Breathable waders=cold feet?

I bought some Hodgman breathables and some Hodgman boots to go with them. Under them I wore a pair of sweatpants and some polypro longjohns. For my feet I used some polypro socks and thermal socks. My legs were ok but after several hours in the river my feet were freezing. What are you guys wearing under your waders to keep warm. I have looked at the fleece pants and the fleece lined neoprene socks. Are these good investments or does everyones feet get cold standing still for long periods of time?

It helps to move around. I just use a pair of wool socks. I've used them for so long now that they will stand by them selves. Back out of the water once in a while and get the blood to start flowing again. Jim S.

The biggest key is getting the right fitting boots which may equate to boots that are larger then normal.

I always had problems with cold feet (not the ones that a certain someone has ) untill I bought a new pair of boots this past Spring. I have a size 9 shoe and went with a size 11 boot. Combined with ExStream Smart Wool socks and I am ready to go.

This winter my feet have yet to get too cold...

And if that still doesnt help I have heard good things about the fleece lined neoprene socks.

[ 01-15-2002: Message edited by: RPetzold ]

Pair of Seal Skinz socks over your wool socks cures the frostbite .

Gooose

I think you'd be pleasantly surprised with the results of fleece. I'd still wear the polypro underneith but all in all fleece is worth its weight in gold (or atleast fishing lead).

I use a a boot liner that we used up in the Bearing sea to keep our feet warm.They are fleece and can be gotten at seattle ship supply.
Other than that I think the consensus will fall on fleece!

I got my Hodgeman Breathables about two years ago and will never switch back to anything else. Keeping warm is not a problem with fleece shirt, pants, and socks. I really like the light weight warmth of fleece. I double up on top, fleece over fleece, and I wear a pair of heavy boot socks over the fleece ones, just to add the cushioning for long days on the river. Sparky's suggestion on getting your boots a size bigger works good but, there will be times when you just need to get out of the water for awhile.

Has anyone ever tried those battery powered electric heating socks?

I really like my fleece socks, usually don't go winter fishing without them, except this morning. While loading gear in my truck I must have dropped them, got to the river and all I had was the pair of cotton socks I was wearing, my feet froze for the first couple hours until I got that shot of adrenaline that comes from fighting a 10-12 lbs. nate, best foot warmer money can't buy. Sure enough, socks were sitting in the driveway when I got home.

Breathable waders are great. However, rather than go through all of the gyrations of building some sort of sock layering process that may, or may not do the job, next time purchase a pair of breathables with a good thermal boot foot. It is the answer for winter fishing.
I purchased a pair of Hodgman bootfoot breatable waders before my winter in Wyoming (2000) and they were not only great for spring fishing (think of routinely breaking anchor ice to reach open water)but have been great now that I am back home in Washington. I just wear a poly liner sock, a pair of comfortable wool socks and slide into the waders. No water is too cold to penetrate the Hodgman bootfoot.
As for what to wear under your breathable waders, any cross-country skier or mountaineer will tell you that cotton is the enemy in our cold, wet outdoor winters. It holds moisture and draws heat from your body. Instead, pull on a pair of lightweight poly underwear over your skin then add a pair of heavier fleece and you'll be warm and dry.

Les Johnson

I also use the fleece socks, buy one pair that fit my feet perfect. Then buy another pair to go over the top of the first pair. Two pairs of fleece socks will keep your toes warm. I get cold easily also recommend the fleece pants and shirts.

go with the fleece, had the same problem feet use to freeze but not any more, cabela's

Ak,

Bet the driveway was nice and toasty under those socks, huh?

I agree with LJ. Get the built in neopreme foot section. I got the $99 cabela's breathables with neopreme booties and built in neopreme gravel guards and love them so far. Paired with a good pair of warm socks and my hodgeman felt soled wading boots (next time I want optional studs), I don't even think about cold feet. Plus they work great in the summer too.

Go to Seattle Ship Supply and pick up a pair of Red Ball "Bama Sockets".
I have wore them for ten years, working on decks of fishing boats, under my xtra tuffs, and also under my stocking foot waders.
Nothing can match them. I think they cost about 12 bucks and you will notice the difference. If your waders develop a leak or you go over the tops, these things absorb any moisture, or sweat and wick it away from your feet.
Just buy your wading boots about a size larger than normal.
You will love them, I know I do.
Hope this helps.

You'll never be able to keep your feet warm in a pair of stocking foot waders; I don't care how many or what kind of socks you wear. If having warm feet is important to you, get a pair of boot foot waders with an insulated boot.

Cabelas medium weight polar tech socks are unbeatable for warmth, and come in large sizes for us big foots!

baddawg

I wear Simms Breathable Guide waders in the stockingfoot style. My feet are NEVER cold. Preston......you'd better get your circulation checked!

Fleese underwear,fleese socks,Simms guide weight,havent got cold yet.

Rivers this time of the year=Cold Feet!
tyler

I think that its your waders,,and guess what I have a brand new pair of Ronny Titan Breathable Waders that I am selling, they have neopreme boots and 3mm butt and knee sections...hehehe
just kidding,
I think that the most important thing is to have a big enough boot to keep the circulation going,
bigger the better as far as putting a wool sock under neith.

good luck

[ 01-16-2002: Message edited by: hollysmolts ]

Dan S., Try some insulated boot foot waders and report back.

Hey, I just got some of those Hodgeman Guide pants for Christmas, too! I like 'em.
I agree 100% with Rooster. Get those Bama Booties. I used them for years in the driftboat, where my feet always froze. I NEVER had cold feet after using them.
Now my husband has discovered them, and he won't go fishing without them. I have comfy warm feet now in just wool socks without the booties. In Port Angeles, they are sold at Swain's General Store for about $12. They'll last several years.

For really good, warm, ( albeit expensive ) clothing, try a mountaineering store. Those guys that climb the Himalays do so in the warmest, lightest gear they can get. I have a pair of longies that are 200 weight microfleece overlaid with lycra so there is no bulk. I paid about $60 - $70 for them, but it's been 5 years and there is no sign of wear on them.
diana