Hi All;
How do you go about choosing your first pair of waders & Boots?
I think I want to purchase breathable waders and more than likely non felt boots but how do you pick one brand or model from another?
Thanks in advance;
Wayneb
Best you can afford , may not be the best out there but best you can afford.
I went Korkers Guide boots, and Orvis Waders… the waders were end of line, the boots cause they fit well and are not hard to get on or off, and soles are inter changeable
I think you get what you pay for in breathable waders – although there are a lot of pretty good “relatively” inexpensive type. AS mentioned above, get the best you can afford.
I think you want to try them on and for me, see how easy it is to get them back off your feet. I have a good pair of waders but they can be a real bitch to get over my heals at the end of the day after the feet have been sweating, etc.
See if they have thicker layers in the lower part of the legs , knnes and/or front of the legs and maybe seat. If you hike through bushes, stickers, etc. the more expensive brands will have these areas built up with multiple layers so they don’t develop a leak.
I like water proof zippers and pockets. For now, I am leary of water proof fly zippers so I am avoiding them for now at least.
Look at the warranty. If they leak or you get a leak they should back them up by replacing them for you. I have had good luck with Cloud Veil and Simms in this regard- but these are the only two types I have had in the breathable types.
Make sure they are comfortable on your feet. Booties should not be too tight.
As for boots, I know felt is on the way out (I think) but I’m not sure there is really any substitute for it on the slick western river bottoms – so I prefer felt with studs if I am wading or just plain felt if I am in and out of a drift boat.
Ive got a pair of Redingtons ( I think they are…??) and with a pair of PolarFleece pants on underneath work very well in 43 degree water for 1/2 day at a time.
Ive got a pair of boot foot hip waders on order right now though…Its going to be WARM when the wife and I go west next year.
The real thing I HATE…HATE about “stocking foot” waders ( hip boots…whatever)… is who is the “Yeti” they gauged shoe size on? I wear 9-10 shoes…depending on the brand…etc. These were bought with that in mind… There must be TWICE enough rubber material on them. Its all I can do to get it STUFFED down into my wading boots.
My next set of waders will be BOOT FOOT…that way they fit…right off the bat…or they go right back.
Wayne
What a great guestion. Especially since there are allot of different brands of waders and boots to choose from. I think the first question you need to ask is how much do you have or are you willing to spend? Second do you want gore-tex or other breathable type waders. Gore-tex will cost you more. Today I don’t think you can buy a bad pair of waders or boots. Unless of course you buy cheap or low end. They may function but won’t last as long. Again, providing you stay with a pair from one of the major players such as SIMMS, Orvis, Dan Bailey, Cloudveil, LL Bean, Cabelas, Hodgman or perhaps Redington they all make a quality product. Of course depending who you talk to opinions will vary. I would look at what kind of warranty you get.
My first pair of breathables were Cabelas and they served me well. When they wore out I replaced them with a pair of Simms and there is no comparison between the two. The SIMMS cost more but I could tell the momemt I put them on I was wearing a better fitting pair of waders. And I like the fact that Simms are made in the USA. I also own a pair of Dan Bailey’s breathable stocking foot hippers and really like them as well. My buddy has their waders and has nothing but good things to say about them.
My felt soled boots are Cabelas and I own a pair of LL Bean with aqua stealth soles. The Beans are one size big and are used for winter fishing to accomodate heavy socks. Both have allot of wear left so I don’t see myself replacing them anytime soon. If I make a trip out west and need a pair of non-felt boots, I would look at how much do I have to spend and see what is available.
If you live near a fly shop I would go and talk to them and see what brands they are carrying and ask them why and what are the differences. Of course if you go to an Orvis shop that is probably all they may carry but that’s not a bad thing either.
I’m not sure if I’ve helped or answered your question.
Don’t know what type of foot you have, but I’ve got a very wide one (10 EEEE) and I found some models within the same brand fit better than others. I currently have Simms Freestone’s and have found them to be the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. Doesn’t hurt that they were pretty inexpensive, too ($65). If/when I have to give up my felt soles, I’ll probably stick with them. You definitely want to size up when purchasing boots - I went 2 up to a 12 and they fit great with my waders. If I wet-wade, I just wear a couple pairs of athletic socks to compensate.
You probably will want to try waders on before you buy, too. I had a pair of Cabelas breathable in Medium that were loose but comfortable; when I switched to Simms, their Medium was way to tight and I had to go a size up.
