Best fishing waders and wading boots need to keep you dry and comfortable all day long. These are the Fish Alaska team’s picks for the best boots and fishing waders on the market. These will get you where you want to fish and keep you dry on the way.
Best Fishing Wading Gear
Grundéns Portal Gore-Tex Wading Jacket
Publisher Marcus Weiner says there’s a lot to like about Grundéns Portal Wading Jacket. It’s made from GORE-TEX, making it both waterproof and breathable. Marcus reports that he subjected this jacket to some serious fall wind and rain and that he stayed perfectly dry over several very wet weeks. The shingled neoprene sleeve cuff is well designed and kept the water out when submerging his hands while releasing fish. The oversized drop hood gives you superior protection from snotty weather and can be rolled up and tucked behind the collar during nice days. The jacket has large storage pockets, which Marcus appreciates, as well as a tippet pocket with holes to thread the tippet through.
Top-Rated Wading Gear from Past Editors’ Choice Awards
Chota Blue Line Deluxe Stocking Foot Chest Wader
The Blue Line is Chota’s premium wader. One of the great things about the Blue Line is the wide range of sizes available—13 in all. They have a wader to fit almost everyone from 5’5” to up to 6’5” tall, with foot sizes from 8 to 15. Blue line waders are convertible from chest- to waist high. Features include an extra-wide heavy-duty tactical-grade wading belt, improved Duc’s suspender system, double-sided fleece-lined hand warmer, reinforced 5-ply fabric in the lower leg as well as knees and seat area, water-resistant zippered chest and interior pockets, and 4 mm ergonomic neoprene booties. These waders are comfortable, well-fitting and roomy enough for layers, cost effective, and men will appreciate that thanks to the Duc’s suspender system, they can answer the call of nature (number one) without having to remove any jackets worn over the waders.
Grundéns Boundary Stockingfoot Wader
Long known as the manufacturer of rugged saltwater fishing gear, Grundéns has continued to expand their product portfolio, and the introduction of their Boundary wader line is the latest in new-product innovations. Made with GORE-TEX Pro Wader Laminate, the rugged wader is well made and comfortable. We like the fit of these men’s waders and the functionality of the big, main, front pocket. These waders are available in many sizes and in zippered and non-zippered versions. We tested the non-zippered version.
Big Ray’s Arolik Women’s Togiak Waders
Functional and tough, these waders are exclusive to Big Ray’s. Functionality is in a multitude of pockets in just the right places—including an inner phone and key pocket—and dual suspender-attachment points to get all your gear in play. Toughness comes from 4-ply uppers with 6-ply reinforced leggings, and double-taped 4 mm neoprene booties. These waders are designed specifically for a woman’s shape, and are available in sizes XS through 2XL. They are generously sized so if you purchase true to your normal size, you should have room for layering.
Patagonia Forra Wading Boots
Both of our Publishers wore these boots in 2023 and had good things to say. They are lightweight, but offer excellent ankle support. That makes them good to hike in, which they did on several days of action-packed fishing on the Kulik River and American Creek in Katmai. These boots feature Vibram Mars sole technology, which we feel produces a really good grip and comfortable foot bed. Additionally, the roomy toe box provides plenty of space for waders. The Cordura nylon mesh upper dries quickly and is tough, both good qualities in a wading boot. Subsequently, Publisher Marcus Weiner has been wearing these boots during some wet hunts and on several clam digs and continues to be impressed with their fit.