Need Advice on Waders

[shaw24]

I am in the market for some chest-high waders. I don't know the first thing about waders  : I will mostly be fishing a medium sized creek in midwest Indiana. Can anyone offer any advice on a good set of waders...looking to spend under $100.

[soccplayer07]

i just picked these up a few weeks ago. Used them a few times so far and have enjoyed them.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_7666____SearchResults

[shaw24]

i just picked these up a few weeks ago. Used them a few times so far and have enjoyed them.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_7666____SearchResults

I have been looking at that pair...they look good for the price. What is the reason someone would want felt over lug?

[SMfisher]

cabelas has roaring fork 3.5mm neoprene waders for $79.99 this is the waders i have used for years they seem to last a long time. the only thing if it gets warm out mid-day early after noon they will start to sweat you, to help this i wear a belt and roll down the top of the waders. i wouldn't have a set of waders without felt soles, the river where i fish has slick rocks the felt helps you get a grip on the rocks better than lug.

[SimonSays]

The felt helps you grip slippery rocks.  If you can try getting the felt with the metal studs, they help out a bunch.

Also even though felt might work wonders on rocks it sucks on boats and kayaks. So keep that in mind if you're thinking of using it for both wading and on a small craft.

I believe orvis is having a sale on their entry level waders

[fooman]

I use Cabelas neoprene chest waders with the stocking foot and just wear an old pair of sneakers or boots..They are great for early season but are to warm for summer..I think they sell for around $60

Bass pro is having their spring sale in a couple of weeks and they have breathable stocking foot for $70 so i think I will pick up a pair of them for warmer weather.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98057_175009000_175000000_175009000_175-9-0

[mudkart]

Or you could get a pair of stockingfoot waders, then use the footwear of your choice.  I've gone this route and like it.  Using wading shoes or boots w/ stockingfoot waders is much lighter to me than buying waders already having the boots. You can also use a beat up old pair of sneakers for your wading shoes for certain environments.  Stockingfoot are cheaper upfront if you've got something to use for shoes or boots. I just got some neoprene ones which correspond to those listed above at Dicks for ~ $60.

[BUCKEYEone]

I've been thinking of buying some waders also.  I'm thinking breathable is the way to go so I can use them throughout the summer.  If I need to bundle up underneath in the fall/early spring I can do that, right?

[crappiekid24]

Check out Dicks Sports if there is one by you. They often have a good sale on Breathables. Check out the Hodgmen Wadelites. I use Cablela's Premium Dry-Plus Breathables and they have been good so far. Watch for sales currently at BPS and Cabelas for waders.

[done]

i just picked these up a few weeks ago. Used them a few times so far and have enjoyed them.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_7666____SearchResults

I have been looking at that pair...they look good for the price. What is the reason someone would want felt over lug?

I have had 2 pairs like this: http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_53430____SearchResults

I buy my own boots to fit over these. When it gets warmer, I have wading pants I use and the same boots with an extra pair of socks. I would strongly suggest felt. In creeks with plenty of crap on the rocks, it gives you superior traction. In a few of the creeks I few in ( such as Wilson Creek in NC). With the current and depth, this is the difference between a bad day and a good day.

The reason I get the ones I list here, is they are not really expensive, they are unbelievably light, and they are pretty rugged.

[Cire]

My recommendation is if you are going to walk streams don't get the ones with the boots built-in, get the ones with stocking feet and add your own footwear.

I had to walk to far one time and the hard top edge of the built-in boot cut right into my calf, it bleed pretty good. Of course that was with neoprene and June so I wasn't wearing any pants for leg protection.

Eric

[shaw24]

Alright thanks for all the good advice. I will probably go with the pair from BPS with the stockings and buy my own boots...definitely felt! Probably end up costing more than I wanted to spend but hey I think we can all say that about fishing gear!!

[J Francho]

Stocking foot + gravel or sand = not good.

Felt bottom + snow = you getting taller

Get studded felt or the hybrid rubber/felt with studs before felt is banned.

I own both neoprene and breathable, both stocking foot.  I prefer the breathable for overall comfort and range of movement.  In the coldest weather, I use my neoprene.

[brandonmccray]

I'm actually looking to get the waders fooman mentioned (BassPro-flyer says they'll be on sale for 69.94 ), but I have a question about sizes. I'm 5'10, 185, but l wear a 13 shoe. Which size would fit me best? I'm thinking a large, but will that work with my foot size?

[done]

Alright thanks for all the good advice. I will probably go with the pair from BPS with the stockings and buy my own boots...definitely felt! Probably end up costing more than I wanted to spend but hey I think we can all say that about fishing gear!!

When you get the boots try them on with the waders on. Mine were a full extra size larger than my foot size because of the waders.

[NEKvt]

Only one wader I know of has a lifetime warranty.  LLbean.  Their flyweight breathables start at $60.  Never have to buy another pair again until you decide to upgrade.

[shaw24]

Can anyone suggest a good pair of felt sole boots for around $50?

[SMfisher]

there is a lot of felt sole boots with different prices the one thing i would look out for is some have vent holes made on the inside of the arches with a little screen covering the hole the screen will come off this will let little rocks and sand get inside of your boots when that happens you will be taking your boots off often and emptying them out, a few of my friends ran into this problem end up buying new boots. i have the cabelas backcountry for $69.99 i've had this pair over 3 yrs and use them almost every day after it warms up enough to leave the waders home. my wife has the ultralight for $59.99 i don't know if they are as good as what i have, she doesn't get to fish as much but has had them 2 yrs.

[shaw24]

there is a lot of felt sole boots with different prices the one thing i would look out for is some have vent holes made on the inside of the arches with a little screen covering the hole the screen will come off this will let little rocks and sand get inside of your boots when that happens you will be taking your boots off often and emptying them out, a few of my friends ran into this problem end up buying new boots. i have the cabelas backcountry for $69.99 i've had this pair over 3 yrs and use them almost every day after it warms up enough to leave the waders home. my wife has the ultralight for $59.99 i don't know if they are as good as what i have, she doesn't get to fish as much but has had them 2 yrs.

These both look really good...I like the look of the ultralight and price! I am looking to spend the least amount of money bc when it warms up here there is no need for waders. But also want something that is durable just dont want to spend big bucks.