Hodgman Neoprene Wade Shoe

Usually, I am asked to write reviews for products that I haven't had long enough to judge. In this case I am replacing my eight year old Hodgmans with a new pair, so I have experience with the product. I also have purchased several cheap "river shoes" in the meantime that didn't work out at all. The most common problem with the cheap shoes is that gravel gets inside and won't leave, so you spend your time taking them off to shake out the gravel, or you suffer. The Hodgmans keep out sand and gravel and they have a grippy sole that doesn't slip on mossy rocks. If they keep making them, I'll keep buying them.

Caution size here. If wearing barefoot or with just a sock, I suspect you will need to go down a size. I wear an 11 1/2 shoe and the 11 is too large for me.

Ok, I just received these in the mail today, so I can't provide a thorough review of the boot/shoe. I can provide some frame of reference though for someone who wants to get this:I wear a size 11 shoe from New Balance, and on the suggestion from someone else's review, I decided to order a size one lower than I would normally wear. I ordered the size 10, and tried it on barefoot like I will wear it at the beach and in the surf. It fits perfectly! My calves are pretty big, and the neoprene at the top stretches enough to provide a close/tight seal on the boot. The zipper seems nice and sturdy, and there is a black velcro strap in the back (near the top) to help cinch it up and make it tight. My feet fit in there very well, with about 1/4" or so to spare from the tips of my toes to the front of the boot.Construction seems well made and put together, however I haven't had it long enough to provide a good review of it. If it can handle the beach, and the occasional oyster bed, I'll be happy.

Ordered these to go with my waders for surf fishing. Had been wearing my felt bottom boots but they just filled with sand. Switched to these, they work great. Hardly any sand gets in once i pull the waders boot cover down over them. Feel sure footed walking down the cliff paths to get to the water. They are very heavy duty and should last a while. I wear a US size 10.5 shoe. I ordered these in a 12 to adjust for the wader bootie, fits perfect.

I've used a few times for river fishing in North Central PA. I put them over a pair of stocking waders from Cabelas. I got a large size waiter, and got these boots to fit size 12-13. And it feels perfect. A little big with no waders, but that's no big deal. They are very durable feeling. Give good grip on mud and gravel bottoms. Big rocks are a bit slick, but that was to be expected. Overall so far, a great bargain with the low price, compared to higher priced, more refined wading boots (felt or lug). I get what I need for a far lower price.

I actually purchased these boots to use in my hobby of metal detecting. I needed something that was versatile for detecting creek beds in all seasons and sturdy enough to provide protecting against rocks, logs branches and more. In the summer it is just too hot to wear waders and most well constructed boots are made specifically for stocking style waders and become uncomfortable when worn alone. The great thing about these Hodgman boots is they are great both over a wader and solo. I have worn them several times in shallow (less than 3 foot) creek beds and they provide excellent traction w/ superior protection by just stepping into them and zipping them up. I am in Pennsylvania and lots of the creek beds are loaded with rocks. These boots pass the protective test!The front zip up style is pretty unique and I was a little skeptical at first but it is really awesome. Easy on, easy off...and that's all there is to it. another bonus worth talking about is the rubber sole. There is a lot of organisms that can hitch rides on felt soles and follow you from creek to creek. Sometimes these hitch hikers are not native to the second creek and you can actually cause some harm, but not with these boots!My only SMALL complaint is that when completely submerged the boots take on water and don't drain. They become SLIGHTLY heavier when you're walking around in the creek but it is honestly hardly noticeable until you get out of the water and try to walk around trails to get back to the car.If you're looking for an inexpensive boot that will stand the test of many creeks and trails. Go for this pair!!

Ok, I bought these to wade a small river and creeks close to me, I DID READ THE REVIEWS BEFORE BUYING ,TRYING TO GET A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF SIZING BEFORE ORDERING, WOW INFO ALL OVER THE PLACE!!!!I’m using them barefooted.......some said they run one size larger,some sail small, some said order your normal size,,,First pair I ordered my reg size 12’ very big on me, returned got 11, probably could have got 10,NOW TO HOW THEY WORK!Have fished then in the very big rocky river and creeks, THEY ARE VERY WELL MADE, NO SOGN OF AND DAMANGE AFTER SOME ROUGH WORKOUTS, BOTTOMS DONT HAVE A LOT OF SUPPORT.. AND NOT MUCH ARCH SUPPORT.... I USE AN ARCH INSERT IN MINE...ALL THAT BEING SAID,THEY REALLY DO KEEP THE SMALL ROCKS AND FLOWING TRASH OUT OF MY BOOTS....I really like them compared to my water SandallsIn the correct size they are very good😀😀😀😀

I bought these to wear for surf fishing and, hopefully, some steelhead fishing next fall. Have used them once for several hours in the surf and my feet stayed dry and warm. Size was true and they gave good solid traction for both climbing down the embankment to my fishing spot as well as in the sand at the beach. How long they'll hold up is still unknown but, as said above, so far so good.