Best Fly Fishing Waders & Boots
Published August 9th, 2024
For most anglers, the best fly fishing waders and wading boots are a necessity, not a luxury. Without waders and wading boots, we’re limited to warm water fisheries or bank fishing—where we may not be able to reach fish or have enough room for our back cast. With waders and wading boots, however, we can target chilly tailwaters and spring creeks, reach more fish, find the best casting angles, and fish cold-water species, such as trout, steelhead, salmon, and muskie.
The thing is, the best waders and boots aren’t cheap. Even entry-level waders and wading boots cost a pretty penny. That’s why we’ve tapped the knowledge and first-hand experience of our own Gearhead® Experts to recommend the top 5 waders and wading boots for men and women.
How To Choose Fishing Waders
Waders for fishing don’t come cheap, but purchasing a quality pair will keep you dry on the fly for seasons to come. Here are some of the features we seek out in waders:
- Breathable and durable (at least 3-layer) waterproofing
- Gravel guards that keep sediments out of our wading boots
- Stockingfeet that insulate our feet in cold water
- Chest pockets that are convenient but not overly bulky
- Wading belts made to prevent accidental drowning
- Excellent vendor warranties and repair policies
5 Best Waders For Men
Backcountry carries heaps of great waders, but we’ve tapped our Gearhead® Experts to highlight some of our favorite fly fishing waders for men. Our picks span different price points, weights, and feature sets, so you can find the waders you need.
Top Men’s Waders
The G4Z Stockingfoot is Simms’ most high-tech wader. GORE-TEX Pro gives the G4Z guide-grade protection with 4-layer waterproofing down low for added durability and 3-layer waterproofing up top for less weight, better breathability, and more mobility when we’re fishing. The G4Z adds a waterproof front zipper to the G4, which lets us slip in and out of the waders quickly and take a quick leak without the hassle of getting half-undressed. We find these waders bombproof and super comfortable, so they’re our pinnacle pick for guides and serious anglers who’re on the water several days a week.
Key Features
- GORE-TEX Pro waterproofing
- YKK waterproof relief zipper
- 3lb 2.8oz (medium)
- Made in Bozeman, Montana
Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Wader
Best Value Waders For Men
The Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Wader gives us a taste of Simms’ quality at a more accessible price. The 4-layer Toray shell has a strong track record for durable and breathable waterproofing while keeping the cost in check, making the Freestone popular with our Gearhead® Experts. The zippered front pocket keeps key items at our fingertips while the fleece-lined pockets can warm those fingers up to tie knots in chilly conditions. We like the Freestone for seasoned anglers who can’t shell out all their money for waders and for beginners who want to start out with high-quality gear.
Key Features
- 4-layer Toray Quadralam waterproofing
- Waterproof chest pocket
- 2lb 10oz (medium)
- Made in Bozeman, Montana
Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Wader
Best Heavy-Duty Waders For Men
The Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front is Patagonia’s fully featured, heavy-duty wader. As an expedition-grade wader, it features burly, 4-layer waterproofing for bombproof protection and a waterproof front zipper to answer nature’s call after our morning cup of coffee. Patagonia has also packed the Swiftcurrent with heaps of storage, including a flip-out waterproof pocket, internal drop-in pockets, external zippered stash pockets, and two handwarmer pockets. We like the Swiftcurrent for winter steelhead season, Alaskan trips, and our favorite cold-water fisheries.
Key Features
- 4-layer H2No waterproofing
- YKK waterproof relief zipper
- Waterproof flip-out pocket
- 4lb 2oz
Best Lightweight Waders For Men
Less beefy than the original Orvis Pro, the Orvis Pro LT is a lightweight wader that gets the job done without weighing us down. The LT features the same 4-layer Cordura shell as the OG in a more streamlined cut for more mobility on the trail and in the water. We can also convert the Orvis Pro LT from a chest wader to a waist-high wading pant with its adjustable elastic suspenders and opposing buckles. Light, versatile, and convertible, this wader works well for warmer conditions and longer hikes.
