Professional fishermen know that without high-quality waders there is nothing to do near a pond. There are many different names for these shoes: swampers, brodni, brodni. The name of the product does not change its function. They must protect the owner from water, dirt, cold and damage.
You need to choose shoes depending on what exactly you are going to do in them, or more precisely, what kind of terrain you will walk on. For relaxing with a fishing rod at the water's edge, regular short rubber boots are suitable. We'll look at more professional options below.
What are wades made of?
- PVC swamp pads. The lower part, that is, the boot itself, is made of this material. The extension is made of PVC fabric (vinitol).
- Pobrodni made of PVC with nylon. They differ from the previous model only in the extension. Nylon is much lighter, stronger and more elastic than vinyl. In addition, such products have a wider range of colors. Vinitol can only be olive or black. Hunters love PVC and nylon camouflage boots.
- Product made of EVA with neoprene. You can stand in shoes without fear of even icy water. Neoprene retains heat well. The downside is that the shoes are not suitable for the warm season; they will be very hot.
- Solid waders. They are completely made of PVC, and the upper part does not differ in thickness from the lower one. Very strong and durable functional shoes, which are loved not only by fishermen, but also by hunters. You can walk through thickets in them without the risk of immediately damaging the product.
WASH BOOTS MADE OF EVA WITH NYLON
These boots can be treated differently. But the fact is obvious - for some situations they are simply irreplaceable. And that's why.
Thanks to the EVA boot, such swamp boots are several times lighter and warmer than PVC boots. The only thing is that they cannot boast of the same strength.
You need to walk more carefully in EVA boots - make sure not to step on a twig or protruding peaks of reeds. Some manufacturers reinforce the sole with a durable plastic insert to protect against punctures. This does not protect the side from cuts, but prevents mechanical damage from the bottom. After all, most cuts occur precisely when walking, when there is a possibility of stepping on something hard and sharp - broken bottles, sticks, stones.
Just be more careful. As a last resort, you can try sealing such boots with special EVA glue.
But standing in cold water in such boots is much more pleasant. EVA retains heat well. In addition, some models come with a warm fur liner. With it, cold water is not scary at all. Even in spring and autumn.
Cost: 2,300-2,500 rubles.
Options from Nordman:
- Boots with protective sole Nordman Expert (size 41/42 - 46/47)
- Boots with protective soles and Nordman Expert insulation (sizes 41/42 - 46/47)
Despite the presence of insulation, there is one point that is important to consider.
EVA protects against cold water, but nylon does not. That is, if you stand shallow, everything will be fine. But if you go even knee-deep, discomfort is possible. Nylon. like vinylol, it conducts heat. This means that it is better to stand in cold water in such swamp boots no higher than the level of the junction between the boot and the extension, or wear additional thermal underwear and warm pants.
And it’s even better to have special wades made of neoprene for spring and autumn.
Nordman wading boots
Trademark "Dune" (Astrakhan)
This is a budget and high-quality option for waders for hunting and fishing. They are made using a patented technology of simultaneous casting from three materials with different characteristics.
Advantages of shoes:
- The upper part of the boots remains soft at very low temperatures.
- The shoes have an elastic, wear-resistant sole that is not afraid of alkalis and acids. Does not slip, which is important for winter fishing.
- The foam layer inside the sole provides cushioning as well as additional protection from the cold.
The boots are available in olive and black colors. Size range: from 41 to 46 sizes.
Manufacturers
And now a little brand review. The generally recognized leaders are Taimen and Nordman.
- ROX N. This manufacturer mainly produces PVC boots. The most popular models of the brand are those that have nylon extensions. You can buy brodni for both narrow and wide feet. Each model comes with liner socks. The shoe design is modern, many options. Prices are affordable.
- "Taimen". The products are very lightweight (one boot weighs only 600 g). The company also patented its discovery - snow boots, very comfortable and versatile boots. Brodni are mainly made from EVA. Almost all presented models have a low slip level. Prices are affordable. There is only one drawback - the boots need to be broken in.
