Buying Waders Online
When it comes to buying waders, most folks head on down to their local fly shop or sporting goods store to get fitted before they purchase a pair. This of course is the tried and true method of getting the best fit and function out of your waders.
However; what if you don’t live close to a store that carries the waders you want…or any waders for that matter? What if you are an extreme introvert and hate being around people? What if you are a person that refuses to shop anywhere but online? What if the waders are not for you at all and you are buying a present for someone else? In these situations, shopping for waders becomes a bit more interesting and involved.
There are a few things beyond just the proper fit that you will want to consider.
Disclaimer
Simms Waders
Simms waders have been our go-to wader for almost 40 years and we have found them to be the best and most durable available. Many people may balk at the price of some Simms waders, but there is a reason for the cost: they last a very long time. Many of our guides have put 15+ years into a pair of Simms Gore-tex waders with 200+ days on the water each year before retiring them. They just last. Simms Gore-tex waders are easily maintained. Simms has an incredible warranty and repair service out of Bozeman, Montana (where the waders themselves are made). We are a Simms shop when it comes to waders because Simms just performs the best with hard use.
Patagonia
Now that being said, we have recently started carrying a few models of Patagonia waders. Patagonia has been in the wader business for a while now and has gotten their waders fit and styles dialed. The new family of Swiftcurrent waders is becoming a standard all their own. Made with self-healing Patagonia’s H2No proprietary wader fabric, many of us have found ourselves in a pair of Patagonia waders over the past few years. The Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders are what a few of us wear, and we love them. The knee pads are a game changer.
How often will these waders be used?
How often is a pretty important question to ask yourself when purchasing waders. If you plan on using them once or twice a year, then buying the highest-end waders available may not be the best use of your funds. However, if you plan on going full on trout bum, quitting your life, and fishing until the rapture or when the Ramen loses its appeal; then you may want to consider a better pair. Buy once, cry once.
Where will your waders be used?
Where is also important to consider. Big open rivers? High mountain creeks? Saltwater? Silty or mossy spring creeks? Depth of water? Temps of the water (and air). These locations and factors can dictate the type, style, or material of the wader you want to buy.
How will your waders be used?
Again, this important to consider. Will you be hiking a lot where weight (and sweating a lot) is an issue? Will you mainly be rowing a boat? Are you going to hunt in these waders? Do you plan on scrambling over lots of abrasive rocks and boulders?
Materials
There are as many wader materials available as there are wader manufacturers; most being dubbed as some kind of “breathable” material. The actual breathability of different materials is up for debate, but for simplicity’s sake when we say breathable waders, we mean a thin but rugged fabric that allows water (and heat) to escape through the fabric away from your body. This is important during hot days when you are moving around a lot. Our favorite being Simms Gore-tex as it breathes great, lasts forever, and is very easy to repair.
Other wader materials include neoprene, rubber, and some kind of treated canvas. Neoprene waders were very popular until breathable waders came along, although neoprene still holds popularity with those who spend much of their time wading in water temps that are just above freezing. With advances in base layers, thermal insulation, and sweat-wicking clothing, however; we have found that a good pair of breathable waders work just as well (if not better) than a pair of neoprene waders.
Hip vs Pant vs Chest Waders
When considering where or how you will be using your waders (from above), you should be led to a few wader-style options that will best suit your needs.
Hip Waders – Hip waders have gone out of fashion except with Farmer Bob out of Dubuque, Iowa. Out west, most opt for either no waders when it’s warm, or at least pant waders. However, lightweight hip waders can be found that are great for those who are doing a lot of hiking and very little wading in small creeks. Hip waders do have their limitations though in that one cannot wade much deeper than above the knee.
Pant Waders – Pant waders are quite popular with many of our guides and clients for much of our local water. Pant waters fit just like pants (with a waterproof stockingfoot), but are not as warm as chest-high waders. While pant waders are good for most situations, they do not allow for wading in water deeper than waist-high. For most people, this is not a big issue as they rarely wade deeper than knee-high anyway, especially here in the Rocky Mountains. Pant waders are also the best choice for those who spend a lot of time rowing a boat with little time in and out of water that is not very deep. Hiking and scrambling over rocks and boulders are made somewhat more pleasant with pant waders. Our favorite pant wader is the Simms G3 Guide Wading Pant.
