I am not suggesting that you or any body else is entry level. I am sorry, if that's the way you interpreted it. That is not the way, I meant to come across.
I said " entry level Hodgeman" Meaning their cheap stuff. Hodgeman does make some higher end stuff, But not many places carry it.

No, you don't have to pay an arm and a leg on fishing gear to catch fish and have a good time. I take a lot of folks fishing and one thing is for sure,most Hodgeman neopremes have this problem, or it doesn't take long to develop it, is because the foot part of the wader is also neopreme.
Neopreme crushes and you get what is called compression leakage.
If you step up to a little higher end wader ($ 125.00 - $175.00) range you get a wader with a product called Hapalon, I don't know if I have the spelling right on that. It is almost like neopreme, but it is tough stuff. It is sewn in on the foot and will not leak from compression.

All waders will develop leaks from chafing around the foot area, and when you see that, all you have to do is rub a little sealant over that spot before you wear a hole there and you will get long life out of them. A wool sock over the wader foot will also help.

I have had a pair of waders for four years now and I have not had a problem with them, they are breathable with that type of foot. I put a lot of time on them, about three days a week, year round. They cost me $ 165.00. I think that is pretty cheap and if you keep ahead of the chafing you can make them last.

Bob