Kids Waders – Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2023

Last updated on January 4th, 2024.

Leonard Schoenberger
Latest posts by Leonard Schoenberger (see all)

Kids waders and youth waders become more popular since already the young ones are hitting the water. We tell you what to look for and show you the best on the market.

More and more children and youngsters are entering the world of (fly) fishing. To stay warm and dry they need special wading equipment. Many big brands have started making special children waders, often also referred to as youth or children’s waders. In order to have to fun at the water, waders for kids need to have a good fit and the right sizing.

Youth waders come in all styles and materials these days. You can buy a pair of youth waders from around $30. You won’t get the ultimate in breathability at that price but they might just serve the purpose you are looking for. Another important thing to consider is the fact that children grow quickly, hence the waders might only fit for a season. If you want to make sure they last a little longer, size up.

The choice you will have to make for your children is whether you want a pair of waders with integrated boots or with separate wading boots. Another thing to decide is whether you want to go for a “normal” pair of youth waders or neoprene ones. When you are bringing your kids along to fish in cold rivers, a pair of neoprene waders might be a good idea. Alternatively you can add a layer of insulation when it’s really cold outside.

Many aspects to consider, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this guide we’ll take a look at different kinds of children’s waders for all sorts of budgets. Let’s go.

TIDEWE Chest Waders for Kids

If you are just looking for a simple pair of youth waders that get the job done, go for the TIDEWE. Made from a 100% waterproof nylon fabric, they come in six sizes to make sure you’ll find the right fit.

The great thing about the TIDEWE is the fact that they come with integrated boots that will make your life easier. A reinforced double seal where the boots meet the leg makes sure they won’t leak.

A solid suspender systems ensures that the TIDEWE are comfortable to wear all day. A pocket on the front lets your kid store essentials such as fishing pliers or nippers. A handy hanger to dry the waders properly comes with the waders.

Verdict: Great value for money!

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GET THEM AT WALMART

Ouzong Chest Waders for Kids

The Ouzong Chest Waders are another great entry level pair of youth waders. Just like the TIDEWE Chest they come in six different sizes. Additionally you can choose between a green and a camo version.

The Ouzong have all the features you would expect from a solid pair of waders. They feature an adjustable wading belt that prevents water from coming into the leg section in case your kid wades too deep. The suspender system is comfortable and well padded.

The Ouzong also come with integrated rubber boots. A hanger to dry the waders upside down is a neat little extra.

Verdict: You can’t go wrong with the Ouzong Chest if you looking for a quality pair of youth waders that won’t cost a fortune.

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GET THEM AT WADER ONLINE

8 Fans Kids Chest Waders with Boots

The 8 Fans Kids is one of our favourites when it comes to neoprene waders. As mentioned before neoprene waders are a good choice if you know that you will mostly be fishing in cold environments. The thicker fabric provides more warmth than conventional waders.

The 8 Fans comes in a wide range of sizes. The adjustable suspender system is nicely padded and provides great comfort. On the front, the 8 Fans features a chest pocket that serves as a hand warmer pocket. A leaking hole makes sure the water can get out in case your kid wades deep.

The 8 Fans comes with integrated rubber boots with an anti slip sole and extra toe protection for your child.

Verdict: Very solidly made pair of neoprene waders – will last for a long time.

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GET THEM AT VDH OUTDOORS

OAKI Toddler & Children’s Waterproof Fishing Waders for Kids

The OAKI Toddler & Children’s Waterproof is another solid choice if you are looking for a pair of neoprene waders for your children. Fully adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable waist belt ensure a good fit.

The front pocket on the OAKI Toddler & Children’s Waterproof also serves as a hand warmer pocket. The OAKI Toddler & Children’s Waterproof stand out for their high cut around the chest which provides extra wading security for your children.

Their design makes the OAKI Toddler & Children’s Waterproof a good choice if you want to take your kids hunting as well. The patterns blend in perfectly when out in the woods or swamps.

Verdict: Perfect choice for fishermen and hunters alike.

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GET THEM AT WALMART

Redington CROSSWATER Youth

Redington CROSSWATER Youth Waders
Redington CROSSWATER Youth

With the Redington CROSSWATER Youth we are entering the world of so-called stockingfoot waders. This kind of waders requires an extra pair of wading boots since they don’t have integrated boots. The advantage of stockingfoot ones, especially for kids, is the fact that these might still fit although your child’s feet have grown. In that case you don’t need to replace the entire waders but just the boots.

