The 13 Best Fishing Waders - (Complete Guide On Top Waders For UK Fishing)
Constantly finding yourself in deep water?
No, we aren’t talking about when you come back late from your lads fishing trip. We are talking wading.
The best fishing waders will keep your legs, feet, and even your chest bone dry and help keep you warm too. Well, in theory, at least.
To make sure they provide these key features, you will need to pick a good pair.
We’re here to help. Below you’ll find a range of waders for different situations as we describe what makes them so great.
Strapped For Time?
If you haven't got the time to read the full article then we have summarised some of our top picks here...
- Best Overall: - Vass Hybrid Chest Waders
- Waist Waders: - Scierra Kenai
- Insulated Waders: - Scierra Yosemite
- Thigh Waders: - Dennet PVC Thigh Waders
- Hip Waders: - Dam Hydroforce
- Wading Boot: - Leeda Profil
- Good Budget Option: - Bison PVC Chest Wader
Alternatively please read on to see more information on the best fishing waders as well as more detail on what goes into our chosen products.
What Are The Different Types Of Fishing Waders?
While you’ll undoubtedly find waders for any venue and occasion, they generally fall into two very distinct categories. And, trust us, you won’t want to mix them up. These are: -
Chest Waders – These offer complete protection from water that can go all the way up to your armpits! These are normally single-piece garments that look similar to dungarees with booties for your feet.
Thigh or Hip Waders – Thigh waders don’t offer anywhere near the protection of chest waders. Consider these a wellington boot with an extended thigh section.
They are normally cut at an angle at the top to make them more comfortable to walk in. Thigh waders are normally used in relatively shallow water.
What Materials Are Fishing Waders Made From?
Depending on the type, fishing waders are made from a few different materials. You’ll tend to find them constructed from: -
- PVC or Gore-Tex: This material tends to form the main part of chest waders and will be constructed to cover the entirety of your legs, hips and upper torso
- Neoprene: Again, this is a material primarily used in chest waders. You won’t see much of it up above. It tends to be used to form the waterproof boots surrounding your feet. These ‘socks’ or ‘booties’ aren’t designed to be left uncovered; you’ll need a decent pair of wading boots to go over the top.
- Rubber: Rubber tends to feature only in thigh waders. Specifically vulcanized rubber. This tends to be pretty durable, flexible and waterproof. It is worth noting that one thing rubber is not is breathable.
What To Look for In the Best Fishing Waders?
Your car keys?
No, just kidding.
When choosing the best waders, we’d really suggest you look hard for a few key features as they can make a massive difference. These are: -
Adjustability
If you want the best fishing waders, this is one feature that you will not be able to do without.
Adjustability is important for several reasons.
First, it is more comfortable when your fishing waders fit you well. Ever had a sock that kept falling down? Imagine that feeling except you can’t reach it, as it will be under the water!
Features that make waders more adjustable are things like gaiters, shoulder straps and belt sections.
A bit of Velcro never goes amiss either.
Breathability
Listen.
Waders are meant to keep you dry. Neglect to consider how breathable your waders are, and this simply won’t happen. Without a breathable fabric, perspiration will pool inside the waders.
By the time you take them off, you’ll be practically as wet as if you hadn’t worn them.
Oh, and one more word that we can do without.
Chafing. Yuck!
The Best Fishing Waders
There’s plenty of cool features with the best fishing waders aside from the above.
The good news is that we’ve searched high and low and found the very best waders for fishing to show you today. Have a browse through our list, as there is a pair to suit all budgets and scenarios.
The Overall Best Fishing Waders
#1. Vass Hybrid Chest Waders
As all in one package goes, this is a really sweet deal.
These waders tick nearly all of the boxes if you are trying to choose the best.
Want to see what we love?
For a start, they have taped seams.
These can often be the “weak link” in waders and the likely area to spring a leak. Taped seams prevent this from happening.
We love the adjustable braces and waist belt too. This ensures a snug fit and limits the amount of water getting in if you take a tumble.
You’ll also notice that they are breathable. A vital feature if you want to ensure that you don’t emerge from the water all clammy.
As a final cherry on top, they also feature a large and sealable forward front pocket.
