I’m not sure where to post this, so please move it to wherever it belongs.

 

Im looking for a pair of waders <$100 to fish streams for trout this fall/winter. It’s my first time buying waders, so I’m not really sure what to look for. What are the best chest-waders within my budget?

I purchased Field and Stream chest waders from Dick’s 3 years ago, for less than $70.  I can’t count the number of times I’ve used them, and they are still in great shape.  If I had to replace them, I’d buy the same again.

What size you need

Been wearing waders for 40 years, from Alaska to S. Texas - some general thoughts. 

Breathables are the smartest, because you come out of them dry on a cold day - your sweat evaporates through the waders.  However, they're not warm, and you need to layer up inside them - base layer + insulation layer. 

Neoprenes are always the most cost-effective, can be tough to get on and off, and you come out soaked, because your clothes will be saturated with sweat from exertion. 

 

threw this in - hiked to Russian River falls, donned waders and fished back down

At $100 there really isn’t anything that anybody could call the best. That’s the low end for waders. You are limited to rubber or canvas with the boots attached. These are the least comfortable waders you can buy. At $130 or so, you can get breathable, stocking foot waders but you’ll have to spend another $60 or more on boots. For something just to get in the water with, anything in the under $100 price point will do. If you plan on being in the water fishing, wading and moving around, you need to budget about twice that to get something that fits well, protects your ankles and is comfortable. 

1 hour ago, Scott F said:

At $100 there really isn’t anything that anybody could call the best. That’s the low end for waders.

Fair enough, I’ll raise the budget to a whopping $200

at $200, now it's time to check Sierra and Madison River Fishing Company for good close-out breathable waders. 

Stocking foot waders and separate boots are also best for traction and ankle support. 

 

The longest-lived waders I've fished have been Simms and unfortunately discontinued Cloudveil guide weight - good news, my supreme-comfort Cloudveil are still in service.  The most comfortable boots were Paragonia, also cozy waders, and I have a comfy set of Simms boots in service now, though I had to install my own studs. 

 

The felt-sole boots are only for home water - states that allow felt - I have some crappy back-up Grey's with studded rubber soles for travel to no-felt states. 

The nice thing about Korkers, they have swap soles to give you rubber, studs, or felt - they just don't meet my comfort level. 

22 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

at $200, now it's time to check Sierra and Madison River Fishing Company for good close-out breathable waders. 

Stocking foot waders and separate boots are also best for traction and ankle support. 

Agreed… close out sites will be your friend here.  When I was doing what you’re doing and looking for waders/boots.  I was encouraged to buy the best boots I could afford and was glad I did.  Most people will keep a good pair of boot for multiple pairs of waders.  
 

I found the best value when I bought to be Redington waders and Korkers Boots.  That may be old info now, though.  There is no comparison to a good, properly fitted pair of boots as opposed to boot foot waders. 
 

If you’re in moving water with rocks and slime, a good boot will be key.