Key Features
- 4-layer Cordura waterproofing
- 3mm Ortholite knee pads
- 3.5mm neoprene booties
- 2lb 6oz (medium)
Redington Sonic-Pro HD Wader
Most Versatile Waders For Men
Redington’s most durable wader, the Sonic-Pro HD is another heavy-duty option for anglers who are hard on their gear. The 4-layer waterproof, breathable fabric may be burly, but these waders aren’t bulky. That’s thanks to an active fit that doesn’t bog us down in the water. Multiple chest pockets make the most of our limited storage, providing a few spaces to stash our fly boxes and tools where they’re easily accessible. We like the Sonic-Pro HD for those who want durability, comfort, and all-around value.
Key Features
- 4-layer/3-layer waterproofing
- Chest pocket with water-resistant zipper
- 3mm neoprene booties
5 Best Waders For Women
The best waders for women not only feature durable and breathable waterproofing, gravel guards, insulating stockingfeet, convenient chest pockets, and wading belts but also women-specific fits and (optional) drop seats to answer nature’s call as quickly as possible. Here are our top five waders for women who fish.
Best Waders For Women
Our favorite women’s wader is the Patagonia Swiftcurrent. Patagonia’s proprietary H2No shells are highly waterproof and breathable with the Swiftcurrent using 4-layer waterproofing for extra durability. With articulated legs, this wader looks and feels more streamlined on us, and it features a convenient drop seat that makes it much easier to relieve ourselves along the riverside. We can also convert the Swiftcurrent from chest to waist waders easily by adjusting the waist-mounted, EZ-lock suspenders. Avid anglers and guides alike will appreciate everything that Patagonia got right with this premium wader—from the fit to the recycled materials to the waterproof flip-out pocket.
Key Features
- 4-layer H2No waterproofing
- Converts between chest and waist heights
- Drop-seat for quick relief
- 2lb 8.7oz
Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader
Best Women’s Waders For Guides
Another premium pick, the Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot wader stands out for its guide-grade quality. These award-winning waders feature GORE-TEX Pro—the most durable GORE-TEX waterproofing—for leak-free performance, even for those of us who fish 100 days a year (or more). Made in Bozeman, the G3 features an improved women-specific fit with 3-layer GORE-TEX Stretch in key areas for more mobility and comfort. We love these waders from their air-mesh suspender system all the way down to their gravel guards and anatomical booties.
Key Features
- GORE-TEX Pro waterproofing
- Chest organization with a Tippet-Tender Pocket
- 2lb 10.5oz
- Made in the USA
Simms Tributary Stockingfoot Wader
Best Entry-Level Waders For Women
For those of us who don’t fish 100 days a year, Simms’ entry-level Tributary Stockingfoot Wader packs plenty of quality into an affordable package. A mix of 4-layer and 3-layer waterproofing balances durability, breathability, and weight savings. The built-in gravel guards keep debris away from our feet, which are insulated and protected by the neoprene stockingfeet. In our Gearheads’ experience, cheap waders don’t typically last long, so we like steering beginners and budget-oriented anglers to the Tributary to enjoy Simms’ quality for a relatively affordable price.
Key Features
- 4-layer waterproof lower layer
- 3-layer waterproof upper layer
- 1lb 15oz
- Made in Bozeman, Montana
Orvis Ultralight Convertible Wader
Best Lightweight Waders For Women
Lightweight and versatile, the Orvis Ultralight Convertible waders shed weight and bulk and convert quickly from waist and chest height. The 4-layer fabric protects a waterproof-breathable membrane to keep these waders leak-free, but the modern, contoured fit keeps things trim for less weight and a more flattering fit. Magnetic fasteners make it easy to convert these from chest to waist waders for shallow water or warming temperatures—and vice versa when we’re wading a deeper run. We recommend the Orvis Ultralight Convertible for its weight savings and versatility.
Key Features
- 4-layer polyurethane membrane
- Water-resistant chest pocket
- Converts between chest and waist height
- 1lb 15oz (small)
Grundens Boundary Stockingfoot Wader
Best Waders For Women With Cold Feet
Women who want a rugged pair of waders should check out the Grundens Boundary Stockingfoot Waders. For the most durable waterproofing on the market, the Boundary waders use GORE-TEX Pro, which provides best-in-class durability while maintaining our mobility for hiking, wading, and getting in and out of our boats easily. These women’s waders also have two unique features that stick out. First, the suspender system is modelled after climbing harnesses for a fit that moves with us as we’re casting and rowing. Second, Grundens lined the neoprene stockingfeet with a titanium lining that retains more body heat—a nice fix for women whose feet get cold easily. It’s no surprise that Grundens scores points with these women’s waders, given its track record producing great gear for commercial fishing.