Want a top tip? Put any valuables you want to keep dry in here. Ask us how and why we learned to do this!
The Best Neoprene Waders
#2. Snowbee Classic Neoprene Chest Waders
Neoprene waders aren’t exactly standard, but if you are fishing in harsh or cold conditions, they can be a superb choice.
These are thick, warm, and entirely waterproof. The quick-release clip is a clever feature.
Aside from the comfort, it is designed to allow you to kick them free if you find they are filling with water.
We love the reinforced and padded kneeling sections.
Oh, and you’ll save a bit of money too! No wading boots are required as they come fitted as an integral part of the garment.
The final flourish is that these are designed to be easily rolled down, meaning you can convert them to hip waders with not too much effort.
Best Waders For UK Sea Fishing
#3. Imax Nautic Chest Waders
As with most things relating to sea fishing, you will have to up your game a little on the durability scale.
These waders are practically bomb-proof.
The tough PVC outer is rugged and hardwearing. But just like ourselves, it has a soft centre. The inner is stretchy and warm polyester.
So, they’ll keep you dry, protected and toasty.
As with some of our other suggestions, they come with an integral boot.
The boot has a cleated sole giving excellent grip on rocks, weeds, shale and anything else you’ll encounter when down by the sea.
Planning on doing a bit of saltwater angling and want to stay dry? Be sure to check out our article on sea fishing waterproofs, so you remember your day out for all the right reasons.
Best Waders For Fly Fishing
#4. Wychwood DS Gorge Chest Fly Fishing Wader
Fly fishing relies on one thing more than anything else.
Being mobile.
You aren’t going to want to be tramping around in a rubber suit all day. Light and airy is the key.
And these waders are the answer.
If you take a look, you’ll see that they’ve got a really high chest section, making them perfect for wading practically up to your neck!
If you are moving around a lot, you are going to perspire. Fortunately, these waders have some of the best breathability that we have seen.
Combined with completely impenetrable 20,000mm waterproof fabric, you’ll be bone dry all through the day.
You’ll need wading boots, but you’ll also be pleased to note that the Wychwood waders do come with integral (and very warm) neoprene stocking feet.
Be sure to check out the integral lanyard too. Ideal for attaching your car keys.
These waders will work perfectly with a decent fly fishing vest. Want to know what’s around? Check out our expert guide here.
If you are serious about your fly fishing, you might be taking your catch home; here’s all you need to know about catch and keep.Best Waders For Carp Fishing
#5. Vass 650 Series Chest Waders
The need to wade when carp fishing is a rarity, so you aren’t going to want to blow the budget on something you’ll only use occasionally.
Yet when you do need waders, they need to work.
These durable waders are made of high-quality PVC and polyester, designed to keep all water out.Heading down to the foot section, they also come fitted with a tough pair of wellington style boots.
These come with optional tungsten studded soles, helping you get a good purchase on muddy bottoms.
The adjustable braces are a nice added touch too. Complete dry comfort and well worth it.
For more great suggestions on carp fishing clothing, we’ve got something you’ll like right here.
Best Breathable Fishing Waders
#6. Leeda Profil Breathable Waist Waders
You’ll find that your waders tend to wear out in a few areas first.
Namely the back end, the knees and around the groin.
Fortunately, Leeda has thought of this and have made the fabric in these areas triple-thick.
Waist waders are designed for those who will be mobile, so you’ll need them to be super breathable.
These are actually a really viable alternative to waterproof trousers. Pair them up with a decent boot or some wellies, and you’ll be immune to whatever the weather can throw at you.
As an added bonus, you’ll be able to step out into shallow water without any drama.
Best Insulated Fishing Waders
#7. Scierra Yosemite Neo
Going to be fishing somewhere extreme, like, say, Siberia?
These waders are the thickest on our list.
Neoprene is famed for its insulating properties, and it is also extremely waterproof.
If you are going to be standing in cold water or fishing in an environment where the weather could take a turn for the worse, these are great options.
The attached boots come in a range of options. Felt soles for slippery rocks and cleated soles for muddy beds.
What caught our eye (aside from the fact that you’ll be snug as a bug in a rug) is that the knee sections are heavily reinforced.
