Decent Hip Boots

I’ll try and keep this from becoming another rant…..

I like hip boots. A lot of the small stream and rivers in Minnesota don’t require full blown chest waders. Hippers are easier to get on and off, they’re cooler, and easier to walk in.

The problem is that the neoprene hippers I’ve owned are all junk. The latest pair (Frogg Togg Driducks) lasted about two years before the rubber started to disintegrate. Right above the heel on both boots, I found a multitude of cracks and crevices. Oh, and I always stored these boots hung up in the basement. They weren’t folded, exposed to the sun, or exposed to temperature extremes. Think about all the rubber stuff around your house, your car, in your boat, stuff that lasts for decades. Hip boots last for two years?

OK so does anybody know of a brand or model of hip boot that lasts for a while?

Thanks

Rootski

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I’ll try and keep this from becoming another rant…..

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You lost out when you posted that picture! LOL!

Sorry, I’ve been there and done that with waders. Wish I could help you Root. We had the same problem with waders until we spent like $300., then they lasted 3 years.

I used to get Pro-Line hip boots in my steelhead days fishing the N. Shore; but they only seemed to last a ~1 yr or so. Used to get the cracks right in the ankles.

Kinda doubt there is a pair to get that will last. I am also trying to find rubber ankle boots that will last more than a season.

Seems like we live where everything is disposable and you just replace it. Even new refrigerators only last about 7 yrs now.

I’ve had good luck with the Muck Boot Woody Marsh Hip Wader.

I still own a pair of Cabelas Brush Buster hip boots that are about 8 years old. If they would make them again, I’d buy 2 more pairs. I wish I could find a pair as good as they were.

Two options for you Rootski. I only wear hip boots for deer huntinng now, see item 2 for my trout fishing solution.

1. LaCrosse recently revived the Big Chief hip boots. Back in the day, these were the only hip boots worth owning because of LaCrosse’s soft natural rubber compound wich makes them plyable and comfortable. I was very glad to see them return and I’ll certainly buy a pair as soon as my current pair of hip boots wear out.

2. I totally converted to waist high breathable waders for most trout fishing some years ago and they are terrific for summer use. They are comfortable even in the hottest weather (I even wear shorts under them sometimes), but they offer just that little bit more depth for the occasional deeper stream. I also like the fact that I can wear wading boots as these are more supportive than hip boots for longer walks. I get about 3-4 seasonsons out of every $129 pair from LL Bean which IMO is totally acceptable. Obviously, you can spend 3x that for Simms and probably get 5+ seasons out of them.

Grouse

I also own a frogg toggs bull frogg wader but I never had any problems with rubber deterioration. Best part is that it keeps my feet warm in colder months.

If you haven’t bought hippers yet…check out Dans Frog Legs. They are reasonably priced and I’ve had mine for 4 years. I use them for all of my trapping and occasional fishing trips.

They are very tough and comfortable.

I’ve had a pair of lacrosse ankle fit for over 10 years and are still good. I just looked them up and looks like they really went up in price of course. They’re harder to get off but nice to walk in. I use waist high breathable Simms over hip boots 90% of the time though.

Muck hip boots, now if I could find waist-high stocking foot neos, nope not cabelas anymore.

sneakers and cut-offs.

I’ve had Itasca hip boots for 5 years now and no problems. They have a rubber boot and lightweight nylon legs. I really like them.
WKW

Tom Sawvell wrote:

sneakers and cut-offs. [/quote

Only if you have the legs for them.

kidfish wrote:

I still own a pair of Cabelas Brush Buster hip boots that are about 8 years old. If they would make them again, I’d buy 2 more pairs. I wish I could find a pair as good as they were.

X2 on the old brush buster waders. If I could find them again I’d buy 2 pairs. I used them for 30 years for pheasant hunting and only went through 3 pairs. Still on my final set but hope I can retire before they wear out.

Crocs and shorts