Key Features
- GORE-TEX Pro waterproofing
- Titanium-lined booties increase heat retention
- Harness with D-ring for net leash
How To Choose Wading Boots
A quality wading boot not only keeps your feet dry—it also keeps your footing solid on slippery river bottoms and technical trails alike. The best wading boots for men and women have the following features:
- Specialized traction for wet surfaces, such as Vibram rubber, felt soles, stud/cleat attachments, or removable treads made specifically for wading
- Durable and water-resistant upper materials
- Drainage holes to speed up drying times
Best Wading Boots For Men
Simms G4 Pro Powerlock Boot
Top Pick Wading Boot For Men
It’s hard to top the Simms G4 Pro Powerlock Boot. For pinnacle performance, the G4 has paired grippy Vibram rubber outsoles with two sets of Powerlock cleats—one aluminum, one thermoplastic rubber—for safer footing on the greased bowling balls that line many river bottoms. These wading boots also provide plenty of ankle support and soften each step with EVA foam midsoles. With the G4 Pro Powerlock Boots, we feel safer and more secure in the water and on land.
Key Features
- Vibram Idrogrip outsoles
- Powerlock cleat system
- 4lb 2oz/pair (size 11)
Korkers River Ops BOA Wading Boot
Best BOA Wading Boot For Men
The Korkers River Ops BOA Wading Boot is another stellar option for guys who want top-shelf traction for chasing river dwellers. With the Omnitrax 3.0 Interchangeable sole system, we can choose from 9 different soles (2 included) to match our tread to wherever we’re wading or hiking. Then there’s the BOA®️ fit system, which literally gives us a dialed fit when we twist the dial to lock in our desired level of tension. On top of these premium technologies, the River Ops boot provides plenty of ankle protection and drains quickly to speed up our drying times.
Key Features
- Includes two custom soles (others sold separately)
- Omnitrax 3.0 Interchangeable sole system
- BOA Fit System for a custom fit
- 3lb 6oz/pair
Orvis Clearwater Wading Boot
Best Value Wading Boot For Men
The Orvis Clearwater is another durable high-value choice that’s a step above your typical, entry-level wading boot. The thick rubber soles feature aggressive lugs and strategic spots to add studs for better grip, and the synthetic leather uppers are highly abrasion resistant and buttressed by a rubber heel, vamp, and toe for better durability. We like the combination of EVA footbeds and ESS stability plates, which support our feet and ankles as we stand all day and negotiate tricky footing in and out of the water.
Key Features
- Synthetic leather uppers
- Rubber soles (compatible with studs)
- Updated for 2024
Best Lightweight Wading Boots For Men
For more of a sneaker-style wading boot, we like the lightweight Patagonia Forra. The Forra weighs in more like a hiking boot than a wading boot, but its high-top construction still provides plenty of ankle protection for hiking and wading. Vibram soles steal the show, too, with grippy rubber and Hexabase lugs that let us wade sketchy waterways with confidence. For even more tread, we pair them with the Forra Grip Studs Traction Kit.
Key Features
- Vibram Mars soles
- Compatible with Forra Grip Studs
- 2lb 9oz/pair
Best Wading Boots For Women
Korkers Buckskin Mary Wading Boot
Top Women’s Wading Boot
Buckskin Mary sounds like a badass, and she is. Our top pick, the Korkers Buckskin Mary, has a women-specific fit, hydrophobic materials, internal drainage, and the OmniTrax Interchangeable Sole System. As with other Korkers wading boots, we can swap specialized outsoles to match our tread to the terrain and river bottoms we’re walking. With all these features, the Buckskin Mary still saves us some money.
Key Features
- Synthetic uppers with rubberized rock guard
- Choose two specialized soles
- 8in height
- 3lb 1oz/pair
Best Value Wading Boot For Women
For a good bang for the buck, we recommend the Simms Freestone Wading Boot. The Freestone isn’t Simms’ most expensive wading boot, but it boasts a strong track record of support, durability, and traction for a fraction of the price of their high-end boots. We trust the synthetic leather uppers to shed water, brush, and sharp river rocks. Plus, the updated rubber outsole is now compatible with Simms Hardbite Stud and Star Cleats, Hardbite Studs, and Alumibite Star Cleats for more treacherous wading and hiking conditions. This is Simms quality at an accessible price.
