Hip boots

Dani

Dani

Well-known member
Supporter
Alrighty y'all....here's the thing....I'm hard on all my equipment but the so called "rubber" boots especially. I went out squirrel hunting this weekend and to check out my turkey area to see what it looked like since we've had all this rain (it's a gorgeous tupelo swamp that fills up fast if there is any amount of rain). I took my Muck Boots (which are the ONLY "rubber" boots that I've ever had that lasted five years, and the only reason those went bad is because the soles came off turkey hunting one year b/c I was stuck in the mud and I couldn't retrieve the soles....otherwise they were still waterproof) and I took my hip boots just in case. These are the third or fourth pair of hip boots I've owned and I realize that you get what you pay for.

I've had Hodgmans, the Gander Mountain versions of Hodgmans, and these are FroggToggs (tried them out because the boot itself is very comfortable on my feet and they have actually turned out to be a GREAT boot for walking in but from the first trip through the water not so great for wading in...and if they had just remained a seeping leak it wouldn't bother me b/c spring hunting can be hot hunting and being cooled down is not necessarily a bad thing). With these I did my best to ensure that they didn't dry rot because these were the most comfy pair of waders I've ever had (and lightweight even)...Armoralling them a couple times over the time they weren't being used, keep them upright and in the dark so the sun couldn't get to them...all that. Still they've dry rotted and now they let in water like it's Niagra Falls (though the canvas is still great). NOT good when, like this past weekend, it was 31 degrees in the mornings.

SOOOOOOOOOO now the challenge is finding a GOOD pair of hip boots. I liked the FroggToggs b/c they fit my ankle well and I never had problems with slipping if I got my foot stuck somewhere in the mud or under a tree root or anything like that. But, they're cheapo and they still dry rotted despite my efforts to keep them from doing so. They've gotta be lightweight uppers so no neoprene b/c primarily they will be used in turkey season and the early teal season. I would like to keep it to around $100 or so, though if there is something from cabelas I can go higher if needed b/c I have Cabelas bucks that I can use. I think I want to try to stay away from the "rubber" type boots b/c they have not held up for me, though again I realize that quality of rubber should increase if you're paying more so I won't totally rule them out. I've had issues with stockingfoot waders and getting them to fit me comfortably. I know this may seem like I'm being difficult, but there's gotta be something out there that will work for me.

I looked at these with Cabelas http://www.cabelas.com/product/Footwear/Mens-Footwear/Mens-Waders/Mens-Hip-Boots%7C/pc/104797980/c/104747580/sc/104674680/i/104108580/Cabelas-Tundra8482-Hip-Boots/722472.uts?WTz_l=Unknown%3Bcat104108580 but Cabelas was the only place to find any reviews. Has anyone used these before? These have peaked my interest b/c I kind of like the idea of being able to roll down the wader part and keep it out of the way if i'm just walking through the woods. But I didn't know if this was just a "gimmick" to make them more money or if they really are a great boot.

I'm not set on anything right now. I've been told I should look to see what hip boots are used most often in Alaska since that seems to be the place that really needs them. I did a search and came up with guiding services that say they use hip boots, but I didn't see where they said which brands.

So if anyone has any thoughts on what I might consider I would really appreciate them.

Thanks a lot in advance

Dani
 
Hi Dani,

I have not bought a pair of hip boots in a number of years so don't have personal experience with any specific brand. The one activity in my life that seemed hardest on my boots was coon hunting so you might want to check with your local coon hunters and see what they like.. Here is a site with a few models, including Muck Boot Hippers - http://www.huntsmart.com/hunt/Clothing--Boots_61/Boots_68/Rubber-Knee--Hip-Boots_69.html. The Cabelas boots you referenced look good too.
 
I don't have a real good answer, BUT, I work at a lodge in Alaska and we have a room full of various hip boots. I guide fishing and wingshooting there so I prefer full on chest waders. BUT the big-game guides and the bush pilots go in that room full of hip boots and pick the best looking pair they can find. They are usually Cabelas all rubber with the "form-fitting" ankles. I have seen some clients show up with Cabelas "Bog Busters", that would be my choice, but they have neoprene uppers. (They might be a little warm in Fla.)
Also, check out Chota. They have a new knee high boot that looks pretty good. I also have seen the fold down "Tundra boots" from Cabelas. I've never seen them in action but they look cool as long as they don't rip.
Good luck
-
 
Dani,

I understand your situation. I've always been hard on hip boots, and been netoriously cheap when buying them...therefore hesitant to pay alot of money for something that may or may not stand up to my abuse. I did break down and buy a good pair of warm waders a couple of years ago, and have had the willpower to take care of them. If I were buying hippers to last with hard work, I'd look at the Lacrose Irrigation boots cabelas has listed:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Footwear/Mens-Footwear/Mens-Waders/Mens-Hip-Boots%7C/pc/104797980/c/104747580/sc/104674680/i/104108580/LaCrosse-ZXT-Irrigation-Boot/722129.uts?WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104797980%3Bcat104674680%3Bcat104108580

..or it seems years ago Cabelas had a Lacrose "Trappers boot" that look heavy duty as well. Another option would be fireman's boots. All three of these options are a little shorter than traditional hippers, but I always say hippers are for knee deep water, waders are for hip deep water.

