Buy whatever boot size it takes to properly fit. You might also consider buying boot foot waders and wearing heavy socks under them to get a proper fit. Another option would be wet wading. There’s no practical way to alter the foot size on a pair of stockingfoot waders.
Look at the new Sonic weld waders from Orvis.
I have a similar problem but the larger problem was the inseam.
If the inseam is too long the waders will rub and the legs will leak eventually.
The x-large stout sized Sonic Weld waders from Orvis have a 28"- 30" inseam and a size 9 bootie.
They are also lightweight and packable if you like to travel.
I like mine and they have performed beautifully so far.
Cheers
DuFf
Simm’s has a size XLS it has a 47"-48" waist, a 31"-32" inseam and a 9-11 size bootie.
You said you didn’t want to spend a fortune on waders and I don’t blame you; however, to really solve the problem you are having there are really only two ways to go but they cost a little more than what you might want to spend. Unfortunately when you are hard to fit, if you really want something to fit right, you have to cough up the money. It would be great to be 5’9" with a size 9 foot and you could find something that fits at just about anyplace you look. Like me, You don’t sound like an off the rack sort of guy – that is, you are hard to fit.
For neoprene waders, there is a company called “Bare” that will custom make neoprene waders for you. One of my friends is a short rolly-polly type guy and he stumbled onto them and had a set of waders made. I followed suit and it was finally nice to finally have a pair of neoprene waders that fit everywhere – feet, inseam, crotch, waist, chest, etc. You can find them on the internet. They also make wet suits. For breathable waders, go to your fly shop and try on different simms wader sizes ignoring for the most part the booty size. Get the waders that fit and then have them order custom booties or boots (like bogs) for your feet. I have done this also and have waders that fit well and provide me with choices for both really cold temps and for more temperate situations.
Simms might replace booties on other manufacturers wader products; however, they may not want to get involved with a product other that their own.
like Poke’em, I have the opposite problem. Not only with waders. I’m not exactly skinny, but usually to fit a 13/14 foot the rest of the waders fit me like a tent. I have a long inseam too, I’ve tried on waders which make me look like some dumb-a$$ punk kid with the crotch of their jeans down by the knees. Clothing manufacturers seem to think anyone with a 38" waist automatically has a 30" inseam.
I found that Cabela’s Guide Tech waders come in a wide variety of short and tall sizes as well as standard at no “custom” charge (unlike Simms…) and at around $200 they are an extremely good value. I did a LOT of wader shopping before buying them and they are equivalent quality to others costing twice as much. At the time, I was prepared to spend twice as much too. Thankfully didn’t have to.
I have a pair of Bare neoprenes that they custom made for me and they fit the best. (still do)
I only wear them in cold weather now as the Orvis breathables are more comfortable temperature wise, but the fit is great.
They are made in Canada in B.C. and they have been making neoprene products for all applications for years- lots of experience.
I believe the breathables they have are made offshore so custom work could be problematic.
Not positive but I think this was the result when I was searching for new breathables that fit.
I went the Cabelas route before and the sizes they offer are pretty good but the waders developed leaks after a few years. ( as all waders will eventually )
DuFf
Bare was a Sponsor here for many years until they were bought out by an European company. I have both the breathable and neoprene waders. VERY good stuff!
I had a slightly different experience with Bare. They made me a pair of custom breathable boot foot waders that leaked in the seam practically right out of the box. I never returned the waders to them for repair because the shipping costs from PA to BC would have been almost more than the waders were worth, and they are still hanging in my closet and look like new.
If I were going to order another pair of custom waders today, I would probably opt for stocking foot ones if I lived some distance from the manufacturer to minimize the return shipping costs for service repairs down the road – today I can just drop off my Simms waders in Bozeman whenever I’m in town (although I now hear they are moving to Manhattan, MT --?)