Breathable wader question

[BillNye]

I tried on some Cabela breathable waders in size medium and large.  The large was really big in the legs and the bootie was also pretty large on my foot.  When I tried on the mediums the body portion fit well but my big toe was touching the end of the bootie. For reference Im 5'10" with size 10 and a half shoes.  Should I order medium or large?  It seems like the smaller bootie would be better for getting into wading boots but im worried about it being uncomfortable.  The large seems too big and the legs would be cumbersome while wading.  Any suggestions would be great.

 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Spend the money and get a pair of Simms. They. One in a broader range of sizes. All mine were too long or too tight. Worse case go larger   

[Scott F]

Don't buy waders with built in boots. Get stocking foot waders and spend the extra money on separate wading boots.  Wading boots that fit properly will be much more comfortable, and give your ankles good support. Wading, especially on dirty rivers where you can't see your feet, can easily cause you to twist an ankle and the wading boots will keep you from getting hurt. 

For the waders, always get waders that are bigger than you think you need. When waders are tight you will stretch the seams when climbing over trees, and up steep banks. Unless you poke a hole in the waders, the first thing to leak are seams. Because ALL waders, no matter how much you spend, will eventually leak you need a good warranty. Cabela's brand waders are warranted for life. Keep the receipt and if they leak but are not worn out, you get your money back

[BillNye]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I should have been clear, I was looking at the stocking foot waders.  I would love a pair of simms but for 300+ for the baseline model I'm not sure its in the cards.  How much room should you have in the foot area?  The Large size cabela waders have size 10-12 feet while the mediums have size 8.5 - 11.  I was worried all the excess material would be clumped up in the wading boot vs the medium which fit more snugly. 

[flyfisher]

you want to leave room for layers underneath.  Breathable waders offer no insulation and anything restrictive will do two things.  First it will limit the layers you can wear comfortably which hinders mobility and second, tight fitting anything in the cold can restrict blood flow which will make you colder.  Years of wading in icy trout streams have taught me to keep those feet and legs warm.  Once your feet get cold you are done.  Those shake and warm packs work pretty well on those frigid days.

[rippin-lips]

A Simms dealer will actually measure you and fit you properly for your waders. Best $500 you’ll spend if you plan on using them a lot. 

[Kev-mo]

Did you try any boots on with the waders? Were you wearing the socks you would wear while wading?

 

For reference I am a size 13, about 6'2" and slender. I am very comfortable in Simms XL, size 12-13 stocking foot. Plenty of room for layering if needed and extra inseam length for bending or squatting. I wear a M/ML weight wool sock and could wear something a little thicker if needed for colder temps. Also it seems to me that most wading boots are sized to fit the neoprene bootie and a thicker sock. Not all boots are sized/fit the same just like shoes. Some are boxier etc.

 

You're kind of in between sizes which is tough. You will have seam leaks in the booties if they are too tight (been there...).  I've had several different brands of waders and I think Simms Gore-Tex are the best (thus far). Yeah they have leaked from brush busting and operator error but they were repairable.

[BillNye]

I tried on the waders with boots and it felt like the bootie was pushing back against my toe.  I would imagine wearing them with boots for a couple hours probably would be great.  I guess I will order larges and deal with the bagginess.  Maybe I will look into the simms but when I looked at sizes on Cabelas they only had medium large and extra large.  Does anyone have experience with the redington waders?

[Kev-mo]

10 hours ago, BillNye said:

I tried on the waders with boots and it felt like the bootie was pushing back against my toe.  I would imagine wearing them with boots for a couple hours probably would be great.  I guess I will order larges and deal with the bagginess.  Maybe I will look into the simms but when I looked at sizes on Cabelas they only had medium large and extra large.  Does anyone have experience with the redington waders?

If you felt like there was too much bootie that will eventually be a problem either from improper fit/wear on the bootie or it could even cause you to trip while wading leading to who knows what.

 

I highly encourage you to look at other wader brands to get the proper fit. I believe Simms are the only ones who use Gore-Tex so that leaves everyone else in the same arena. Cabelas are decent waders, but the sizing was off for me. Their 12-13 bootie was too small and eventually leaked.

 

Look at Reddington, Orvis, LL Bean etc. Check out the warranties and get something that fits properly.