Chuck
 
Watch out Dani if you go down to the local fire department to look at their boots. There may be single firefighters down there!!!!!

Trip.
 
Dani,

I would recommend a stocking foot breathable hip boot Cabelas brand...They run about $40 to $50....You can wear a comfortable shoe or boot of your choice with the stocking foot...I also wear stocking foot waders and have purchased a nice pair of wading boots that fit tight and are comfortable...In Louisiana last year I wore an old pair of new balance sneakers when I hunted public land or when hunting in gumbo...They are comfortable and do not "SUCK" mud like regular wading boots...Also I added an old pair of brush/snake guards over the waders I purchased for $30 online on Ebay...I threaded the belt loops together and kept each leg together...They work well and are not heavy...
I have worn stocking foots for 6 years now and recommend them over boot foot unless hunting extremely cold conditions...I know you don’t want neoprene…Bu I recommend if you decide on neoprene get the tightest fitting size you can get and wear minimal clothing underneath…I usually wear Cabelas Silks and a medium weight wool without anything else and keep comfortable in most conditions….Extreme cold weather I move to 5 mm and wear silks with heavy weight wool thermals…Of course hunting the north is slightly different then hunting Florida…
Here is what I have done over the past 5 years...
Through Cabelas I bought a breathable early season wader, breathable hip boots, 3 mm mid season neoprene, and 5 mm late season, and a nice pair of boots...And a wader bag...Roughly $300 worth of equipment compared to the same value of one pair of quality late season waders...I get to choose on what waders I am going to wear once I get wear I am going...I am ready for anything...

Regards,

Kristan
 
I find inexpensive hip boots last 2 seasons max before they ozone crack.

Here in coastal New England you can pick up black rubber hip boots at most any commercial fisherman supply store for $50-60 bucks. They do not ozone crack but they are anything but light weight. I first discovered them when I lived in Alaska.

Memphis net & Twine has them for about $110.http://www.memphisnet.net/category/s?keyword=hip+boots
 
Thanks y'all for the advice...gives me something to look at and think on. I sure wish I had a cabelas near me that I could go try a lot of this stuff on at. Ah well....

I will keep doing my research

Thanks again....

hahahahaha if I make it down to the fire department to look at boots I'm sure it could be an adventure....hmmmmmmmmmm and fun........ hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Dani
 
I've got a pair of BassPro Dry Plus hip boots that I've had for years. I've had them so long the camo layer on the outside is pealing off, but they are still dry. They aren't the most comfortable to walk in, but they are tough. Besides I'm not sure anyone makes a comfortable to walk in hip boot.
 
I have had a pair of lacrosse ankle fit, uninsulated, hip boots for years. I store them inside the house, out of UV light.

Now if its really cold, like below freezing, my feet sweat and freeze.

They made insulated ones as well, but they aren't ankle fit.

Someone mentioned Cabelas breathable, I have some breathable cabelas waders that I love, I have had them 2 yrs now. In cold weather (19F), I wore thicker layers under them and never got cold.
 
I have the Cabelas 5mm. I have had them for over 2 years. I used them for jumping wood duck ponds, marsh pheasant spots and fishing. They got some good use this year and have held up pretty well. We'll see how well they last next year.
 
Dani,

I have used this wader for working. I am on my second pair as the first one I ran a beaver cut stick through the leg and caused a 6 inch rip, lucky it did not spear me. They are light weight and easy to hike in, my current pair is about 3 years old and seem ok. Of course you have to be careful with barb wire and that sort of nasty stuff.

http://www.hodgman.com/Wadelitereg-Breathable-Stockingfoot-Hip-Wader-P2075.aspx

I have used boots like these for hunting ducks and marsh work as felt is bad news under those conditions.
I am not sure if you could find a woman's or if a men 7-8 might work. This style of boot is fairly durable if you take care of them. One pair I had lasted ten years.

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.com/sportsmans/Caddis-Cleated-Canvas-Wading-Boot/productDetail/Wading-Shoes/prod73195/cat101547

Matt
 
Dani, Now you get my $.02. I have an old pair of Hodgmans that are still going strong, I stopped wearing them for two reasons. One they were not warm enough when it got cold . Two I made the discovery of waist waders, now I wear nothing else, well something else but no other boots. If the water is deeper than that I get in the boat! I made that last step over the top of hip boots too often. I got some neoprene one and they are probably too warm for your neck of the woods. ALSO last but not least you can sit down w/o getting your butt wet. Good luck.
 
I don't know if they'er still made anymore, but I had a pr. of red ball, by uniroyal(Ithink thats waht they were called). Nylon uppers, light weight, great fit& tough as nails. I used them for duck hunting, trapping& running coon. I had to retire them cause I wore all the tread off the soles& most of the heels off! I havn't seen them up here sence. Good luck with your search.
Dennis
 
I have always had great luck with LaCrosse ankle fit hip boots. I think the best way to keep them in decent shape is to hang them on boot hangers.
 
Thanks y'all for your thoughts and advice on hip waders....Bob I'll take a look at the auction when I get home since work won't let us "play" at ebay hahahah

I'm gonna have to make a decision soon....ahhhhhhh sooooo many choices hahah

Dani
 
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