How do you choose the best fishing waders for 2024? Hold that thought for a moment. Let’s look at why you need waders for fishing: Great fishing waders will get you into the water next to the fish, right into their world.
Waders change your whole fishing experience for the better.
In a hurry?
Skip down to our 12 Best Fishing Waders for 2024!
For fly fishing, waders are even more important. Sometimes you need fishing waders just so you can wade to the spot where you can cast your fly to a fish, which makes waders must-have fly fishing gear. This is particularly true for fly fishing beginners who don’t yet cast well. Some rivers are lined with brushy banks and the only way to cast is to wade out into the river. Some lakes have shallow bottoms and you need to wade out to get to where the fish are. Some streams are just more fun when you scramble around in them — or even just cross over to the far bank where fewer people go.
Fishing waders make you more effective and make fly fishing more fun.
How do you know which kind of fishing waders are best for you? After decades of fishing from waders while testing dozens of wader brands, styles, and models — many of which we also review separately in-depth — we’ve found that several key features are very important to your wader decision. Let’s take a closer look at the most important features you’ll want in a good set of fishing waders for 2024 and beyond.
Table of Contents:
Best Entry-Level Fishing Waders for Men
This first group of fishing waders for beginners have more affordable price points for those on a tight budget.
Frogg Toggs Hellbender II Stockingfoot Chest Waders
Key Features:
– Best budget waders
– 4-ply nylon upper
– Double reinforced knees
– Women’s version: Yes
The Frogg Toggs Hellbender Waders have been around for years, but the price-to-value ratio keeps these fly fishing waders on our list. There’s a lot to like about the Hellbender stocking foot fishing waders: You get four plies with reinforced knees and shins, along with the expected wading belt, built-in gravel guards and pockets, including an internal pocket, a triple-entry chest pocket with a zippered flip-out security pocket. The 4mm neoprene booties are double-taped and are reasonably comfortable.
It’s worth saying again: The price-to-value ratio in the Frogg Toggs Hellbender Stockingfoot Chest Waders for new or casual fly fishers is hard to beat, making them our ‘best budget waders’ recommendation for 2024.
Shop Hellbender II buying options at:
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Redington Crosswater Waders
Key Features:
– Very good quality for the price
– 3-layer waterproof/breathable fabric
– Very good neoprene booties
– Women’s version: No
The entry-level Redington Crosswater Waders deliver great quality at a very competitive price point. In fact, Redington has a long history of delivering affordable fly fishing gear for beginners — and we’ve never been disappointed with Redington’s price-to-value ratios. These can’t-go-wrong Crosswater Waders will fit a bit roomy but they’ll get the job done. You get high-density neoprene booties, a flip out chest pocket, built-in gravel guards, and adjustable suspenders with opposing buckles. What are the buckles for? If it’s hot, you can roll down the top of the waders to wear them more like wading pants. Sizing ranges from Small to XXL, plus a Youth option.
Shop Redington Crosswater buying options at:
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White River Fly Shop Riseform Chest Waders
Key Features:
– Affordable pricing
– Lightweight & breathable
– Reinforced knees & seat
– Women’s version: No
The new White River Fly Shop Riseform Chest Waders for men replace the previous generation Montauk II versions — and at a surprisingly better price point at Bass Pro Shops. These waders are lightweight and breathable. Key features include a reinforced seat and knees, built-in gravel guards, wading belt, and chest pocket. You also get a hypalon strip on the chest for attaching fishing accessories like nippers and a D-ring in the back for attaching a net. The high-density anatomically correct neoprene booties are appreciated as well. Fit is standard, but Bass Pro Shops offers a few stout versions for bigger guys. Unfortunately, there isn’t a women’s version but, for a slight increase in price, the White River Fly Shop Prestige Waders for Ladies are a solid option.
Shop Riseform Chest Wader buying options at:
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Best Midrange Stockingfoot Waders for Men
The best overall wader value for more active fly fishers come from midrange-priced waders. These waders deliver great performance with improved fit and quality. They are easily twice as good and reliable as competitive waders that cost half as much, which means you’re less likely to spring a leak or experience a failure and lose time on the water.
