Breathable waders are the most comfortable as are waist waders. Wear layers underneath for warmth. Learn how to walk feeling with your forward foot and keep the weight on the rear leg and keep a change of clothes in the truck. Nothing will ruin your day like going under in cold water!!!
No local store recommendations. Rogers sporting goods online.
Breathable waders are nice and much easier to walk in.
I have frog togg brand but mine weight like 500lbs. I’ve used them salmon fishing upstate, trout fishing western md, and a multitude of duck hunts.
I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this brand again. Whatever you do avoid those hodgeden or whatever they are all rubber waders. They give you about 2 seasons and you’ll spring a leak.
Not sure if these are the ones to avoid but, without benefit of reviews or for that matter any time to do any meaningful research, we got a teenage grandson a pair of these as his first this Christmas. Haven’t heard of any leaks yet; however; if they last two seasons I’ll be surprised (that boy is HARD on his Eqpt!) https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/ma...neoprene-bootfoot-wader#repChildCatid=4783140
Academy has a pretty extensive selection, depending upon the season ... when he gets older, perhaps a more expensive pair of frog toggs
Online search shows 6 state plus Jellystone with a ban. OweMalley banned them in MD without any warning. I had just purchased a new set of felt sole a few months before. Used them a couple of times so couldn't return them.
Foot foot waders pressed very hard on my protruding ankle bones. Not comfortable at all when in deep and walking. Thick socks did not help much. That's just me.
Sock foot and tennis shoes for me.
Wading in Galveston Bay turned my waders nasty stained from the oil in the water. This was near Texas City.
I have the felt soles on one pair and I think a good coating of Shoe Goo might work ,after cutting off all the felt you can.