Have spent a number of years wading for trout out west and for smallies in streams. The most important item in my opinion is a pair of felt wading shoes or even corks if the rocks are bad. Landing on slippery rocks on your butt can be jarring. Do wear waders if water is cold...summer....not so much. As far as wading....your in the fish's home..quiet is better unless your going through a lot of dead water...then I tend to move quickly and don't care if I'm noisy.
Have fun