This is vital for preventing rips and tears when unhooking fish on the bank.
Best Fishing Waist Waders
#8. Scierra Kenai 15000
IF we weren’t so fashionable, we’d consider wearing these around the house.
Yes, they are that comfortable.
They feature an elasticated waistband, so they sit really well on your hips.
Snug, not tight.
This is backed up with a wide neoprene belt.
Waist waders occupy a nice gap between thigh waders and chest waders. For shallow water, these are absolutely ideal.
The boots are nice too. They are PVC, so they are utterly waterproof and also have a warm lining.
Best Fishing Chest Waders
#9. Shakespeare Sigma
These waders are another great all-rounder.
If you are anything like us, you might mix your disciplines. Sea fishing one day, standing in a river the next.
The good thing about these waders is that they are thick, waterproof and warm enough to cater for any eventuality.
Constructed from durable (and really warm ) 4mm neoprene, there shouldn’t be any conditions in this country where you will be able to feel cold while wearing them!
As with some of our other suggestions, they also feature a waterproof pocket and boots (including a super grippy cleated sole) come fitted as standard.
Best Fishing Thigh Waders
#10. Dennett PVC Boot Foot Thigh Waders
Thigh waders offer a fair amount of comfort.
If you don’t get out of your depth (literally), they are a great solution.
These would be ideal for fly fishermen in shallow streams or even carp anglers trying to get set up a little further out.
They are really flexible, so you won’t feel encumbered, and you can be sure they won’t fall down as each separate boot comes fitted with fixed lock buckles and braces.
As you’d expect from PVC boots, these are very strong, and they are double stitched to prevent any fatigue.
Best Fishing Hip Waders
#11. DAM Hydroforce Hip Waders
Hip waders are quite similar to thigh waders, except they don’t go as far up your legs.
To be fair, you are limited by where your legs join in the middle anyway as to how deep you can go.
So, if you find thigh waders a little too uncomfortable, these would be a great choice.
The feature that stands out for us is the welded waist straps. No fancy belts or buckles here. Just clip them to the top of your trousers, and you are good to go splashing off easily.
If you are falling a few yards short of your favourite mark, these are ideal in allowing you to get out and cast that little bit further.
Best Wading Fishing Boots
#12. Leeda Profil
Remember above when we were talking about chest waders needing separate boots.
This is the kind of thing that we had in mind.
Leeda is a… well, leader, in producing great fly fishing gear.
These boots are pretty affordable and have all the good stuff you’ll be wanting.
Such as?
First, check out the grips. The spiked sole is ideal for a variety of terrain, and unlike felt soles, you’ll be able to walk all the way back to the car in them.
They also offer excellent ankle support. This is vital if you are wading out on rocky bottoms. It is all too easy to slip and twist an ankle otherwise.
We really like the thumb loops at the rear too. This makes donning and removing the boots easy. This can be pretty tricky when you are all geared up in your waders.
If fishing boots are your thing, checkout our complete guide here.
Best Budget Fishing Waders
#13. Bison PVC/Nylon Chest Fishing Waders
Only fish occasionally or want to try wading on a shoestring (not literally, you’ll get wet).
If so, these waders are the answer.
When we first saw them, we thought of the word ‘cagoule’.
These are the leg equivalent of a lightweight rain jacket.
You aren’t going to get much in the way of insulation, but what you will stay is dry.
They are actually pretty good and have many of the features of the more expensive brands.
You aren’t going to get much in the way of insulation, but what you will stay is dry. They are actually pretty good and have many of the features of the more expensive brands.
You’ll get an internal pocket, a nice high chest, and adjustable webbing straps for the shoulders.
Even if you’ve got an expensive pair, these will make an excellent backup, and because they are so light, they can be easily compacted and stuffed in a bag.Final Thoughts
Waders are absolutely vital if you are going to go anywhere near the water.
You’d be amazed at how little it takes to swamp a standard wellington boot. The best fishing waders offer a degree of flexibility and also allow you to reach areas others can’t!
Pick something durable, waterproof, adjustable and of course breathable for the most comfortable fishing experience.
All the waders and boots featured in this article can be found out most good fishing tackle shops.
Thanks for reading...
Tight Lines!