Just curious what people here prefer for a breathable wader brand, not top of the line but somewhere in the middle. How do the lace-up attached boots compare to the seperate boot?

I need to grab a pair this week.

Thanks,
Jon

the lace up attached boots on the cabelas waders are awesome, but I had to give them up because they don't quite fit right in my shoe size.
and for the record, I have sent them back because of leaks and they replaced them no problem.

LL Bean breathables with permanent boots and felt soles. They go for about $165.

I got the orvis silver label felt soles on sale for about $150 (?) or so this winter. Only had em on a few times, but they seem good. Not sure if the sale is still on or if any sizes are left. I was very sad to lose my llbean westbranch with the integrated boot as they were by far the most comfortable for wading that I have worn. If the orvis hadn't been on sale I woulda gone for the cabela's with the integrated, but couldn't justity the difference in price over the orvis.

I've got the LL Bean breathable stockingfoot waders that go for around $80-90, not sure of the model name. I used them all last year and they're great. The only addition I made was to use a neoprene gravel guard under the built-in ones, much better at keeping pebbles out of the boots and actually does quite well with sand as well. I use them with the $60 Cabelas wading boots and the Hodgman studded sandals, a great setup for wherever I want to go.

I also like the ll bean lightweight bootfoot waders for around $160.
Lifetime no questions asked guarantee is good too. There is a fairly new well stocked ll bean store in Mansfield MA.

Sounds like LL Bean is the way to go. I will check them out this weekend.

What are some things to look for when buying breathables? I have never bought any before.

Thanks for the responses.

Jon

i'd recommend seperate waders and boots. your more likely to get a good, solid fit - especially important on the rocks (the built in boots are probably better if your on sand). Also, if you rip the waders or something happens to the boots, you only have to replace one if they are separate.

I only half agree with clog. Boot foot is the way to go for the average guy. LL bean emeger series is great. Decent breathability; light weight; comfy, flexible boot, no rub on the leg at boot top(most important condideration off all when discussing waders), lifetime -unconditional-warranty. I can walk the beach all day in these. llbean, no question.

With the llbean warranty, any othe choice is silly, unless i'm going to be fitted at Barney's

I only half agree with clog. Boot foot is the way to go for the average guy. LL bean emeger series is great. llbean, no question.

Agreed. I don't like separate boots either. Easy on easy off with the permanent boots. Comes down to personal preference in the end.

Maybe it was a bad batch but my buddy and I each ordered a pair of the breathable LL Beans and the shoulder straps on each started coming apart from the bib during the first wearing. They were fine about taking them back but if you are up at the store check them out first.

I got a pair of Cabellas breathable waders at "mid-range" price range last season and they performed very well. Great value.

I like the Bean construction but the fit wasn't right for me. I used Orvis Silver labels for a while and liked the roominess and performance. The beans felt a little short in the inseam.