- Nordman. Very wide range and size range. The products last a long time, they are resistant to low thermal indices, and they are distinguished by enviable wear resistance. The company is a leader in the production of winter boots for fishing. The sole of the insulated shoes is impregnated with anti-slip substances. The materials are very durable and do not allow moisture to pass through. Prices are competitive, there are often discounts and promotions from the brand.
- Among the good domestic brands, the Astrakhan brand “Dune” should also be highlighted. The products belong to the budget segment, which does not negate the high quality of the products. The boots are made in black and olive colors, the size range is from 41 to 46. The sole of the boots contains an internal foam layer, which provides good shock absorption and additional protection from the cold.
Dune competes with , which produces boots using unique technology. The bottom of the boots is made by injection molding, so the shoes are 100% waterproof.
The brand's products are distinguished by a wide range. There are models made of PVC and nylon. The buyer can choose functional shoes for both winter and summer recreation near a pond.
produces men's and women's waders in all sizes. There are options with narrow and wide tops. Models designed for the cold season are equipped with insulated insoles and special sock liners that can be taken out and dried. For additional protection, the boots include knee pads.
Top materials (extensions)
PVC - durable, cheap
Wet boots for summer fishing, made entirely of PVC, are called solid boots. This is the most durable option, but not the most practical due to its heavy weight and average elasticity.
Vinitol - cheap, lighter than PVC
The uppers of inexpensive waders for fishing are usually made of vinyl. It is heavy compared to other materials, but not so much that this becomes a clear disadvantage.
Bonus: Vinitol is also used to make inflatable boats. To restore an extension made of this material, it is enough to have a boat repair kit with you.
Nylon – light, flexible, durable
Nylon is lighter and more elastic than vinyl, and therefore more expensive. Nordman uses specially durable Korean nylon in its production, which adds another plus to the material.
Lightweight, elastic, durable. Alas, there will be a “but” again. Nylon does not protect against the cold. In combination with EVA boots, it is necessary to ensure that the level of cold water is not higher than the boot.
Those who are interested in staying warm at all levels will enjoy the following material.
Neoprene – warm, flexible, durable
Neoprene is a three-layer material made of fabric and rubber. Take the properties of nylon and add high thermal insulation. No “buts” this time. Cool stuff. Although... in the heat, discomfort is possible - it will smell.
Winter rubber boots Muck Boots Arctic Sport
Warm, lightweight and completely waterproof functional shoes. This is the best option for winter active recreation near water bodies. The manufacturer claims that they are designed for temperatures from +4 to -40 degrees. The weight of one boot is about 1 kilogram. The top of the boots is high and waterproof. Made from elastic material. There is a loop at the back with a reflective insert.
How to store shoes for fishing and hunting?
Before putting rubber boots on the mezzanine, you should at least read the instructions for their use. It should also indicate how to store functional shoes made from a particular material.
Boots made of rubber should never be left bent for storage. Otherwise, the material at the bend may crack and the shoes will become unusable. The room where you are going to store swamp plants should be warm and dry. It must be regularly ventilated. Do not store rubber shoes in direct sunlight.
PVC boots do not require special storage conditions. They do not crack even if left wet and bent.
How to choose waders for fishing?
Every fisherman knows that without such boots there is nothing to do while fishing. Well, unless you have a wading suit or waders. But this is a separate topic for discussion. And today we’ll talk about boots.
They are called by different names.
Brodni, wades, waders, swamps. Whatever you call it, the essence does not change. Their main task is to protect from water where ordinary boots cannot go.
Important: you need to buy boots depending on where and how you are going to wear them.
Because the properties of some swampers are different from others. And if you choose the wrong one, you may be disappointed. Although the point is not that the boots are “bad”, but that you did not take into account the properties of the material and used them incorrectly. Or stored it (we’ll talk about this too, but a little later).
