Affordable shoes/boots for wet wading

[Finessegenics]

It'll be a while before I get to do some wading again but this offseason I was looking to purchase some shoes specifically made for wading/water. I know regular old sneakers are most people's choice. It's what I've been using up to now but I slip way too often and I'm always getting some pretty large pebbles in my shoes one way or another.  Also, the fact that the sneakers aren't "breathable" makes them pretty uncomfy. Feels like I'm making gravy in my shoes when I'm trekking the bank after getting out of the water. On top of that, they take forever to dry once they're wet. 

 

So does anyone have suggestions on comfortable and affordable shoes for wet wading? I want them to be "breathable" and decently sturdy so I have some ankle support. I know I won't necessarily find that in shoes this cheap though. I have been looking on amazon and have seen some in the 25-65 dollar range that interest me. Are these actually anymore "grippy" than regular sneakers? I will also be purchasing neoprene socks to protect my foot. Here's what I've been looking at: 

 

https://www.amazon.com/ALEADER-Comfortable-Walking-Sneakers-Boating/dp/B07PPLVWKK/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3H0MIP1VN49MO&dchild=1&keywords=wet+wading+shoes&qid=1605561073&sprefix=wet+wad%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-5

 

https://www.amazon.com/Womens-Barefoot-Diving-Sports-Walking/dp/B07BT88MC3/ref=sr_1_14?crid=3H0MIP1VN49MO&dchild=1&keywords=wet+wading+shoes&qid=1605561112&sprefix=wet+wad%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-14

 

 

https://www.amazon.ca/Water-Shoes-Drying-Barefoot-Diving/dp/B083ZWS97B/ref=sr_1_38?dchild=1&keywords=water%2Bshoes&qid=1605559348&sr=8-38&th=1&psc=1

 

Thanks for the help!

 

 

 

 

[Scott F]

The problem with all of those is that they don’t provide any ankle support. If river bottoms were as smooth as the beach or you could always see where you were stepping, it wouldn’t be an issue. Twisting an ankle is pretty common while wading so boots/shoes that give good support like wading boots do, are important. 

[Finessegenics]

10 minutes ago, Scott F said:

The problem with all of those is that they don’t provide any ankle support. If river bottoms were as smooth as the beach or you could always see where you were stepping, it wouldn’t be an issue. Twisting an ankle is pretty common while wading so boots/shoes that give good support like wading boots do, are important. 

I figured that would be an issue. So do you have any wading boots to suggest? Something on the cheaper side, I see that a lot of them can get pricy

[Scott F]

Because wading boots need to provide support, are constantly wet, need soles that are not slippery on rocks, and are expected to last more than one season, it makes them more expensive. Inexpensive wading boots are going to fall apart way too soon. If cost is an issue, use old sneakers or cheap shoes, just don’t expect them to last very long. By the way, the neoprene socks are a good way to go if you insist on wet wading. Sand and rocks are going to find a way into whatever footwear you choose. With waders, I use neoprene gaiters that wrap around the top of the boots to keep out rocks and sand. Fold the socks over the top of your shoes to reduce stuff getting in. 

[VolFan]

I use Salomon water shoes for all my spring throung fall wading and hiking. Techamphibians to be exact. They would work with the neoprene socks just understand that sand and gravel will get between them and wear on the socks quite a bit. Been there, went to cheap wool socks when needed.

[Finessegenics]

By the way- I have been looking at cheap shoes but price isn’t really an issue. Even something at 100$ would be fine if the quality is there. 

[throttleplate]

2 hours ago, Finessegenics said:

By the way- I have been looking at cheap shoes but price isn’t really an issue. Even something at 100$ would be fine if the quality is there. 

almost every shoe made is using glue, cardboard, thread, and foam and after being soaked and then dried soaked again the soles will eventually peel away from the upper shoe.

This has happened to me using expensive new balance hiking shoes and hiking boots.

 

Buy hip waders or chest waders, you will always want to go deeper so what good are wading boots that you will end up filling up with water by taking that one more step to get deeper.

[Finessegenics]

40 minutes ago, throttleplate said:

Buy hip waders or chest waders, you will always want to go deeper so what good are wading boots that you will end up filling up with water by taking that one more step to get deeper

Well, where I'm going there's no need to be any deeper; I only need to be going up to my knees to hit the spots I'm targeting...and if I'm not mistaken wading boots are meant to get wet. Sure, they will degrade over time but will probably last a lot longer than cheap shoes. 

[MN Fisher]

If the last mod I'm doing to the trailer doesn't keep my feet dry next spring...I'm looking at these. You wear regular shoes/boots under them...so put your work boots on, put these over those.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0055CBMPA/?coliid=I1LWFIG29QJMKQ&colid=3M9MGOWZE9YW2&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[Finessegenics]

2 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

If the last mod I'm doing to the trailer doesn't keep my feet dry next spring...I'm looking at these. You wear regular shoes/boots under them...so put your work boots on, put these over those.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0055CBMPA/?coliid=I1LWFIG29QJMKQ&colid=3M9MGOWZE9YW2&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

 

Thanks. I use similar ones while doing yardwork during the spring/winter when it’s not too cold out. My issue is not so much keeping my feet dry though, it’s more about being comfortable and mobile.

