The durable nonmarking rubber sole of our flats/surf fishing shoe still provides a stable platform in all varieties of sand and muck -- from the boneyard shallows of Los Roques to striper heaven on the Cape. In every other way this Marlwalker is better. The new version features a tread pattern that sheds mud more readily and won't catch on a fly line. Moreover it's now 10 oz. lighter more durable faster-drying and easier to slip into than its predecessor thanks to deft innovation in the upper materials: strong lightweight and quick-draining high-filtration mesh and tough quick-drying synthetic leather secured with speed lacing and an amply padded nylon/spandex neoprene tongue. With molded full-length cupped midsoles and sturdy toe caps and heel counters.