Simms Freestone Z Bootfoot Waders: A Zippered Path to Cold-Water Comfort?

Okay, confession time: I used to be that guy. The one who swore by stockingfoot waders, convinced that separate boots were the only way to achieve true angling enlightenment. Customization, ankle support, the whole nine yards… But then winter hit. Hard. Suddenly, the romance of perfectly laced boots faded fast as my fingers went numb trying to wrangle frozen neoprene. That’s when the Simms Freestone Z Bootfoot Waders, with their promise of built-in boots and a freakin’ zipper, started looking mighty appealing.

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So, I took the plunge.

First impression? These things feel like they mean business. The Toray QuadraLam material is seriously beefy, and the rubber boots look like they could handle anything the river throws at them. Plus, the “Loden” color? Spot on. It just blends right in. But the real magic happened when I slipped them on. Seriously, slipped. No wrestling, no contortions, just zip and go. A revelation, I tell you!

My maiden voyage was a teeth-chattering morning on the Deschutes. The water was… bracing, let’s say. But bundled in the Freestones with some trusty merino socks, I was actually… comfortable? The boots, while not quite as supportive as my usual wading boots (something to keep in mind if you’re planning on scaling cliffs), were comfy enough for a full day.

And those pockets! Simms nailed it. Plenty of room for fly boxes, tippet, even a sneaky hand warmer for emergencies. The micro-fleece lining? A gift from the fishing gods on days when the wind bites. Plus, the way these waders are cut? I could actually move. Hiking along the bank felt less like a chore and more like, well, hiking.

But let’s be real, the star of the show is that TIZIP zipper. Need to, ahem, relieve yourself? Zip it down. Overheating on a trek back to the truck? Unzip for instant ventilation. It’s a game-changer. Pure and simple.

Now, are they perfect? Not quite. The integrated boots, while convenient, can feel a tad clunky compared to dedicated boots. And I’ve heard a few whispers about leaks popping up after a couple of hard seasons. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed and my eyes peeled.

Bottom line? The Simms Freestone Z Bootfoot Waders have converted me. The convenience factor alone is worth the price of admission. If you’re a cold-water angler who values comfort and ease of use, these waders deserve a serious look. They might not completely replace my stockingfoots, but they’ve definitely earned a permanent spot in my arsenal.

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So, are they for you?

• Buy ’em if: You crave convenience, fish in freezing conditions, and want a wader that’s built to last.
• Skip ’em if: You need maximum ankle support, demand the ultimate in customization, or are on a super-tight budget.