Chest Waders – Chest waders are by far the most widely known and most versatile. Some Chest waders even convert from pants to chest waders. If you are fishing deep, cold water; chest waders are the best choice. They are also a good choice for fishing through the winter or if you are planning on hunting in them. Late or early-season steelhead fishing should be done in a pair of chest waders as they will keep you warmest. Our go-to chest waders are the Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Waders.
Stockingfoot vs Bootfoot
Simms has been building bootfoot waders for many years now. Bootfoots have a few advantages over stockingfoot waders. The most obvious benefit is that you don’t have to put on waders and then lace up your wading boots (nor do you have to buy wading boots). You just slip into them and go. The other benefit is they are extremely warm. Many of our guides opt for the bootfoot waders when guiding on the San Juan River tailwater as the water flowing out of Navajo Dam is released from the bottom of the lake at right around 40 degrees. Bootfoots make great waders for tailwaters, winter fishing, and steelhead fishing.
The drawback to bootfoot waders is they are heavier and bulkier than standard stockingfoot waders and boots. If you do a lot of moving and hiking when fishing, bootfoot waders may not be the best choice for you. However, if you value warmth and ultimate comfort; you may want to consider a pair of bootfoots.
Price
Price can be a sensitive or heated issue for many, and everyone’s economic situation is different. When it comes to most waders; you get what you pay for. While everyone is entitled to their opinion about wader price and quality, our suggestion is this: buy the best pair of waders you can reasonably afford. That does not mean they have to be the best waders made; there are plenty of mid-price range waders that will work great for you. Buying the best you can afford will lead to fewer headaches (and less money spent) in the long run.
Consider this:
Many of our guides have put 15+ years into a pair of Simms Gore-tex waders with 200+ days on the water before retiring them. We have seen cheap waders leak and fall apart after less than ten days of use.
If you were to buy a pair of $80 waders at big box retailer, where 10 days of use is about the max that we have ever seen before they leak too much to be comfortable: you spent $8 per day on the water for those waders.
Now as we have been proven time and time again, a pair of Simms Gore-tex waders have lasted many of us 200 days a year on the water for 15+ years. Let’s just be conservative and say that we only guided with them 100 days a year for 8 years and we bought the Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoots for $699.95 (2023 price). That equals out to spending $0.87 per day on the water for those waders. The difference of $8 a day vs. $0.87 a day is quite different.
In the end, it is up to the individual to choose what is best for them. Just remember that leaky waders lead to less time actually fishing.
Sizing
Sizing is quite possibly the single most important consideration when buying waders online. Buying the correct size not only equates to wearing comfortable waders; it also determines the longevity of the waders. Buying waders that are too large will cause wear and tear over time when there are too many folds in the material. Waders that are too small will cause stress at the seams and crotch and wear out in these areas quicker.
When buying waders online, your initial sizing assistance should come from the manufacturer’s provided sizing chart. For example, Simms not only has a wide variety of wader sizes; the sizing charts Simms provides are extremely accurate. Finding your measurements on the Simms sizing chart is a very reliable way to accurately size yourself for waders. Your best bet is to break out the measuring tape and get some accurate measurements. The three most important measurements to size yourself for waders are:
- your largest girth around in inches (chest, waist, or hips)
- your inseam in inches (crotch to floor)
- your shoe size.
We do provide all of these sizing tables with all our waders listed in the Waders section of our Online Store. However, here are a few sizing charts to use when sizing yourself up for waders:
- Simms Men’s Wader Sizing
- Simms Bootfoot Wader Sizing
- Simms Women’s Wader Sizing
- Patagonia Men’s Wader Sizing
- Patagonia Women’s Wader Sizing
However when in doubt, when it comes to size; give the online retailer a call with your concerns. Any reputable online store will have a contact phone number where you can ask your questions or state your needs before you buy. We at Duranglers are available to answer any wader questions 7 days a week. Call us at 970-385-4081 or e-mail [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Wading Boots
One small note about buying boots online. Sizing for different manufacturers varies. Currently the two boot companies we carry are Simms and Patagonia. When buying either of these boot companies, it is good to keep this in mind:
When buying Simms boots, round up one size from your street shoe. If you wear a size 9 street shoe, you will need a size 10 Simms boot. If you wear half sizes like 9 1/2, rounding up to a 10 is a good idea; however if you plan on wearing multiple socks you may want to bump that up to a size 11 for the added room. The boot may feel a little big, but the warmth and circulation of your foot is more important.
