Basic lightweight waterproof waders.

These hip boots did exactly what I needed them to do: keep my feet dry during a weeklong fishing trip in the Canadian wilderness. We wear them while launching canoes, portaging between lakes, and as a windproof/waterproof outer layer when it rains. Temperatures ranged from 40 to 75° over the course of the week, so under-layers needed to be adjusted to match the weather. The boot fit was adequate, but not necessarily comfortable (no insole) while standing in a canoe for hours, and the lugs provided good traction over walking trails and on wet, muddy terrain when ferrying equipment. Fit is a bit floppy and sloppy, with no insole or padded footbed. They are uninsulated, so good socks are a must in chilly weather. The belt tether attached easily and stayed fixed with nylon webbing and substantial plastic buckle, keeping them pulled up properly.

Given all that, these are not made of the heavy rubber that used to be standard fare for waders. (This is especially notable in the boot part.) This added flexibility of PVC probably makes them less susceptible to degradation and dry rot in storage, like those old ones suffered from. However, they are very lightweight material, and because of that, I question their long-term durability during use afield. It would be very easy for a stick or fishhook or sharp metal or hot muffler to breech the rubber and render them completely useless. Because they are worn as a constant outer layer on our trips, this is a very real possibility while riding quads, climbing over beaver dams, landing fish, and portaging through jack pine forest. The fact that a puncture or tear didn't happen seems more a consequence of luck and cautious use, rather than durability.

If you plan to use these strictly as waders to fish, install docks, set decoys, etc., I wouldn't hesitate to use them. If your pursuits are a bit more rugged, like ours, you may want to consider a heavier, more substantial product. Wet, cold feet will ruin a trip in a hurry. Time will tell if their tough enough to hold up to our demands.