Airborne Boots, these can also be rolled up and stored.
The total length is about 40cm and the surface fabric is very soft, like a combination of leather and nylon.
I like the fact that it can be folded up small and compact for easy storage.



The inner sole is removable



The inner insole is removable and can be changed to your liking!
By the way, DRESS boots are also available.
It's a nice benefit that you can respond immediately if the fit isn't quite right.



Equipped with Workman's unique material "Tough Terial"



The suspension is equipped with Workman's proprietary high-strength material, Tough Terial.
The tear strength is four times that of regular rubber boots, making them extremely durable and resistant to abrasion and impacts.



Comes with a storage bag for easy carrying



It comes with a small pouch that is convenient for carrying. I appreciate that they have thought carefully about storage as well!



Scenes used

This time, to answer a simple question: which pair of boots can be used for fishing, I went fishing with both pairs.
I tried them on to check out their comfort and functionality at the fishing spot.
The two fishing scenes we tried are as follows:



Scene 1.DRESS Rain Boots Airborne


The Airborne Rain Boots are intended to be worn primarily in fishing situations, such as when fishing in the ocean.
I actually tried wearing them while imagining how they would feel on land, such as at a fishing park, a breakwater, an offshore breakwater, or a quay.
The original purpose was to find out what the customer's needs were, such as how mobile it was and how waterproof it was.



Scene 2. Workman Waterproof Fest Boots


The waterproof Fest Boots are perfect for river fishing, reminiscent of fishing in mountain streams or rivers where footing is poor.
I actually tried wearing them and walking on moss-covered boulders and steep embankments.



Actual Impressions

I'd like to share with you what I noticed when actually using DRESS brand and Workman rain boots for fishing, and my honest experience of wearing them.
This time, I deliberately limited my testing to just how it felt when fishing, but it can also be used in a variety of outdoor situations.
Please use this as a reference when considering a purchase in preparation for the upcoming rainy season.



Comfort and fit



Both shoes have a perfect fit that conforms to your feet, and are of a quality that has been developed for outdoor use.
They may be a little more difficult to put on than regular rubber boots, but if you're worried, you can choose the next size up to avoid any tightness.
Both of them give the impression of being long boots rather than rain boots.
DRESS rain boots are very light and fit my feet perfectly.
I usually wear size 25.5cm sneakers, so I chose the size 26cm, and I found them to be just right and easy to walk in, without any blisters.
On the other hand, Workman's waterproof Fest boots felt a little heavier than the former.
Because the sole is thick, it feels a little heavy.
However, I chose my usual size of 25.5cm and it fit just right.
Neither pair of boots felt too tight and I felt they were comfortable enough to use for fishing.



Waterproof performance


As for waterproofing, DRESS, which also develops waders, has created rain boots that do not allow rainwater to penetrate into the interior.
There seems to be no need to worry about the fabric being damaged by rubbing against underwater rocks or other objects unless something extraordinary happens.
On the other hand, at first glance, Workman's waterproof Fest Boots give the impression of being a little unsettling due to the surface fabric, making you wonder, "Will water get in? Is this okay?"
However, when I actually put it in the water to try it out, I was surprised at how waterproof it was.
As they claim to be completely waterproof, there were no problems with this either. Both are guaranteed to be waterproof.


Versatile Performance


I'm sure everyone is concerned about how it feels to use rain boots in the rain or when fishing run-and-gun style.
The soles of Workman's waterproof Fest boots are made of thick rubber, so when I tried wearing them and walked through a field dotted with rocks, I did have a few slips and lost my footing.
The radial sole of the DRESS feels like it sticks to the soles of your feet, so even when walking over sharp rocks the sole bends and you rarely lose your footing.
Another advantage is that you can walk on sloping slopes without losing your balance, just like with tabi socks.
It seems like there aren't many boots that are light enough to walk in like a ninja...