When buying Patagonia boots, buy your shoe size. Meaning if you wear a size 9, buy a size 9. The sizes run a little large so that when stuffed with two pairs of socks and a neoprene bootie, they still fit great. If you wear a half size like a 9 1/2, then round a half size up to the Patagonia 10.
Conclusion
Buying any garment online can seem overwhelming at times, but with a little research we are confident that anyone can find the best waders for their needs. Again, please contact us here at Duranglers if you need any help picking out the best waders for you.
Terrific guide to wader sizing. Extremely informative and helpful. I find myself needing to buy a new pair of waders immediately because I’m going on a trip next weekend. I must admit that I purchased a pair about 2 years ago, from a major franchise store, and went for an inexpensive option. Yes, a mistake, which results in my current situation. Sizing is a challenge for me, as I’m a big, athletic man. 6′ 7″ 235 lbs size 14 shoe, 46 chest-36 waist, jeans/pants inseam 36. Simms XXL seems almost perfect but I’m concerned about the bootie size being 12-13. Will that be too small and tight for me? If so, can you recommend any other waders which would be a good fit for me? Again, thanks for the sizing guide.
Rich
Hey Rich, The standard stock size stockingfoot for any XXL wader that Simms makes is going to be a 12-13 stockingfoot. However, Simms does have a custom program that we can special order an XXL wader with a size 14-15 stockingfoot. We do actually have these stockingfoots (not full waders) in our shop that you could try on to confirm if the 12-13 or 14-15 would be the size you need. If you do indeed need the size 14-15 with the XXL, there is an additional custom charge of $65 to have these stockingfoots attached. What is nice is you can have these custom sized stockings attached to any wader Simms makes in their Bozeman, MT factory.
If you are in the area, please feel free to stop by the shop and we would be more than happy to help you get sized up with right sized stockingfoot. Also please feel free to call or e-mail me with any additional questions Rich!
Thanks again
Andy McKinley
970-385-4081
[email protected]
Great read. Having a problem picking suitable waders being an awkward size myself. 6ft tall, 41inch chest, 33inch inseam, 8.5 shoe size. Anything to fit me there?
Hey Martin,
It sounds like the best wader fit for you would be a Simms wader in the Medium King sizing. The sizes are as such for the Medium King wader:
LARGEST GIRTH (CHEST, WAIST OR HIPS) – 41″-42-
INSEAM – 33″-34″
STOCKINGFOOT – 9-11
The sizing of the stockingfoot would be best for you as even though you wear an 8.5 shoe, you will be wearing at least a size 9 Simms boot.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions on this Martin and thanks for the question!
-Andy
Hello there. I am going on a moose hunt in Alaska and did not know that I had to preorder size 14 or 15 boots from Simms. Now I don’t have enough time to get them. Would you all happen to have a pair I could buy? I need the G3 pants as well.
Hello Steve,
We do currently have a size 14 Simms G3 Guide boot in stock and can be found here:
https://duranglers.com/product/simms-g3-guide-boot/
We do also have the G3 pants in stock and they can be found here:
https://duranglers.com/product/simms-g3-guide-pant-waders/
Thank you very much and please let me know if I can answer any additional questions.
-Andy
I’m looking for some advice…. there are no retailers near me that stock multiple sizes of g3 waders… I’m 5’11. 190.. inseam 31 and 41 at the chest however this is an exact measurement…. should I be looking at a pair of mediums or medium kings???? I do want to be able to go stealheading in the winter too (multiple layers)… please help
Hello Michael,
With your measurements, it sounds like a pair of Medium Kings would be your best bet, especially when you factor in extra layering. Please let me know if you have any other questions at all!
