[wyotyer]

For as long as I have used stocking foot waders I've used felt bottom boots. With the invasion of New Zealand Mussels, etc.
in the Rocky Mtns, the current trend is leaning away from felt bottoms and replace them with rubber. I am very diligent
about disinfecting my boots after every trip into the river, but am wondering if the responsible thing to do is replace the boots.
Plus it would give me an excuse to buy new boots.
My question. Has anyone found a suitable replacement boot in terms of traction in a freestone river? I'm 53 and would hate
to take lose too much traction.
Thanks

[Crotalus]

Most of the major manufacturers have new boots with new rubber sole compounds. While many of them are good i havent seen any reviews that rate them as being equal to felt soles yet. The best combo that i have read about was rubber with studs.

[45fisher]

If you are 53 then you need cleated rubber soles AND a folding staff!
I'm 54 and after a number of bad falls with plain felt...I did have a staff...I will not wade without steel cleats. It don't mean you WON'T fall but it will save you more times than not.

If you still have a good pair of felt then get those Chota screw in cleats. 28 for $6.50...that's 14 cleats per boot. You won't regret it. I used them all last season and they are still good for another year.

[wyotyer]

Thanks.
A staff has become pretty much standard equipment (unfortunately) even if it's trailing downstream and behind me. My current felts are almost ready to replace anyway, plus I have a feeling the Game and Fish in Wyoming will soon make rubber mandatory given the potential outbreak of the nasties.
At least the major manufacturers are looking at various rubber compounds for a decent replacement. Regardless, the staff stays, or I need to find a pea gravel bottom. Heaven forbid

[45fisher]

Another option is to get a pair of Korkers with the replaceable soles.

I bought a pair last year and tested them out on a long hike into and out of a rocky/boulder laden trout stream. They were brand new (something one normally does not do wo a breakin). After a 2 mile walk in I changed from the plain rubber sole to a cleated one, fished for 6 hrs (wo a fall!), changed back to the rubber sole and hiked back out. Never took the boots off, never got a blister...though the hike out killed me!

I use the Korkers for my summer wet wading. When my Cabela's wear out I will probably get a pair of Korkers with the replaceable soles or a pair of Chota's with the replaceable cleats.

[Onshore]

I'd suggest if you are comfortable using felt waders, keep using them.

I'm 74 and fish felts wherever I used them in the past. I set them in a small tub of Chlorox to kill anything that might cling to them and wash under a hose in fresh water before hanging them up to dry. Of course, I use a wading staff too, when conditions call for it.

I never liked Korkers but, the screw-in cleats were ok. So, why change if you are comfortable with the felts.