I have come to the realization that most waders are a throw away product. Our season runs from Sept 1 thru about Christmas and I need a couple pairs of waders to cover all the conditions we have. My light weight breathables (minimum insulation in the boot, 400g or less) get the most use from 9/1 to about Dec 1 and then my heavy neoprenes from then on. Granted we hunt out of the boat 98% of the time and run heaters, no walk ins to speak of, and when we do it is short.
Here is what we (hunting partner and myself) have been doing the last 5 years or so.
Academy breathables, love them except for the "belt" and started leaking at the top of the right boot this november, second season, shoe goo is your friend.
Cabelas breathables, got 2.5 seasons (both of us) and leaks started everywhere, can't get these anymore. Shoe goo was our friend.
Banded insulated breathables, my hunting partners, second season and a random leak in the lower leg. Shoe goo would be his friend if he could find the leak.
Cabelas 1600g neoprene, my late season pair, not comfortable for moving around but warm as hell. Not much use, but they are I think 5 years old, developed a leak in the crotch mid December, shoe goo was my friend.
Hunting partners High N Dry breathables have been great the last 3 seasons, no shoe goo needed. He got the last run of the 400 gram insulation before they went to 800g, expensive but worth it.
Not sure how the $1000 Sitkas hold up, along with the other new high dollar ones.
Basically all waders will leak if you use them and invest in shoe goo/aqua seal
ETA: Throw in a pair of Rogers light weight breathables that lasted just over a year before they leaked all over, used alot of shoe goo