Simms Tributary Waders
Key Features:
– Excellent overall fit-and-finish
– Outstanding warranty
– Lightweight yet rugged 3- and 4-layer fabric
– Women’s version: Yes
The newly updated Simms Tributary Waders are an entry-level wader from Simms . . . but the price point and quality mean they’re actually a top fit in our midrange category. At first glance, the feature set seems to match entry-level waders, but fit and construction quality exceed that of competitive beginner fishing waders. Let’s put it this way: If you’re a newer fly fisher who is pretty sure you’re going to fish 10 or 12 weekends a year, we recommend that you spend a bit more and invest in the Simms Tributary Waders.
You get a waterproof/breathable polyester 3-layer upper and 4-layer lower. The passthrough handwarmer pocket is fleece-lined, and the zippered chest pocket includes a handy fly patch. Simms also adds an anti-microbial finish to the anatomical neoprene booties.
The Simms Waders Warranty is outstanding, even for its lowest priced waders. For the first 60 days, Simms will replace leaking waders with no questions asked. After 60 days, continuing for a total of 365 days, Simms will repair failures due to defects in materials or workmanship for no charge (other than shipping to get the waders to Simms). If your waders fail due to excessive wear or user error involving things like barbed wire fences or campfires, Simms will attempt to repair your waders for a reasonable fee.
Shop Simms Tributary Wader buying options at:
Backcountry | Bass Pro Shops | Simms
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Orvis Clearwater Wader
Key Features:
– Great overall value
– Surprisingly breathable fabric for the price
– Excellent 60-day warranty
– Women’s version: Yes
The Orvis Clearwater Wader has a modernized fit for better mobility with less bulk. Plus, we’re fans of the fresh new light gray ‘Stone’ color pattern. The 4-layer waterproof/breathable nylon fabric is reasonably light but durable. Unlike many other companies, Orvis reports the fabric’s actual ratings — a 30K waterproofness rating with an 8K breathability rating. What’s it mean? The fabric, which doesn’t have a licensed technology behind it (like GORE-TEX) is very waterproof yet surprisingly breathable. It means you’re going to get good performance without paying for a brand-name waterproof/breathable fabric.
The rest of the Clearwater Wader design is completely functional: Opposing side-release buckles on the suspenders let you scrunch down the top of your waders for waist-high wading on warmer days. The neoprene booties are anatomical for better fit and the integrated gravel guards are low-profile to reduce drag. You also get a pass-through hand-warmer pouch with an external zippered chest pocket with a stretch panel.
Last of all, Orvis has a very competitive waders warranty: If you are not satisfied with your Orvis waders or if they fail for any reason within the first 60 days, Orvis will replace them or refund your money, no questions asked. We’re big fans of that kind of peace-of-mind warranty. Beyond that, damage or normal wear and tear isn’t covered, but Orvis has a repair program that can repair waders for a reasonable fee and get them back to you quickly so you can get back out on the water.
Shop Orvis Clearwater Wader buying options at:
Amazon | Backcountry | Orvis
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Redington Sonic-Pro Waders
Key Features:
– Sonically welded seams (no stitches)
– 4-layers in the legs and seat
– Flexible and breathable
– Women’s version: Yes
Redington has updated its popular midrange fishing wader: The latest version of its Sonic-Pro Stockingfoot Waders use sonic-welded seams (not sewn) with a 4-layer design that includes reinforced lower legs and backside, which is handy if you sit in a drift boat, pontoon boat, or just like to rest on boulders and logs. You get handwarmer pockets, a front zippered pocket, and a flip-over interior pocket good for a small fly box, tippet, forceps, and nippers. You also get built-in gravel guards and a wading belt, of course.
One last note: For a 15 percent boost in durability (plus tons of pockets) consider the also excellent Redington Sonic-Pro HD Waders — or read our our full Redington Sonic-Pro HD Waders Review for more detail.
