I'm in the market for wadders because tennis shoes really don't cut it when it comes to slippery rocks. My problem is that I am, shall we say, a rotund female with some serious calves and I'm having zero luck finding anything that will go past my ankles and still fit my feet. I thought about going the shoes plus chest wadders route, but again I have problems with carrying my weight in very different places than the gentlemen (primarly bottom vs. belly). Bass Pro didn't have anything that fit right, but I was there in December so not exactly the height of the season. Any suggestions?
Looking for wadder recommendations for women
Started by
Guest_threegoldfish_*
, Feb 19 2010 03:16 PM
13 replies to this topic
#2
Guest_nativeplanter_*
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Posted 19 February 2010 - 04:02 PM
I have hodgman waders:
Hodgman breathable women's waders
They are stocking-foot, so you have to buy boots as well. I like them a lot. The only complaint I have is that the stocking is a little too long. The material seems good, no leaks in 3 years. It looks like Hodgman has been bought by Coleman; I hope the quality is as good.
The problem with boot-foot waders is that I haven't found them in womens sizes. Mens are way too wide so I slide all over in them and really hurt my feet if I spend all day in the river.
Plus, when you have separate boots they act more like hiking boots (they support the ankle) and you will be more sure-footed.
Hodgman breathable women's waders
They are stocking-foot, so you have to buy boots as well. I like them a lot. The only complaint I have is that the stocking is a little too long. The material seems good, no leaks in 3 years. It looks like Hodgman has been bought by Coleman; I hope the quality is as good.
The problem with boot-foot waders is that I haven't found them in womens sizes. Mens are way too wide so I slide all over in them and really hurt my feet if I spend all day in the river.
Plus, when you have separate boots they act more like hiking boots (they support the ankle) and you will be more sure-footed.
#4
Guest_nativeplanter_*
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Posted 20 February 2010 - 10:19 AM
If you don't mind wet wading, you could look into wading sandals. Google search wading sandals and you will find plenty of options. I have a pair and love them in the summertime once the water warms.
Good point. When the weather is warm, I prefer to wet wade. But I live in Virgina. Better than sandals, I like to wear wading boots with neoprene socks made just for wet wading. They really help keep me stable on wet rocks, and protect my toes. I wound up having to buy two pairs of boots, one for wet wading and one for with chest waders, because my chest wader booties are thicker than my wet wading booties, and the wet wading boots wound up being too tight. But I actually like my wet wading boots better.
#5
Guest_fundulus_*
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Posted 20 February 2010 - 12:07 PM
One of my graduate students was having problems finding womens' waders at the various chain stores like Dick's. She wound up buying waders online from Gander Mountain that she's happy with. Some other companies that would probably be good are Forestry Suppliers and Ben Meadows.
#7
Guest_schambers_*
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Posted 21 February 2010 - 01:54 PM
I have somewhat similar issues. I got stout men's stocking foot breathable waders at Cabelas with separate boots. They fit me well except for the stocking feet which are too large and long, like Nativeplanter said. Once I get them stuffed in the boots and laced up well they are comfortable for long periods. I use tennis shoes for wet wading, but I plan to get some boots, hopefully this spring.
I'm lucky to live near a Cabelas and Bass Pro Shop. Your best bet will be if you can go into a big store like that that has a large selection and people to help fit you.
I'm lucky to live near a Cabelas and Bass Pro Shop. Your best bet will be if you can go into a big store like that that has a large selection and people to help fit you.
#10
Guest_schambers_*
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Posted 22 February 2010 - 09:52 PM
I guess I didn't notice that, since I tend to shop for men's stuff anyway. My Bass Pro does have women's wading boots, I've been window shopping a while. I've got my eye on these: Eco-Clear Wading Boots for Ladies
It's probably a good idea to look over their web site and call ahead if it's very far away.
It's probably a good idea to look over their web site and call ahead if it's very far away.
Edited by schambers, 22 February 2010 - 09:55 PM.
#12
Guest_kzimmerman_*
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Posted 23 February 2010 - 07:27 PM
BPS at first will carry a large range of stuff, then whene they see what the market is like in a specific locale, they tailor it to fit that area. For instance, the one near my folks house carries saltwater flies, while the one in omaha probably doesn't.
#13
Guest_BTDarters_*
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Posted 24 February 2010 - 03:25 AM
I don't know how Cabela's is about women's waders, but I'm a "stout" guy and I got some boot foot waders from them. The waders are great! I used them all of 2009 with no problems. And they're camouflage pattern! 
Brian
Edit: Spelling. Aarrggh!
Brian
Edit: Spelling. Aarrggh!
Edited by BTDarters, 24 February 2010 - 03:25 AM.
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