Q&A | #28 - WADING Boot Options + FELT Sole CONTROVERSIES

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for tuning in friends - do you have a question you'd like answered over video? Send it to [e-mail] 🤙

[@lanecobb2462]

I’ve been a felt guy since boyhood. A few years back I bought a pair of Chotas and added studs. Shortly thereafter, VT instituted a knee jerk ban on felt soles and my freestone stream wading days suddenly were over not to mention being out a chunk of money. I was both sad and pissed. Rubber soles were like wading on greased ice. However, a few years after that cooler heads prevailed, the ban was lifted and felt soles were again OK. Now at 73 with my studded felt soles and a Folstaf wading staff, I am back in business. Hallelujah!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Nice! Thanks for sharing and thanks for being here.

[@pilot3016]

As a "Newbie", to the sport, I appreciate your input on a wide range of subjects. Thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@jimbissell1909]

This was refreshing! You just said what a lot of us have wanted to say for years “I’m a felt guy”. Thank you

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Nothing wrong with felt as long as you are careful and responsible.

[@johnhull7519]

Thanks for posting this video. While I totally agree with the sentiment that it's more than the sole that can carry aquatic organisms, I think it's worth mentioning that local regulations can also be a factor. For instance, felt soles are banned in Yellowstone and can't be used in any body of water in New Zealand. Always worth checking the regs before you go, but just another thing to consider if you plan to travel with your boots.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Of course. Thanks for being here.

[@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13]

I have the korkers boots. Oregon fishing is generally a little muddy on the banks so I wear the rubber soles when I hike to and from the river and hiking alongside the river. But as soon as I start wading I grab the felt soles out of my backpack and swap out for the felt.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Exactly! Thanks for sharing.

[@_JimS]

I have studded felt Korkers now and LOVE them, that's another choice out there for Korkers. Back in the 80's when I had a shoe repair shop in Pa. I installed a lot of "carpet" soles on hip waders right before trout season. Guys would bring me a chunk of carpet remnants, short nap, that I'd trim and glue on the waders.....ahhhh, good times. Love your videos Brian

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing.

[@philipvankampen3394]

7:50 I have been on the river 100+ days with my Korkers (darkhorse) and lost my sole one time. I was bushwhacking and the back tag got caught up in some rhododendron (I too am a NC guy) so I'm not sure that counts. If anything, I was glad the sole gave before my ankle did. :)

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@philipvankampen3394]

@@Madriveroutfitters thanks for the content

[@davidbennett1585]

Absolutely agree. Felt is king.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@Flux_Flow]

I'm from Asheville NC and a felt guy. Flew to Colorado a month ago, fished the South Platte with a guide service, and felt was preferred there as well.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for backing us up. Felt is preferred anywhere that you want to stay on your feet!!!

[@Showza83]

I use korkers for my freshwater fishing. I can hike in with the rubber soles then swap over to my felts when in the water.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. We do the same.

[@brandoncope8680]

Yanno, the first ever video I saw from Mad River Outfitters, I thought the person talking was very arrogant. I only played a minute or two of the video. I guess I was wrong. This gentleman is very smart and informative and I praise his channel and his business. All of the videos including the one I thought was trash, are exceptional. I have not found that video since that day, but I can tell you that the information that you give people is top notch.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

These guys are definitely arrogant but still provide some good information. We appreciate you being here.

[@brandoncope8680]

Mad River Outfitters You’re Welcome! As a 21 year old who has been fly fishing since I was 8 and tying since I was 11, I am always looking for information and seeking to build my arsenal of knowledge. I am by no means a pro, but these types of videos provide a ton of information and you will learn something if you put aside your beliefs (how you fish is the only right way and everyone else does it wrong for example). If you put aside your (everyone) ego, and become open minded to learning, then you will be successful.

[@PABrewNews]

After the 4th unintentional backflip in the creek my first time out, my rubber waders went in the bin... , cheers!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. Let us know if we can help with a new pair!!!

[@billcalhoon8353]

What about adding studs added to felt soles?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Please send any and all questions directly to the shop and they will be happy to help. E-mail them or give them a call.

[@Hapfletcher]

I love my old school studded felt boots... before that as kids we use to glue carpet to the bottom of our converse tennis shoes

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Our good friend Flip Pallot STILL does that!!! Thanks for watching.

[@jasonsfishingagain312]

I love felt, they give me great traction in the water but very little out of it. My Korkers allow me to switch out, and that's great because I've gone down more times trying to go down slippery slopes than I have in the water.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and thanks for sharing. We love our Korkers!

[@italiantroutaholic8926]

Your right .I did not think about the laces and the other materials. I`m getting Rid of my Slippery non sticky rubber boots!!!! and going back to Felt!!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Italian Troutaholic 👍 Thanks for watching.

[@FishTramp]

Oregon Coast felt guy here! Love the information, thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@kevinhartley3580]

I recently started fly fishing. Living in California and was sure felt would be outlawed but it actually isn’t. Doing some research and reading river side signs they (the state) recommends either allowing the felt to dry completely between rivers or freezing the felt for at lease 6hrs. So if I plan to do two different rivers on back to back days I just toss the soles in the freezer overnight (I have korkers.)