Regards,
Scott
Wayne;
Whatever you buy, size is very important. The waders should be loose enough to let you raise your feet high enough to reach the seat of a standard kitchen chair (one foot at a time of course :twisted:). You should buy the boots one size larger than your normal size (gives you a little more space for the excess bootie material as well as heavy socks in cold weather).
I started with a pair of Cabela’s Dry Plus II chest waders when they were $69. About 8-9 years ago. They still work great but only use them maybe 4-5 time a year. My first wading shoes were felt soles from Walmart. They cost $35 8-9 years ago. Both are still going strong. So, for me, starting as inexpensive (cheap) as I could, it worked out great for me. Now I’m going to get a pair of 5 mil neoprene waders from Cabela’s for $65. I plan on using them for spring time float tubing. Long story short; I don’t think you have to mortgage your home to buy good usable waders. If they don’t cost too much and don’t work as well as you would like, you’re not out too much and you have a place to start from when shopping for replacements.
I bought a pair of Bass pro white river breathables for 100$. They fit good, breath good, but don’t buy their brand of boots. They’re horrid.
I agreed with Jack on this. Go to a local store and try them on. If you have a “normal” body shape for your height and weight buying from the chart in a catalog may work but it surely doesn’t for me. If you have wide feet you may want to look at Simms boots. When I was looking they had the widest boots.
I needed to get boots and waders quick at the start for a fly fishing trip that would be my first time at the sport. I simply went to Orvis online and bought what looked to be cheap but serviceable. Canvas boots and neoprene waders. Both are still working fine many years later as “guest gear”.
When I really got into the sport years later I did a bit of research and got some Cabella’s breathable waist high waders. Surprisingly, they kept me warmer in really cold winter fishing. They kept me dry, lasted well enough, and fit my budget. So I later bought another pair as a replacement – and a third replacement set later. Clearly I like them and am personally pleased with their value, but that is just me. I have not owned any other brands. Folks who have Simms waders seem to universally just plain love them and that impresses me. But I operate on more of a Cabella’s budget for my gear and have yet to force myself over the price hump for Simms.
My second boots were Cabella’s and worked just fine. Last year I bought some Korker’s to serve as winter boots, giving me the option of rubber soles when I had to hike in wet snow --something that turns felt boots into platform shoes. But the Korkers are so much more comfortable and so much easier to put on and off that they have become my year-round boots.
So, very limited advice based on comparisons here. Just one person’s experience in the hope that it helps you.
Read, read and read some more.
Then visit Sierra Trading Post.
I got some Redington closeouts there and I bought boots from Cabelas.
Both turned out just fine.
Buy something of quality but don’t think you have to pay a LOT of $$ to get something good.
Hi All;
Thanks for all the information, you’ve been very helpfull!
I purchased a set of used but in good condition boots off ebay, LL Bean Aquastealth wading boots. They recieved very good reviews so hopefully I will like them and they will fit. Hopefully ,the boots are in condition as stated and the size works out for me(they are size 11, I wear size 10 normally in shoes) It seems as if several have suggested getting one size larger in boots.
I plan on visiting a local fly shop once I recieve the boots to see if all works out. The shop has Greys GRX breathables for $199.00 and they are my primary choice as long as they feel comfortable. Hopefully I will like them. If not I’ll keep looking and/or save up some more bucks!
Thanks again;
Wayneb
Try them on and don’t fall for the Gore-Tex hype. 10 years ago, it was the best breathable material, but now, Gore-Tex type materials are very, very good. Cloudveil and Patagonia are both very good options. For boots, make sure they fit which means you have to try them on before you buy. I wound up buying Korkers. They fit really well and I get a felt sole and their kling on sticky rubber sole that I can change out (especially the sticky rubber during winter or hikes) . It also has their lacing system so I don’t have to tie my laces, just twist the ratchet and the boots form around my foot. They’re pretty cool. My buddy just got a pair for $80 so so with both soles and loves them.
Wayne
I have the same boot in the same size that you bought and I also wear a size 10. I wear mine primarily for winter fishing with a heavier pair of socks. Without the socks they seem a bit loose. My felt soles are size 10 and they fit just fine.
I hope things work out for you…Dave
I like nice equipment but HATE paying retail. So I pick a price point then try to find the nicest product that I can at that price. I’ve always done well with places like Ebay, Sierra Trading Post, Madison River, Bob Marriotts searching through their sales.