Wader Question

[97trout]

First of all let me say that I've read this forum for a long time and have gotten very good information here. So I figured it was time to join and ask for some advice from the many experts here. I am in the market for a new set of waders and have decided to buy stockingfoot instead of the bootfoot style I have always worn. I am also going to try the breathable this time. Since I have never had stockingfoot before, my question pertains to the size of boots I should buy. Do I get my normal size or do I have to go larger to compensate for the stockingfoot on the waders. Are the feet thicker than normal socks?

Any help would surely be appreciated.

[rollcaster]

The socks on the stockingfoot waders are definately thicker than normal socks. I was always told to go 2 sizes larger that your regular boot size to accomodate the thicker socks. My boots are size 14. I normally wear size 12.

When trying on waders in the store, either take your boots with you or use a store pair of boots to check the fit.

[Rusty]

97trout,

Very good question. I would suggest 2 sizes larger on the boot. Reason is, thick socks, or multiple pairs, help keep your feet warm. If your feet are warm, you body will remain warm. I found this out first hand this past weekend. I left my thick pair of socks in my room and only had a thin pair of ankle socks so my feet got cold and I was cold during the day. The night before I fished till 2 AM and had the thick socks and another pair of socks and stayed very toasty. If you see that later you want to get a pair that fit better and use them only in the summer, by all means do that. Happy to help, but that is just my opinion.

Russ

[Steve Smith]

Yes indeed. Two boot sizes bigger is the best route to take so you can layer on socks. Especially if you wade cold water fisheries like Taney. Breathable waders won't keep you warm like neo models, so you need to layer to make up the difference.

[D.T.]

I wish I had bought a bigger pair of boots. This week when we were down there I tried to put on a thick pair of socks and couldnt get my boot on. I had to wear a pair of then ankle socks and my boots had shrunk since I wore them this summer my toes hurt for the first 3 days. I wear a 14 and I bought 14's the way these fit I probably could have gone just 1 size bigger but I would take a thick pair of socks and try every thing on first.

Dave.

[Terry Beeson]

Where were you guys when I bought my wading boots?

Yes... definately go a couple sizes up. I only went one and regret it now. I struggle every time I go fishing.

As for breathables, Zach Matthews had a good article in American Angler back in the Spring, I think it was. You can go to Zach's website click here and go to the board section, join his forum, and ask about breathables. Zach is a great guy and will give you good answers.

[Gavin]

Boot sizes vary by manufacturer so I'd drive to a tackle shop and try some on with your fishing socks before you buy anything. Cheers.

[RiverRunner]

I wear a size 13 shoe, anybody know where I can get some size 15 felt sole boots for my new breathables?

[vanven]

The most important thing is comfort. Try everything on exactly like you would in the wild.

I wasnt aware of the general +2 size rule of thumb when I bought my waders and boots. They were my first set. I ended up with a pair of size 12 boots and I also generally wear size 12 shoes. Cabela's boots tend to take that extra sizing into account, some other brands don't. I can still wear a heavy wool sock comfortably. Also, really tight boots will get your feet colder faster.

-J

[rollcaster]

Hodgman makes a size 15 wading boot with felt soles. My son has a pair.