Foot gear for water activities is essential to keeping you comfortable for your day on the water. Whether you’re looking for a pair of fishing waders to keep your feet dry or looking for a reliable pair of water shoes to ensure an injury-free water-wading experience, we’ve got what you’re looking for.
When searching for the right foot attire for your water activities, there are many options, details, and sizes to choose from. Each of these details - from the style to the material composition to the fit - can impact your comfort and overall satisfaction. Before picking up the first pair of waders or water shoes you see on the shelf, it’s best to know all of the options available in order to ensure that you’re investing your money appropriately.
Throughout the years, experienced anglers and water-sport enthusiasts alike have helped manufacturers evolve their products to match the demands. Thus, waders and water shoes that are available in today’s market are specialized to meet just about any needs! With over 20,000 fishing items in our inventory, Outdoor Shopping has the most extensive lineup of fishing equipment online today! Shop our inventory of fishing waders and water shoes at Outdoor Shopping.
Fishing Waders
When fishing in shallow waterbeds, fishermen generally prefer to keep their feet free from the soggy dampness that comes with mucking about in mud and sediments at the bottom of streams. Instead of using water shoes (which allows for feet to get wet), the long days standing in riverbeds demands foot attire that keeps feet dry and comfortable while not hot and sweaty. Today, waders come in a variety of designs and styles to suit just about any need or season.
Styles
Today, fishing waders come in three basic styles, each of which are designed to suit different needs and preferences.
Wader Style | Guidelines | Best for: |
Hip Waders | These can be worn over regular clothing and are easy to put on and take off. As the name implies, these waders stop at the hips, making them versatile enough for most wading situations. Most hip waders come with loops to fasten to your belt. |
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Waist-High Waders | By pulling these waders on like a pair of pants, waist-high waders utilize belt loops and a belt to keep them in place. The upper torso is left exposed, making these best for warmer weather or for those desiring more mobility. |
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Chest Waders | Providing the ultimate in coverage, chest waders pull up and over your pants as well as up to your armpits. Always wear a wading belt with this style. |
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Materials
Fishing waders are comprised of several materials, but a few come out on top as the most-used in the industry.
Material | PROS | CONS |
Breathable Waders |
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Neoprene Waders |
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Nylon Waders |
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Rubber Waders |
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Other Styles: Footwear
When one thinks of waders, they generally think of the three styles mentioned above. If you choose waist-high or chest waders, you also have the option of buying stockingfoot waders or bootfoot waders.
Bootfoot Waders: These boots are constructed right in the wader itself, so you don’t have to purchase a separate set of wading boots when using waders. While most are constructed without laces, some come with laces for a snugger fit. These come with a rubber or felt sole and generally provide better insulation.
Stockingfoot Waders: Constructed with neoprene booties in their foot sections, stockingfoot waders are made to insulate and allow your foot to easily slip into the waders. These are lighter than bootfoot waders, and they are also are designed to be used with your standard wading boots.
Water Shoes
A pair of dedicated water shoes for outdoor water sports is essential to a comfortable day boating, hiking, fishing, or simply walking on a beach! Many water shoe styles nowadays are also designed with an athletic feel, making them appropriate to use for light hiking as well.
Types
When you think of ‘water shoes’, what comes to mind? There are four main types of footwear designed for use with water than can be considered a ‘water shoe’ of sorts.
Style | Guidelines | Best for: |
Water Sandal | With an open toe design and an exposed top-section, water sandals are like a water shoe but with less toe and foot protection overall. |
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Water Shoes | A water shoe is a specialized form of footwear that provides both traction and foot/toe protection for individuals. They’re quick to dry, making them a better option than a standard sneaker when walking in/near water. |
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Wet Shoes | These are intended for mostly water use, as they’re generally too flimsy to be of much use on land. With little to no soles, these are best for keeping feet warm in the water while providing a little extra traction. |
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Boat Shoes | These are easy to slip on and off but provide little extra in the way of uses for hiking or swimming. Instead, reserve these for a high-traction shoe in boats or on docks. |
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Basically, if you’re looking for water shoes over waders, then opt for the style that suits your needs, as their preferential scenarios are vastly different from one another. You wouldn’t go rafting on a river wearing a pair of boat shoes and certainly wouldn’t consider hiking to a watering hole in a pair of wet shoes. Beyond that, opt for high-quality materials and comfort over all!
With over 20,000 fishing items in our inventory, Outdoor Shopping has the most extensive lineup of fishing equipment online today! Shop our inventory of fishing waders and water shoes at Outdoor Shopping.
