The Best Hip Waders in 2022
Hip waders are ideal for fishing in lakes, streams and in the surf. They are designed for use in spring and summer and are not really made for the cold, although some are. When you are going fishing, waders not only keep you dry and warm, which is the key to spending a full day on the water, they also allow you to access and fish the water more effectively. You will want the protection waders can give you, so you can stay sheltered from the elements and enjoy your day of fishing. Here is our list of the best hip waders out there at the moment.
OUR TOP PICKS
 | Duck and Fish Hip Wader
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 | TideWe Hip Wader
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 | Frogg Toggs Bull Frogg Canvas Hip Wader
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 | Frogg Toggs Rana II PVC Bootfoot Hip Wader
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 | FISHINGSIR Hip Waders
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 | Allen Hip Waders
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 | Frogg Toggs Cascades Rubber Hip Wader
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 | Chota Outdoor Gear Hip Waders
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Duck and Fish Hip Wader
These hip waders are lightweight and durable, thanks to being made from 420 Denier PVC. The welds are strong and you will not be getting a leak anytime soon. They have a comfortable fit and are easy to get on and off.
The boot sizes are large, if you are ordering them don’t follow the advice in the listing and get a size down. There is no cushioning in the boots so you may have to go and but some insoles for added comfort.
The waders are not insulated, so if you are planning to use them in a cold environment they may not be the best choice. They are great value if you are looking for a simple pair of hip waders to use in the warmer months.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Good value
Cons
- Foot size runs large
- No padding in the boots
- Not Insulated
TideWe Hip Wader
A comfortable pair of stylish hip waders at a great value. Made from a PVC and nylon composite, they are lightweight and durable. You can happily walk through brush and past rocks without worrying about a tear and getting a leak.
They are very comfortable but be sure to follow the sizing advice and go one size up if you need a larger fit above the thighs. The soles are thin and you will feel rocks through them as you walk up the river. Buying a pair of insoles will fix this but it is not ideal.
Perfect for summer wading as they are not insulated. These hip waders are not made for winter outings.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good value
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Well made
Cons
- Thin soles
- Not insulated
- Slim fit
Frogg Toggs Bull Frogg Canvas Hip Wader
This is a very high-quality pair of rubber waders, Frogg Toggs have really thought about these. They are on the heavyweight scale, so if you want a light pair of summer waders these might not be for you.
They are made from canvas and rubber, making them very durable and comfortable but a little heavy. The boots come with a choice of felt or cleated soles, which is hard to find. Felt is by far the best sole if you fish in slippery streams. The boots come with foam cushioning, wool felt mid, steel shank, hard toe cap, and a heel kicker. Your feet will not get damaged in these.
A great pair of waders if you fish a lot and in all seasons. They are a bit expensive but that is reflected in their quality.
Pros
- High Quality
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Felt soles
Cons
- Expensive
Frogg Toggs Rana II PVC Bootfoot Hip Wader
A great pair of comfortable lightweight bootfoot hip waders from Frogg Toggs. Made from nylon reinforced PVC and will stand up well to scrapes. The material is not breathable and you may sweat in them.
The boots are a bit thin and not insulated. Your feet will get cold and feel all the rocks as you go. If you buy these, you will want to add insoles and wear some thick socks. They also come in felt or cleated soles which is ideal, you get to chose what you prefer.
Overall, a solid pair of bootfoot hip waders, perfect for occasional use in the summer months and for a good price. If you wade a lot, get something a bit warmer and durable.
Pros
- Durable
- Grippy
- Felt soles
- Lightweight
- Good value
Cons
- Soles a bit thin
- Not insulated
FISHINGSIR Hip Waders
Overall a good pair of waders. FishingSir has put some extra thought into the fit of these, with extra straps to make sure they do not bag. They are light, comfortable and built for mobility in terms of fit.
The boots are grippy but are not insulated so your feet will get a tad chilly. There are some reports of the soles being a bit thin and that you can feel everything you walk over. If you are walking around sharp rocks and structures, you may need to add an insole or look for a pair with some thicker soles.
These hip waders are semi-durable, there are some instances where they have torn easily but that could just be user error. If you are a summer wader on soft ground, these will suit you.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Good Quality
- Grippy
- Good fit
- Great Value
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not insulated
- Thin soles
Allen Hip Waders
A simple pair of solid hip waders from Allen. They come at great value for a comfortable and lightweight fit and are very easy to move around in.
They are durable and will stand up to scrapes on thorns and rocks but they may not be the best if you walk a lot while wading. The seem where the boots meet the wading pants may rub your leg and get uncomfortable. The soles are thin and you might feel the bottom in them, but adding some insoles will fix this.
