Eric, you REALLY need felt soles

Those rubber soles on those hipper will have you slip sliding away

As far as hippers go, most of us use chest high waders which can be rolled down above your hips to make wading PANTS. This change from chest to pants make them more versatile than hip waders. Hip waders limit the different types of water that you can cross and or fish.

Many fly fishermen do not frequently wade out to chest level. But when you need to reach a certain spot by wading accross the river or simply gain a better position by wading deeper chest waders are a great help.

Not matter what type of wading garment you purchase make sure the soles of your boot are FELT. Felt "grabs" the wet rocks, which can turn a day of slipping and slidding into a better sure-footed fishing experience.