Take care,
Andy
Hey I’m looking for some wader sizing advice as well. I’m 6ft 43 chest and 34/35 waist. Size 12 shoe. Should I go with the Large? How much neoprene resistance is there in a size 9-11 stockingfoot for a guy with a size 12 shoe? And then would I buy a size 13 boot?
Thanks!
Hello Owen,
Thanks for your questions regarding waders. It sounds like you would fit a size Large just fine. However, you should note that Simms makes size large with a 9-11 stocking foot and then a size large with a 12-13 stocking foot. I would suggest the size Large (12-13) for you.
Thanks again for your question and please let me know if I can help you with anything else.
-Andy McKinley
Duranglers Flies and Supplies
***First time buying waders***
Hi, i have a question about proper fit of both stocking foot and waders. I have never used waders before as i have only fly fished for a few years now and i live in Texas. After doing my research i felt Simms Freestone Waders were my best option for the price range i have. I’m 6ft 215lb and wear a 10 1/2 shoe. Don’t know my exact measurements but I’m a 34”-36” waist, mid 40’s chest and most of my pants are either 34” or 36” long. So I’m guessing a inseam of 32”.
So here is my concern. The large, *which is what i thought i should get based on the chart*, fit nice when standing and the stockings fitted like a sock (9-11). HOW SHOULD THEY FIT? But it was quite tight when i bent over, set down, stepped on a bench or get down on a knee. I did not like that since i hike or ride a four wheeler to most fishing spots.
The XL, which is what i bought (plan to use them this weekend). Feel very comfortable and roomy. I can bend and move in any position now. What concerns me as i continue my research is that to me they look and feel pretty baggy now and the XL comes with a 12-13 Stocking, which had good amount of extra room in them while wearing regular socks. Fit like i had on a pair of shoes one size to big. Seeing comments about them being to baggy is a bad thing has me worried i need a different size.
And please remember. I really have no clue how they should feel or fit, so any info is appreciated. I did not want to waste money on cheap ones and at the moment Simms G3 suits are just to much.
How should the stockings fit?
Which Size do you think i should go with?
If you think the XL was the right choice, what should i do to make the stocking fit better?
Thanks, Jason
Hey Jason,
Sounds like you have a few different things to consider with Freestone Waders. The main issue is that with the Freestones, their size run is limited. Without being able to properly fit you in the shop, I will just give you a few things to consider, but I will break it down by size based on what you have said:
Large – The stockingfoots fit just great, but the waders don’t have a lot of room for movement.
XL – These have a lot of room and are comfortable and you can bend and move, but they feel pretty baggy and the 12-23 stocking foot is too large.
Large Long [LL (12-13)] – These waders may be closer to fitting you as they are a little taller, however the stockingfoot will again be too large.
Large King (LK) – These might be your best bet. The LK size will have a little more width than the Large, but will be the same height. The stockingfoots should be 9-11 so they will fit a lot better. However, you may want to try these on before you commit as they may still be a little constraining when you bend over and sit down.
Again, it is hard to tell unless you were in the shop and able to try some on. However, I think from what you have told me the Large King size (LK) might be your best bet. The other option is to stick with the XL’s however the problem is you will have a lot of extra material in the stockingfoot.
I hope this helps.
Andy McKinley
Duranglers Flies and Supplies
Good article . . . I prefer a bootfoot wader for Great Lakes Steelheading, I want a pair of Simms G3’s, but the range of the bootfoot model does not seem to as a varied as the stockingfoot models . . . I need an XL short according to the stockingfoot size chart . . . can I get an XL short in the bootfoot model?
Hello Dan,
I had to do a little digging, but I did find that Simms does have stock sizes of their bootfoot waders in size XLShort. With XLS, you can get them in boot sizes 11, 12, and 13. I hope that helps, please let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you,
-Andy
Hi, I am 5’11 195 with an 11 foot. Do u know what size G3 waders would be best? Thanks
Hello Mike,
To best figure out which G3 waders would fit you, it is good to know your inseam and largest girth measurement (chest, waist, or hips). Without knowing those measurements it is hard to give you a very accurate answer, but my best guess is that you would be a Medium King or Large with a 9-11 stockingfoot.
Please let me know if I can answer any other questions!
-Andy
Need new waders and boots.
