Why are some wading boots suddenly 20% cheaper?

Flyfishonomics records street prices for the same fly-fishing products in the EU, the UK, and the US. On 12 October 2026 two US wading boots were about 20% under their previous recorded lows.

Patagonia Foot Tractor Aluminum (US10)

The lowest in-stock US price for the Patagonia Foot Tractor Aluminum US10 was $399 at Bear's Den. The previous low was $499 on 21 September 2026, at Yellowstone Angler. $399 is $100 under that low, about 20% ($100 off $499). It is the lowest US price in the file. Yellowstone Angler and Lost Coast Outfitters were at $499 the same day. The Bear's Den page calls $399 a sale from $499. One new low does not show whether the price stays there.

Orvis PRO Boot Michelin (US10)

The Orvis PRO Boot Michelin US10 was $238.40 at Orvis, the manufacturer's shop. The previous low was $298 on 1 October 2026, also at Orvis. The difference is $59.60, which is 20%. The Orvis page notes a list price of $298. Trident Fly Fishing, Bear's Den, and Yellowstone Angler were still at $298 on 12 October.

What the prices show

Both cuts are a single step, not a slow drift. A drop of about 20% is uncommon in these US files. Counted on 18 October 2026, among series with at least two recorded low dates: all 38 rods were unchanged; the largest reel drop was 7.8% (Abel SDS 7/8, from $1,079 to $995); waders (5), fly vests (13), and chest packs (17) were unchanged. Of 16 wading-boot series, only these two fell by about 20%. Two others rose: Korkers Darkhorse and Devil's Canyon, from $206.95 to $229.99. The files have no MSRP column, so this compares one street low with an earlier street low. It does not show why a shop changed a price.

We will keep recording these prices.

Prices are street prices seen at the time of writing. See the product pages for the current price.