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.

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.

Bootfoot v stockingfoot chest waders

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September 19, 2025Sep 19

Global Moderator

@Alex from GA, they make waders with zippers, but I think they cost a fortune

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September 22, 2025Sep 22

Super User

On 9/18/2025 at 8:56 PM, Alex from GA said:

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

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September 23, 2025Sep 23

Author

I know nothing about the brand, but seems like an incredible deal for stocking foot chest waders.

https://www.sierra.com/adamsbuilt-truckee-river-stockingfoot-chest-waders-waterproof-for-men~p~8gjga/?filterString=shoes~d~4%2F&merch=prod-rec-prod-prod8GJGA

This may be in wrong forum, but posting it as follow up to the thread.

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September 26, 2025Sep 26

Super User

On 9/23/2025 at 1:39 PM, OldManLure said:

I know nothing about the brand, but seems like an incredible deal for stocking foot chest waders.

https://www.sierra.com/adamsbuilt-truckee-river-stockingfoot-chest-waders-waterproof-for-men~p~8gjga/?filterString=shoes~d~4%2F&merch=prod-rec-prod-prod8GJGA

This may be in wrong forum, but posting it as follow up to the thread.

I've had a couple pairs of Adamsbuilt waders - they get the job done.

I bought my first pair of waist high waders about four years ago, and I'll probably never buy another pair of chest waders again.

I don't need to wade deep enough that the few extra inches will benefit me, and they are so much more comfortable - allowing for normal layering on top on days that start cold and end warmer.

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September 26, 2025Sep 26

On 9/18/2025 at 7:56 PM, Alex from GA said:

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

Just now, Tackleholic said:

Some of the better waders do have a fly, well worth the upgrade price.

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1 month later...

November 1, 2025Nov 1

Super User

Stocking foot are much better.

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Bootfoot v stockingfoot chest waders

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