Stocking-foot wader fit

[Andy]

I have a 9 1/2 shoe size which translates to a "L" stocking foot wader for 9 to 11 shoe sizes. I'm using a size 11 wading shoe. With one pair of heavy socks the sculptured bootie is too large and my foot slides around inside it when putting on my wading shoes. The bootie is so large it has to be tucked into the wading shoe and around my foot for comfort and alignment. With two pairs of socks, the bootie fits better but I feel that maybe a size 12 wading shoe would be easier to put on and take off. That's quite a bit larger than my actual shoe size. I'm also thinking the extra large wading shoes might be clumsey and add unwanted weight.

I'm wondering what others are doing in cases like this. Are you staying with your proper wading shoe size, or opting for ones that are oversize?

I realize custom-made waders are an option but I'm not about to lay out all that extra money!

 

[BIGBOW]

I too am a 9 1/2 to 10 shoe size. I wear an 11 boot )that I wouldn't go another size up on). My stocking feet are a little big as well , but I just pull them tight agaist the front of my toes, put the boots on and tie. There's a little extra neoprene left, but it's never been a problem. I tried on smaller waders and although the feet fit better, I couln'd bend my knees and felt very uncomfortable. Maybe try a different brand for different sizing.

 

[Corndog]

Same here, size 9 1/2. Why can't we find waders with feet our size. Simms are you taking notes! I have 3 pair of waders and all have booties for a much bigger foot. I tuck the toe of the booties over the top of my toes when I put them into my boots. I have both size 10D and 11 boots and like the 10Ds the best.

Cdog

 

[JW1970]

Patagonia is exploring the feasibility of waders with custom-fit booties, which I assume means the bootie is detachable somehow. I'm skeptical, but the idea of a bootie that's the size of your actual foot would be great for all of us that are between sizes. I always have excess stockingfoot to deal with.

I don't have the link handy, but the Patagonia research is documented on one of their corporate blogs somewhere in which one of the product developers was seeking input from people on the water. I do not know if it will move forward. There are obvious challenges to overcome with such a design.

 

[Andy]

I'm glad to see that others are experiencing the same 9 1/2 foot size dilemma. When I contacted the wader manufacturer I was led to believe the "one size fits all" wasn't causing any problems and my problem was unusual! We can put a man on the moon but we can't do a simple thing like make waders to fit a specific foot size!

 

[Joe D]

I had the same dilemma, also being a 9.5 shoe size. The bootie on the wader was never as much a problem as fitting a wading boot. The bootie on the wader in a size 9/10 worked out okay. The boot was always another story, anything from a 10 to a 12 depending on who made the boot.

I solved this whole problem a couple of years ago by switching to waders that have the wading boot built in it. The ones I've been using are the Orvis Tailwaters, and have been very happy with them. I think there are some other brands available also.

These waders cost a bit more than stocking foots, but they also include the wading boot, so when you figure this into the price they come out about the same, maybe a little less.

It's too bad that fly shops have been, well, uh, dropping like flies. Like any foot wear or clothing item it's always best if you can try them on first. Catalogs and the internet just aren't conducive to this traditional way of shopping.

Joe

 

[theartoflee]

Andy

Try the cloud veil 8x boot it comes with two diffrent size inserts. For those with half sized feet having the option of two different sized inserts really help. The cloud veil boots were very comfortable and fairly durable. I got mine in Pine Brook at tightlines although some other shops might carry cloud veil.

 

[Andy]

Joe D: I tried the Tailwaters XT in size #10 and found them awkward to put on and take off. Also, they were a bit on the tight side in spite of the fact the Orvis tech support rep stated to order the exact size. I sent them back. Afterwards, I mentioned this to an Orvis dealer and he said he also found them to be awkward.

Theartoflee: Thanks for the tip on the Cloud Veil; I'll look into them the next time around.

 

[The_Sib]

In the meantime, try stuffing a small cloth into the toe section
of the bootie to take up the extra space.

See, I don't have the same problem as you.
I wear a size 12 1/2 or 13 shoe.

 

[Corndog]

Hey all, I know this is a little off topic, but has anyone seen the new Scierra waders with a front zipper for those of us that have to frequently visit a tree.

I wonder how long before the zipper starts to leak???

Does anyone have them?

Cdog

 

[Joe D]

Joe D: I tried the Tailwaters XT in size #10 and found them awkward to put on and take off. Also, they were a bit on the tight side in spite of the fact the Orvis tech support rep stated to order the exact size. I sent them back. Afterwards, I mentioned this to an Orvis dealer and he said he also found them to be awkward.

Theartoflee: Thanks for the tip on the Cloud Veil; I'll look into them the next time around.

Andy, It would be hard to order these in an exact size, since the last I saw, Orvis made them in three different mediums and three different larges, plus a couple of other sizes. I would think if they were on the tight side, you needed a size bigger. I wear a size 9.5 shoe, got a size 10 Large wader. They fit wonderfully.

You and the "dealer" are they only people I ever heard say these type of waders were awkward to put on and take off. Everyone I know who uses them says they are as easy to put on and off as boot foots.

Another way to get a better fit in the foot is to try several different socks. With the advancement in synthetics and some of the higher end wool socks, it's possible to get a very warm sock in a thinner fabric.

Or, there is always someones custom shop.

 

[Andy]

Joe D: As stated, I ordered a size 10 which translates to the exact size for a 9 1/2 shoe. I found them tight with one pair of sox. Maybe I should have ignored the Orvis technical support rep and ordered a size 11. But that's hindsight now!

Besides yourself, I know of another person who speaks highly of the Tailwaters XT. I found them to be awkward, possibly because of the tight fit. It seemed easier for me to just slip on stocking-foot waders with two pairs of sox, smooth out the booties, and slide them into the wading shoes.