I’m 5ft 9in weight 175 chest 42 waist 36 inseam 28 street shoe 9.5-10 dependent on brand.
Any ideas in Simms?
.
Hey Elvin,
Off hand, based on your measurements it sounds like a good size for you would a Medium King Short. However, it can be tricky to actually gauge the size based on measurements alone. I am 5′ 9″ and I wear a straight Medium so a Medium King Short might actually be too short even though your inseam is 28. If I had to make a recommendation based on your sizes as well as what I know about Simms, I would say you need a Medium King. This size would give you plenty of movement when hiking, climbing over boulders, or sitting.
The Simms G3 stockingfoots are the best bet for the money and will last you a very long time. That would be my recommendation.
Please let me know if you have any other sizing questions at all.
Thanks you,
-Andy McKinley
Duranglers Flies and Supplies
Thanks, any recommendations o boots and sizing.
Any recommendations on boots?
Any boot recommendations?
Hey Elvin,
As far as boots go, it sounds like you would be a Simms boot size 11 since you wear a 9.5-10 street shoe. Usually you want to go up a size with Simms boots to ensure that you have enough room for warm socks when needed. It is better to be a little big than a little small with wading boots.
As far as boots go, our favorites are the Simms Headwaters Boots or the Simms Freestone Boots. These boots will last you a long time and are comfortable, durable wading boots.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you,
Andy McKinley
Duranglers Flies and Supplies
Andy
I was able to try a pair of Simms in MKS,. I felt restricted in both the length and body.
Would a LS have too much inseam for me?
5″ 9 28 t0 29 inseam 42 36 175lbs.
Thanks
Hey Elvin,
As I stated before, you might want to try a Medium King, however Large Short may also work great for you and it should not have too much extra inseam to be an issue.
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you,
Andy
Hi Andy,
I am in the process of purchasing a pair of Simms G3 guide stockingfoot waders and G3 Guide boots. My measurements are inseam 31″, Chest 40″, height 5’10”, weight 185, and shoe size 11.5. I went to the local store to try on a pair of large (9-11) waders with size 11 G3 boots.. I thought that the feet were a little tight. So they ordered a pair of size 12 boots and L(12-13) G3 waders. The feet and boots feel great but I cannot tell if the legs and chest are too loose. Should I go Medium? I am not seeing a Medium sized wader with a size 12 foot. Just by reading this, what would you suggest? Should I stick with the L(12-13)? Looking at pictures of people who wear these waders, they appear to fit a little more snug on the chest and legs.
Thanks,
Tate
Hey Tate,
So it sounds like you have a few options. You could go with the size 12 boots and L(12-13) G3 waders, although the fit will be a little long and wide. It isn’t a big deal to wear waders that are a little long or wide for you, but if you are going to be dropping the coin on G3’s, ideally you want them to fit properly.
The second option is to try a pair of Medium King(MK) G3 waders out with the size 12 boots. It sounds like your fit is more along the lines of a MK anyway. The MK only come in the 9-11 stockingfoot size however. Your issue could be that the 9-11 stockingfoots are too small for your feet, BUT with an 11.5 foot you may find they do fit. The issue may have been that you need a size 12 boot. It is at least worth it to try on the MK with a size 12 boot.
The third option, should you find that the MK(9-11) don’t fit, is Simms’ custom program. Since Simms does not make a MK with a 12-13 stockingfoot in their stock sizes; this would be a custom creation. The custom fee is $65 additional to make these stockingfoot waders. We at Duranglers would be more than happy to help you out with this if you decided to order a pair. Please let us know and we can get these ordered for you with no charge for shipping. You can email me at [email protected]
Please let me know if you have any other questions at all Tate.
Thank you!
-Andy
Hi I am 5ft 7inches with a 45inch chest waist is 35-36 weight 220 lbs what size would I be in simms and patagonia waders?
Hi Andy, I am looking for waders that fit me right I am 5ft 7inches having a big belly my chest is 45inches my weight is 220lbs with size 9.5 street shoe size and my inseam on my pants is 30inches for the simms g3 or patagonia rio gallegos what size would fit me right? my guess is LKS in simms and LMS or XLM in patagonias?
thanks
james
Hello James,
Thanks for your question. It sounds like in Simms G3s, your size would be LKS. Patagonia, my reccomendation would be the Large Short with Medium bootie.
