Hiy'all,
Just in for a minit- headed back to the atv park with some friends visiting from Texas.
Question:
My old wading boots don't fit my feet now with the neoprene booties on my new waders. I wear a 10.5/11 shoe size, and a friend let me borrow his Size 12 Cabela's master guide boots. Problem is, these size 12 fit my sock feet, without the booties. With the booties, I can't even get my foot in them.
I called Cabela's, and they said to order my normal shoe size, but I doubt that will work. I'm leaning on trying the size 13, since that's all they have over the size 12 in the velcro straps.
1. What gives with the sizing? Does it take 2 shoe sizes over for neoprene booties?
2. Any drawbacks to velcro straps? They'll be easier on my back to cinch up. Do they stay together well? Do they function well in real cold water, like, with ice in it?
Any advice/experiences would be appreciated.
DonO
DonO...
I just recently got the same boots...size 10. I wear a 9 1/2 shoe. I hadn't yet tried them on...your note had me worried so I just gave them a whirl. Put on regular athletic socks...another pair of heavier socks over those...the boot foot waders...and the new boots. Perfect fit for me! Easy to get on because of the very expandable tongue...easy to get off for the same reason. Now these boots are new and have not been wet...but being a synthetic, I shouldn't think that they would shrink.
The Bailey's replace my Chotas (sz 10)...I loved them for their lightness, easy stretch lacing and support...BUT they shrunk drastically (were too small to begin with)...this season I could not get them on when dry without going sockless. That's ok during the summer...but colder water conditions resulted in numb feet.
Perhaps your friend's boots are an older model and sizing concerns have been attended to?
Oops...just reread your email. Mine are Dan Bailey Outfitter II's...The only velcro closure they offer is a "Super" Sandal. If you're going to do any wading in salt, I would suggest shying away from velcro closures...they attract sand and then become less secure. I cannot find any reference in their latest catalog for a "Master Guide Boot". Might be a discontinued model.
...byard