Shop Redington Sonic-Pro buying options at:
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L.L.Bean Kennebec Stockingfoot Waders
Key Features:
– Super Seam design doesn’t use stitched seams
– 4-layers in the legs and seat
– Women’s version: No
The L.L.Bean Kennebec Stockingfoot Waders with Super Seam come with high-end features at a mid-level price. When you add in L.L.Bean’s legendary customer satisfaction guarantee for the first year of your purchase, the Kennebec waders are a sweet buy. You get four breathable layers with improved durability, and the construction fits better than previous generations of the Kennebec Waders. The fabric is heavier through the legs and backside while the torso is lighter. The “Super Seam” design uses adhesives instead of stitched seams, and L.L.Bean says it’s now lighter and stronger and more watertight than any seams the company has offered before. L.L.Bean updated the shoulder straps for improved adjustability and streamlined the front pockets and waist belt to reduce edges that can catch your fly line and leader and generally annoy you on the water.
As you would expect, you still get plenty of pockets: two zippered chest pockets and a waterproof, removable interior pocket. The reach-through hand warmer pocket is lined with microfleece for warmth and comfort. The articulated knees allow great range of motion, plus the company offers Tall sizes, helping you dial in the fit. If you’re an L.L.Bean fan, there’s no reason to stray.
Shop the L.L.Bean Kennebec Stockingfoot Waders at:
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Simms Freestone Waders
Key Features:
– Excellent overall fit-and-finish
– Outstanding warranty
– Rugged 4-layer Toray fabric
– Women’s version: Yes
The latest new version of the Simms Freestone Waders are a midrange-priced wader with outstanding overall construction and quality. The Simms Freestone Waders may even be the best overall Simms wader for the money: They’re $300 less than the excellent Simms G3 Guide Waders but they’re still packed with high-end features.
You get a very durable and breathable Toray QuadraLam 4-layer upper and lower — with the front and back leg seams that Simms uses for extra durability. The upper chest pocket has a stretchy storage pocket and is also a micro-fleece lined hand-warmer pocket. And you get a built-in tippet tender pocket. The stretch suspenders let you convert the top down to a waist high mode, and the waist belt has two rear belt loop positions that let you dial in the fit.
Simms even offers the men’s Freestone Waders in two color options: A modernized ‘Smoke’ gray and a bright ‘Midnight’ blue.
Again, the Simms Waders Warranty is outstanding. For the first 60 days, Simms will replace leaking waders with no questions asked. After 60 days, continuing for a total of 365 days, Simms will repair failures due to defects in materials or workmanship for no charge (other than shipping to get the waders to Simms). If your waders fail due to excessive wear or user error involving things like barbed wire fences or campfires, Simms will attempt to repair your waders for a reasonable fee.
Shop the Simms Freestone Waders at:
Backcountry | Bass Pro Shops | Simms
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New Midrange Bonus: Grundéns Bedrock Stockingfoot Wader
Key Features:
– Great durability for the price
– Many size options to dial in fit
– Rugged 4-layer fabric
– Women’s version: Yes
The new for 2024 Grundéns Bedrock Stockingfoot Wader joins the growing Fly Collection of waders and wading gear at Grundéns. We reviewed the company’s first high-end wader entry — the Boundary GORE-TEX Wader last year and found it be one of the best high-end waders available. The new Bedrock Stockingfoot Wader includes a similar feature set and build quality as the Boundary Waders. The most important difference is that these waders don’t use GORE-TEX, which offers great breathability but tends to result in more expensive waders. Instead, the Bedrock Waders use an ultra-dense 100% nylon outer combined with a 4-layer puncture-resistant lamination finish. The result is a whopping 30K+ submerged waterproof rating. Grundéns built the Boundary for fishers who want to error toward affordable durability.
Still, you get tackle and accessory pockets, anatomical neoprene booties, and the Grundéns stretch-woven gravel guards.
Shop Grundéns Bedrock Wader buying options at:
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Best High-End Expedition-Ready Fishing Waders for Men
Based out of Montana, Simms is the only wader company in America that produces any Made-in-America waders. However, only Simms’ high-end waders are Made in America. If you want to support American manufacturers and encourage manufacturing in America, Simms should be at the top of your list. Of course, Simms overall quality is stellar, too. Meanwhile, that doesn’t mean that other manufacturers aren’t responsible with how they manufacture their waders — just that they don’t have the Made-in-America edge compared to Simms. All of these waders deliver superior construction, outstanding fit, and durable, waterproof/breathable fabrics that will last.
Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Waders
Key Features:
– GORE-TEX Pro shell for excellent breathability
– 4-layer lower, 3-layer upper for great durability/flexibility blend
– Awesome 60-day replacement guarantee for leaks, no questions asked
– Made in America in Bozeman, Montana!
– Women’s version: Yes
Simms has completely re-engineered its popular G3 Guide Stockingfoot waders from previous versions. The G3 Guide waders boast a new four-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric in the legs and a new three-layer GORE-TEX fabric in the upper. Simms says the new fabric is 23% more puncture resistant and 33% more breathable than previous models. Simms improved the chest pockets, which include a micro-fleece lined hand-warming pocket. You also get a new interior side pocket, which is handy for a phone.
For suspension, Simms has a new highly adjustable and comfortable air-mesh suspension system with a built in net loop. The one drawback to the Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader is the lack of an in-stock size 14 bootie. Simms stock sizing only fits feet up to size 13. For larger, you’ll need to contact Simms for Made-to-Order waders.
*Editor’s Note: You could argue that the Simms G4Z Stockingfoot Waders with a front waterproof zipper are arguably the best Simms waders. So why isn’t the zippered version the best in our guide here? Cost. If you have the budget, get the G4Z. If not, choose the G3 Guide Waders and never look back.
Oh, one last tip: If you want a made-in-America wader but aren’t quite sure you need the 4-layer lowers in the G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader, Simms is offering its 3-layer Guide Classic Stockingfoot Wader for $150~ less. Choose the Guide Classic for lots of hot summer day fishing.
Shop the Simms G3 Waders at:
Bass Pro Shops | Trident Fly Fishing | Simms
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Orvis PRO Waders
Key Features:
– New durable Cordura fabric shell
– Removable knee pads
– Gusseted crotch for improved agility
– Women’s version: Yes
The most important feature of the Orvis PRO Wader is the company’s proprietary weave of Cordura fabric to make the shell. Cordura is known for its durability, and Orvis is claiming that its new PRO waders are the most durable the company has ever made — and the most puncture resistant in the industry. That’s a tough claim to prove in real-world use, but Orvis put in three years of development and 9,000 hours of testing — and our initial review found the Orvis PRO to be built well for long-term ruggedness.
Meanwhile, the Orvis gusseted crotch design makes the PRO Wader feel nimble and agile when you’re scrambling over rough terrain. When it’s time to sneak up on a wary trout and then take a knee on the rocks for a quick photo and release, Orvis added some truly excellent OrthoLite knee pads. There are plenty of pockets, including a pass-through hand warmer pocket, a chest pocket, a removable flip out pocket, and daisy chain nylon loops for tool attachments. Orvis also redesigned the gravel guards with a narrower profile that sheds water fast so you’re not bringing as much water into your boat. Last of all, you can find the Orvis PRO Wader in 14 different size configurations for men — and in 14 different size configurations for women, too. Nice.
Shop Orvis PRO Wader buying options at:
Trident Fly Fishing | AvidMax | Orvis.com
*Editor’s Recommendation: Check out the Orvis PRO Zipper Waders if you want a zippered option.
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Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders
Key Features:
– Redesigned for Patagonia’s best fit yet
– Waterproof, breathable fabric uses recycled materials
– Built-in knee pads
– Women’s version: No (but offers a non-zippered Swiftcurrent version for women)
The Patagonia Swiftcurrent line of waders replaced the company’s long popular Patagonia Rio Gallegos waders. The Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders have an improved fit overall, but key changes include a new gusseted crotch for freedom of movement, articulated legs and an easier to adjust suspender system. You also get improved lower-volume anatomical booties with a nylon quilted interior for extra warmth. You can choose from 19 different size options to help you dial in the overall fit. For 2024, Patagonia has tweaked the color options to include a new Forge Grey or a River Rock Green.