Please let me know if you have any other questions at all.
Thank you,
Andy McKinley
Hi Andy, what do you suggest L or LL on a pair of G4Z ? I’ve tested a guys G4P size L to check size and could feel a slight stress over knees and in the crotch when sittiing In tracking position or on knees ,standing farirly ok , I am traind 187 cm and 100 kg inseam 845 mm or 33,26 inch
Hello Hans,
It sounds like you would be a standard Large. However, it is hard to tell without knowing your largest girth (either chest or waist). It is possible you would need LL if you have tried the Large and it seemed too small. However you may want to look into a Large King as well.
-Andy
40 inch in the Waist and 42.5 in the chest and over the butt. Thats the missing sizings sorry!
Thanks Hans
I need a wafer with a long inseam. I’m 6’2″ with a 34″ inseam and 32″ waist. I currently have a pair of Orvis Silver that are Medium Long. Even in a Long with inseam of 33/34″ listed they are a bit short in the crotch which makes it tough to climb up or down taller things. Do you know if either Simms or Patagonias run a bit longer than the Orvis?
Hello Jengah,
Simms or Patagonia should have waders that fit you a bit better. Without knowing your largest girth around your chest or your street shoe size, it is hard to say. You may possibly fit in a Medium Long, a Large, or a Large Long in G3s. Let me know your largest girth and street shoe size and I can help you narrow it down.
Thank you,
Andy
Hi Andy –
My largest girth is 39″ and shoes size is a 10. I know both Simms and Patagonia make a Medium Long (ML) but does one have longer legs than the other?
Thank
I’m a 42″ chest.; 32″ inseam; and 9.5″ shoe. What size Simms G3 pant waded would fit best?
Hey Mike,
Since the pants do not have a chest measurement, we would need your waist measurement instead. Let me know and I can tell you which G3 Pants would be best. Thank you!
Andy
Hello, I’m 5’4, 30-31 waist, 30 inseam are there any smaller options? Thanks
Hello Henry,
Certainly! It sounds like you would fit in a possibly a Small or Medium Short for Simms Waders. What is your shoe size?
Thank you,
Andy
Hi Andy,
I’m 6’, 195 with a 34” waist and 32” inseam. I’m also a 9.5 in shoes. What size of Simms waders and shoes would you recommend?
I’m thinking a L and 10, or would a LS and 11 be a better fit?
Hey Ryan,
You are correct, your best fit would be a Large with a size 10 boot. Please let me know if I can help you with anything else!
Andy
Hey I’m 5’4″ and have a 28 inseam size 9 shoes and largest girth is 36 but I am woundering do you measure with both feet together and if I get say a medium short simmes will their be too much room
Hey Maxwell,
It sounds like your best fit would be Simms Medium Short. Smaller waders will still have a larger inseam. You could try on a standard Small, but I would suggest the Medium Short. You will have a little more room around, but you won’t have as much material in the length of the legs. Let me know if you have any other questions on fit at all! Thank you
Andy
Looking for zipered wadees Shoecsize is
12 EEE. 6’1””Waist-40.5
Hips-41
Chest- 43
Inseam- 33
Do some climbing up and down stream banks so waders can’t be too tight.
What do you recomend?
Thx
Hey Joel,
It sounds like you would be a Simms Large (12-13)! Thanks, let me know if you have any other questions.
Andy
Andy:
Looking for the correct G3 guide wader size
5’11 ..165lbs
45” chest
32” waist
29” inseam
10.5 shoe
Do I go with a MKS and be too small in the chest or do I go to a LK which will fit the chest but the be off on the inseam?
Also, would bumping up to only a size 11 in a wading boot be sufficient ?
Hey Brett,
I would not go with either of those sizes. It sounds like your closest size would actually be a LKS which would be closer to your inseam. Bumping up to a size 11 would be just fine, but you should still try on a size 12 wading boot just to be sure.
Thank you! -Andy
Hello! I am 5’6″, 40″ waist, 38″ chest and 29″ to 30″ inseam. Can you tell me please what size will fit better from simms g3 and patagonia? Thanks a lot!
