Paddling in colder weather

I am not a fan of paddling in waders for a number of reasons. When you guys are paddling in the early morning or time of year when it is too cold for sandals or tennis shoes, what footwear do you prefer to stay relatively dry and warm?

I like being more than relatively dry and warm. I've gone through my semi wet and cold period of paddling starting out and as I've grown older have graduated to the rather be a little warm and completely dry period.

This might help without breaking the bank.

https://www.waderusa.com/frogg-toggs-pil...ASABEgISpfD_BwE

You could use rain boots or better just the wader pants.

It's not what you want to hear but I'm a big fan of full waders. They can be breathable to help when the day gets warmer and not be so bulky. I got brushed off my kayak by a sweeper tree in current and 40 degree water about 5 years ago. I'm convinced I'd be dead if not for the protection I got from full waders. They helped me float until I could reach a section of bank to climb out of the river and when I took them off I was still 70% dry. That also help because it was more than a mile back to my truck and the temp out side was also in the 40's. For me if it's too cold to get my feet wet then I'm in waders.

Best money I ever spent for staying warm and dry was for a good pair of breathable, zippered waders. Other than the warmest months of summer, I'm wearing them. I can't stand for my feet to be soaking all day and on my particular kayak, I've always got 3 inches of water in the foot wells. Catch a wave over the gunnels and I'm sitting in water the rest day, no problem with chest waders. Fish slime all over me, no problem. In the summer they are great mosquito and sun protection. Driving rain in the summer then breeze, I'm still warm and dry if I'm wearing a good light weight rain top, dressed to swim in winter with dry top over the waders. I'm starting third year on the ones below.

http://www.orvis.com/p/silver-sonic-zipp...BSABEgJjVvD_BwE

I have a nice pair of Hodgman breathable wading pants with neoprene booties. For nice days but chilly water, I wear NRS HydroSkin WetSocks with my water shoes, it's 0.5 mm neoprene that adds some warmth. I got some NRS Paddle Wetshoes for Christmas but have not tried them yet--they get good reviews and are 3 mm neoprene. No need to be cold with today's technology.

Insulated boots

Great discussion, I am in the process of researching some colder weather kayak gear as well, I have actually been looking at these same waders.

I use breathable stocking foot waders with cheap tennis shoes. Since you don't like waders, what about a dry suit?

In cold weather, for the money, its hard to beat the zippered waders. Lots of completely water proof storage places that dry suits don't have.

http://www.orvis.com/p/silver-sonic-zippered-waders/7c99

I prefer waders as well, but maybe they aren't for everybody. I have a pair of NRS knee-high neoprene boots that are pretty nice, my 2nd choice after waders. I've also worn old running shoes that were Gore-Tex (thus waterproof) and that's a decent choice if its not quite warm enough for paddling shoes or sandals.