Waders and Wading Shoes

[FishTank]

I am going to start fishing for trout and smallmouth in some local streams.  I typically just use an old pair of hiking boots and I wait until the water is warm enough to wear shorts. This year I want to start in early spring when the trout are just starting to feed. 

 

What do you guys use? Any recommendations or advice?

[Craig P]

I guess it depends on how often you fish in those conditions and of course, your wallet.  If just a few times a year, I would suffer with heavier but convenient to put on and less expensive, hip waders with felt soles.

 

If you plan to go alot, I wear Frogg Toggs Hellbender Stocking Foot Guide Pants with Stocking Feet and Korker Boots with Felt & Studded interchangeable soles.  This combo feels like wearing normal street clothes to me and I can move around a stream quickly with confidence.  I do have chest waders for when I Salmon Fish but they are just for the NY Fall Salmon Season, for trout fishing in Pa, chest waders are overkill and just adds weight.

 

Regardless of wader style, I stay on the cheap side because I learned that no matter the manufacturer, series or cost, 2 years was the maximum I could get out of any waders and 3 from any boots.  I use to trout fish ALOT though, every week of the year, 1-2x a week so my experience may be little on the extreme side but I considered it to be part of the overall expense every 2-3 years.  Oddly, I never realized then how cheap I had it, now that I am into boating and primarily bass fish. 

[FishTank]

15 hours ago, Craig P said:

I guess it depends on how often you fish in those conditions and of course, your wallet.  If just a few times a year, I would suffer with heavier but convenient to put on and less expensive, hip waders with felt soles.

 

If you plan to go alot, I wear Frogg Toggs Hellbender Stocking Foot Guide Pants with Stocking Feet and Korker Boots with Felt & Studded interchangeable soles.  This combo feels like wearing normal street clothes to me and I can move around a stream quickly with confidence.  I do have chest waders for when I Salmon Fish but they are just for the NY Fall Salmon Season, for trout fishing in Pa, chest waders are overkill and just adds weight.

 

Regardless of wader style, I stay on the cheap side because I learned that no matter the manufacturer, series or cost, 2 years was the maximum I could get out of any waders and 3 from any boots.  I use to trout fish ALOT though, every week of the year, 1-2x a week so my experience may be little on the extreme side but I considered it to be part of the overall expense every 2-3 years.  Oddly, I never realized then how cheap I had it, now that I am into boating and primarily bass fish. 

 

So I went to Cabela's yesterday. There wasn't a soul working there that knew anything about waders. I ended up getting a pair of their house brand waders with stocking feet on clearance for $75 instead of $150. After looking into most of the big brands, it seems at some point in a short amount of time, they all leak. So for $75, I'm not out too much. It beats the $600+ versions I have been looking at.

 

For boots, I tried on several at Dick's, Cabela's, Orvis, and a local shop over the past few months and went with the G3 Guide boots from Simms. They have for $150 instead of $300 on Simms' website. I looked at much cheaper versions.  I was trying to stay around $100 but the ones I tried on at that regular price were horrible in quality. One boot split on the sides when I put it on and another had the lace guide brake when I tightened the laces. 

 

After doing a deep dive into this type of gear, it appears it is set up to fail.  I tried to compare the quality I have in my NRS bibs to waders at the same cost and it's pretty sad.  The material and quality of the NRS bibs just are way better than anything I looked at in waders, even at double the price. 

[casts_by_fly]

I’m going to disagree with them leaking eventually. I have a pair of simms g3 guide that are still good, 18 years on. I fished them hard for a couple years and lighter for a couple more. Before that I had another pair of a now defunct brand which are still at my parents for my dad to use. I fished those really hard for 4 years and they are in great shape. It all comes down to good quality gear (reinforced seams and high wear areas) and how you use it. 
 

walking around briars and thorns is a biggie. Crossing fences hurts. Shale is tough on them.

 

I use all of the options- chest, waist, hip, and wet. Hip boots are my least favorite. I’ve moved to waist waders in their place. Waist waders are are like wearing pants for comfort. You can also sit down on a wet log or rock and not have a wet butt (unlike hip boots). Chest waders are great for colder conditions as they are another layer. Also required if you think you’ll be belt deep in the water (I’m usually not).  I used to prefer wet wading, but anymore I’ll just take the waist waders. 
 

getting a good fitting boot is the most important part for me. I had a pair of Korkers that I loved but when I swapped to the g3 simms they had a heavier neoprene booty and the boots didn’t fit. I went through a couple pairs to get into the ones I have now (I forget what they are). Most importantly though, they fit while wearing a heavy sock and have good support in the ankle. 

[gim]

I have only ever used neoprene waders.  I generally used them for duck hunting though, not fishing.  It does seem that the stitching in the knee and crotch would eventually wear out and they would slowly take on water.  I then simply bought a new pair.

 

I always bought the thinnest ones I could find because they are miserable to wear when its warm out.  You can always put layers underneath them to stay warmer.

