It is highly unlikely that you will ever find out who 'invented' these. Scottish fishermen, for example, have worn such footless stockings/leggings for generations. There, they are called 'moggans', based on the Gaelic word 'mogan', and that word in turn can probably be traced back to ancient Celtic roots.
Doubtless such garments exist in many other societies where practitioners of certain trades needed to conserve body-warmth. So, as to who was the first to create them, you have no chance, I'd say. Sorry!