I have always purchased boot foot neoprene chest waders for duck hunting, and I go through 2 to 3 pairs per season. Every pair gets a hole in the top of the boot just behind the toe; where the boot bends when you walk. I have been thinking about trying a pair of stocking foot waders to see if I can get a little longer use out of a pair. I was thinking about buying a cheap pair of hiking boots to wear with them. I thought I would drill a couple of holes in the side of the boot, just above the sole, to keep the water drained out of the boots. Wader boots seem to weak to endure the rocks I walk on while hunting.

Do Y'all have the same problem with boot foot waders? Do you think my idea with work with the stocking foot waders and hiking boots?

Buy a pair of good wading boots.

2 or 3 pairs of waders a season???

I hunt out of my simms g3's which are stocking foots. I hunt 30+ days a season, I'm a walk in hunter and its not uncommon for me to walk 3-5 miles every hunt. I have near 10 years on my current pair with no major issues. Your going to spend $600-$700 on the waders and $200-$300 on a good wading boot, but they will last and its money well spent.

Look at the simms g3 or g4 guide boot, it will last you years.

Never had any issues with boot foot waders. I hunt public & put lots of miles on waders. I hunt an average of 4 times a week. I use stocking foot when walking long distances for weight savings & like said before ,buy a Quality wading boot.