I frequently wade for smallmouth.  For the smaller rivers/streams my hip waders suit me fine, but there are a number of very attractive places on the big river that aren’t suitable for hip waders.  So I’ve decided to purchase chest waders to allow me access to these deeper, and some-times faster, waters.

My question is what are the pros/cons of bootfoot v. stocking foot style.  I’m guessing new materials and maybe technology have made past comparisons somewhat irrelevant.  
It may be helpful to mention that a number of the spots I frequent require hiking a couple hundred yards from my truck to the water.  Several locations do allow me to carry my waders and change in to them at a spot I can leave my boots and change back on my return to the truck, but quite a few don’t so I’ll be hiking only in the waders.  And almost everywhere I wade is rocky.

Any insights comparing the two styles will be greatly appreciated.  

Bootfoot are easier to put on and take off and they are usually less expensive because of only one thing to buy.  Stocking foot are more confortable when you walk but more expensive because you have to buy the waders and the wading shoes.  

For rocky bottoms I would suggest cleats.  Some states allow felt soles others don't.  

I like the lightest waders you can find because this make walking and wading easier.

Stocking foot are more comfortable to walk in.  Summer time I've always waded with a pair of long pants and wading shoes, if the water is warm enough.  No natural fibers.

Frog Togg offer both in lightweight chest high fishing waders. I preferred stocking foot with neoprene footwear and wading shoes. The reason is you get a better boot fit and far more comfortable.

Tom

Fit of footwear wasn’t necessarily something I’ve considered, but is valuable information.  Unfortunately, I’ve had a couple unsatisfactory customer service experiences with Frogg Toggs, and can no longer  in good conscience do business with them.  

Simms also has a decent line of lightweight fishing waders.

Tom

If the river you wade has a rocky bottom and if the water isn’t clear, it’s very easy to twist an ankle while wading. A good pair of wading boots provide much more support than boot foot waders ever can. When you have any leaking issues with waders (and you will) you won’t have to buy boots again with stocking foot waders.  Separate boots and waders are definitely more expensive, but in my opinion, worth it. If you seldom wade and don’t plan on doing much of it, the cheaper option might be better. 

Wading a river wearing boot foot waders is not something I would recommend. You slip and go down, the boots fill with water and it really hinders you climbing back out. At least wear a tight wading belt.

I spend 99% of my time wading mid thigh or below. I don’t like being in above my waist in any kind of current. Boots and stocking foot are the only thing I wear, they’re just a better fit, more comfortable, safer, and less drag in the water. I wet wade most of my wading however, and only use waders in colder months.

Stocking foot waders with a decent boot are far more comfortable if you are in anything rocky.  it is not even close.  Boot foot waders have basically no ankle support.  Also, if you are an odder size you size the waders to your body and then the boots to your feet.  I’ve fish all of them in all materials over the years.   I keep rubber hip boots around because they are easy and durable.  If I only need to be knee deep or if I am walking through briars or kneeling a lot or going for a quick trip then they are easy.  I have waist waders (stocking foot)if I am going to be fishing all day, in an out of the truck, if it is hot, or if I am in a place where it is mostly knee deep but occasionally need to get waist deep then these get the call.  Then I have my main chest waders which I will wear if it is cold, if I am fishing nearly waist deep a bit, etc.  I bet I fish the waist waders the most.  it is like having waterproof pants on.  You can sit down on a wet log, kneel in the mud or otherwise not worry much.  if you have to wade waist deep then you better make sure you know the bottom and also the water speed.  Being waist deep when the water is flowing is not a good place to be.  

Waist deep has always been my upper limit.  I hadn’t given waist high waders a lot of thought, but they are probably the better choice for the reasons you mention.  At 6’2” and 185 I don’t think I’m an odd size but I know what you mean, and it makes sense.  Very helpful.  Thanks

Not all stocking foot waders are comfortable.  I have a wader that is all breathable fabric, even the feet, and that material doesn't stretch/give at all, and the result is pinched toes. I think you need to get flexible feet.  I think they are called neoprene feet, but am not sure. 

Mick D is right.  The boot material is important,.  I used to have all neoprene waders but that  would be to hot for you ( I live way north).  Neoprene boot material is important and a good fit also (not too big) but the rest of the waders can be breathable.  Mine (Orvis) can be folded down inside to make wading pants and that's practical when it's really hot.  If they are allowed in your state get felt soles with cleats.  That's the best for rocks.  

You and I wade the same river. In summer I’m wet wading with shorts and sneakers. But in colder water I wear chest waders.

 

The first pair I used were neoprene boot waders and I DON’T RECOMMEND! It felt like I had roller skates on my feet when walking over rocks in the river.

 

 Current pair are breathable chest waders with neoprene stocking feet and separate wading boots. My footing is a lot better with the wading boots though I’m getting to the age where I should start using a wading stick. As someone mentioned these are harder to get on and off. I put them on at home and wear them the whole trip even if walking some distance to the fishing spot.

