I am in the market to buy my first pair. Probably in the $100 range. Which do you guys recommend between the stockingfoot and bootfoot waders? Thanks!

if you fish sand, bootfoot. if you fish rocks, stocking all the way. Looking back, i don't know how i fished some of the places i fish before I got bootfoots. Problem is, i don't know if you'll be able to make stockingfoots work with your budget. Figure $80 on the low end for waders, and about $100 for a good pair of boots. Check out sierra trading post though, might find some deals.

Take a ride to Mansfields' L.L. Bean, not sure if there's one in Plymouth or not.
Buy their cheapest pair of stocking foot waders, they're about $100 give or take $20....they also carry boots in the $50 range.

They have an incredible return policy on ALL their merchandise.
Complete exchange for just about any reason if you're not happy with the product no matter how long you've owned it.
If your seams start to leak, whether it be around the booty or the crotchy.....just bring em back. No matter how long you've owned them**. I've had numerous brands of waders, they WILL ALL leak at some point **.
L.L. Bean, even if they no longer carry that model, will still give you credit towards another pair - FULL CREDIT if you have the receipt.
So long as you don't return them with a giant rip in em....you're good to go. Unless L.L. Bean goes out of business. :hs:

Good Luck -

I'm a big fan of stocking foot. I get much more support for rock crawling with seperate boots....that being said, boot foot are great for the sand and easier/faster to put on.......ditto on the LL bean.....I have Orvis, but got a lot of lip service when i went to return my original pair that leaked.....

I got a pair of proline stocking foot waders from #^&#^&#^&#^&'s with boots for around $140 I think...I've abused them and they still keep holding up very well. They aren't the best, but they are super comfortable, lightweight and work well, what more could you ask for?

Bootfoot waders are added weight (vulcanized rubber), and can be the first place to leak.
Stocking foot waders require wading boots, but if you aren't rock hopping, I've gotten away with wearing an old pair of sneakers.
I ordered my waders and boots from Cabella's (3mm) and they have worked well for the past 3 years with only minimal leakage that Aquaseal easily fixed.

The key to prolonged life of waders and boots is to rinse them off regularly (prevents rust on boots).

Thanks guys!

bootfoot waders have no support if you are fishing the rocks...

I like stockingfoot for everything, especially rocks and long walks over sand. Sierra Trading Post was a great recommendation. They have great stuff and very reasonable prices.