So, what types of boots are there? And how are they different from each other?
waders for fishing
The swamps consist of two parts. The lower part is the boot itself. And the top one is an extension, which is attached in a special way (the type of fastening also depends on the material). At the top of the extension there are special straps-loops to attach boots to the belt.
Boots can be made of rubber, PVC or EVA.
Extension - made of rubber, PVC, vinyl, nylon or neoprene.
And now about all combinations of materials in order.
How to repair brodni?
Punctures, cuts and holes are normal when using waders, as the conditions in which they are used are quite harsh. As long as the damage is small, it can be easily repaired. The repair technology consists of three stages:
- Sanding the damaged area with fine sandpaper.
- Degreasing with alcohol.
- Gluing the patch.
For repairs, you will need glue that is suitable specifically for your boots. The patch can be made from the same material from which the shoes are made. As a rule, manufacturers include a piece of material specifically for such purposes.
Reviews of waders
Outdoor enthusiasts disagree widely. For example, some fishermen have been using boots from the popular Roks brand for 10 years, while others complain that they tore them on the first day of use and swear off dealing with this company.
Professionals generally recommend buying rubber waders with rubber and a neoprene lining. They retain heat and are difficult to damage. But they also have many disadvantages: they are quite heavy and relatively expensive. A good alternative to them are waders. These are pants connected to boots.
Many families prefer Nazia boots for outdoor activities. Reviews about the manufacturer are, in general, quite good. Considering that the price of the products is low. Many people wear these shoes for 5 years.
From the reviews of professional fishermen we can draw the following conclusions:
- PVC swamp pads are suitable for walks in the forest and active (walking) fishing.
- Solid models are needed for climbing bushes.
- If you stand in very cold water, then EVA models with a neoprene extension will help out.
How to choose a model
There is a huge variety of models of waders. The choice must be made based on the purpose of use, season, characteristics of the local ecosystem, weather conditions, and temperature conditions.
Shoes for fishing and hunting are always selected one or two sizes larger than required. This is done for two reasons. First: most often, the materials from which boots are made require long-term wear, and the extra centimeters give the feet freedom, which prevents the appearance of calluses. Second: when cold weather sets in, you can wear a pair of warm socks in swamp boots intended for spring and autumn and not spend money on purchasing new winter shoes.
For fishing
Shoes for fishing should first of all be waterproof, since often the process is not limited to being on the shore. Equally important are the high strength of the material and the height of the product. After all, in the water you can step on sharp shells or get scratched on stones, and don’t forget about leeches.
To be comfortable in fishing waders in the summer, they must be light. Therefore, in the warm season, preference is given to shoes made of polyvinyl chloride. To protect the shin, products with extensions made of vinyl or nylon are used. If you have to fish in a swampy area and have to wade through sedge and other bushes, then it is better to opt for solid models. For long stays in cold water, boots made of ethylene vinyl acetate with neoprene extensions are ideal.
Shoes for winter fishing should be heat-resistant and anti-slip. These requirements are met by waders with cowhide hoods. Thanks to the sewn-in underwear, they retain natural warmth for a long time. The sole is made of special rubber, which makes it easier to move on ice. Such products are strong and durable.
For hunting
Boots for hunting are subject to essentially the same requirements as shoes for fishing. Products must be light, comfortable, moisture-resistant, durable (protect from cuts from stones and tree branches). In late spring, summer and early autumn, polyvinyl chloride swamps are preferred. The boot extension can be made of vinyl or nylon. If you have to move through wooded or rough terrain, then wear solid boots.
For winter hunting, choose models insulated with fur inside with cowhide hoods made from solid canvas. They are warm and comfortable even in frosty temperatures of -40 °C. The sole is made of leather impregnated with special anti-slip agents.
When purchasing winter swampers, you need to pay attention to the following factor: whether the inner fur lining is well glued. If it is poorly attached to the boot, then during long walks it will move and crumple, causing inconvenience. Also, the lining should not be dark in color, otherwise there is a chance that it will stain your legs and clothes.