11 hours ago, OldManLure said:

Waist deep has always been my upper limit.  I hadn’t given waist high waders a lot of thought, but they are probably the better choice for the reasons you mention.  At 6’2” and 185 I don’t think I’m an odd size but I know what you mean, and it makes sense.  Very helpful.  Thanks

I don't know that you're really gaining much with waist waders over hip boots. I guess it depends on on the height of the hip boots. For me personally I'd opt for chest waders. I think they offer more flexibility. You can "convert" some brands of chest waders to waist waders. Also if you need to get a little deeper to try to retrieve that snagged Vision 110 (safely of course) you can't do that in waist waders.

 

I agree waist waders are better in the heat but if it's that hot I'm wet wading. I'll take my chances with potentially "dirty" water and antibiotics over some combo of dehydration/heat exhaustion/stroke. Yes I've unfortunately been the cause of experiencing both.

 

Also stocking foot and separate boots are the way to go. Make sure upsize the boots or you'll have squished toes. I wear a 13 street shoe but 14 wading boot. If you bust brush you will get pin hole leaks but aquaseal is your friend.

 

We're about the same size. I wear a pair of older breathable stocking foot Simms in XL feet 12-13. The extra room allows for layering when fishing colder water/weather. Also the longer inseam allows for bending, kneeling etc. without stressing the seams. 

 

 

@Kev-mo- the benefit of waist over hip boots is comfort and ease mostly.  Waist waders slip on like a pair of pants and wear just like that.  Hip boots have to be worn over sturdy pants since they strap to your belt.  They also rub in the crotch when you walk, so for any form of hiking in they are a no no (even walking back to the truck after a long walk downstream away from it).  The other benefit of waist waders is being able to sit down on a wet rock or log.  Or in the case of the last time I wore them- slip and fall flat on your butt in the mud.

 

Convertible chest waders are a good second choice, especially if they are the type that have the shoulder straps built into the waist of the wader.  Then when you roll down the tops you still have the suspenders holding up the waders.  I don't like chest waders rolled down on a belt alone.  

When I first started river fishing I don't even think that stocking foot waders were even an option.

Traipsing through the woods with those boot foot I felt like Herman Munster.

I moved on to stocking foot and what a relief walking around in those were.

For over 20 years now pretty much just fishing from a kayak, dry pants with pull over boots and a dry top when the water starts getting too cold.

2 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

@Kev-mo- the benefit of waist over hip boots is comfort and ease mostly.  Waist waders slip on like a pair of pants and wear just like that.  Hip boots have to be worn over sturdy pants since they strap to your belt.  They also rub in the crotch when you walk, so for any form of hiking in they are a no no (even walking back to the truck after a long walk downstream away from it).  The other benefit of waist waders is being able to sit down on a wet rock or log.  Or in the case of the last time I wore them- slip and fall flat on your butt in the mud.

All fair points. I've never owned or worn a pair of hip boats. Based on your wear description I probably never will lol. I can see using wader pants over hip boats for sure.

I really appreciate all the replies.  Thank you.  In the beginning I was looking at only the 2 styles of chest waders, but after reading through the comments, I have become sold on waist waders.  They seem much more suitable for the various waters I’ll be wading, and more comfortable on land.  And unlike chest waders, I’ll still be able to wear and access the multiple pockets of my vest or fishing jacket.  So I’ll spend a couple days researching brands and their features, and look forward to trying my choice before it gets too cold.  Although, with the river being as low as I’ve ever seen it, it could be next spring before I need them.  

Stocking Foot all the way;  I've used both.

Geesh.  I failed to mention I am definitely going with the stocking foot style.

@OldManLure- do your homework on the boots and overindex your spend there.  My chest waders re still original Simms G3 guides from the original release ($400+ back in 2004 or so) and they are great.  My waist waders are… $75 cabelas breathables (that I’m not sure they make anymore).  A good belt, knee pads/reinforced knees, and a reinforced crotch are the main things. Since you’re only waist high, super high breathability and heat retention are less of a demand.

 

Unless you plan to buy a couple pairs and return all but one, take the waders and your socks with you when you try on boots.  Some are sized based on your nominal shoe size but expect you to add a neoprene bootie.  Some assume a bootie and a thick sock.  Some none of the above.  I almost always have a thick wool sock when I’m wearing waders and I find I have to go a size bigger than my normal shoe size.  A comfortable boot makes a big difference. 

14 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

@OldManLure- do your homework on the boots and overindex your spend there.  My chest waders re still original Simms G3 guides from the original release ($400+ back in 2004 or so) and they are great.  My waist waders are… $75 cabelas breathables (that I’m not sure they make anymore).  A good belt, knee pads/reinforced knees, and a reinforced crotch are the main things. Since you’re only waist high, super high breathability and heat retention are less of a demand.

 

Unless you plan to buy a couple pairs and return all but one, take the waders and your socks with you when you try on boots.  Some are sized based on your nominal shoe size but expect you to add a neoprene bootie.  Some assume a bootie and a thick sock.  Some none of the above.  I almost always have a thick wool sock when I’m wearing waders and I find I have to go a size bigger than my normal shoe size.  A comfortable boot makes a big difference. 

Excellent advice.  Thank you!!

Comfort and more Versatile - Stockingfoot

Convenience - Bootfoot

Since waders don't have a fly, relieving yourself is a PIA with chest highs. I also have a pair of hip boots.