Key Features
- Synthetic leather
- Rubber outsoles with cleat compatibility
- 3lb 3oz/pair
Best Ultralight Wading Boot For Women
For a wading boot that won’t weigh you down, we recommend the Orvis Ultralight. The Ultralights feature lightweight, synthetic uppers for less weight and bulk than conventional wading boots. Vibram rubber provides durable and reliable grip for wet surfaces, and we can add Posigrip Screw-In Studs for max traction when we’re wading slippery freestones and underwater obstacle courses. Weighing 30% lighter than the industry average, these comfortable boots maximize our mobility without sacrificing durability.
Key Features
- PU-coated micro-fiber uppers
- Vibram rubber with Orvis lug patterns
- Compatible with (optional) carbide studs
- TPU plate improves stability and stud retention
- 2lb 6oz/pair (size 8)
Best BOA Wading Boot For Women
The Korkers Darkhorse BOA was a darkhorse choice to overcome its sibling, the Buckskin Mary, as our favorite women’s wading boot. Engineered to fit women’s feet, the Darkhorse features 9-inch cuffs for added ankle protection and the OmniTrax Interchangeable Sole System, which lets us mix and match removable outsoles to maximize our grip on land and in the water. We also like the BOA®️ System, which lets us customize our fit with the turn of a dial and slip in and out of our boots in a flash.
Key Features
- Hydrophobic uppers
- BOA M2 Fit System
- 9in height
- 3lb 3oz/pair
Redington Benchmark Felt Wading Boot
Best Entry-Level Felt Wading Boot
The Redington Benchmark Felt Wading Boot makes it easy to enjoy higher-level underwater traction at a lower price. Felt wading boots supply extra grip on slimy rocks and mossy riverbeds—notoriously slippery surfaces—and the Benchmark provides this benefit without breaking the bank. (Just keep in mind that felt soles are banned in some states and national parks and don’t work as well out of water, especially on snow and ice.) We can complement the felt soles with studs for more versatile traction to prevent slips and falls on our favorite waters.
Key Features
- Synthetic uppers
- Felt soles
- Compatible with up to ½ inch studs
Why Buy The Best Waders & Wading Boots
Fly fishing waders and wading boots may be expensive, but they’re worth the investment if you do much fishing—especially trout fishing. Our love for fly fishing often takes us to colder waters that sap our body heat without waterproof and insulating layers to protect us. Waders keep us dry (and therefore warm) in the water, letting us fish streams and surf safely and get in and out of our drift boats without getting soaked. Wading boots not only keep our feet warmer and drier but also provide clutch traction when we’re hiking to our spot, scrambling up and down slick riverbanks, and wading river bottoms that feel like greased bowling balls.
With our comfort and safety at stake, it’s worth researching the best waders and wading boots for our budgets. We hope our top picks will steer you in the right direction, so you can walk away from this article with the perfect pairing of waders and wading boots. Tight lines!
FAQ
Q: How do I know my wader size?
A: Anglers can determine their wader size by measuring their chest, waist, inseam, etc. and comparing their measurements to each brand’s unique size chart. It’s rare that all our measurements line up perfectly with a size chart, so choose your size based on your largest girth measurement (often the chest for men and hips for women), the length of your legs (inseam), and your shoe size (size up if in between sizes). For more sizing tips, check out our 2024 Fishing Guide.
Q: How do you not drown in waders?
A: A wading belt is an important safety tool that can protect against some downing accidents by preventing water from completely filling people’s waders if they fall into the water.
Q: Do you size up for wading boots?
A: Wading boots already are bigger than everyday shoes to accommodate a neoprene stockingfoot or sock. However, most people still buy their wading boots a half-size or full-size bigger—much like they do for hiking boots. If you’re in between sizes, it’s usually best to size up. For more sizing tips, check out our 2024 Fishing Guide.
Q: Why are felt-soled wading boots illegal in some states?
A: Some states have banned felt-soled wading boots because they more easily transfer organisms and invasive species from one waterway to another, damaging ecosystems.
