Hip boots, or waders, as they are affectionately called, are a type of boot typically worn by river fishermen. Hip boots are typically made out of rubber, and completely cover the legs, all the way up to the waist. Hip boots are designed to protect the fisherman from water, and allows him to wade out into deeper waters in hopes of getting a bigger catch. Hip boots are also worn by many environmentalists and environmental scientists who do tests in swamps or lakes to determine the quality of water.