Waders are a personal thing, but when I worked for ODFW waders were my work clothes. The 5mm Cabelas Stocking foot waders rock. I made the mistake of buying 3.5mm xtream waders on my last set, and am kicking myself for it. My Cabelas lasted 6 years before the seams and neoprene on the heels wore out. Basically I went through 3 pairs of wading shoes before the waders were done. And boy they were comfortable. But I have to admit, I have never bought a pair of bootfoot waders. Like I said this is my personal opinion.