A great pair of affordable hip waders for fishing. If you walk a lot and fish in cold places, then it is worth spending a little more.
Pros
- Good value
- Comfortable
- True to size
- Light
- Durable
Cons
- Thin soles
- Seem can rub
- Not insulated
Frogg Toggs Cascades Rubber Hip Wader
Finally a good value pair of hip waders with solid boots. You won’t feel every rock you step on in these. The boots come cleated or in felt, are grippy and comfortable to walk around in.
The wading pants themselves are light and comfortable and semi-durable. They will stand up to scrapes. There are reports of them leaking where the material meets the boots but this is rare and may just be a defect in some units.
A great buy if you fish a lot and in warmer areas, as they are not insulated.
Pros
- Good value
- Light
- Grippy
- Comfortable
- Cleated or felt outsole
- Solid boots
Cons
- Can leak
Chota Outdoor Gear Hip Waders
This is the first pair of breathable waders in the line up so you won’t sweat on those long days in the water. These are made to be very versatile and can be worn below or above the knee and as hip waders. There some complaints about the locking system when you are using them as hip waders and they can slip down quite easily.
These are stocking foot waders, so the boots are not included. This can be a drawback but if you hike a lot, it is better to have a separate pair of boots that give you the support you need.
They are made from high quality, lightweight material and provide excellent mobility. A very durable pair of waders and are perfect if you walk long distances in shallow streams.
Pros
- Breathable
- Versatile
- Super Light
- Good quality
- Warm
- Comfortable
Cons
- Boots not included
- Expensive
- Can slip down
Buyers Guide
Here are some things to consider before you buy your hip waders.
How often will you use them?
If you plan on using your waders once or twice a year, then buying the highest-end waders available may not be the best investment and you can afford to go for waders of less quality. However, if you plan on going fly fishing as much as possible, it is worth the investment.
Where will you use them?
Where is also important to consider. Whether it is in warm or cold areas, in saltwater, in big open rivers, all these are factors to consider and can dictate the type, style, or material of the wader you want to buy.
How will you use them?
Will you be hiking a lot where weight and sweating is an issue? If so then look for comfortable boots or stocking foot waders where you can choose the right boots for you.
Materials
There are a lot of materials out there and most are said to be breathable. The breathability of different materials is up for debate, but it is important during hot days when you are moving around a lot.
Other wader materials include PVC, nylon, 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, a good pair of breathable waders work just as well as a pair of neoprene waders.
Bootfoot or Stockingfoot?
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 or have to buy wading boots. The other benefit is they are extremely warm.
However, 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 fly fishing, stockingfoot waders are a better bet.
Price
When it comes to most waders; you get what you pay for, I would buy the best pair of waders you can reasonably afford, this way you can live with fewer headaches.
Sizing
Sizing is the most important factor when buying waders online. Buying the correct size equals comfortable long-lasting waders. Buying waders that are too large will cause wear and tear over time, waders that are too small will cause stress at the seams and crotch.
When buying waders online, your initial sizing assistance should come from the manufacturer’s provided sizing chart. 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.
Our Favourites
If you are after a quality pair of waders on a budget then these are the ones for you. They can not be beaten on price and they are light, comfortable and provide a great fit. You will have to add insoles for comfort but that is normal for waders at this price.
- Do please mind our Size Chart for right size before placing your order! FishingSir KeepDry Bootfoot Cleated Hip Waders launched this season with rugged and much softer fabric, which up to 30% lighter than old rubber waders.
- Selected nylon with two-ply waterproof fabric and our advanced Water Intrusion Resistance Processing will help preventing water and dirt from getting into waders and maximize your time spending on the water.
The best allrounder in the line is this pair from Frog Toggs. They do everything all the others do except the boots are comfortable, solid and come in both felt and cleated options. You won’t have to go and buy any insoles for these. The waders are light, durable and great value. They are by far the best quality for your money.
- 100% WATERPROOF – 2 ply rubber with 300 denier polyester upper, seams stitched, taped, and vulcanized for reliable protection
- FIT – comfort fit, angled leg openings for all day comfort, adjustable webbing belt leash with quick release buckle
The all-star choice is the canvas hip wader from Frog Toggs. The material they are made out of is warm and durable and the boots are the highest quality around. If you fish a lot and in all seasons these will keep you warm and comfortable, plus they will last a long time. They are on the expensive side but that is reflected in the quality.
- WATERPROOF – all seams are stitched, taped and vulcanized for leak proof reliability
- DURABLE – built tough with durable, heavy duty 3-ply canvas and vulcanized rubber construction