Storage space
In terms of storage, Workman's rain boots have a slight advantage as they come with a convenient storage bag for carrying around.
Both boots can be rolled up and stored compactly, which makes them highly portable when considering mobility at the fishing spot.
You can keep it in your bucket, or keep it in the trunk of your car. You can even take it with you when you travel.



So which boots are better for fishing?


Commercially available rubber boots sold at home improvement stores and the like are surprisingly loose in size, so if you want to use them while fishing, you can always worry about water getting in...
Because the fit is quite loose, when wearing a raincoat the bottom part may get inside your boots and water may get in.
If they are too loose, stress will build up in your feet and you might not be able to concentrate on fishing.
The rain boots we have carefully selected this time are specialized rain boots for water activities that will relieve you from such stress. Which one would you choose when you go fishing?



For stylish outdoor enthusiasts, we recommend Workman's waterproof Fest boots.


Workman's waterproof Fest boots are very popular these days because of their stylish appearance and can be worn by both men and women.
Considering the comfortable fit, waterproof performance, and ease of carrying, it can be said that these gloves have enough functionality to be used for fishing.
However, what bothers me personally is the thickness of the sole.
When it comes to run-and-gun fishing, which involves a lot of walking around the field, I felt that the rubber sole was a bit thick and might get in the way of moving or walking in the water.
In fact, I have slipped and lost my balance when walking on moss-covered rocks, and have had my feet tripped over, so they may not be suitable for use in rough water conditions like waders.
Considering the excellent cost performance, stylishness, and ease of use, if you are going to use them for fishing, they are best used as rain boots for short fishing trips on rainy days, or for family fishing on embankments or at sea fishing facilities.
Also, when it comes to outdoor activities such as camping or festivals, the beautiful silhouette of this garment will attract attention as it can be worn fashionably with a variety of different clothing.



If you're going fishing, DRESS's Airborne rain boots are the way to go!


If you're going to use them for fishing, I definitely recommend the DRESS Airborne rain boots!
In addition to being easy to walk on and non-slip,
It's light, easy to move in, you can feel the shape of the bottom with the soles of your feet, it's easy to balance your body, it doesn't slip even on sloping embankments, it has an excellent design, its durability has been guaranteed, it doesn't tire you out, etc.
As for waterproofing, even the small seams where the materials join together are reinforced, so it can withstand shocks in the water and the chances of water getting inside are close to zero!
They feel lighter than Workman's rain boots, so you won't feel any stress on your feet even when walking around for long periods of time on a run-and-gun.
In terms of price, they are more expensive than ordinary rubber boots, but that is proof that the materials are superior and the quality is high.
I also tried using it while fishing from a boat, and even when there was water flowing at my feet for a long time, absolutely no water got in.
Not only can they be used as rain boots in the rain, but the material can also be used for run-and-gun fishing, where you have to get your feet in the water to target difficult-to-target spots. I felt that the DRESS Airborne, which was developed specifically for fishing, had great potential!



With a pack sink, you can wash your boots right there, which is super convenient!


By the way, it's super convenient to have a pack sink!
You can wash your dirty boots right there when you put them away in the car, and when you go camping you can hand wash all your dirty dishes and other items at once.
When not in use, it can be folded up and stored in a small space such as the trunk of a car, making it very convenient to carry around! If you are fishing, it can also be used as a portable livewell to keep the fish you catch, so it is recommended♪



Summary of rain boots that can be used for fishing



When you're out fishing, camping or doing other water-related activities, having a pair of rain boots is extremely useful!
This time, we actually tried on rain boots from Workman and DRESS to see which one is more suitable for fishing and how comfortable they are to wear.
DRESS rain boots are of extremely high quality and perform well, so we highly recommend them to anyone who wants to use sturdy boots for a long time!
Workman's waterproof Fest Boots are a model that we can confidently recommend to anyone looking for something affordable and good value for money.
Both are popular items, so if you preorder in advance you can be sure to get them!

We hope you find a good pair of rain boots and enjoy fishing on low light days to the fullest.

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