What's a good pair of waders for N. TX/OK springtime waters? I'm talking about water that's not ice cold, but to chilly for cutoffs. I have a pair of Cabelas neoprene , but they are too heavy. I'm thinking something lightweight, and as puncture proof as possible. I want bootless since I'll be wearing tennis shoes.

Simms makes the best waders but cost the most.
The Magellan Mag 2 waders from Academy are great waders for what you describe. I have a pair and like them.

Magellan looks like the wader of choice. I think I'll try a pair as soon as I can figure out what size.

Magellans are cheap. Frogg Toggs are cheap. Expect one year max....if that.

I am a full time guide wade fishing year round and duck hunting in ny waders thru duck season. I am on year 6 of my Simms using them over 100 trips a year.

PM sent

I also like the Magellan's stockingfoot breathable waders, but they only go up to size 12. You will probably have to go up a size or two because of socks, but you can try them in the store. I only use them during the winter time, but they have lasted for at least 40 outings where I walked at least 1/2 Mile each time over 3 years, without any leaks. I got them for $50, so I feel like I got my money's worth already.

Yup breathable waders are the way to go. Great in spring and summer. In winter wear sweats under them. They're nice n light. You will have to get 1 size bigger in shoes to fit over the stocking foot

Simms also has a great warranty, 30 days no questions asked replacement and 1st repair free during the first year.
You will get a lot more wear out of the simms waders but you need to balance that with the cost.
Stockingfoot foot over wading boot or a neopreme bootie with hard sole is a good way to go, will avoid any problems from standing on rocks all day.

X2 My current pair going on season 3.I wade& float fish quite a lot.

I just bought these after my cabelas waders started leaking like a faucet.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M276F3K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Took them out on the tube last week and they are lightweight and breathable. I am not going to argue that Simms doesn't make the best waders and will last longer but these are a third of the cost and still good quality.

Don’t do what I did...had a fly fishing buddy pick me up, haul me to Dallas, to some Simms dealer...after several “FREE” beers in the store, I ended up with some zipper front Simms waders, some fancy wading boots, some ice studs, and other assorted Simms friendly type waxed stuff...to the tune of $1,600...I think they even threw in a free Crown on the rocks, after my purchase....sigh, didn’t even kiss me! That said, those zipper front waders are the bomb! When you need relief, it is a fast easy process, as is on/off. Not sure how long they will last. Just need to remember to put my phone in the INSIDE pocket, or just leave in the truck! New iPhones are expensive to replace.

I bought a pair of neoprene waders at Academy for $50. On my third year and they are still in good shape. When its cold out like winter fly fishing, these are what I wear. They are heavy but are warm.

Once it warms up, I have a pair of Cabela's brand breathable light weight ones that I bought in the bargain barn about 4 years ago for $65. Still like new after 4 years. I usually use them 20-25 times a year max.

They are both stocking foot waders. I always turn them inside out when I pull them off, let the inside dry completely, then turn the right side out and let them dry completely, then fold neatly and store them in a closed up tote so they are not exposed to UV.

They ain't Simms, but they do the job well.

Wayne

Myself also uses the good tips from Wayne above!

I clean the outside of my Magellan stockingfoot breathable waders with fresh water and a large soft brush, as soon as I return from a trip. Then I dry the neoprene feet with a towel, hang them and place a fan underneath so that they dry quickly in a few hours, helps prevent mildew spots. Once dry, I do an inspection of the high wear or loose seam areas and apply aquaseal if needed, and dry them again- Inside Out to help prevent mildew on the inside.

I use a pair of Crocs rubber shoes instead of wader shoes, and they work well for the kind of river fishing I do, with a float tube. The Crocs are much lighter/float, much easier to clean, and much easier to put on or take off, plus they don't absorb/ seep water into the vehicle interior.

I’ve used the Cabelas brand breathable stocking foot waders and ultra ligh wading shoes for years. They are very durable and well worth the money.
https://www.cabelas.com/product/CAB...o_vKw6AIVDisMCh0pKQDHEAQYAiABEgJLVvD_BwE

https://www.cabelas.com/product/cab...ac=RI-1921135&WT.z_pg_ref=prd2421169