Designed for Life Outdoors
Explore SIMMS range of gear built for river, lake, and ocean adventures, or for life beyond the water.
Simms Wading Boot Accessories
About Simms
Simms was founded in 1980 by John Simms in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and is now based in Bozeman, Montana. It started with neoprene waders for fishing guides and built its reputation by designing gear with guides, the people who spend the most days standing in cold rivers. Simms became known for breathable GORE-TEX waders and remains one of the most respected names in fly fishing.
Many of Simms' premium waders, including the G3 Guide and G4 Z, are still made in Bozeman, Montana.
That close relationship with guides still shapes how Simms designs and tests its gear, with features such as reinforced knees and seats, practical pockets and sizing for a wide range of bodies. Simms makes waders in men's and women's fits, in a range of lengths and foot sizes, and many of its wading boots accept studs for extra grip on slippery rock.
Waders, boots and wading gear
Simms waders range from the Freestone and Tributary, popular choices for regular anglers, to the G3 Guide, built for heavy use, and the premium G4 Z. They are matched by wading boots such as the Freestone, Flyweight and Guide Boa, plus the G4 Pro boots, with grippy soles for slippery river rock. Wading jackets, the Freestone wading pant and the Prodry and Challenger jackets keep you dry above the waist when the weather turns.
Beyond the river
Simms also makes clothing for long days in the sun and wind. Solarflex sun hoods and shirts protect you from UV, Bugstopper clothing helps keep insects away, and Flyweight shells pack small for changeable weather. Packs and hip packs such as the Freestone and Tributary hip packs carry fly boxes and tools.
At Land & Sea we carry a wide Simms range for men and women, and our team can help you find the right wader and boot sizes and put together a kit for the rivers and lakes you fish.
Frequently asked questions about Simms
Are Simms waders worth it?
For anglers who fish often, yes. Simms waders are made with durable, breathable fabrics, including GORE-TEX in many models, are designed with fishing guides, and are built to last through seasons of hard use. Breathable waders let sweat vapour escape, so you stay drier and more comfortable on long days. Simms also offers a wide range of sizes, including different lengths and foot sizes, so you can get a good fit.
What is the difference between Simms Freestone, G3 Guide and G4 Z waders?
They are different tiers in the Simms range. The Freestone is a durable, value-focused breathable wader for regular anglers. The G3 Guide is built for heavy, frequent use with tough GORE-TEX fabric and is a favourite of fishing guides. The G4 Z is Simms' premium wader, with a waterproof front zip for easy on and off and extra features. Choose by how many days a year you fish and how hard you are on your gear.
How do I choose the right size Simms waders?
Simms waders are sized by chest, length and foot size, so measure yourself before you choose. Check your chest measurement and height against the Simms size chart, pick a length such as short or regular, and choose the stockingfoot size that matches your feet. You should be able to squat and lift your knee high without the waders pulling tight. If you are between sizes, ask our team for help.
Do Simms waders need wading boots?
Most Simms waders are stockingfoot waders, which means they have a neoprene sock rather than a built-in boot, so you need separate wading boots. Stockingfoot waders with proper wading boots give you better support, grip and comfort for walking along rivers and over slippery rock than bootfoot waders. Simms wading boots are designed to fit over the neoprene feet, so check the Simms sizing guidance before you choose.
How do I look after Simms GORE-TEX waders?
Rinse your waders with fresh water after use, especially after saltwater or muddy rivers, and hang them to dry fully, ideally upside down from the feet so the booties dry. Store them out of direct sunlight and avoid folding them sharply for long periods. Wash them occasionally with a gentle technical wash to keep the fabric breathing, reproof the outer if water stops beading, and check the seams before each season.
What is Simms Bugstopper?
Bugstopper is Simms' insect-repelling clothing and headwear. The fabric is treated to help keep biting insects such as sandflies and mosquitoes away, which is a big help on New Zealand rivers and lakes in summer. Pieces such as the Bugstopper hoody and Sunshield cap combine insect protection with sun protection, so you can fish longer in comfort without constantly reapplying repellent.
Where are Simms waders made?
Simms is based in Bozeman, Montana, and many of its premium waders, including the G3 Guide and G4 Z, are made there. Other products in the range are made by Simms' manufacturing partners overseas. Simms was founded in 1980 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and has been designing waders and fishing gear alongside fishing guides for more than four decades.