I need to buy some waders, and noticed you have two options: 1) Wader with a sock, requiring you to insert into a separate boot, and 2) Wader and boot that are one-piece.

I'm leaning towards getting the wader, with separate boot. My thought is it will have a more precise fit to my feet and be more comfortable. However, I'm wondering, when water enters the boot, doesn't it get heavy? Does anyone prefer the one-piece, and why?

For the most comfort and stability, i like seperate pieces. The two seperates are much more comfortable in my opinion and, they hold better onslippery rocks (In my experience)

I prefer separate waders and boots. It allows me to use different wader and boot configuration. The fit is more precise, too. The amount of water that gets into the boot is negligable.

AB

If you do not have to hike very far and, for example, you are winter steelheading and there is a foot of snow, it is easier to step into the bootfoot waders and often the is a little more air space available to keep you warm. I have been winter steelhead fishing and been warm in stocking foot waders with a propewrly fitting boot.

Be aware, however, that the boot is designed to allow water to enter and drain. It is the neoprene "sock" that keeps your feet dry. It really is a matter of preference. The older (and wider) I get, the more "convenient" the boot foot waders become. For right now I have several different boots and a long shoehorn to make due.

I'm a fan of the stocking foot myself. I then use my boots with those waders or some neoprene booties when the weather warms up for some wet wading.

should I order wading boots that are the same size as my normal gym shoes, or do you go a little larger to account for the thickness of the neoprene socks?

It has been my experience that most boot manufacturers sizes run small. For example I use Simms G3 boots. My street size is a 10-1/2 but my wader boot size is a 13. Quite a difference! Realizing of course the liner sock and neoprene booty thickness. You can order boots on-line but you take a chance on them not fitting correctly. Then the hassle of returning/reshipping starts. If you have the availability of a reputable flyshop nearby go there first and find your size. Nothing compares to the getting to "try them on" experience especially when your spending a significant amount of money. This would be my suggestion to you.
Which leads me to my next suggestion. Don't skimp on quality--you may pay more for them initially but what you get back in fit and durability will be appreciated. I've been down this road myself and now have 2 pairs of "cheaper" boots that I no longer use myself but let clients use if them need them. Providing they fit.
Hope this was at least some help to you
Tight lines to you
Ron

do you wear socks directly on your feet, then the neoprene socks that are attached to the wader, going into the boot, or is there an additional neoprene sock on top of the neoprene sock that's attached to the wader?

I'm a fan of the stocking foot myself.






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