Felt vs. Rubber Review

[dbradyh]

Here is a fantastic review of the new rubber soled wading boot technology via the Trout Underground:
http://troutunderground.com/2010/04/29/the-underground-posts-the-mother-of-all-rubber-soled-wading-boot-reviews-and-comes-to-a-few-surprising-conclusions/

[bd]

Unfortunately, I spend too much time in boats for studded soles to be an option.  More unfortunately, the boot makers seem to all be headed in the direction of just installing better studs instead of designing better-gripping soles.

bd

[adamtn]

I have been through two pairs of simms vibram soled boots is a year and a half. When the treads on the bottom get worn down the boots become downright dangerous. I wish that i had bought a pair of felts before they were discontinued just to use for guiding on local waters.

The vibram grip is okay but not nearly as good as felt on most in stream situations. Where the vibram shines for me is winter time fishing as well as hike in fishing. They have great traction on mud, ice and snow.

I think when my current pair is shot in a couple of months, i will try either the cloudviel or reddington rubber soled boot next.

[wil2hike]

My 2 cents - I just fished the Watauga a couple of weeks ago and dealt with "rock snot" for the first time. I'm gonna do whatever I can to keep it out of our waters..if that means no felt - well - no felt...

[Alabamafisherman]

I bought a pair of Simms and added the screw in cleats.  I fished them in Alaska this summer and did fine, meaning I didn't fall down any more than I usually do with felt.  However, I did use a wading staff more than in the past.  I also kept my felt soled Chota boots for fishing with in fiberglass drift boats. 

I talked with my friend who owns a lodge in Alaska. He said his float plane pilots are going crazy.  The steel cleated sole rubber boots are actually rubbing holes in the floors of their planes.