Sometimes you need great waders on a budget. Curated experts make sure to take each fisher's budget into account every time they make recommendations. This list brings together their top recommendations for waders under $500. Want a more personalized fit? Don't forget to talk to a Fly Fishing expert for free advice and recommendations on the best waders for your needs.
- Orvis Men's Clearwater Wader
- Simms Men's Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
- Simms Men's Tributary Stockingfoot Wader
- Orvis Men's Ultralight Convertible Wader
- Orvis Women's Clearwater Wader
- Simms Men's Tributary Stockingfoot Wader
- Orvis Men's Clearwater Bootfoot Wader
- Redington Men's Crosswater Waders
- Simms Men's Guide Classic Stockingfoot Waders
- Redington Men's Sonic - Pro Waders
Orvis Men's Clearwater Wader
These Clearwater waders are a lightweight, extremely durable wader with tons of great features not typically found in this price range. It has convenient buckles on the side of the chest so you can convert these to waist-high waders on hot days. Also has a hand warmer side pocket and a zipper stash pocket on the chest. Has been improved for a more ergonomic design to reduce drag when wading and add comfort. Includes a belt. Perfect for anglers looking for a value-priced, full-featured wader.
Newer style of wader from Orvis. More fit to have a tailored design. Will give durable performance for many seasons as long as you don't jump into some barbed wire.
Updated, value-priced, full feature wader. Modern fit to eliminate traditional wader bulk. Updated anatomical neoprene booties with integrated gravel guards.
Simms Men's Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Simms makes a great wader. The Freestone has a reinforced lower which will provide more abrasion resistance in the area where most holes occur. Perfect for anglers who spend a 30+ days on the water a year.
These are made to ensure you are comfortable from first cast to last. Offer a durable and breathable 4-layer Toray QuadraLam fabric that has good abrasion resistance and protects from the cold, wet weather while still retaining excellent mobility. Includes fleece-lined hand warming pocket, chest pocket for tools and dedicated fly patch.
A step below the "guide" model. One less layer of fabric in the torso and knees, but same waterproofing and legendary warranty!! A top, budget-friendly wader!
Simms Men's Tributary Stockingfoot Wader
Reliable Simms product at an affordable price point. These are awesome waders for this price point and will last you a long time. They have many features that higher priced waders have, and they have a neat design.
Orvis Men's Ultralight Convertible Wader
New gusseted crotch for improve range of motion and durability. 4-layer waterproof breathable shell. Quick and effortless waist high conversion. External storage pocket with water resistant zipper. Built-in tool dock and fly patch on front pocket. Low profile seam construction with strategic reinforcement in high stress areas.
Perfect lightweight waders. Large pocket for storage. Great price! Great product!
Year-round wading in any cold water fishery, lightweight and packable for travel.
Orvis Women's Clearwater Wader
Lets you layer up underneath on colder days or just go shorts on the warmer days. You will love having these on when walking through brush and trees when exploring your fishing spots. These waders should last for several seasons!
Most wading situations within reason. They're not going to get years of abuse but if you're fishing from a boat or just doing light wading, these will last a few years.
Good entry-level wader, catered and cut to fit women more comfortably. Good for showing the boys 50/50 On the Water!
Simms Men's Tributary Stockingfoot Wader
Keeping you dry and an additional storage up around the chest. You dont need to wear the suspenders, but its nice if you're chest deep chasing a rainbow trout!!
Orvis Men's Clearwater Bootfoot Wader
Keep you dry during those great spring and fall fishing days.
Redington Men's Crosswater Waders
The Redington Crosswater is an excellent value and has all the necessary features you would want in a wader, such as gravel guards, a wading belt, and adjustable suspenders. Great first pair of waders for value-conscious anglers.
Simms Men's Guide Classic Stockingfoot Waders
Reach-through hand warmer. Zippered top stash. Station for accessories to be super easy to access. Gore-tex 3 layer with reinforced legs. Made in the USA.
Redington Men's Sonic - Pro Waders
The Redington Sonic-Pro waders offer some of the best value and performance in a mid-priced wader. Great for all conditions, from winter steelheading to hot summer days. These have a 4-layer breathable construction with reinforcements from the thighs down. Has a two-sided fleece hand warmer pocket which is a must for fishing in colder weather, plus a front chest and zipper flip-out pocket. It also has gravel guards and comes with a wading belt.
Simms Women's Freestone Z Stockingfoot Waders
These have an amazing side zipper that makes it really easy to get in and out of your waders. They're super durable and breathable. The bottom of the wader has a gravel guard with a boot hook to keep everything in place while wading or hiking. The stocking feet are designed specifically to fit a women's foot. They also have a stash pocket on the chest. And a super cozy kangaroo pouch to keep your hands warm.
These have an amazing side zipper that makes it really easy to get in and out of your waders. They're super durable and breathable. The bottom of the wader has a gravel guard with a boot hook to keep everything in place while wading or hiking. The stocking feet are designed specifically to fit a women's foot. They also have a stash pocket on the chest. And a super cozy kangaroo pouch to keep your hands warm.
Simms Women's Tributary Stockingfoot Waders
All day on the river without chaffing, or wanting to rip them off.
Orvis Women's Ultralight Convertible Wader
Breathable and more comfortable than neoprene. Good for longer hikes in and lasting comfort throughout the day.
Simms Women's Tributary Stockingfoot Waders
Simms brand is pretty much the bar setter for waders. Their patented technology on their seams is unparalleled. This is their entry level stocking wader.
Great entry-level waders. Perfect for getting into fly fishing, occasional or light use. Great wader for fishing out of a boat or light wading.
Simms Women's Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
These are rad for wading for long periods of time, have more breathability and significantly contribute to dry, comfort days on the water!
Simms Men's Freestone Pant Waders
When fishing warmer climates, keeping cool, dry and mobile are important. These pants are great for shallow water (below the waist) and warmer climates in high elevations. They are not only breathable, they are durable for fighting your way to the water through brush and willows.
Redington Men's Sonic - Pro HD Waders
These are super solid waders from Redington. They are technical and have many features to keep you comfortable on long days on the river. They are durable and will withstand rugged terrain and lots of days on the water!
Simms Men's Freestone Z Stockingfoot Waders
Keep ya dry with some additional layers for those rough bush wacking days.
Orvis Men's Ultralight Convertible Wader
One absolutely fantastic pair of ultralight clQuality, long lasting ultralight waders from Orvis!
4 way waterproof breathable nylon shell fabric provides total waterproof protection, while allowing you to stay comfortable with the breathable properties of the material!
Snap magnetic fasteners for quick and easy waist/chest conversion.
External storage pocket with water resistant YKK Aquaguard Zipper.
Modern fit looks and feels great!
Curated Experts don’t get paid by the manufacturer to write these reviews. All of their opinions are their own and unbiased. Want to learn more about our experts? Check out the video or view some of their profiles to learn more!
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