Thigh high boots - Waders

Whether it's a professional activity or a hobby, whether it's occasional or frequent, you could need a wader for your fishing trips . Equipment originally designed for professionals, this PPE is now available to everyone. It offers safety and comfort during forays into the water. Let's get to know this outfit better with this article.

What are waders?

In shape, it is close to that of a dungarees, but it is considered a waterproof coverall. It covers the body from feet to chest, is held in place by suspenders and in most cases extends with boots integrated.

These built-in boots are often waders, thigh high boots, but not all wetsuits do. Indeed, some brands market the garment with only the integrated slippers, others offer a pack where you can get the appropriate shoes or boots in addition. Because yes, the outfit can actually be accompanied by high shoes that offer more practicality and comfort, especially for long-term work.

The role of waders in detail - Fishing, hunting, …

Waders are part of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and they have several roles. Already, it acts to protect the body of its wearer from water. During forays into a lake or the sea or in a submerged area (up to a certain point), the suit will prevent the skin from coming into contact with water. It will thus offer the comfort necessary for work (or for the ordinary wearer) to carry out their activity at ease.

As water is usually at a lower body temperature, the wetsuit also works to preserve that temperature. Note, however, that there are two kinds of waders. The insole is made with neoprene and protects the wearer from the cold. Multiple layers can be added to the design, suit for working in really low temperatures. However, this design is not ideal for summer days or in a hot environment since the temperature there would quickly become unbearable. Also, there are more flexible and breathable waders that protect against water, but remain comfortable even when temperatures rise.

The standards governing the design of a wader

The waders are part of the S5 category of PPE. This means in particular that not all wetsuits, boots and shoes are considered waders. The equipment that we put must be standardized before getting the green light for marketing as waders. The EN ISO 20345 standard is the basic standard for this outfit. Here are the main standards that regulate the design:

As mentioned above, the suit must be water resistant, but also isothermal, either to protect against the cold, or to be breathable in hot weather. It must also have one or more pockets on the top, the interior of which must be double-layered.

As PPE, waders must protect against accidents. This goes for the suit, but also for a pair of boots or shoes which must also follow strict standards.

Already, it must have an anti-perforation sole to prevent the feet from suffering a serious accident. Then, the equipment must also be equipped with a safety toe to protect the feet from any falling objects. Finally, as the shoe or the boot must also penetrate water, it is imperative that both well resist water and hydrocarbons.

Oxwork safety waders - Men and women

Referring to the aforementioned safety standards, we can say that the selection of waders from Oxwork are of good quality (CE certified) and meet all requirements of safety footwear regulations.

These waders are available in different models and brands (Portwest, Dunlop), from size 39 to 47, and with more protection capabilities than just waders. In addition to watertightness and impermeability, each of them is equipped with:

• Built-in boots
• Protective shell resistant to 200 joules
• Antistatic soles
• Anti-perforation soles
• Energy absorbing heel
• Adjustment straps

The materials selected for the manufacture of these waders are solid but very flexible materials to ensure the comfort of the worker; such as PVC, polyester, nitrile.

An outfit for professionals and amateurs, breathable and inexpensive

The use of waders is no longer reserved for professionals, it can also be used for leisure. It is also not reserved for adults since even the youngest can participate in fishing trips. We therefore find today wetsuits for adults as well as for children. Although their use is quite limited, there are several colors to improve the aesthetics of the garment and appeal to more people