Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders Review

Finding a pair of waders that can keep you dry is easy. Finding waders that can you keep you dry year after year is the hard part. The Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders are built for heavy use.  Designed with multiple layers of GORE-Tex the G4’s can stand up to the beatings of daily fishing.  Over the past summer and fall, the Simms G4 stockingfoot waders have kept me dry while fishing throughout Colorado and Wyoming.

Initial Thoughts on the Simms G4 Stockingfoot Waders

The material used in the construction of the G4 Stockingfoot Waders is the new 5-layer GORE-TEX Pro Shell.  The GORE-TEX Pro Shell is made from a water and wind-proof GORE-TEX outer shell and a connected breathable membrane and fabric layer.  The advantage of this 3 -layer system is to keep any movement between the layers to a minimum so that friction over the long term will not break down the materials. The G4 waders have an additional membrane and fabric layer added to legs and seat to increase durability in the most vulnerable areas of the waders. All of the construction seams that hold the G4 Waders together are also reinforced with an additional  GORE-TEX taping on the connection points.  I am very impressed with the construction of G4 Pro Stockingfoot waders and the effort that has gone into making them durable.

Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders Front

Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders Rear

One of my favorite additions to the G4 Wader system is the upgraded suspenders.  The suspenders are super easy to use and are very comfortable.  The straps are made of a mesh and elastic and don’t get tangled. Maybe the best part of the suspender system is multifunction ability.  These straps can double as a belt when fishing on hot days. The waders can roll down and the straps can be hooked together becoming a belt allowing the angler to have waist high waders.  This feature is worth its weight in gold!  Like the rest of the design of the waders, the straps are well built and made to last.

Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders Suspenders

The front of the waders have two main features in a fleece lined zippered pocket and a large outer pocket.  I really like how water-proof zippers were used in the hand warming pocket as this will keep water out so that cold wet hands have a place to warm.

Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders Front Pocket and Handwarming Pocket

The outer pocket of the G4 Waders is quite large.  This is large enough for me to store fly boxes, tippet, leaders, and floatant for accessible use.  I find myself keeping all of my most used accessories in this pocket so I make sure to have them wherever I fish.  Additionally, on the outside of the pocket there is a retractor cable that is made for a pair of hemostats or nippers.  Another included feature is a small fly drying patch.  This patch is perfect for those days when I am switching from fly to fly and then back.  This keeps the flies out where I can easily switch them without digging them out a box or pocket.

On the inside of the waders there is a small pocket that is perfect for keeping items that you definitely need to stay dry.  I found this pocket great for keeping my cell phone and car keys.

Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders Inside Pocket

The stocking feet of the Simms G4 waders are made of thick neoprene that is comfortable and warm.  What I particularly like about Simms is that there are many customizable options of stocking foot sizes that can be paired with all of the different sized waders.  No more having stocking feet that that are too large or small just because the wader size is the proper fit.  The gravel guards above the neoprene socks are also well thought out.  These are made of a thick neoprene material that is much more robust than the thinner material found typically found on waders which tends to wear out quickly.

Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders Gravel Guards

Field Testing Simms G4 Stockingfoot Waders

It was no surprise with all of the thought that went into the construction and design of the Simms G4 Waders that the performance was equally as impressive.  If the sole purpose of waders is to keep the fisherman dry, then these have done a great job keeping me dry over the past six months.  I have had zero issues with leaks during this time.  I know it is still early in the lifespan of these particular waders, but they feel as durable as they did right out of the box.

Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders in Action

Aside from purpose of keeping me dry, the Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot waders are comfortable to wear.  Both the fit and breathability are outstanding.   There are many sizing options on these waders with the ability to choose both the stocking foot sizing as well as the wader sizing ensures that anyone will be able to get a near perfect fit.  I have fished in many pairs of waders that are a “one size fits all.” These waders tend to be baggy and feel like I am wearing a trash bag.  The Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders fit well in all of the right places and are large enough on me to fit a thick warm layer underneath for winter fly fishing but still have a good fit during the summer months.

My largest concern for these waders was with having used so many fabric layers that there would issues with breathability.  This was not the case.  I have been comfortable even on long, hot fishing days fishing from a raft. GORE-TEX did an outstanding job creating a thick, breathable product with the GORE-TEX Pro Shell allowing me to stay cool even when the weather was baking or when I needed to hike into a fishing location. Also, being able to convert these waders to waist high wading pants is priceless.

Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders Features and Specs

Specs taken from Simms Fishing Website

• MSRP 699.95
• New 5-layer GORE -TEX® fabric – only featured in the G4Z & G4 Pro Waders – found in the seat, waist & throughout leg with 25% more breathability
• Most feature-rich wader in the Simms line:
• Largest zippered chest pockets available on Simms’ waders
• Comfortable lined hand warmer pockets provide room for heater packs, offer quick/easy hand warm-up & convenient hand placement
• Built-in low profile belt loops with high-quality 2” elastic belt featuring Simms Trout side-release buckle
• Built-in Gravel Guards feature ultra abrasion-resistant material for added durability
• Adjustable stretch spacer mesh/elastic suspenders provide the most advanced & comfortable suspender system available
• Flip-out Tippet Tender™ pocket includes patented built-in Retractor
• Super-fly Patch included
• GORE-TEX® 3-layer Pro Shell Technology in upper/GORE-TEX ® 5-layer Pro Shell Technology in lower – 25% more breathable
• APPROX. WEIGHT: 49 oz/1389 g
• SIZES: S, M, MS, MK, ML, L(9-11), L(12-13), LS, LK, LL(9-11), LL(12-13), XL, XLS, XLL, XXL

Final thoughts on the Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot Waders

Simms G4 Stockingfoot Waders are built for many seasons of use.  These waders use the GORE-TEX Pro Shell that utilizes 5 layers of water repelling protection that can handle the abuse of a dedicated angler for many years.   The construction is not only durable but is comfortable to wear.  The waders keep you cool when in the sun and can also be easily converted to a wading pants during the really warm days.   Built into the design are many angler friendly accessories like a fleece lined hand warming pocket, comfortable suspender straps, a couple of retractor cables, an inside dry storage pocket, and large exterior pocket, and a fly drying patch.  Although not cheap, costing nearly $700, the Simms G4 Pro Stockingfoot waders will pay for themselves with longevity, when they outlast other waders by many years. For more info visit simmsfishing.com