Bootfoot neoprenes seem to be the wader of choice for hard core steelhead fishermen in the Great Lakes tributary systems, especially for those anglers who don't move about much during the course of a day's fishing. What is lost in wading mobility is gained back in body heat retention. The extra room in the boot is much appreciated, as the blood flow is not constricted by tight fighting boots that have been stuffed with a foot, a pair or two of socks, and thick neoprene booty. For guys who are gonna stand in one spot for hours at a time - they are better off encased in thick neoprene with heavy insulated boots.
Sure - a person can get larger sized wading boots for their breathables to use during the cold weather seasons, but doing so somewhat negates the advantages of using stocking foot waders in the first place (a good tight fit for walking and wading ease). Chances are these extra boots will be "discount" boots and will not last well.
In my mind, stockingfoot neoprenes are the vcr's of angling gear. You can still buy them - and cheaply at that - but their day is on the wane. Bootfoots, on the other hand, will always have a place for the cold weather angler.
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