[Michigander]

Get a pair of jungle boots from a surplus store. They're mesh on the sides and have drain ports to drain as you walk (on land anyway). They spew water as you step. 

The knockoffs are fairly inexpensive and if you can get ones with gator tread, even better.

 

Here's some cheapies from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Outdoor-Products-Vietnam-12/dp/B00HGYZ0FS/ref=asc_df_B00HGYYQIK/?tag=&linkCode=df0&hvadid=314068911321&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17322764694003778426&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017263&hvtargid=pla-524822232903&ref=&adgrpid=62344781957&th=1

 

Here's one with gator tread, or "ripple sole" as I guess it is also called:

https://militaryuniformsupply.com/products/rothco-black-ripple-sole-jungle-boots?variant=35548666298517&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&gclid=Cj0KCQiA48j9BRC-ARIsAMQu3WTbZT3h0zgZuALkdJrdsrpGKhjJ8ZrQmEcirVkIwvSJaY-ZOflkYR4aAprmEALw_wcB

[Finessegenics]

Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00PCAIPN2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_B4ZSFbA11BTWJ?psc=1
 

Ive been taking a hard look at this one. I heard they were comfortable enough to hike around in too. I think they’ll do well with a pair of long socks underneath, that I can fold over the top of the shoe for extra protection. 

[throttleplate]

48 minutes ago, Finessegenics said:

Well, where I'm going there's no need to be any deeper; I only need to be going up to my knees to hit the spots I'm targeting...and if I'm not mistaken wading boots are meant to get wet. Sure, they will degrade over time but will probably last a lot longer than cheap shoes. 

well if you are going to go up to your knees buy hip waders then you can wade up to your pants pockets. Hip waders are very comfy just add good insoles. I can attest a good pair of frogg togg hip waders are $44.00 non insulated and they are very light both hip and chest waders non insulated.

 

The real good knee high wading boots which probably dont even go up to your knee but a bit under it weigh 3.5 lbs each and if stuck in mud may slip off and walking in them is like wearing  cement blocks strapped onto your feet

 

At least the hip waders are strapped to your pants belt loops and wont come off in the mud. Good luck on your choice.

[moguy1973]

It's a shame Adidas bought Five Ten in 2011 because the Five Ten Water Tennie boot was an awesome wet wading boot.  Not much out there like it anymore.

 

Academy has a cheap pair of neoprene wading boots.  Never used them before but they seem to get good reviews.  https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/magellan-outdoors-mens-neoprene-wading-boots-200611143#repChildCatid=14404

[Vilas15]

I use stockingfoot waders with these korkers. You can swap the sole from felt to rubber, but i use the rubber 100% of the time. If i trout fished more in the summer id get some neoprene socks with gravel guards and just wear these with light pants. You'll want the ankle support from a high boot like this. Theres cheap boots out there that are $100 or less.

 

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/korkers-greenback-wading-boots-for-men-felt-kling-on-soles

[FishinBuck07]

9 hours ago, Finessegenics said:

Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00PCAIPN2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_B4ZSFbA11BTWJ?psc=1
 

Ive been taking a hard look at this one. I heard they were comfortable enough to hike around in too. I think they’ll do well with a pair of long socks underneath, that I can fold over the top of the shoe for extra protection. 

My buddy bought a pair of these for wading a creek we wade, it has small gravel to large boulders in it, he was very upset the first time he wore these wade fishing.  They have no support, and the soles aren't thick enough to keep your feet from hurting.  I bought a pair of wading boots from Bass Pro and I believe they were their brand (White River) maybe, they were around $50 and have been using them for about 3 years now without any problems.  They have plenty of support for your ankles also.

[fishwizzard]

I’ve used a pair of Astral Brewers for wet wading for the last 3-4 years and loved them.  They’re very grippy on wet rock and are reasonably comfortable to hike back to the car in.

 

The real game changer in terms of wet wade comfort has been wearing a pair of thin neoprene socks along with them.  I don’t buy anything special, just whichever pair I can find for under $10 on Amazon/ebay.  In addition to adding a little warmth, they remove almost all of the discomfort that comes from gravel/sand getting stuck between my foot and the shoe. They also feel 100 times better when I’m walking around with them on dry land versus wet socks.  They do start falling apart fairly quickly, each pair will generally last me one season before they get holes inthem, but for the price I pay I am extremely happy.  

[GaryH]

15 hours ago, Vilas15 said:

I use stockingfoot waders with these korkers. You can swap the sole from felt to rubber, but i use the rubber 100% of the time. If i trout fished more in the summer id get some neoprene socks with gravel guards and just wear these with light pants. You'll want the ankle support from a high boot like this. Theres cheap boots out there that are $100 or less.

 

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/korkers-greenback-wading-boots-for-men-felt-kling-on-soles

 

Korkers are the way to go. May cost more up front but they last and it will protect your ankles for twisting.

[Bluebasser86]

[Finessegenics]

Just now, Bluebasser86 said:

With some neoprene or Lycra socks they could work, I’m sure! 

[Bluebasser86]

44 minutes ago, Finessegenics said:

With some neoprene or Lycra socks they could work, I’m sure! 

I just rock Crocs and bare feet. Best wading shoes out there. Put the strap down when I need to lock the 4 wheel drive in.