[casts_by_fly]

3 minutes ago, gimruis said:

I have only ever used neoprene waders.  I generally used them for duck hunting though, not fishing.  It does seem that the stitching in the knee and crotch would eventually wear out and they would slowly take on water.  I then simply bought a new pair.

 

I always bought the thinnest ones I could find because they are miserable to wear when its warm out.  You can always put layers underneath them to stay warmer.

neoprene is just miserable in the first place. Not breathable, heavy, and if you get much up over your thighs you start to lose traction because they are floaty. I fished them for a while because they are cheap and moved on not long after. 

[gim]

3 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

neoprene is just miserable in the first place.

I've literally never used anything else.  So I have no basis for comparison.

 

The only time I wade and fish is in midsummer when the water is like a sauna so there's no need for waders anyways.

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, gimruis said:

I've literally never used anything else.  So I have no basis for comparison.

 

The only time I wade and fish is in midsummer when the water is like a sauna so there's no need for waders anyways.

 Neoprene is fairly heavy, not breathable so you get sweaty, either constricting if they are a little smaller cut or billowy if a generous cut, and floats you if you get too deep. They are warm for sure if you’re standing still and hot if you are walking. I can see for standing around a duck blind they wouldn’t be the worst choice. They aren’t bad for abrasion resistance either. 
 

rubber waders are the toughest of the lot for abrasion.  They are also the heaviest, not breathable, and will rot over time as they dry out. They don’t provide any insulation of their own.

 

breathables are the most comfortable by far.  With a light wicking layer you can wear them in the warmest weather and not be too hot (with lighter weight breathables). With good layering underneath you can wear them in the coldest weather and not be cold. It’s like good hunting clothes. They are the lightest and easiest to move in. They pack down the smallest at the end of the day. Abrasion resistance is not as good as the others and depending on the fabric a heavy briar might be enough to make a cut. Multi flora rose briar hooks will tear lightweight waders. Mine are a heavier multilayer laminate with a tough and smooth outer which is a lot more durable.  It makes them hotter but I don’t wear them in the summer anyway. For what I use waders for, I won’t buy anything but breathables ever again. 

[GetFishorDieTryin]

Breathables are really the way to go, but they do cost more and leaks are little harder to deal with.  Just make sure to get a pair that you can layer clothes under.  Just like everything else you get what you pay for.  There is a difference between good quality polyester and low quality polyester, particularly with durability, breathability and mobility.  A good pair will feel more like wearing bibs then waders.  When it comes to waders you get what you pay for the vast majority of the time.  LL bean makes a great pair, theyre not as much as simms, but they pretty much have all the benefits.  I think the fastest I've had them leak was 2 years, but climbing up and down a jetty a few dozen times a day to release fish will do that to any pair. 

As far as boots go I like korkers, but just about everyone has interchangeable soles now. 

[flyfisher]

On 1/14/2024 at 3:39 PM, casts_by_fly said:

I’m going to disagree with them leaking eventually. I have a pair of simms g3 guide that are still good, 18 years on. I fished them hard for a couple years and lighter for a couple more. Before that I had another pair of a now defunct brand which are still at my parents for my dad to use. I fished those really hard for 4 years and they are in great shape. It all comes down to good quality gear (reinforced seams and high wear areas) and how you use it. 
 

walking around briars and thorns is a biggie. Crossing fences hurts. Shale is tough on them.

 

I use all of the options- chest, waist, hip, and wet. Hip boots are my least favorite. I’ve moved to waist waders in their place. Waist waders are are like wearing pants for comfort. You can also sit down on a wet log or rock and not have a wet butt (unlike hip boots). Chest waders are great for colder conditions as they are another layer. Also required if you think you’ll be belt deep in the water (I’m usually not).  I used to prefer wet wading, but anymore I’ll just take the waist waders. 
 

getting a good fitting boot is the most important part for me. I had a pair of Korkers that I loved but when I swapped to the g3 simms they had a heavier neoprene booty and the boots didn’t fit. I went through a couple pairs to get into the ones I have now (I forget what they are). Most importantly though, they fit while wearing a heavy sock and have good support in the ankle. 

This is exactly the right advice.  One other thing to add is when trying them on move like you would while fishing.  A lot of people just try them on and say oh they feel good but are they kneeling down, moving climbing over stuff etc.  I do a lot of small water fishing for trout and smallies and use waders in my kayak so that mobility is key.  

I have owned patagonia, Simms and Frogg Toggs over the years and they served their purposes well.  I went out on a limb based on all the ads and deals I was seeing a few year ago and bought a pair of the iWader elastic ones and they are great.  If you are  more round person they probably won't be the one for you but for me, they are great for hte bushwhacking and small stream fishing for me.

[casts_by_fly]

1 hour ago, flyfisher said:

This is exactly the right advice.  One other thing to add is when trying them on move like you would while fishing.  A lot of people just try them on and say oh they feel good but are they kneeling down, moving climbing over stuff etc.  I do a lot of small water fishing for trout and smallies and use waders in my kayak so that mobility is key.  

