What are The Best Waders and Where Can You Buy Them?
The best waders are special type of boots that reach the chest, like overalls, and are often used for wading through knee-high waters. They differ from their counterparts, the chest waders, whose length ends at the groin. The first wader boots were made of rubber; however, they were uncomfortable and sweaty. Later models were made of breathable materials such as PVC, Gore-Tex, and neoprene. Some waders are made from two or more of the recommended materials. Waders are essential accessories when fishing, especially when fly-fishing. Some waders have multiple functions and can be used for both fishing and hunting. There are many types of waders on the market each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
More...
*Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Where Can You Buy Them?
Types Of Waders
Hip vs. Chest Waders
Hip waders are boots that can reach the height of the groin and are suitable for wading out into shallow waters. Although hip waders may not be as waterproof as chest waders, they are more breathable. Their main function is to protect your feet as you fish closer to the shores. You cannot venture deeper into the water in hip waders because they are vulnerable to spillovers; and will get you wet.
Chest waders are much longer than hip waders and are designed to cover the body up to the chest. Chest waders are waterproof and allow you to wade out into the deeper waters. However, they are not the best fishing boots for the summer because they can trap so much heat. In addition, chest waders can only protect you against spillover. Therefore, you should be careful not to walk too deep into stronger water currents.
Boot Foot vs. Stocking Foot Waders
The boot foot waders are basically boots and waders combined in one. They have a special welding on the inseam to keep them waterproof. They are designed to keep the feet dry when fishing. However, they also have their share of drawbacks.
One of the significant disadvantages of boot foot waders is that they are designed to fit the body but not necessarily the feet. Secondly, they are not washing machine friendly and are more difficult to clean.
The stocking foot waders also have an inseam welding for waterproofing. The main difference between stocking foot waders and boot foot waders is that the former comes with a neoprene sock inside. This neoprene sock allows you to wear a more comfortable boot before slipping into the boot waders.
You can also switch boots with to match your fishing conditions. The only drawback, which may not really be one, is that you cannot wear your favorite thick socks in them. Personally, I prefer the stocking foot waders because I can personalize how I wear them.
Semi-breathable Waders vs. Breathable
Semi-breathable boot waders are made from neoprene. They do a great job in keeping you dry on the outside but not the inside; hence the nickname wetsuit. Fortunately, the sweat from your body heat ups and forms a layer on your skin that keeps you warm in cold fishing conditions. Neoprene waders are semi-permeable and quite durable.
Their tough material makes them hard to puncture. In addition, they are easy to mend when punctured. A few downsides I noticed with this product is that they can be quite uncomfortable when wading long distances. In addition, if it is not cold outside, you may end up heating up from the excessive heat. Therefore, choose your neoprene wisely or go for the fully breathable options.
The breathable waders are made from a lightweight material like Gore-Tex. They are easier to walk with and allow sweat to escape faster from the boots. This keeps your body cool and dry as you fish during summer. When it gets too cold out in the waters, just add a thicker layer of your heavy socks for added comfort. Breathable waders eliminate the discomfort associated with neoprene boots.
What Should I Put Into Account When Buying Boot Waders?
Buying the best wader solely depends on your personal preference and the fishing conditions in your area. Fishing in warmer temperatures requires more breathable and permeable waders made from Gore-Tex. Colder fishing conditions will require heavier waders like the neoprene boots.
If you are going to fish from one spot all day, the neoprene boots are a better choice. Otherwise, go for Gore-Tex if you like to move around searching for the best fishing spots. In addition, an extra layer of thick warm socks inside these boots make them great for cold winter seasons.
Neoprene waders are suitable for freezing conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to consider weather and fishing conditions when purchasing waders.
Top 5 Best Waders On The Market
Via Amazon.com
This is a boot foot wader designed for both anglers and hunters. It made from 5mm pure neoprene reinforced with Lycra or Spandex. Not only do you feel dry while hunting game or fishing for salmon, the tough neoprene material protects the boot from wear and tear. In addition, the Hodgman Mackenzie boot wader features an insulating layer that traps heat in cold conditions.
The inner boot also has a fleece lining for warmth. The entire boot is double-stitched and armor welded to boost its durability.
Added features include a shell case, hand warmers, and loading pockets. This is the kind of boot wader I would buy for extreme weather conditions. It ensures I feel safe and comfortable when fishing out in the lake, chasing game in the bush, or off-loading cargo at the docks.
