Dry waders: Boot or stocking

I am going to get a pair of waders for the alaska trip but I don't know if I should get the stocking foot or boot foot? Any suggestions?

-Brian G

Being a flyfisherman, I have had a few pairs of waders.
I like the stocking foot with a aquastealth boot. I find it works the best. I don't trust the boots on the bootfoot. I like the full leather or leatherette type boot you can buy separately. Plus, you can use them for wetwading when needed. Plus, if you have to use them while floattubing, the stocking foot works better with forcefins and a neoprene wading boot....all in all the stockingfoot is more flexible.

Marc Mc

I have had various waders for over a quarter of a century. Stocking feet. Enough said.

Another vote for stocking foot.

Pick up a pair of neoprene socks for wet wading too.

I have gone through a lot of waders and almost always use stocking foot because they are much more comfortable  plus less weight pulling on you shoulders so less back stress.
 Bootfoot are cheaper last longer and if you are going to put them on and off a couple a times per day they are great.
In a kayak I would defiantly wear stocking foot safer and you can wear a flats bootie or even sandals.

Definately go with stocking foot.  I have gone through many pair of neoprene waders and when I had boot foot ones, they always leaked first in the area where the waders ended and the boot started.  I don't wear neoprene anymore (go gortex!) but I wouldn't buy another set of boot foot if I could help it.  The other advantage of stocking foot is you can easily customize your footwear.  Felt is great for slippery rocks.  I had a pair of football cleats that I wore with my waders when I knew that I was going to be in mud (mostly duck hunting).  Where are you headed in Alaska?  I just got back from visiting the motherland and got my limit of kings each time I went out.  I am from the Wasilla/Palmer area.  Good luck....I don't normally encourage tourists, but I've fished with you before so knock 'em dead!

no brainer - stocking foot

Brian G,

What are you planning on wearing jacket-wise?

-Allen

Stocking foot and wading boots.

MolBasser

Stocking-foot Gore-tex waders are the way to go. Allows you flexibility in foot gear: I wear mid-calf booties for the surf, felt-soled boots for streams and rivers (haven't needed cleats yet), and the booties with fins for the float-tube. My Patagonias are on their 4th season now with no leaks. Cool in Summer warm at Eagle Lake in late October snow flurries (with lngjohns underneath of course).

Thanks for asking the question, Brian.  I'll order my waders today.

Those of you with wader experience, if I wear sandals and my feet are in a wet footwell, will my feet be wet?  With neoprene "socks" on the bottoms, I am assuming that that part of the wader isn't waterproof?

Allen, I am wearing a goretex paddling jacket on the top.

Paul, we are going to Ketchikan and spending a few days with Howard, Mooch's buddy.

Pat

Those of you with wader experience, if I wear sandals and my feet are in a wet footwell, will my feet be wet?  With neoprene "socks" on the bottoms, I am assuming that that part of the wader isn't waterproof?

Pat - The neoprene socks SHOULD BE water proof = at least that's what I have = the Hodgemans brand - which Sportmart sells 

Wish I could make the Alaska trip with you guys! HAVE FUN!!! REMEMBER: TAKE LOT'S OF PICS 

Thanks.  Randy has been practicing and I suspect we will have some awesome pictures.

New Years 2006 Duck hunting flood. New Hodgeman neopreme Stockingfoot  and NRS zip wetshoes (Bill recomended) 9 hour days 2days in a row with no other footware. Bullet proof, and comfy. Thanks Bill!

So, rrnelums, your feet were dry or you just were able to stay warm?  This footwear thing is so challenging!!!!