Orvis PRO Zip Bootfoot Waders Review

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The Orvis PRO Zip bootfoot waders stand as a beacon of durability and practical design. Join me on this review as we explore their features and what sets these waders apart.

Orvis PRO Zip Bootfoot Waders – Durability

Undoubtedly, the most important aspect of a fishing wader is durability. With a design focused on durability, the Orvis PRO Zip bootfoot waders are equipped to endure the challenges of the outdoors. Whether you’re using them for fishing or another activity, the 100% Cordura fabric, combined with multiple layers in strategic areas, ensures longevity, offering twice the abrasion resistance and nearly double the puncture resistance compared to similar waders. This durability comes in very handy when getting to your favorite fishing spots through thick vegetation or falling on your butt due to a slippery rock. Thankfully, the boots feature a studdable Michelin outsole, providing reliable traction and contributing to the overall durability of the waders. Its apparent that these waders were designed as a reliable choice for the long haul.

Comfort and Fit

The second most important aspect of waders is comfort. Luckily, comfort takes center stage in the design of the Orvis PRO Zip bootfoot waders. If you’re going to be using them for several hours at a time, then this is a must. With six body sizes and five boot sizes to choose from, Orvis caters to accommodate versatility. Overall, these waders are bulkier, allowing ample space for layering during winter escapades. If using them in the summer, some of the bulk up top can be taken up by the included belt. Although I have the size medium, I was able to stuff a winter coat inside of the waders without it feeling too restrictive. The waders feature adjustable elastic suspenders with opposing buckles. I found the suspenders to be easily adjustable as well as very rugged. The ruggedness of these suspenders did make them feel a little stiff to me which was noticeable when bending over. This likely would not be as noticeable to consumers as it is to a reviewer who is actively looking for these things. The pant leg section is not as baggy as the top but provides enough room to layer with some sweatpants if need be. As far as colors go, the waders are only offered in one color.

Boots

There are five sizes of boots to choose from and I found that the boots run true to size. The boots of these waders are nice and rugged with a good height to them. The 5mm neoprene and grid-fleece insulation in the boots ensure warmth. I used them several times in waters around 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit and my feet stayed nice and warm.

The traction is top notch. I had no trouble stepping over rocks and crossing rivers with these boots. As with other well-constructed boots built to last there is some weight to them. One of the few critiques that I found was that the boots are very wide front to back at the ankles. This allows them to be easily slipped on or off but also it made them sloppy and loose to walk around in outside of the water. This can be an annoyance when you have a long hike to your favorite fishing spot. Inside the water, the hydrostatic pressure keeps them tight around your feet and legs eliminating the problem. Moreover, if you don’t prefer the bootfoot style wades, Orvis offers them in stockingfoot as well.

Orvis PRO Zip Bootfoot Waders – Features and Storage

These waders come loaded with features catering to the needs of avid anglers. The inclusion of a TIZIP MasterSeal waterproof zipper facilitates easy on-and-off as well as allows flexibility and ease of use when you need to use the bathroom in the wild. The studdable Michelin outsole offers best-in-class wet rubber traction, providing stability in varied terrains. The split, fleece-lined handwarmer pockets, two external storage pockets with YKK AquaGuard coated zippers, and the split Hypalon daisy chain for tool docking enhance the waders’ functionality, providing convenient and organized storage options. Due to the zippered front, I was a little worried about a lack of storage space. However, I found the storage space to be plenty big. The two large, zippered side chest pockets easily accommodated my small tackle bins full of essential gear. Additional waterproof pockets on the chest provide a secure space for your phone, keys and other sensitive gear. A unique feature not found in many other waders are the removable OrthoLite X25 knee pads. These add an extra layer of durability and comfort if you find yourself needing to kneel on hard surfaces.

 Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a newcomer to the sport, the Orvis PRO Zip bootfoot waders beckon anglers with promises of durability, functionality, and a design that adapts to the demands of various environments. These waders were truly engineered for the long haul. The thoughtful features such as removable knee pads, and zippered front showcase Orvis’s commitment to providing a comprehensive solution for anglers seeking high-performance waders. The waders are selling at a retail price of $898. While the initial investment may be higher, the unparalleled durability and feature-rich design make the Orvis PRO Zip bootfoot waders a worthy investment for serious anglers. I am truly impressed with these waders and would recommend them to anyone needing a pair. Visit Orvis’ website at www.orvis.com or www.backcountry.com for more details or to purchase this product.