Bootfoot vs. Stocking Foot Waders?

[KChookem]

Would those with experience with Bootfoot and Stocking Foot waders, please give me some pro's & con's for each.

My friend, a 5' 4" female, is considering getting chest high waders (waist high?), primarily for warmth. Our bank fishing requires up to 1/2 mile of walking, and climbing down and up steep trails and banks, and some wading in water with a depth of 2 feet or so.

Thanks!

[Thumper]

My gal wears Cabela's insulated neoprene boot-foot waders. My biggest concern is that she stays warm, and the boot-foot products are far warmer. For proof, just take your stockingfoot waders along on a trip to the Situk River in Alaska in April. :shocked:

[ampersat]

Actually my experience was the opposite of Thumpers. Granted, my boot foot waders were the duck hunting type with real rubber boots for feet. No insulation in them whatsoever. The stocking foots I have now have neoprene feet, plus another layer of insulation from the boots themselves.

If cold is an issue, start with a pair of high tech socks and add a layer of wool socks. If her tootsies are still cold, get some grabber foot warmers for her or consider something battery powered.

[Silver Ghost]

I agree with ampersat. I have had a pair of the bootfoot waders and my feet were constantly going numb after a full day of winter steelheading. I switched to stocking foot waders and my feet have never been warmer.

I would only recommend that if you go with stocking foot waders make sure to buy the largest boots that you can without them slipping around too much. If the boots are too small they will cut circulation off to the feet and they will freeze.

[Fshklr]

I have both and use each pair for different terrains.
My bootfoots have thinsulate and are a must with bootfoot waders, and primarily use these for level and low pressure terrain.

Stocking feet keep you just as warm but in my opinion are better suited or hiking, climbing, and general versatility in all terrain, being more form fitting. Get chest high's and she'll be toasty and happy [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img]

[ 01-02-2004, 08:57 AM: Message edited by: Fshklr ]

[Flatfish]

I have both. The bootfoots are warmer IF you buy the right pair. Saving money and staying warm usually do not go hand in hand.

I have stood in water that was literally freezing around my legs in both kinds. The heavily insulated bootfoots simply are warmer.

I have sat in a field in zero degrees wearing the bootfoots. As warm as I can be in those conditions.

Mark and the dog.

If they are not insulated, no matter what you buy, you will be cold.

[greenbuttskunk]

I have both and bought the insulated bootfoots for harsh upstate NY winter steelie fishing, much more hard core than conditions out here. They are the best for really cold water and snowy conditions, but not as comfortable for alot of walking or hiking. Out here in oregon/wash. I use my neoprene stocking foots most of the time, and breathables during summer.
If you do have cold feet get the insulated boot foot, it allows the blood to flow without constriction that can be a problem with tight stocking foots. Loosening the laces can really help too.
stay warm out there,
GBS

[ 01-02-2004, 09:38 AM: Message edited by: greenbuttskunk ]

[mophile]

I have both as well, and just had an opportunity to compare this week. My boot-foot waders are vastly warmer. I do not get cold easily, so it is not as big a deal for me, but if warmth is the key, boot-foot is the way to go, for the reason greenbuttskunk mentioned (blood flow)

[BuKuBass]

Flatfish: I was surprised that you didn't append your post with "Mark and the toasty dogs".

[STGRule]

As a female, I vote for the neoprene stocking foot. The boot-foot is too hard to fit right. And with the the stocking foot I can have boots for walking around in and neoprene "flats" boots for the boat. I actually ended up giving up on the boots and just use the "flats" booties. They are made for walking around on coral so they are tough. They are another layer of neoprene and they bend easily so its easy to squat down and just more comfy all around. I also recommend breathable waders instead of neoprene waders. I am cold blooded from the word go and I stay much warmer in fleece pants and socks under the breathables than I ever did in neoprene. They are easy to get in and out of and can be worn in the summer with just a pair of shorts under them for the colder mornings when you'll peel them later in the day. They are light-weight and with the flats boots will easily fit in a back pack for storage and hiking around.

[troybuz]

If my wife got into fishing she would want the stocking foot style, this way she could fill our closet with different shoes, for the different occasions. :blush:
Unfortuantly, it doesn't go both ways. :smile:

[ 01-02-2004, 02:57 PM: Message edited by: BuzzerBabysBigBrother-BBBB ]

[KChookem]

Thank you for the super info and opinions - its APpreaciated!!

... KChookem

[garyk]

Both styles are great. The bootfoot models are faster and easier to put on, your gal might appreciate that convenience.

The downside is finding bootfoots for her that provide her foot with a good fit - which is important since you're doing some walking (the half mile and up 'n down sounds like upper Sandy?).

As mentioned prior, if you go with a stocking foot, make sure the fit of the wading shoe is almost loose otherwise it will surely be too tight (your feet swell after walking a ways) and reduce circulation. Lots of folks make this uncomfortable mistake.

Personally, because we walk alot while fishing, I like the stocking foot models. I can use one pair of wading shoes (Simms Pro Guide, studded) with both my breathable waders, and with my neoprenes. Or I can switch to a non-studded shoe if I'm going to be in someone's driftboat and don't want to ding up their floor.