CapeChris Loc: Cape Cod, MA

Why would you select stocking foot waders over boot foot and vice versa?
Does salt water or fresh water matter?
Which do you like better and why?

Also, does anyone know if Massachusetts allows felt soles?

depwarden Loc: Allentown, Pa.

I love my stocking foot waders. Much lighter than the booted waders. I also found them to be more comfortable. Good luck in whatever you choose.

Foodfisher Loc: SO. Cal coast

You betcha those boots get heavy. Early leaks where the rigid boot meets the flex trousers.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Probably not on the shoreline, but possibly in rivers and streams. Don't they have a rule book?

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

I loved stocking footed until I had two hips replaced. I now opt for the boot foots. Now more felts, I simply use korkers. The laws are so varied involving felts in every state I’m taking the easy way out.

CRKfish Loc: Southern New Jersey

The boots that are meant to wear with stocking foot waders are light and offer much more support and comfort than boots built into boot foot waders. Some guys don’t like them (stocking foot) on sand in surf because sand can get in between the boot and the neoprene socks attached to the waders, But if you use gravel guards as I do, you can avoid that. One advantage of boot foot waders is they go on a little faster. They also may be less expensive since you don’t need to buy the wading boots to wear with the stocking foot waders. Personally I love my stocking foot waders on the beach and in a stream. When using either style in saltwater it is strongly recommended that you rinse them off well with fresh water from a hose after every use as well as the rest of your gear too.