Meanwhile, Patagonia’s new 4-layer fabric is made from recycled materials and includes a waterproof/breathable barrier and an embedded DWR finish to help repel water. The new YKK waterproof front zipper is now beefier, too. You get lots of pockets, including two interior drop-in pockets, a flip-out waterproof, zippered pocket, two chest pockets, and two handwarmer pockets. Finally, Patagonia includes removable knee pads, which are super cool. If you’re the kind of fisher who drops to one knee on rocky stream bottoms when removing a hook from a fish or posing for quick snapshots, you’ll appreciate knee pads — we sure do — check out our full Swiftcurrent review for more detail.
Of course, Patagonia offers the non-zip Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders, as well as its ultralight Swiftcurrent Packable Waders. If you can stop yourself from wading deep, try Patagonia’s Swiftcurrent Wading Pants.
Shop the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Waders at:
AvidMax | Backcountry.com | Patagonia
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Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Waders
Key Features:
– Uses GORE-TEX for superior breathability
– Very comfortable
– Titanium in booties reflect heat to feet
– Women’s version: Yes
One of the hottest new waders comes from Grundéns, a company that has a long history of producing rugged fishing rain gear and footwear. The Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Waders are made with GORE-TEX Pro fabric — like the GORE-TEX Pro used in the Simms G3 Guide Waders above. As near as we can tell, Simms and Grundéns are the only major fishing apparel manufacturers using GORE-TEX Pro in stockingfoot fly fishing waders. When we tested and reviewed the Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Waders on a hot summer day, we were astounded at how breathable they remained even when fishing in direct sun for several hours.
As expected in a preimum wader, you get excellent overall quality, great pockets, a nice wide stretch waist belt and super comfortable suspenders. One interesting new feature in the Boundary Waders is the use of titanium layers in the stockingfoot booties: Grundéns says its titanium layers help keep the cold out and body warmth in for better comfort in frigid conditions. If you fish in very cold tailwaters or for steelhead or salmon, the Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Waders might be for you.
Shop Grundéns Boundary Waders buying options at:
Best Fishing Waders for Women 2024
Manufacturers have started producing better, more fitted fly fishing waders for women, too, and they often use the same materials in their construction as their male counterparts. Some, however, like the Redington Sonic-Pro Waders do more than simply trim down pockets and add color: The women’s version of the Sonic-Pro include stretchy mesh back and side panels that better hug a woman’s form. It’s not like guys like a lot of excess torso material on their own waders, but it’s nice to see manufacturers making serious, intentional design efforts in their women’s waders. These are all can’t-go-wrong fly fishing waders for women:
- Simms G3 Guide Waders — high-end, pretty much the best here
- Simms Tributary Waders — entry-level with midrange quality
- Simms Freestone Waders — 4-layer upper and lower
- Patagonia Swiftcurrent Waders — Patagonia’s best women’s wader
- Redington Sonic-Pro Waders — midrange contender & and newly redesigned
- Orvis Ultralight Convertible Waders — great for hot weather wading, great value
- Orvis PRO Waders — outstanding under $600 wader
- Orvis Clearwater Waders — midrange excellence
- Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Waders — GORE-TEX awesomeness
- L.L.Bean Angler Super Seam Waders — great customer satisfaction guarantee
- Frogg Toggs Hellbender Pro Waders — one of our favorite entry-level options
- White River Fly Shop Prestige Waders — a simple but solid entry-level option
Considering the Best Booted Fishing Waders?
Many of these manufacturers also offer some booted fishing waders with the same wader material types of construction, but typically we’re not fans of booted waders unless you’re fishing in very cold conditions for long periods of time. Why? The extra space and sometimes insulation around your feet in boot foot waders can help keep your feet warmer than in typical stockingfoot waders. They’re also great for fishers who are getting on in years or just aren’t as limber as they used to be — so no lacing/unlacing of your boots is needed when your back is stiff. Even so, we prefer the ankle support you get with separate wading boots.
All that said, the warm Frogg Toggs Amphib Neoprene Bootfoot Chest Waders have a 3.5mm neoprene upper, reinforced knees, and 200-gram Thinsulate insulated rubber boots, all at a great price. If you want a more nimble GORE-TEX bootfoot wader, Simms offers G3 Guide Bootfoot Waders that blend Simms stockingfoot excellence with a booted bottom that boasts an insulated 7mm neoprene lining, which can help keep your feet warm in colder conditions. Meanwhile, if you want the burliest, warmest booted wader, the new Sitka Delta Zip Wader is built for waterfowl hunters — but does it all.
