Women's Gear Guide by Miss Mayfly®: Properly Fitting Wading Boots

What is a "wading" boot? 

A wading boot provides foot stability and protection in slippery waters and is designed to be worn with waders that have a waterproof neoprene bootie. However, they may also be worn with wading socks. Wading boots are made of durable materials that resist water absorption and provide the extra space needed to fit a neoprene bootie.

Consequently, it is important to note that while the outside materials are water resistant, once submerged, water will still enter inside the boot cavity. Wading boots are made of materials that release water, allowing them to remain lightweight when wet. Likewise, they utilize vent systems that enable water to drain quickly, so although the boot itself does get wet inside, the neoprene bootie or wading sock will keep your feet nice and dry.

How should a wading boot fit? 

Wearing a properly fitting wading boot cannot be underestimated. A wading boot should fit and feel differently than your standard shoes- it should provide a firm-feeling fit. It is normal to feel pressure throughout the foot.

If a wading boot is too loose, it may cause a loss of balance which will increase the chances of falling. If the foot is sliding forward & back, side to side or up and down at the heel- it's too loose. A loose boot can quickly cause not only instability, but it could cause degeneration and damage to a neoprene bootie.

A proper fit = minimal movement inside the boot.

 Ideally, the toe should reach the tip if the boot, the heel should rest securely in the heel cradle and there should not be extra space between your foot and the top or 'roof' of the boot.

Mayfly Tip: It is okay if the toes have little or no extra room at the tip. If a toe is bent or if it feels as though someone is pinching it, the boot is too small and you should go up 1 size. In Mayfly boots, it is common to need to size up if the big toe is not the longest toe. 

Case Study

Recently, a loyal customer requested an exchange in size, stating that her boot was too tight and her toes were pressed into the tip of boot. She typically wore a size 6.5 standard shoe and had purchased a size 7 in the Miss Mayfly® Moxie Wading Boot.

She thought it felt okay with thin socks, but the boot was too tight when she put on thick socks.

After walking through proper fit and tying technique with the customer and describing how the materials will expand in the water- the customer was encouraged to give the boots a try and wear them into the water.

Upon doing just that, the customer reported excitedly that not only did the boot expand and provide her a perfectly performing fit- but, it was the most comfortable boot she had ever waded in.

 How long does it take to break in new wading boots?

Wading boots will expand and break-in quickly once they are worn and submerged in water. When they break in, the pressure caused by the tight fit, will go away and the boot will become "comfortable", usually during the first use. However, if the boot is purchased "comfortable" when new, it will soon become too loose when it breaks in, resulting in "floppy foot", occurring when the foot slides around in the boot cavity and reduces the users stability. 

Mayfly Tip: We suggest wearing a thinner sock and not planning a long hike on the first day of use.

Why should I wear socks with neoprene booties? 

While your wading boot is created with extra space for the neoprene bootie, insulated socks are always recommended regardless of temperature. The socks are worn inside your neoprene bootie and will provide temperature regulation while also filling any empty spaces that the width and shape of your foot may create. Wearing socks allows you to alter your temperature insulation needs and the fit of your boot just by adjusting their thickness.

Mayfly Tip: Wearing a thin polyester dress sock or a breathable sock liner under an outer sock, helps wick moisture away from skin, which is essential for dry, warm feet. Never wear cotton for any base layers as it retains moisture. Synthetics or natural fiber socks such as wool, come in various weights for different climate needs and work the best to keep feet comfy. 

Do wading boots come in half sizes?

Wading boots are usually manufactured in whole sizes only. The reason for this is a lack of benefit. A half size is the equivalent of 1/3 of one centimeter, or .13 of an inch. It is very small measurement. A wading boot fit does not need to be as exact as our everyday shoe because it can be easily adjusted by changing the thickness of the socks worn. In addition, neoprene booties come in various thicknesses and also affects the users ability to be completely precise in wading boot fit. And lastly, wading boots are compressed when worn under water which removes the small empty spaces that the user might still have left. For all of these reasons, there is not a significant benefit in making half size wading boots.

What is the best method to lace boots? 

The most important point for boot stability is the angle from the heel to the top of the ankle bend- as shown in the following illustration:

Pay extra attention to tighten your laces at this key point, shown in the illustration, to ensure that the boot provides its full extent of stability. 

Double down your loop ends after tying. Take the two loops and pull them over the shoelace hooks (on top of the previously hooked lace), pull the two tag ends tight and tuck them into neck of boot. This will prevent your laces from loosening throughout the day.

• Wearing boots that are too big.
  • Why?  People are used to a loose, comfortable fit in their everyday shoes. Their common initial reaction when putting on the right size wading boot is that it’s too tight.
• Sizing up to make room for neoprene booties.
  • Most brands have already accounted for this difference in their sizing. Always check with the manufacturer for sizing instructions as these size adjustments may vary across brands.

 Do tight boots cut off circulation?

If we had a dime for every time we heard this: "Buy a size bigger to have extra room. If the boot is too tight, it will reduce circulation which is not only uncomfortable, but can also affect temperature regulation".  

This misconception originates from older male gentlemen who simply prefer a looser fit. They love their boots to be broken in and worn out. There is much greater safety risk when wearing a boot that is too loose compared to wearing one that is firm-fitting. And frankly, the truth is, women's bodies are indeed different from head to toe. 

Women's calves are larger and lower than most men's calves. In fact women's calves often flow all the way down into the ankle, where their arteries and nerves are condensed. It is more likely to reduce circulation by over tightening ankle laces.  This can cause restriction of muscles and provide unnecessary pressure on arteries and nerves, resulting in reduced blood flow and mobility.

There is nothing more uncomfortable than when the boot edge repetitively hits in to the low calf muscle when walking. It is important for women's wading boots to have a low profile/notched area at the back rim of the boot to prevent impact on muscles and pressure on the achilles tendon.

Do women have weaker ankles?

Although some people may have weaker ankles, usually ankle strength has little to do with falls. However, hormones cause women's ligaments to be more lax, making women more prone to sprains and injuries. It is essential for women to wear proper fitting boots that provide the level of support and stability that they need.

What is the Miss Mayfly® Difference?

Miss Mayfly® Moxie Wading Boots have been specifically designed to fit a woman's foot- and are not just men's or unisex boots with a converted size label. Women often face cramping and swelling due to hormone cycles, age or health conditions, making stability and comfort of the utmost importance in boot performance. 

And... just as our bodies are different, our feet are too.

That's why we took over a year to perfect the MOXIE boot- creating multiple prototypes to ensure proper boot height and ankle ratios, precisely tapered ankle padding, and a cushioned insole support that will provide each customer with superior comfort, advanced stability and a fit that is unmatched by other brands.

In the women's fishing world, Miss Mayfly® has led the industry in the development of innovative product and sizing solutions for women.

Why? Because we are anglers just. like. you.

We know you, we hear you and we are committed to continuing to provide product solutions that meet your specific needs as female anglers.

We have had your back for the last six years, and now we have your feet too!