39 replies to this topic

[Edward Snowden]

Personally I would never buy used waders. You just have no idea how they were treated by the previous owner and if they will spring a leak soon. You're only looking at about $75 more for brand new and you can try them on to make sure they fit right, have piece of mind that they aren't leakers, and will have the manufactures warranty against defects.

The above is rock solid advice.

[Poopdeck]

Not only would I not buy used waders but I wouldn't sell used waders either. Stocking foot is where it's at. Very comfortable and I've never had a single issue taking a pair off or putting them on.

I also use bootfoot waders but only when surf fishing. Although they are mighty uncomfortable and they suck to walk in, there's nothing worse then sand in your shoe. All the neoprene and duct tape in the world won't keep sand out of your wading shoe.

[colotyer]

If you want waders that will last buy simms,not waders that are cheap that you have to keep on sending them back,add up the cost of returning them either in person or shipping them back on your dollar and purchase simms the best there is.

[dadofmolly]

Bought my wife a pair of Frog Togg Hip Boots that lasted less than 1 yr before they started cracking and leaking.  Always have hung up my waders and hip boots upside down, out of the heat and sunlight.  My hip boots I purchased many years ago and they still do not leak.  Have had to patch a few thorn holes but other than that my waders still keep trucking.  Don't remember the brand, but know I will never buy Frog Togg again.  After contacting FT, found their customer service stunk.

[Swampfoxforeman]

I looked at Simms but dang I cannot afford the cost of them $500-600.

[steeldrifter]

You can get just as good quality as Simms for a lot less. Again take a look at the Orvis I suggested. I looked them up and these are the ones I have. Think this year was my 6th or 7th season with them (30-40 days per year in them) and not a single issue to date https://www.orvis.co...ter-waders/0h1r

[Dave G.]

I've been through more boot foot waders than I can remember, always end up with a seam leak somewhere near the boot. May not be the wader to boot seam, might be a little further up the leg but it's a stress point that hinges on the more solid boot than the wader material is. I bought them for ease of getting in and out of. But finally as I bought more expensive waders and had the same result just maybe an extra year or two down the road, decided to go stocking foot. I bought just breathables from Bass Pro last year, I think they were maybe $150. And I bought Redington boots. The first thing I noticed is the stocking foot goes on easy enough, my foot slides right in. But the stability factor in the boot is the biggest factor and I can walk a path or road as if in hiking boots instead clunking my way along in the boot foot wader. I wish I had gotten felt soles in a way, I got suction soles. Felt soles have been banned in Maine to sell but I live in Ma and bought in Ma. There is no ban in Maine to use what you have but I thought I would do the supposed right thing. Well I just have to be careful how I set my foot down in Maine's slippery rock bottom rivers, it takes a second for the suction sole to grip where felt it immediate. All in all I'm pleased though, just carry a stick, I'm at an age now where I need the stick anyway. Around home most of our ponds are gravel or even sand bottom, here the boots are better than felt imo. And the boots I bought are better on banking terrain and paths etc. so I guess the best compromise is what I got ..

 

I also went through the material problem Hodgman had, they replaced them twice, the second time they upgraded me to a more expensive pair no charge. Those lasted well but eventually that material gave out too and water just started wicking through the wall, still fair enough I got ten years from them. The leaks came to be Enough to get wet pant legs but not fill the wader leg. Their customer service is great though, still I decided to move on.

 

I want to say the boots I got are Redington Skagit River, their out in the car, if I think of it I'll look and post back. Very comfortable anyway.

[Dominecker]

Cabelas has some really good quality waders for a good price, unless they've changed recently. I have one pair that is about 20 years old, never had a leak of any kind. Granted, I only wear them when it's really cold.

[tjm]

The boot part of a boot foot is just about exactly the same as a rubber/vinyl knee boot and I've worked all day many times and walked many miles wearing "gumboots", on the farm, hunting,  working concrete,  coon hunting for hours and miles in hippers and what have you. If you are clunking around  or having trouble walking/hiking etc. It is because you didn't try them on before buying them. The boot should fit just like any pull on boot that you wear to the dance or honkytonk.

I would suggest that when you try any wader on you do it with heavy clothing and thermal undies and two pairs of socks, cause when it's cold enough to need waders you will probably want the extra clothes too.I also want the upper big enough to fit over a heavy coat or vest; if coat or vest is worn out side the waders, it reduces the waders to hip boots or gets your coat wet one.

[Swampfoxforeman]

Well I got some stocking waders. I found a deal I couldn’t pass up. Yes they are FT, but they are their $200 pair for $75 brand new. I hope they hold up as well as their refuge 2.0 I got going on 3 season with no issues what so ever. I’m betting I’ll be easier on fishing waders than my duck hunting waders.

[steeldrifter]

For only $75 at the very least you will have them for a few years and you can know if you like the stocking foot style and such. So can't get hurt too bad for that price

[tjm]

You won't be hurt at that price. FT has lots of fans and just as many haters. Son in law has their hip boots and likes them. Need shoes to go with them now. I have Magellan canvas wading shoes from Academy for ~$20 that I've worn wet wading two summers with no problem and very little wear, knobby soles, lace up.very Comfortable for me but as with any shoe try them on before you buy and allow for a thick sock out side the bootie. (so like three thick socks counting the bootie) personally I'd rather have the shoes a bit big and put a felt insole in them than have them pinch at all.

[Swampfoxforeman]

Yeah got to get wading boots now. I will got to academy and look at theirs. Im also looking at the one steeldrifter recommended. Lord willing they will work great chasing native brook trout this winter, and be up for the challenge of Colorado in 2021 when I go elk hunting again.

[Swampfoxforeman]

Question with the korker boots do you were them from the truck to the river even when you got to hike? Also what different soles you need?

[steeldrifter]

I wear mine all the time. Even when I stay at the motel and walk to the river and such, you won't hurt them wearing them a lot. Far as soles I'll be honest with ya, I bought 3 different soles for mine when I bought the boots but the only ones I wear are the rubber studded ones. Not the small studs but the real big ones here https://www.thewarmi...dBoCVRsQAvD_BwE I ended up selling the other soles I had because the large studded ones work great on every surface (just stay out of driftboats with them).