Are wading boots sized larger to allow for the wader booties or do you have to get larger sizes than you normaly wear?

You should buy them one to sizes larger than you normally wear.

it kinda depends, if you are primarily using them in cold weather were you wil be wearing multiple layers of thick wool socks to keep you feet warm then go wih 2-3 sizes larger. the last thing you want to start doing is to put a tight boot on that will slow down circulation when it is cold out. for warm weather were u will be wearing 1 pair of socks, then the same size or 1 size larger will work.

I would buy a size or two bigger. I usually wear size 12-13 so I bought 13s and even with regular socks they're really tight

1 size up for me to allow for a pair of wool socks then neoprene

Try them on! Guesswork is not the answer in buying wading boots. Find a dealer that will let you use a pair of waders or a neoprene booty, and a pair of thick wading socks... Sit down, put the gear on just like you are going fishing, and try them on.

I worked at Orvis in Dallas part time for quite a while. They have a bench that is full of wading socks, and they will let you try on the boots right there in the store. I'm sure all the other reputable fly fishing stores in the Metroplex will do the same.

You want your wading shoes tight enough to NOT slip up & down when you're walking, but you DON'T want them cutting off circulation. Too loose, you'll trip over them... Too tight, your feet will freeze.

My $.02

JR

Truer words are seldom uttered around here.

I have found that it depends on the brand name of the waders you will wear. I have Dan Bailey hippers, Cabela's waist high, and Hodgman, Cabelas, and Dan Bailey chest waders. Each fill the boot foot a little differently, including summer wading socks. I averaged it all out and went with Korkers that were the same size as my street shoe.

Bill

it's completely dependent on the boot/wader combo and they are all different so trying them on is important. My wading boots are 1/2 size smaller than my running shoes. YMWV.

Definitely try them on! My simms appear at least a half size larger and easily allow for a neoprene sock and wool sock in the same size as my running shoes. The opposite is true of my Orvis boots.