AK Moose waders- stocking foot vs boot foot?

[MtnsWinAgain]

Looking for input on which waders to bring, hunting with PB out of Bethel in Sept, sounds like swamp hunting, living in waders. I've got a nice orvis pair with the zip that are boot foot, I love the boot foot for cold weather hunting in MT and they're just real convenient on and off. Also have a set of simms with wading boots. Seems like benefit to stocking foot is the ability to turn them inside out once at camp, and slightly stronger boot. Anyone have strong opinions either way? Stocking foot warm enough for that hunt? Thanks

 

[Elkhuntinfool78]

I used simms stocking foot waders and loved them but I have never used boot foot waders so I can't give you a comparison

 

[shader112]

Great question
I use boot foot duck hunting and like them a lot, but have heard stocking foot are what most use for moose. I'm gearing up for a float moose trip in 26 so have the same question as you

 

[chucko]

Stocking only you can turn them inside out and at least pat dry em once you get your boot foot wet you will live in wet feet the entire trip

 

[AKDoc]

I've hunted the area where you're going many times...it is wet...some areas much more than others. Your intuition is right...bring your Simms. Stocking foot waders with a good fitting pair of boots is the way to go for that hunt...better footing when walking over the tundra, more versatile to dry if you take in water, etc., etc..

My feet are plenty warm in my Simms stocking foot waders. If you're going later in the season you might have some freezing temps overnight, which might mean frozen boots in the morning. If so, just pour some hot water in your boots before putting them on and you're good to go.

I also bring a pair of knee-high insulated rubber boots for "camp shoes". It's nice to have options if you're lucky enough not to have to wear your chest-waders continuously every day. If so, just remember to pull down the sides every night and remove the insoles to let them air-out and get rid of the retained moisture from the day.

Have a great hunt...it's moose country for sure.

 

[MtnsWinAgain]

I've hunted the area where you're going many times...it is wet...some areas much more than others. Your intuition is right...bring your Simms. Stocking foot waders with a good fitting pair of boots is the way to go for that hunt...better footing when walking over the tundra, more versatile to dry if you take in water, etc., etc..

My feet are plenty warm in my Simms stocking foot waders. If you're going later in the season you might have some freezing temps overnight, which might mean frozen boots in the morning. If so, just pour some hot water in your boots before putting them on and you're good to go.

I also bring a pair of knee-high insulated rubber boots for "camp shoes". It's nice to have options if you're lucky enough not to have to wear your chest-waders continuously every day. If so, just remember to pull down the sides every night and remove the insoles to let them air-out and get rid of the retained moisture from the day.

Have a great hunt...it's moose country for sure.

Great advice, thanks. Bringing some camp rubber boots for sure. Seems like no reason to bring actual hiking boots from what I've heard.

 

[keller]

Worst part of stocking foot waders is cold feet. I didn't pour hot water in them but see where it would help.not sure how long the hot water lasts. Both have their advantages. My feet are 1/2 size havnt been able to find a rubber boot that fits me good.

 

[AK Troutbum]

Like what's already been said, bring the Simms.

 

[Theringworm]

Stocking foot! I have done two Alaskan hunts in them and they are the way to go. Never once did I have cold feet. Aside from the advantage of turning them inside out to dry, they allow for a better boot fit that enables hiking long distances without discomfort. I have never seen a pair of boot waders fit as well as hiking boots. Boot waders while hiking scream blisters to me. Maybe I am wrong.

 

[Scottf270]

I hunted with Papa Bear twice and stocking foot waders are the only way to go for numerous reasons. Zippered waders don't hurt anything either.

 

[MtnsWinAgain]

Stocking only you can turn them inside out and at least pat dry em once you get your boot foot wet you will live in wet feet the entire trip

Makes sense, thanks!

I hunted with Papa Bear twice and stocking foot waders are the only way to go for numerous reasons. Zippered waders don't hurt anything either.

Hard to go back once you've worn the zippered ones for sure!

 

[Sako76]

What boots are you guys using with the stocking foot waders?

 

[AKDoc]

What boots are you guys using with the stocking foot waders?

Simm's G-4's for many years and then when I wore them out I switched to G-3's, which are great.

 

[MtnsWinAgain]

I’ve just used simms boots as well, all the simms stuff has been well built, I had one pair of waders that I abused for a decade that still work, just upgraded to a zip with boot foot

 

[Sako76]

Thanks guys! My outfitter said some guys use regular hunting boots or sneakers with their waist high SIMMs.

The only thing I don’t like about my SIMMs is boot foot is very hard to get over my heel when taking them off. I always thought this was a safety issue if I ever went into the drink. I actually went back to a rubber boot foot for duck hunting for this reason.

I’ve had the SIMMs for a long time, maybe I just need a bigger size! I’m not going to Alaska till 2026 so I will have a bunch of time to research waders/boots and try them on.

 

[Sako76]

Thanks guys! My outfitter said some guys use regular hunting boots or sneakers with their waist high SIMMs.

The only thing I don’t like about my SIMMs is boot foot is very hard to get over my heel when taking them off. I always thought this was a safety issue if I ever went into the drink. I actually went back to a rubber boot foot for duck hunting for this reason.

I’ve had the SIMMs for a long time, maybe I just need a bigger size! I’m not going to Alaska till 2026 so I will have a bunch of time to research waders/boots and try them on.

 

[wyodog]

I have used both. Either will get the job done but the stocking foot waders worked way better for me. I used the Simms waders which were awesome because you can buy the to fit your chest waist and inseam. Take your waders to the store and buy a pair of boots that fit a touch loose with your waders on so you can wear wool socks to keep your feet warm. I also wear a wader liner and base layer under my waders when it is cold. rain pants over the waders is nice when sitting and glassing for another layer.

I like to wear hunting boots over my stocking foot waders.