How We Test Waders During Our In-Depth Review Process:
When we test waders for in-depth reviews at Man Makes Fire, we first and foremost like to wear them while fishing and fly fishing — most often on rivers and lakes in Idaho and the Northwest. We pay close attention to overall build quality, including materials, fabrics, zippers, stitching, and welded seams. We also consider the fit and how the fit compares and differs from competitive fishing waders, as well as previous versions. Additional premium features we evaluate include the comfort and functionality of suspenders, wading belts, pockets, booties, and included repair kits. Many manufacturers make small incremental updates to their waders year-over-year, making only slight changes to color designs and/or minor features. These changes often don’t warrant their own in-depth review, but we do note relevant changes as we update our gear guides. We always have backup waders on important fishing trips, but if you don’t, you can test your new (or aging) waders for leaks and/or manufacturing defects at home: Simply turn the waders inside-out then fill with several gallons of water. No water should bead out or appear.
How to Choose the Best Fly Fishing Waders
The toughest question you’ll face is the one about your budget — do you spend $150~ on an entry-level set of waders or do you ramp up to several hundred? What do you get for an additional investment?
You will get a few extra features like better pockets, better shoulder straps, and an extra layer or two of material, making the best waders more abrasion resistant. Midrange and high-end waders also usually have more rigorous manufacturing. They have stronger seams and they tend to use the best waterproof breathable fabrics. They’re also more likely to be thoroughly leak-tested before they leave the factory.
Generally, midrange and high-end fishing waders are worth the money if you are:
- heading out on an expedition trip of a lifetime
- hiking through a lot of thorny brush and fish on rivers with sharp rocks
- will use your waders 20+ times a year
If you use your fishing waders less than 10 days a year, they will likely last a few years. At a certain point, though, the material and sealed seams will degrade over time, eventually leaking (even if you don’t actually puncture them). As your waders age after several seasons, start thinking about replacing them before you head out on critical fishing trips.
So, for most beginning fly fishers, I generally recommend entry-level to midrange stockingfoot breathable waders unless you’re fishing at least 20 days a year or can afford an upgrade — which means your best-buy fishing wader could cost you hundreds of dollars . . . and be well worth the investment!
If you can boost your budget into the $230~ range, the Simms Tributary Waders are an outstanding deal.
One more note: Simms and Orvis both offer 60-day replacement guarantees if your brand new waders spring a leak. Their entry-level waders cost a bit more than typical budget-priced waders from other brands, but it might be worth it if you can stretch your budget.
Fishing Waders FAQ
Who makes the best fly fishing waders?
These manufacturers consistently make the best fly fishing waders: Simms, Orvis, Patagonia, and Redington. Grundéns is also a relative wader newcomer, but its Boundary waders are super.
What are the best waders for the money?
The best waders for the money blend quality and durability with a reasonable price. To choose the best waders for the money for each person, you’ll need to consider their budget and the number of times they will wear their waders each year. If you use your waders less than 10 days a year, entry-level waders are a great buy. Once you start fishing 20 days a year or more, you should consider upgrading to midrange or high-end waders to get the best year-over-year value.
What are the best breathable waders?
The best breathable waders use GORE-TEX fabrics. While most other breathable technical fabrics from reputable clothing manufacturers work well, in our experience, GORE-TEX still has a slight edge when it comes to breathability and overall quality. Right now, Simms and Grundéns are the only high-end wader manufacturers that make waders with GORE-TEX.
However, there is more to your question than optimum breathability. In truly warm fishing weather, we often prefer to wear an ultralight breathable wader instead. The fabric is thinner, still breathable, and while it’s less durable than pro-grade waders, it’s often cooler and more comfortable to wear during hot summer days. If you want a lightweight wader for hot summer days, the Orvis Ultralight Convertible Waders are hard to beat.
Are stockingfoot waders better than boot-foot waders?
There are two main types of fishing waders: stockingfoot or bootfoot waders. Only get booted waders if you like the simplicity of stepping into a boot and you won’t be wading over rocky, unstable ground. Why? Booted waders tend to fit like rubber boots — sort of loose and without much ankle support. If you’re going to be walking over a bunch of slick rocks, you’ll want a real wading boot with more ankle support.
