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Wader Boots
Wader boots are another important and often overlooked piece of fishing gear, in particular when trout fishing. The need for boots is determined by the style of the waders that are being used and there are 2 basic styles; bootfoot waders and stockingfoot waders.
Bootfoot Waders
Bootfoot waders are simply chest high waders that have a boot sewn in to leg permanently. The major advantages of having the boot attached to the wader are that there is one less bit of equipment to worry about and a single piece wader and boot combination prevents rocks and sand from slipping into the boot. On the other hand, bootfoot waders are heavy and bulky and at times the grips on the walking boot are not well suited to the river bottom that is being fished. More importantly, since peoples’ feet and bodies are not all in the same proportion, it is more difficult to get a comfortable fit with both the wader and built-in boot. Bootfoot waders can become quite uncomfortable and even painful for fishermen who are in the water for extended periods of time or walking long distances.
Stockingfoot Waders
Stockingfoot waders typically have neoprene booties attached to the wader legs. The neoprene keeps your feet warm and dry, but you have to buy wading boots separately which increases the overall cost. The main benefit of buying waders and boots separately is that you can customize the fit and style to suit your needs. In addition, if the waders or boots wear out, you only have to replace one or the other. Unlike attached boots, wading boots can be fit for comfort and stability in and out of the water. Certain boots just fit better than others and the same thing applies to waders. So by separating the purchases, you don’t have to compromise and have less than optimum comfort on either component. When you purchase wader boots separately, you also should get gravel guards, if they don’t already come with the waders, to keeps rocks and sand from getting in the boots.
Redington Wader Boots
Traditional wader boots have felt soles. Over the last few years, these soles have been implicated in the transfer of invasive species between river systems when small organisms get imbedded in the fabric. In response to this finding, some manufacturers are now replacing felt with rubber soles. The main problem with rubber is that provides it less traction than felt. Redington offers a several styles of wader boots that are waterproof, functional and come with either “sticky” rubber or felt soles. The sticky rubber is a composite with crushed walnut for added traction. The rubber soles are also compatible with studs for fishing conditions when more traction is needed. Gravel guard attachment points allow you to attach your waders to your boots. The prices for these boots range from $70 to $100.