I have owned patagonia, Simms and Frogg Toggs over the years and they served their purposes well.  I went out on a limb based on all the ads and deals I was seeing a few year ago and bought a pair of the iWader elastic ones and they are great.  If you are  more round person they probably won't be the one for you but for me, they are great for hte bushwhacking and small stream fishing for me.

 

 

I hadn't heard of iwader until just now but those look pretty cool.  I would definitely try on a pair if I were buying new waders.  Are both the inner and outer layer stretchy with a waterproof mid-layer?  I like the pocket design.  Normally I wear a patagonia wading jacket on top and then my filson strap vest.  Sometimes I only need the chest pockets on the jacket and these waders would eliminate the need for that if it isn't raining.  They look BIG.

[ATA]

Just buy cheap $150 Cabalas Waders so if something happened it will be cheap replacement(I have one for few years and still dry), I went expensive Simms and I got a hole it is(yes you can fix it but it is hassle). For the shoe, Get a good pair of Simms and they are so light and awesome and youll have them for so long. Just go cheap with the wader and buy couple of them if possible because they are always out of stock.

[flyfisher]

12 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

 

 

I hadn't heard of iwader until just now but those look pretty cool.  I would definitely try on a pair if I were buying new waders.  Are both the inner and outer layer stretchy with a waterproof mid-layer?  I like the pocket design.  Normally I wear a patagonia wading jacket on top and then my filson strap vest.  Sometimes I only need the chest pockets on the jacket and these waders would eliminate the need for that if it isn't raining.  They look BIG.

My best guess is that construction but i don't know really.  Maybe the ones i got are different but mine are definitely more on the athletic style fit.  I usually wear a chest pack to carry my hydration bladder so I haven't even looked at the chest pocket but I will take a look when I get home to see, they are hanging up drying out from my last sojourn over the weekend.

[Kev-mo]

Primarily wade for smallies and in the last several years added trout. Even tho you already made your purchase, my two cents...

 

I've had 5 different brands of waders. If you bust brush or stress the seams they will leak. My overall favorite brand has been Simms entry level Gore-Tex. Dab of Aquaseal for pinholes and the booties are replaceable. They are more expensive, especially post covid/post inflation. You can either buy once and repair or buy, toss and re-buy, toss. I upsize for layering along with mobility.

 

I haven't gotten more than three years out of a pair of wading boots regardless of brand. I'd have to give the nod to Patagonia for boots.

[WVU-SCPA]

Used to be in waders 100 days a year before getting into fishing from a boat.

 

Korkers are the best long term shoe I've had.  Felt has gone to the way side for good reason, but replaceable studs are helpful.  The difference between a sole made for wading compared to a rubber sole is major in slippery situations.

 

Currently have a pair of Simms on year 7 as my primary.  Some leak repairs as needed.

 

Based on where I'm hiking and the cover I'll be crawling through, I do have a pair of cheap ones I'm not afraid to rip up. 

 

Third pair is one with slight leaks.  I used purposely to wear them on hot days to keep you semi cool/dry but also give you some protection vrs. brush, mud, and creatures (ticks, mosqitoes, ect).

 

Have a compact front sling backpack that I can rotate a small amount of gear in out depending on fly/spinning or species I'm after.   Also nice for any bank fishing excursions. 

[ne_dan]

Waders; it really doesn't matter as long as they're breathable ones.  Expensive waders will eventually leak just like cheap one's will.  Just make sure you get a good wading belt.

 

Wading boots; if your river/streams has a lot of rocks, spend the extra $$ and get a pair of wading boots with aluminum bars (Patagonia, Korkers).   They cost a little more but the aluminum sticks to wet river rocks like glue.  

[FishTank]

2 hours ago, ATA said:

Just buy cheap $150 Cabalas Waders so if something happened it will be cheap replacement(I have one for few years and still dry), I went expensive Simms and I got a hole it is(yes you can fix it but it is hassle). For the shoe, Get a good pair of Simms and they are so light and awesome and youll have them for so long. Just go cheap with the wader and buy couple of them if possible because they are always out of stock.

 

That's kind of the route I'm going.  I found the $150 pair from Cabelas clearanced out for $75. They only had one pair in store in my size. They are $120 on their website. 

 

I tried several more expensive pairs on and these don't feel too bad. For $75, I figured it was worth a shot. 

 

I am definitely going to get some Aqua Seal though.

[aceman387]

I wear a pair of Neoprene waders in the spring and fall when the water is the coldest. Most of the summer I just throw on an old pair of pants or shorts and some old hiking boots and wade in those.

[Reel]

I use waders in cold water also ( Spring and Fall).  I had a very good pair of 5mm Neoprene that I used for more than 25 years, but they were getting heavy or I was getting old. I changed them for Orvis Ultra-Light wader and shoes and they are as warm if not more because they breathe.  Very satisfied.

[walleyecrazy]

I go with Simms for my waders, and Korkers for my boots. I am currently using the Simms Freestone waders, and Korkers Buckskin boots. I love having the ability to swap different soles onto the boots for different scenarios. It makes them great for pretty much all situations. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If you can swing it Simms and korkers are the deal. Felt is horrible. I won’t wade anymore without cleats.