Simms G3 Bootfoot Guide Waders
Kirk Deeter
December 31, 2023
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Most of us who have been fishing for a long time started in bootfoot waders–either because we were kids, and kids’ waders only came in the bootfoot varieties, or we’re now so old that we were fishing before GORE-TEX stockingfoot waders with separate boots were widely available. Either way, you don’t have to be a nostalgic old timer to appreciate bootfoot waders for all-in-one simplicity.
Product story
These Simms G3 Bootfoots tend to blend the best of both worlds–breathable, uppers and reinforced GORE-TEX leg sections attached to sturdy boots with a solid Vibram rubber sole. We prefer Vibram soles to felt, because even though felt grips river bottoms better, rubber lasts longer–and when your boots are permanently attached to a pair of $900 waders, you want them to last for more than a season or two.
Performance
We found them to be very comfortable, and so-far-so-good durable; the only concern is that the seam where the boot meets the leg can be felt on the inside–loose or dense clothing like sweatpants or blue jeans can bunch around that seam. So you have to be pretty careful to wear pants that won't ride up from the cuffs, or wear these waders with a pretty specific base layer like long johns or wading pants.
Versatility
Other than that, the pros and cons of bootfoots versus stockingfoots are pretty similar no matter which brand you buy. I wouldn’t plan on long hikes and covering many river miles in bootfoot waders; they’re best suited for situations where you’re a bit more stationary, like duck hunting, fishing from a boat, or slowly moving downstream as you’re swinging flies for steelhead.
Pros
Easy to get on and off. No laces, no cranks. Just put them on. But a bootjack helps to get them off.
Warmth. Pairs easily with thick warm socks, but factor that in when you choose your size.
Convenience. If you want to lock in on a dedicated pair for a dedicated situation (e.g. your boat waders), this is an option you can trust.
Cons
Even with a snug fit, these boots aren’t made for long walks, and even slightly floating feet are more likely to blister than you would be with stocking feet and dedicated wading/hiking boots.
Your pant legs can bunch at the seams where the boots meet the waders if you don’t wear a form-fitting base layer.
You don’t have the flexibility to switch boots and soles for different conditions and situations.
Pricing
Paying nearly a grand ($899.95) for a pair of waterproof pants–even waterproof pants made of the best materials–is a mighty big pill to swallow. There’s no sugar coating that.
Durability
They’re made in Bozeman, Montana, by great people. All waders are going to leak if you walk them into barbed wire, but Simms tends to deliver reliable durability. I have Simms waders I still fish in after 20 years.
- Price: $899.95
- Models: Vibram sole, felt sole
- Weight: 65.6 ounces
- Construction/Materials: Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric, insulated rubber boot
- Warranty information: Simms wader warranty
“If your SIMMS product fails due to a defect in workmanship or materials, SIMMS will repair or replace your gear and get you back on the water as soon as possible. If your SIMMS product fails due to excessive wear, accidents involving barbed wire or campfires, or the natural breakdown of materials over extended time, SIMMS will make every effort to repair your gear for a reasonable fee.”
Wader Warranty Details:
- 60-days : wader replacement for leaks, “no questions asked.”
- 365-days : wader issues, “repairs on us.”
Likely buyers
The most likely buyer of Simms G3 Guide Bootfoot waders is already programmed–it’s the angler who already has a pair or two of waders with boots, they have a routine for their fishing that doesn’t have them walking for miles, they want something that’s reliable, comfortable and warm and they’re willing to pay for brand and quality. And, frankly, they’re sick of bending down and lacing or cranking up boots. These are not well-suited for newbies, nor backcountry anglers, nor people who might want to wear felt one day, studs or aluminum bars the next, nor for the traveling angler.
Conclusion
I love my pair–for duck hunting, or driving to the river to fish a few runs after dinner. In those situations, these are my favorite waders. But you be you–and think really hard about how you’re going to fish, where you’re going to fish, etc. One size, or style, or design definitely does not fit all.
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