So, for lake fishing from gentle shores, booted waders are easy to use — but who knows where you’re going to fish next? For that reason, we recommend stockingfoot waders.
Stockingfoot waders are often better because you can choose different boots during the lifetime of your waders or vice versa. Plus, when it’s August and the river is low and clear and the days are hot, you can wear your sturdy pair of wading boots without your stockingfoot waders and just wade around in a pair of shorts. Basically, you end up with a more versatile investment in your gear: stockingfoot waders + separate wading boots are the way to go.
Having said all that, there is one scenario where bootfoot waders might be the right choice for you: winter fishing. The structure of an integrated boot will hold the cold water farther from your feet and ankles and will usually have some built-in insulation. Booted waders also tend to allow heavy socks to maintain more insulating air gaps. The result can be warmer feet. (Skip to the section on bootfoot waders if this sounds compelling.)
Are breathable stockingfoot waders better than neoprene waders?
If you’re only going to be fishing in cold water on cold days — say, steelhead fishing — then choosing a heavy-duty pair of neoprene waders is a reasonable choice. There is a reason why so many waders for waterfowl hunting are neoprene — neoprene is warm as well as flexible and quiet when it’s super cold. However, if you’ll be fishing all seasons, we recommend investing in lighter breathable waders so that when you step out of the river in the summer, you don’t immediately start sweating. If the water is really cold, you can always layer up with a thick pair of fleece pants underneath your breathable waders . . . but you can never make cold-weather waders suitable for hot days. This comes down to a surprisingly easy recommendation: Only get neoprene waders if you’re going to be fishing in cold weather in cold water.
If you would like to explore neoprene waders, check out the wader lineup at Cabela’s . . . and be sure to consider camouflage waterfowl-focused waders, too.
How do you repair fishing waders?
If your waders are under a manufacturer’s warranty, you can often return them to the manufacturer for repair — or pay for professional repairs. However, what if you’re in the field and poke a hole in your waders with a thorn, some sharp brush, or even a hook? The fastest and most effective method is to use Aquaseal UV Repair Adhesive. It’s basically a super-durable and flexible glue that you can smear over the hole. It dries instantly when you expose it to sunlight or ultraviolet light. It works fantastically well. To repair your waders, shield the hole from the sun by working in some shade. Add some Aquaseal to the hole then expose it to sunlight. Reverse your waders to the inside and repeat the process so that both sides of the hole are covered.
Bonus: Best Wading Boots for the Money
As for wading boots, choose between a lug sole or felt soles — but know that a few states have banned felt soles due to concerns over transmitting invasive species from different waterways. Typically, felt soles provide the best traction on slick, wet rocks. On dirt trails? Not so much.
Check out our guide, 15 Best Wading Boots for 2024 for more detail, but these are two can’t-go-wrong affordable wading boots:
Simms Tributary Wading Boots — These wading boots offer outstanding durability for the price. They boast a comfortable neoprene lining and a rugged rubber toe cap.
Orvis Encounter Wading Boots – Felt — If you prefer a felt-soled entry-level boot, try the Orvis Encounter series — Orvis offers them in your choice of rubber or felt soles.
Best Fishing Waders Quick Answer List
Our top favorite recommended waders for 2024 quick list, ranging from entry-level to midrange to high-end waders:
- Frogg Toggs Hellbender Stockingfoot Chest Waders – best entry-level waders near $100
- Redington Crosswater Waders – great quality, simple feature set
- White River Sly Shop Riseform Chest Waders – Bass Pro Shops house brand option
- Simms Tributary Waders – top midrange waders pick
- Orvis Clearwater Waders – best sizing options
- Redington Sonic-Pro Waders – classic design with a great fit
- L.L.Bean Kennebec Stockingfoot Waders – midrange pricing with welded seams
- Simms Freestone Waders – best wader to stretch-your-entry-level-budget for
- Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Waders – best all-around Made in America waders
- Orvis PRO Waders – best wader under $600
- Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Waders – outstanding overall, definitely the best logo!
- Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Wader – GORE-TEX awesomeness
