Hi all,
I need some help regarding sizing of wading shoes. I’ll be in the market for a pair sometime soon (is Santa listening?) as I now wear bootfoots and and making the switch. My question regards sizing. I have big feet…size 13…should I order the shoes one size larger to compensate for the stocking foot and socks? I’m thinking about either the Simms Freestones or the Orvis Clearwaters. Anyone have any feedback on these models? Thanks.
Ken
Ken,
How you been?
I have no experience with either Simms or Orvis wading boots, so, I cannot respond to that part of your question. I use and recommend Chota wading boots with the screw-in screws for traction on slippery rocks. I really love mine. I always purchase my wading boots one size larger than my normal street shoe size to allow room for the boot foot material on the waders plus extra socks during winter wading. Others will tell you different, but, that is what works for me. If you can go somewhere to try on wading boots you could really tell what size to get for you.
Hope this helps some…
Warren,
Did you receive my PM in regards to the furled leaders? If not, thanks again!!! There aren’t many fly shops by me…I know there’s an Orvis factory store about 10 miles away…maybe I’ll pop by there after work one afternoon to try them on. I saw the Chotas and was seriously considering them…I just have to find someone by me that carries them, otherwise it’s mail order off the net. Thanks.
Ken
I found that they aren’t all the same. Korkers to me run small.
I’m also a size 13 and have the Orvis Clearwaters. I ordered them in a size 13 and they fit perfect. If they dry completely they might be a bit snug, but not much. Once they get wet, they’re perfect.
Ken,
Just my opinion, but if you could try the boots Before you buy them, then you wouldn’t be disappointed.
Also, get boots that are light weight but have armor on the sides to protect the sides of your feet.
Check if one of your feet is a little longer than the other and go with that size and check your foot width.
I wear a EEE shoe.
Doug
Ken,
All of the name brand boots are good and will give you years of service. You really can’t go wrong here, as long as they ‘fit’.
Buy the boots that you can TRY ON.
Take your waders and make sure that the boots fit ‘tight’ with your waders on and whatever you normally wear under them. They will be a bit less snug when wet, and nothing will mess up a day on the water more quickly than a loose boot that rubs.
The manufacturers tend to try to size the boots so that you can buy your ‘normal’ shoe size and they will fit while wearing waders, but we are all different and may need a size larger or smaller.
Good Luck!
Buddy
Ken,
I used the Orvis Clearwater?s for the last five years. They were a decent entry level wading boot. I resoled them once and recently just sent them on to some one else to use. I recommend you get boots one size larger than street shoes to accommodate the waders and socks. A little roomy is far better than too tight.
I recently went through the process of deciding on a new wading boot. I looked at the Simms Freestones, Chotas and a variety of other choices. Lots of really good boots out there and the decision can be a tough one. I looked really, really hard at the Chotas. They are a fine boot available in several styles and configurations. The Simms, in my opinion were okay, but a bit heavy. Not to make this more complicated but I ended up with a pair from Cabela’s. I found there Guidewear Felt Soled boot to be the best choice for me. A very comfortable, nice fitting boot that has more support and protection than the Orvis Clearwater?s and seem lighter to me than the Simms. The price was excellent at $69.95. I think they are worth a look.
Good luck, half the fun is in the hunt! It’s a great opportunity to check stuff out and get educated
Ausable:
All have given great advice. The width of your foot and which shoe you buy will have a LOT to do with fit. Some brands run wider than others and some are cut generous to accommodate neoprene booties & socks. Obviously if you can try them on that’s the best solution but here are a few things to take into consideration.
Shoes with leather will shrink. It may take a few trips but it WILL happen. Some people I know can’t get their feet into their wading shoes unless they soak them first. That can be a bit of a pain in the butt if you ask me; especially if you have to hike into a location.
A good fit in summer may be a tight fit in the winter if you wear heavier socks. If you think you will fish when it’s cold; bring along extra heavy socks if you can try on shoes. You’ll be glad you did if you fish when it’s cold because tight fitting shoes will make you feet COLD because of decreased circulation. I prefer a looser fit.
If you are a whole size you will have it easier than those of us that are wear a half size street shoe. I go 1.5 times larger than my street shoe in every brand of wading shoes I have. I really haven’t noticed any difference in fit between the brands so I don’t know how much creedence I put in the theory that wading shoes are made to be bought in your street shoe size.
I have NEVER been able to get my wader clad foot WITH a heavy sock on into a wading shoe in my NORMAL street shoe size.
Your mileage may vary.
Good luck!
Order your boots the same size as your feet. If you wear a 13 shoe then order a 13 boot. The manufacturers take into account the booty on the waders when making them. They should fit fine.
I would say try them if you can. Your foot shape as well as size will have a lot to do with it. I had to go one size higher than my street shoe with the Cabela’s (I think made by Hodgman) to get a comfortable fit. I have a high arch and that may have had something to do with it, but I’m glad I could try them on first.
If you’re still thinking of the Clearwaters. You’ll find you can order your street boot size. I can wear very heavy wool socks with mine with room to spare. It’s the only boot I can speak for.
Thanks for all the replies, guys. Like I said earlier, I’ll probably stop by the Orvis store one afternoon after work and give the Clearwaters a look. I’m also thinking of a pair of Orvis Silver Label II waders. Now, I don’t want you guys to think I have some love relationship going on with Orvis, but for me it’s a matter of convenience. The store is about 10 miles from my house and I go right by it every day going to work. Plus, I have never had a problem with an Orvis product. The only other good fly shop around here only stocks Simms and some other brand which I can’t remember…a little too pricey for me right now. I doubt I’ll get there this week…have to fly down to North Carolin this Thursday eve…parents weekend at my daughters college. Thanks again.
Ken
You might want to look at the Pro Guide waders. Orvis is closing them out for $199. That’s just $20 more than the silver labels. I just bought a pair of the Pro Guides and really like them.
Thanks for the heads-up Gramps…
I just checked their site and that’s almost $100 off…I’ll check them out.
I have a pair of Korkers, and I bought them 1/2 size larger than my normal street shoe size. They are snug when I first put them on over my waders and a pair of 3mm neoprene socks, but not too snug. They loosen up quickly as I walk or when I get them wet.
Comfort isn’t a problem at all and I like them a lot. They have a bunch of hours in the water and muck and a few miles too, and are still good as new, if a little dirty.
Good luck shopping!
Definitely go one size larger than your shoe size. That will accomodate the neoprene bootie, as well as, any extra socks you might use.