Hunting boots
In order to kill game in swamps and lakes, you need special equipment. Hunters have to walk a lot, so their feet must remain dry and warm. In addition, shoes should be light and comfortable.
For autumn hunting, the best option is a product made of neoprene. There are options with and without insulation. They are completely waterproof. You don't have to be afraid of the autumn cold in them - they can withstand temperatures from +4 to -5 degrees.
For winter hunting, experienced hunters recommend leather boots with fur inside and a special coating on the outside. The best raw material for this is ash extracts. The soles of these boots are also made of leather. The welt must be at least 5 mm. The bottom of the shoe is protected from rubbing against the sedge with a special tourniquet. Manufacturers offer boots of different heights. For example, for hunting wood grouse, they are made 15 cm above the knee. If you plan to kill waterfowl, then they should be even longer.
For the warm season, rubber boots are suitable. If you decide to use them in the cold season, then socks made of cotton and wool and stockings made of dog fur will save you. Be careful when choosing your size.
Conclusion: in order not to regret wasted money and a damaged product, it must be selected strictly for the situation. Then waders will delight you for more than one season.
Top – 3 best luxury rubber boots for fishing and hunting in 2021
HUNTER ORIGINAL TALL MEN'S
1 place
The brand is based on a purely English style, which is both discreet and at the same time fashionable.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Manufacturer | England, China |
| Size chart | from 36 to 43 (EU) – from 3 to 9 (UK) – from 5 to 11 (US) |
| Online store address | https://www.asos.com/ru/men/a-to-z-of-brands/hunter/cat/?cid=4841 |
| average price | 12000 rub. |
rubber boots HUNTER ORIGINAL TALL MEN'S
Advantages:
- attractive appearance;
- natural rubber;
- strength;
- do not get wet;
- comfortable last;
- presence of polyester lining.
Flaws:
- It is possible that models may run small.
HUNTER was created by order of the Duke of Wellington. The brand makes shoes from natural rubber. In addition, the boots are made by hand from 28 vulcanized parts, which provides more reliable protection.
BAFFIN
2nd place
The company annually improves the quality of its products. To do this, experts conduct constant research and testing in order to bring unique and comfortable shoes to the market.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Manufacturer | Canada |
| Size chart | from 39 to 48.5 (EU) - from 7 to 14 (US) |
| Online store address | https://baffin-shop.ru/mugskaya-obuv/?filter[attribute][83][0]=444 |
| average price | 11000 rub. |
rubber boots BAFFIN
Advantages:
- quality;
- durability;
- There are winter and summer models;
- comfortable wear;
- light weight (they are practically not felt when worn);
- The lining inside absorbs moisture well.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
This brand produces universal boots. With Baffin products, even in the most extreme conditions, fishermen and hunters do not feel any discomfort at all. It is very important that the sole does not slip at all, even on clay soil.
NORFIN KLONDAIK
3rd place
The brand has become a leader in the field of specialized equipment for fishermen and hunters.
| Options | Characteristic |
| Manufacturer | Latvia |
| Size chart | from 39 to 50 (EU) - from 5.5 to 13.5 (UK) - from 6 to 14 (US) |
| Online store address | https://www.decathlon.ru/ru-norfin-klondaik-eva-id_8591759.html |
| average price | 7000 rub. |
rubber boots NORFIN KLONDAIK
Advantages:
- good thermal insulation;
- three-layer liner;
- rubber sole with high tread;
- durability;
- comfortable operation.
Flaws:
- Not detected.
Absolutely every new product is produced based on the comments and wishes of customers. The products are known in 16 countries. If you stay in water or wet grass for a long time, the foot still remains dry and warm in winter, and in summer the foot is also not wet for a long time, because the liner absorbs moisture well.
For the sake of comfort when fishing and hunting, people are willing to spend a lot of money on equipment. Brands take into account all weather conditions to make customers more comfortable.
