Hunting Washington Forum
Other Hunting => Waterfowl => Topic started by: HikerHunter on January 18, 2024, 01:12:04 PM
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Is anyone using stockingfoot waders for chasing ducks?
My brother-in-law switched to them for river fishing and said he will never go back citing the better foot support and balance on an uneven surface while fighting the flow of the river.
I'd imagine they would be much more comfortable to walk around in, but would lack in the insulation department (in the feet) on cold days.
Curious if others had tried, thanks!
Edited to add the parenthesis.
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That is all I use as well. Usually the cheapest I can find. I did splurge a bit on my current pair- $120 on Amazon for BassDash. They are pretty nice.
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Layer under them and buy the best you can afford.
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I used them years back and realised I was damaging my feet with the cold. Serious nerve issues. Upsizing to accommodate better socks made boot foots a better choice. If you're not in rally cold water it prolly wouldn't matter.
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Layer under them and buy the best you can afford.
I updated the original post as I specifically meant lacking insulation for the feet. I'm guessing you could upsize the stockingfoot and wear some thick socks to help, but that probably doesn't get close to 1600 grams of thinsulate.
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I used them years back and realised I was damaging my feet with the cold. Serious nerve issues. Upsizing to accommodate better socks made boot foots a better choice. If you're not in rally cold water it prolly wouldn't matter.
So I'm guessing you were having issues when you were using them in cold water?
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I have good stockingfoot waders that I fish in. I have decent boot foot waders that I hunt with when needed. I hate the boot foot's. Stocking foot waders are the bee's knees. Get some layers to put on under them. Fleece, merino, etc. Good wool socks. You won't regret it.
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That’s all I use in he early season, have for a lot of years now. I hunt areas where it’s a good walk from the parking area to the water, and some places I hunt are an actual hike to get in there. I put all my stuff & Haley's blind on a game cart & head out. I do this from the opener in September until it’s too cold & I have to switch to the heavy insulated. It’s just so much easier & more comfortable & the traction is much better. I had to toss mine last season, so this year I’m trying to treat myself to a pair of Simms w/ a zipper. I’ll wear them 30 times a year for duck hunting plus fishing, so I think the cost will be worth it.
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I wear a quality pair of merino wool socks. I also use a pair of Asolo hiking boots as a wader boot. My wife bought them at a garage sale for super cheap. They are one size bigger then I normally wear. Work great as wader boots and my feet stay warm.
I mostly hike in to my hunting spots. I cannot stand boot foot waders for walking any longer than the truck to the boat launch. I have never been able to keep my feet warm in boot foot waders either.
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Also, they have some battery powered heated socks hat have much slimmer batteries than the older ones. I think you can even get hem remote controlled.
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I have both. I buy simms G4Z waders. Tough and comfortable. Use them mostly for fishing. They fit well and are aesy to use. Dont have to remove everything when you have to use the bathroom.
They work good for early season. As an example. Yesterday was 33 degrees and raining all day. A couple of guys had boot foot insulated 1600 gram and another had simms. There was a layer of very cold water between his boot and the sock foot. He froze his ass off. I was very toasty. I also have the waders that have the removable zipper liner. What a game changer. If you hunt the west side amd temps arent bad breathable waders can be an option. If you stay out of the water on the east side or in any very cold climate they would be ok with the right combination of boot size and sock combination
Cheap isnt always best. They will work great right up until the time they dont. I also have sitka boot foot. The simms and sitka are the most comfortable wader i have ever worn. The sitka are boot foot also. I have purchased cheap waders a couple of times. They dont last as long as a good quality wader. If you have to buy waders every year or so is it still cheaper to go cheap or buy 1 pair that last 4-5 years i prefer to be comfortable.
Question, do you have auto insurance? Same thing applies here. Dont like spendind the money but just incase something may happen it is a necessary evil. We all spend alot of money on the outdoors. Do you owe it to your self to be comfortable. Do you shoot the cheapest shells and shotgun you can find, raincoat. I could keep going. I think you get the picture. But in the end it is all up to you.
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Problem I had with nerve damage was that my stockingfoot waders were made for waliking and fit very well. My attempt to add quality socks for warmth really constricted my feet which caused them to freeze. I don't need to walk very far so oversize bootfoots were warm and convenient.
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I guess I am the odd man out. I have had stocking foot waders, and did not care for them. The boots always seemed to lose or too tight. Getting the boots on and off are a pain. I can not say my feet stay warmer in boot foot for me they are just easier to deal with
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Full disclosure:
I don't fit correctly in any of the over the counter waders.
As a result the only choice I have is to have the Simms G4's custom made.
If I fit I would order the Chene waders.
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I've spent literal years in waders. In the last 20 years I have probably spent a combined 6-7 years worth of days in waders. I've worn neoprene, but way prefer breathable for all situations. Of the breathable options I've owned boot foot and stocking foot. Boot foot waders are by far warmer. They usually come insulated and offer more wiggle room for thicker socks. They are just heavy and cumbersome. I prefer stocking foot waders but always buy a boot size up from my normal size, and tie the boots just tight enough to make sure I can walk without them slipping around too much. By leaving some space in there, my feet almost never get cold anymore. If I'm going to be doing a lot of walking, I tie them tighter. If I'm sitting in the boat all day, I keep them loose.
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If you wear boot on waders I highly suggest these. Total game changer. It’s what everyone wears in Xtra tuff rubber boots and they fill up space in your wading boots plus wick moisture away.
https://www.scheels.com/p/xtratuf-mens-bama-sokket-boot-liners/08618923049.html?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Ya5wZnqgwMV3czCBB2Y0weVEAQYBiABEgKbs_D_BwE&pgid=psearch&src=hardlines
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I’ve been duck hunting in Simms G3 riparian pattern stocking foot waders and a pair of cheap frogg togg wading boots for two seasons now.
Pros: Much more comfortable to walk long distances in, footwear is more secure in mud.
Cons: You can only layer so much under them, feet get cold easy.
If someone made a stocking foot, neoprene 800g with some insulated wading boots that would be the ticket.
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I have always used breathable stocking foot (aka my fishing waders) for duck hunting. Even hunting the middle of the state when it’s in the teens or lower hunting the river.
I use Kroker wading boots because of the interchangeable soles. Cheaper to buy some rubber bottoms wading boots. Felt bottoms are actually kind of a thing of the past with the zebra muscle.
I layer appropriately and were oversized pants on the outside. Feet have gotten a touch chilly but I just change to a thicker/better sock the next day. Lots of practice though chasing chrome and learning how to keep myself and my feet warm.
The biggest thing is having boots big enough to where a thicker sock and still being able to wiggle your toes. I love my wading boots almost to small when fishing so I have the best feel of the bottom of the river. Hunting though I size up. There is no shame in bringing socks/layers in with you to the store to make sure you get the right fit.
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Run electric insoles and have toasty feet.