The Redington CROSSWATER Youth are available in two different sizes. They feature integrated gravel guards to protect you from sand or gravel getting into your boots. The Redington CROSSWATER Youth features a small flip out pocket on the inside to store essentials.

Adjustable shoulder straps and a wading belt ensure a tight and comfortable fit. Redington is known to produce some high quality wading gear at affordable prices and the Redington CROSSWATER Youth are no exception to this rule.

Verdict: Great entry into the world of stockingfoot waders.

GET THEM AT TRIDENT

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Simms Kids Tributary Stockingfoot

American manufacturer Simms makes some of the finest wading gear in the industry. Their Simms Kids Tributary Stockingfoot is a high end product. It’s the right choice if you know your kid is into fly fishing. The quality of the product makes sure it will last a few years.

Available in three sizes, the Simms Kids Tributary Stockingfoot come with adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable waist belt. These are very lightweight at approximately 1.5lbs which makes them very comfortable to wear all day. A four-layer fabric in the bottom increases the durability of the Simms Kids Tributary Stockingfoot.

A reach-through hand warmer pocket on the front makes the Simms Kids Tributary Stockingfoot a good choice even on colder days. They are equipped with zippered stash pocket to hold your kid’s essentials such as extra tippet spools. Simms also offers a pair of kids wading boots.

Verdict: Fantastic pair of youth waders – not cheap but worth every penny.

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Orvis Clearwater Kids

The last product in our review is another great pair of high quality kids waders. The Orvis Clearwater Kids Wader are equipped with everything a great pair should offer. A well-padded and comfortable suspender system for all-day wearing comfort and a good weight distribution. A wading belt ensures a tight fit around the waist.

Just like the Simms Kids Tributary Stockingfoot, the Orvis Clearwater Kids Wader feature a slim, modern fit perfectly suited for young fishermen and women. A nice feature of the Orvis Clearwater Kids Wader is the fact that they can be turned into waist high waders using the opposing side release buckles.

On the front, the Orvis Clearwater Kids Wader feature a zippered pocket for essentials and a hand-warmer pocket that hides behind it.

Verdict: A great pair of waders for serious youth anglers.

GET THEM AT ORVIS

GET THEM ON AMAZON

Taking Care of Youth Waders

The most important thing to know about wader care is the fact that you need to dry them properly after every use. Some of the products in this review come with convenient hangers to dry the waders upside down.

If your kid’s wader is dirty, just rinse them with a bit of freshwater. The same holds true should your kid use the waders in the sea. Also, please don’t store your wader in the trunk of a car for longer periods of time, especially not during summer. The seams don’t like that.

Simms Kid’s Tributary...
Orvis Clearwater Chest...
Frogg Toggs 2731126-SM...
HISEA Kids Chest Waders...
Kids Chest Waders for...
Simms Kid’s Tributary...
Orvis Clearwater Chest...
Frogg Toggs 2731126-SM...
HISEA Kids Chest Waders...
Kids Chest Waders for...
Price not available
$229.00
Price not available
$75.99
Price not available
Simms Kid’s Tributary...
Simms Kid’s Tributary...
Price not available
Orvis Clearwater Chest...
Orvis Clearwater Chest...
$229.00
Frogg Toggs 2731126-SM...
Frogg Toggs 2731126-SM...
Price not available
HISEA Kids Chest Waders...
HISEA Kids Chest Waders...
$75.99
Kids Chest Waders for...
Kids Chest Waders for...
Price not available

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion on Children Waders

As you can see from our review, kids waders come in all sorts of makes, fabrics, sizes and styles. The most basic questions you will have to answer before your purchase are: neoprene vs. traditional waders and bootfoot (integrated boots) vs. stockingfoot (extra boots needed) waders.

As mentioned in our buyer’s guide, bootfoot ones have the advantage that you don’t need to buy an extra pair of wading boots. On the other hand, a pair of stockingfoot waders offers more flexibility in terms of sizing. Even if your kid’s feet grow, the waders might still fit. In this case you only have to get a new pair of wading boots.

You can get an entry level pair of youth waders starting at around $30. If you want the best kids waders on the market like the Orvis Clearwater Kids Wader or the Simms Kids Tributary Stockingfoot, they will cost you more than $150 (plus the wading boots).

Read more of our Gear Guides here:

Ultimate Guide: Best Wading Jackets

Buyer’s Guide Best Wading Boots

A Guide to the Best Sling Pack

Top 6 Best Fly Fishing Nets

A Guide to the Best Fly Fishing Starter Kits

Building your own Fly Rod

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