Hey Bobby,
It sounds like your best bet for Simms G3 waders would be the MKS size. You can find the G3 Guide Waders here!
Thanks again,
Andy
Thanks, Andy! Do you think that MS will be too small? I don’t like wide pants. At MKS the pants are wider than at MS? I don’t use the waders in winter with lots of clothes, so maybe MS will be ok. But you know better than me 🙂 so that’s why i ask you. And if my street shoes size is 7 1/2, should I buy an 8 from Simms boots, or 9?
Hi Andy,
I am looking at the Simms Freestone Z waders. I am 6’0″ if I stand up straight. Weight – 190# Inseam – 31″ Chest – 44″ Street shoe size 11. I tried on a pair of Size L FSZ and they seem to be a bit large and baggy all the way around. Would I do better with the MK? Thanks
Hey Richard,
I might recommend you try on a Large Short before the MK.
Thank you!
Andy
Looking at Simms G3 or Freestone waders but would love to try fit comparison with Patagonia and Orvis. I’m 6′ 1 1/2″ tall 155 lbs with 37″ maximum girth (chest), 34″ inseam, and size 11 shoe. I don’t want to swim in my waders. I would love a small with custom tall inseam (33-34″) and stocking foot (9-11) but Simms only offers the stocking foot custom.
Looking at my measurements, M makes sense but I know the chest will be roomy and my waist is 30 or 31 which is why I think S would fit best.
Or what about a custom stocking foot 9-11 on a S, can I get away with a 31-32″ inseam? Isn’t the sizing generous especially considering I wear size 11 Simms Freestone boots and the bottom of the laces is a legit 4″ off the floor. If you subtract that from my 34″ inseam then I think I can get away with it as I measured my inseam barefoot.
Finally, what about Patagonia do they have a more svelte sizing? I’ve never worn waders but appreciate a good fit. I would prefer Simms but if Patagonia or Orvis fit better then I could go with either. I noticed today Orvis offers a M tall which matches my numbers closely.
Hey Hollis,
So it sounds like in Simms you would be a perfect Medium, but you may also want to check out the Medium Long as well. Simms does not actually make a custom tall Small wader with a larger sized stocking foot. I personally think you will find the Medium your best bet, even though there is a little extra girth. If you find yourself fishing out in the cold, needing extra layers under your waders, a Medium would be the best option.
On that note, I personally wear a size M in Simms waders. I have owned the previous generation of G4 Pro waders as well as the new generation of G3s. I can personally attest to while they are the same size on paper, the newer G3 waders actually have a tighter girth than the previous models. You can check them out here too https://duranglers.com/product/simms-g3-guide-stockingfoot-waders/
It may sound like a Small would work, but you would have very little room to move or sit especially since you are over 6 foot tall. You absolutely want a little more room than less when it comes to waders. Sitting down or squating becomes a big pain when waders don’t fit right.
As far as Patagoina waders go, I would suggest checking out the size Long ML. This size may have a more svelt fit for you and the stocking foots would be your size as well. I am not sure about the Orvis waders, but they might be worth trying on before you decide if you can.
I hope that helps, please let us know if you have any other questions!
Andy
You mentioned the new G3 has a tighter girth, what about the Freestone, would the fit be comparable? As far as durability is there any reason to stay away from the Freestone? I have Simms Freestone boots and love them. Thanks for your reply, Andy. I found this write up more than helpful.
Looking for some Simms waders. I am 5’9″ with 32″ waist, 31″ inseam, I am 155lbs and wear a 9.5 shoe, any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.
Hey John, it sounds like you would be a straight Medium in Simms. Our favorite is the Simms G3 Waders. https://duranglers.com/product/simms-g3-guide-stockingfoot-waders/
Thanks, Andy
I have searched extensively for chest waders with no luck. I surf fish and also do some wade fishing in the ICW here in NC.
I’m 5″8″ 250lbs. I wear 44-46″ waste, 30″ length pants and 9 EEEE shoe size.
A disabled Veteran (metal in neck and back), however unless there really heavy boots or sock feet will be ok. The true short and fat guy.
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