How to Choose the Right Wader Shoe?
Love fishing? It is time to take it to the next level if you haven't done so already. Many fishing enthusiasts and professionals enjoy fishing as an all-day activity and sometimes even as a multi-day activity. The only catch to really enjoy fishing all through the day is to wear the most comfortable clothes. This becomes all the more important if you like to fish during winter or if you'd like to wade through waters to catch that perfect fish.
Interest in fishing has increased tremendously over the last few years. In fact, a survey conducted in 2017 shows that 49 million Americans are involved in freshwater, saltwater, and fly fishing, and this has led to the emergence of many equipment manufacturers who make the gear needed to get an excellent fishing experience. Some of the common forms of clothing that have emerged include wader show, waterproof hoodies, boots, wader socks, wader suits, and more.
With such a plethora of choices, it is hard to choose a particular brand of wader shoe or socks over others, and this is why we show you some of the aspects to consider while making this choice.
Type of Sole
There are two broad types of wader boot soles and they are felt and rubber/plastic soles. Felt gives excellent grip on rocks and other uneven surfaces, particular on smooth rocks often found in riverbeds. But it is not the best choice when it comes to muddy banks as it makes the boots slippery.
Rubber or plastic soles, on the other hand, are ideal for muddy surfaces and is the best choice for those who have to hike a long way through the water to reach their favorite fishing spot.
A relatively lesser-known option is the cleated soles. This type of sole is ideal when you want a secure footing, especially when you have to walk over moss patches or dead leaves. However, this sole is not ideal for muddy water as cleaning these boots can be a nightmare.
Extra Support
If you plan to spend long hours in the water or plan to walk a few hours through water, make sure you pick a pair of wading boots that provide extra support for your ankle and heel. It is also a good idea to include toe and heel caps on your wading shoes to give you additional protection against unnoticed rocks. The added advantage is that these caps increase the longevity of your wader shoe.
Material
These outdoor boots come in many materials and styles to suit the preferences of different individuals. You can pick the style and the material that you like the most, but ensure that the material can withstand the water and its underlying current. If you plan to fish through a specific terrain, you can even choose a material that will be ideal for it. Consider buying a wader shoe with Durable water Repellent to avoid water absorption and to prolong the life of your wader shoes.
Size
Though this may seem like an elementary choice, the truth is the size of wading boots tend to be different than normal footwear. In fact, you should buy one size larger than your normal footwear to accommodate the neoprene socks you'll wear.