"Enter the updated Simms G3 Guide Waders, a classic wader now available with optional custom bootfoot by the Muck Boot Company for an additional $100. Simms makes the waders from a three-layer GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric. They have five-layer construction from the thigh down, where durability counts the most. Besides the standard-issue wading belt, the Simms G3's are tricked out with a flip-out zippered chest pocket with a built-in retractor, perfect for stowing a few spools of tippet. Plus they have a fleece-lined hand-warmer pocket complete with external zippered pouch big enough for a couple fly boxes.

Out of water, the non-constrictive fit, articulated knees and breathable fabric made for comfortable hiking. Pouring on various streamside punishments revealed the build quality. After repeated butt slides over sharp rock and ferocious clashes with thorny raspberry bushes they looked similar to when I took them out of the box.

In the water, they did what every great piece of gear does—they disappeared; I forgot I was wearing them. High stepping over nasty logjams and repeated crouching to release my catch never felt constrained due to the roomy fit and comfortable elastic shoulder straps. The sturdy fabric both insulated and breathed—providing a not-too-hot, not-too-cold barrier to the icy water. (As a bonus when the water gets smaller and the mercury spikes the waders also convert quickly to pants waders.)

I was skeptical the Muck Boot bootfoot could offer as much ankle support as a lace-up. The boots are offered only in whole sizes and being a half size, I figured they'd be loose and clunky. But after adding a pair of beefy insoles I found the fit practically athletic, and not a cause for foot fatigue. On long hauls over rocky terrain my footing was secure and comfortable. I stumbled through deep, thick mud like an epileptic albatross, but my boots held like glue. My friend, wearing cheap bootfoot waders, slogged around like some Halloween mishap, his boots having been sucked free. Although slightly heavier and clunkier than a standard pair of lace-ups, the Muck Boot excels in warmth. It's rated for temperatures as low as -20F.

"One of the smartest models in Simms' revamped line of waders is the G3 Guide Convertible, which is equally functional in both waist-high and chest-high configurations. Most waders of this type give priority to chest-high mode, with waist-high use an inconvenient afterthought that involves re-wiring your suspenders, fussing with your belt and fighting folds of excess fabric.

The G3 Convertible takes the opposite approach-a practical waist-high wader with chest-high capability. The supple, low-bulk upper is neatly corralled by zippers at the wader waist. When you need extra wading range, unzip and lift the upper, which is then held in place by hook-and-loop patches on the suspenders. It takes only a few seconds. The waders, except for chest-high extension, are constructed of the new GORE-TEX® Pro Shell fabric, which is lighter, more breathable and more tear-resistant than previous versions, with a woven interior face that slips on and off with less friction.

The design here acknowledges that most of us spend substantially more time wading up to our thighs than to our armpits and could profit from a waist-high fit that offers greater ventilation, comfort and mobility-without sacrificing the occasional foray into deep water."

"Simms Fishing Products has introduced the industry’s premier bootfoot wader offering.

A direct benefit of Simms’ one of a kind Custom Shop Programme is that customers now have the option to customize eight of the 10 Simms, 2007 wader models with a comfortable, high-performance Muck Boot bootfoot.

Simms has teamed up with The Original Muck Boot Company to offer the Wetland Boot, one of the finest outdoor boots available. Waterproof, comfortable and light, the Wetland offers an unmatched comfort range of 70°F to -20°F.

Simms is offering the Muck Boot in both a felt and lug sole option, men’s sizes 7 to 14. Bootfoot pricing is figured by adding $100 onto the suggested retail price of the given stockingfoot wader model.