waders

[joedog]

Ok, ydoc is right. Noeprenes are really not that bad ...when in the water.
They have a nice tight fit and for me alittle more ease in manuverability. (I'm small)
Now the real or first question you need to ask is do you want bootfeet or stocking foot.
Next be aware that there are different thickness of neoprene, 3-3.5mm most common now. Thicker...hotter.
I personally use bootfeet in 2mm. Good luck findinding under 2.5mm.
Anyways if you use bootfeet, your wearing 'boots'. It's the feet that take the heat punishishment. Hence neos are fine. Breathable are usually stocking foot altough there are exceptions. The comfort of breathable is kind of lost when your feet are stuck in boots heating up.
So which one do you get?..........GOT ME?
But a few things to consider. Stocking foot you buy seperate shoes or boots or what ever you need. This adds another min $30. If your bottom your working is gravel or rock, go breathable and stocking foot. Be aware your going to probably want different footwear depending on weather. Sandles aren't good for cold water....another $30.
If your feet are sinking into the bottom deeper than your ankles then in my opinion bootfeet are a must. There are gravel gaurds and such for stocking foot but they really aren't as effective in mud and silt, plus when you step in muck it creats a 'vacum' making loosing a shoe very concievable. .

Lastly...shop!
You can spend $40 to $440.
Till you really get some time in the water to really find your wants and not wants. But be very cautious of spending too much but be carefull, going cheap off brand can cause early problems because they will end up leaking. Maybe not at first but my guess is before seasons end.
I'm Wi. and i've been in the water a half a dozen times already and opening day was May 6th, so I've done and do a fare amount of wading. Oh and I have both and my neos get used twice as much, year round.

Good luck and you will enjoy. It really opens alot more opportunity for shorebusters.