Frogg Toggs Rana II PVC Bootfoot Hip Wader, Cleated or Felt Outsole Review (2026)

Construction and waterproofing

The Rana II hip wader uses a nylon-reinforced PVC upper with fully taped, waterproof seams, paired with a non-insulated molded PVC boot roughly 2mm thick. PVC is a fully waterproof, non-breathable material, which makes this wader simple to rinse clean after a muddy or fishy day and resistant to punctures compared with thinner breathable fabrics, but it also means moisture from sweat has nowhere to go, so legs can get warm and sweaty during long wear in mild or warm weather. Frogg Toggs backs the wader with a 60-day warranty, which covers manufacturing defects discovered relatively soon after purchase.

Sole options

Frogg Toggs sells this hip wader with a choice between a cleated outsole and a felt outsole, and the option matters for where you actually fish. A cleated sole grips reasonably well on mud, gravel and mixed terrain without the maintenance felt requires, while felt soles grip slick, algae-covered rocks in freestone streams better than rubber lugs but need rinsing and drying between different waters to avoid spreading invasive species. Anglers should check local regulations before choosing felt, since some states restrict or ban felt soles specifically because of that invasive species transfer risk before placing an order.

Fit and adjustment

The wader uses adjustable web belt leashes with quick-release locking buckles to keep the boot tops secured at the desired height on your leg, along with an elastic stride panel meant to allow a more natural walking motion than a fully rigid hip boot. Because this is a hip-high design rather than a chest wader, it covers less of the body, which means faster entry and exit and a cooler overall feel in warm weather, but it also limits use to genuinely shallow water, since stepping into anything deeper than mid-thigh will let water in over the top.

Where it fits and where it does not

This wader suits anglers working small streams, farm ponds or shallow stretches of river where wading depth stays consistently low, and anyone who wants a lower-cost, easy-care alternative to a full chest wader for casual outings. Because PVC does not breathe, it is a poor choice for full-day wear in hot weather compared with breathable chest waders, and the hip-high cut is not appropriate for anyone wading water deeper than the thigh. Hunters and general outdoor users looking for an affordable, waterproof hip boot for chores or shallow water tasks are also a reasonable fit for this product beyond pure fly fishing use. Anglers who need to wade deeper pools regularly should look at a chest-high wader instead, since this style is built specifically for shallow water only.

Bottom line

The Rana II delivers straightforward, waterproof hip wader construction at an accessible price, with the choice of cleated or felt soles letting anglers match the boot to their local streambed. The non-breathable PVC keeps cost down and simplifies cleaning at the expense of comfort in warm conditions, and the hip-high design limits use to shallow water by nature. For anglers who mainly wade shallow streams or want a low-maintenance backup pair of waders, it is a sensible, budget-conscious choice backed by a 60-day warranty against manufacturing defects, which adds a reasonable safety net for a product at this price point.

Frequently asked questions