Pros
- Double stitched for added durability
- Sturdy and made from tough 5mm neoprene
- Thinsulate technology to trap heat in cold weather
- Inner boot lined with fleece for added warmth
- Lycra and spandex lining for maneuverability and durability
Cons
- Inner lining can trap significant amounts of heat during summer
These pair of stocking foot boot waders is lightweight and breathable suitable for fishing along a shallow stream. They are designed with three layers of polyester reinforced with DWR coating to make it waterproof.
If you like to throw in some thermal underwear inside, I would recommend getting this in an extra size larger. These boot waders are highly permeable, drawing sweat from your body and vaporizing it fast.
Via Amazon.com
The Redington Crosswater waders are ideal if you want to stay dry on the inside and outside. However, we cannot forget the downside of stocking foot waders. They will always feel a size bigger, but an extra inner lining takes care of this. In addition, using this boot means that you cannot move deeper into the water because of spillovers. They are also not the most durable Redington wading boots on the market; advanced options are available. Nevertheless, these Redington Crosswater waders are quite pocket-friendly for the budget conscious angler.
Pros
- Made from tough neoprene and breathable polyester
- Crossed shoulder straps for a perfect fit
- Converts into waist high waders thanks to the opposing buckles
- Comes with flip out pockets
- Quite affordable
Cons
- Not very durable compared to more advanced
- Redington wadersLimits mobility to the shallow ends
Via Amazon.com
The designers of these boots considered many important factors when designing them. This boot wader is known for being comfortable and safe. The Allen Big Timber chest waders are designed to withstand even the toughest of conditions. The entire boot wader is built from neoprene and fortified with equally tough seams. Inside the boot are steel arches for foot support and solid toecaps to protect the toes in case you kick a rock or branch while running after game.
Not only is the boot spaced to fit your thick warm socks, this extra spacing also acts as an insulator; keeping your feet away from the cold neoprene rubber. The accessorizing hand warmers are also over-spaced to create insulation for your hands. Allen chest waders go a step further by adding knee protection. Soft padding on the knee parts of the wader help to protect your knees whenever you kneel to aim at your prey or when fishing at the lake. The fact that they are neoprene means that you will be using these waders for quite a while.
Pros
- Made from 3.5mm thick neoprene
- Over spaced at the hands and feet for added insulation
- Knee padding to protect your knees
- Steel arches for feet support
- Toe caps for added feet protection
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- May be oversized for small-bodied people
The Caddis Green neoprene foot waders are a relief for those who have a problem fitting into the oversized booties. It does not matter if you are skinny, big-sized, tall or short, you will find a Caddis Green foot wader that fits you perfectly.
They are made from 3.5mm thick neoprene to make them tough and durable. While many of the waders on the market only protect from water infiltration, the Caddis wading booties also protect the foot from gravel via sliding cuffs. These cuffs are adjustable to fit any foot size. This is a favorite boot wader for many anglers and hunters because it is available in a wide range of sizes.
Via Amazon.com
Pros
- Designed from 3.5mm thick neoprene rubber
- Sliding gravel cuffs to protect the boot from gravel and other stones
- Hand warmers lined with fleece for added warmth
- Boot stitches reinforced with double-tape glue for added durability
- Available in sizes for all ages
Cons
- The inner socks still feel big for tiny feet
- Neoprene is a tough heavy material that may limit mobility
Via Amazon.com
These waders were designed with one consumer in mind; kids. If you have always wanted to take your son fishing or hunting with you, now you can get this chest wader to provide the with added protection during your outdoor adventures. It will keep them safe from the cold weather or injuries when they get adventurous in the woods.
The Oakiwear chest wader is designed to be spacious to allow you to dress your kids with warmer undergarments inside. The extra-large feature of this wader ensures that your kid still fits in them, as they grow taller.
In addition, it comes with adjustable shoulder height and waistlines, which means that your kid will be wearing them for quite a while. A significant advantage of this chest wader is that it is designed to be unisex; so your son or daughter can fit in them snugly.
Pros
- Made from 3.5mm thick tough neoprene
- Seams are fully taped for added durability
- Adjustable shoulders and waistline to fit snugly
- Very durable
- Suitable for kids of all ages and sizes
- Comes in several camouflage hues
Cons
- The spaciousness may be an oversize disadvantage for smaller kids
Conclusion
I can say the competition for the best wader boots narrows down to the Allen Big Timber chest waders and Caddis Green neoprene wader. However, I would choose the Allen chest wader over the Caddis neoprene wader because of its obvious advantages. It offers more protection while still delivering on the standard features of a high-end wading bootie. It has steel arches to support the feet and body. In addition, the knee padding ensure that you do not hurt your knees when crawling in the bush or preparing your fishing bait by the lake. The tough and spacious neoprene body of the Allen Big Timber waders makes it comfortable and durable.
Go to Homepage!