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and sharing that great idea!!!!

[@ericnortan9012]

I love my felts, when I'm in the river, but they suck getting there. Most of our rivers in Michigan are mixed sand, gravel and muck, so rubber is good enough in the water and a hell of a lot easier climbing out our muddy banks. We do have a lot of rocky rivers too so I have both. I just bought Orvis Clearwater Rubber with studs.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@johnkinsfather64]

Good for you , felt just works. I have 3 pair of the best rubber souls and they are just plain treacherous, felt is the best.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

John Kinsfather Great album btw!

[@jamesdunn9714]

Felt provides better traction. I have rubber soles for hiking in. Felt is what I am using most of the time.

[@mglennon5535]

Good stuff! Honesty. Works every time.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here!

[@ETuss713]

I use korkers to fish saltwater rock jetties in the Gulf. They are awesome. I can walk were others wouldn't dream of.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@JohnJohnstonfly]

Nice to see someone who knows what he is taking about.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

John Johnston He’s been in the biz for 30 years now so we’d hope so! Thanks for watching.

[@cepaasch]

I have a pair of Korkers and my felt soles delaminated. I went to my local fly shop, they didn't have felt replacements but they turned me on to the aluminum bar soles. I was a bit skeptical. Game changers!!! OMG!!! Like you said, I felt like Spiderman. I can do things in those that I could only dream about with felt.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

The aluminum bars are amazing! As you say......Game Changers! Thanks for watching.

[@silentbob1236]

I'm new to ff and using waders, I learned today that rubber is not going to work on the north fork of the Boise river.. Its a good thing I have some balance because I was ice skating on those rocks. Wish I would have watched this first!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@johnmanganello4551]

Felt soles may offer superior traction on stream bottoms, but they are a hazard on mud, wet grass and leaves, especially on the slightest incline. I can attest to that fact as I sit here typing with a walking boot on my fractured ankle. Yes, that right, both feet slipped out from beneath me with no warning as I entered a stream five weeks ago resulting in a fractured fibula. Going to order Korker boots and a pair of Triple Threat Carbide soles. My felt boots are going into the trout camp burn barrel!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Seems that you guys agree. For sure better in water, not so much on land......as you know. The Triple Threat soles ARE amazing.

[@ohnonotagain1653]

Paul C. Bought a pair of felt sole boots to wear while fishing from our raft. Love my studded boots for hiking in and out but with the typical river bottoms I encounter in Washington, these boots are a real handicap while wading. Have gone to using the felt exclusively and with the addition of a wading staff (which I've learned not to leave in the truck), I cover far more water, more efficiently, and can't remember the last time I went for a swim! Thanks for the great video's.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@jorgesven5197]

Some years ago I have purchased a pair of Korkers Shoes which came with a pair of Felt Soles and a pair of Rubber Soles. Following the trend, I started fishing with the Rubber Soles in my favorite freestone river in Patagonia. In five minutes I fell twice into the water and almost broke a rod. Switched to Felt Soles and problem solved. I still use the Korkers boots and replaced the felt soles a couple times when worn out.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and backing us up here.

[@kenwebster5053]

When I 1st started fly fishing, I just used vinyl/gum booted waders. They were OK in the local river but extremely slippery in high country streams. Eventually, I bought a pair of Korkers with interchangeable klingon & felt soles. I anticipated using the felts in those slippery high streams. Well, I never found it necessary to use the felts though I did from time to time. Felt was a considerable problem exiting at grassy slopes though. I have never found studs to be necessary either. Interesting about the aluminium bars, I may look into that. Ta

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@kansasscout4322]

I started with felt. Worked great. Then Missouri banned them. Recently I bought felt soles for my Korkers for use in Arkansas or other places. I did then buy the Korkers aggressive lugs and pins. Worked great!

[@kansasscout4322]

These new aggressive soles are better than the ones you showed

[@Madriveroutfitters]

@@kansasscout4322 Thanks for watching.

[@derekspace]

Thank you! You guys are like a PSA (Public Service Announcement) but actually deliver information we need (unlike PSAs). Yeah, what a novel idea. Anyway, thanks and my next fly fishing related purchase will be with you guys. Why? You guys give real info and educate. I've been fly fishing since before 1977 but I don't know it all and don't have time to keep up with latest products and what works best. You make it easier. Keep doing what ya doing. Thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and we are happy to help.

[@KowboyUSA]

Was just on rubber soles in the Yellowstone river and they were so slick I could hardly stay upright.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We know the feeling!!!!

[@dannydnice1]

I use felt. I put the screws in only when I plan on walking the rocks with algae. Felt+studs = a safe day

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@Simgus88]

I fish sea run brown on the rocky and some times steap Swedish west coast and if I dident use felt I think I would have died a long time ago. Have the same korkers that you have on the video and they work great for me.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for sharing. Yes, they are good boots and very versatile.

[@Sethyfisher]

great video man, extremely informative

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@andreiocneanu7788]

Huuuge like. You’ve answered all my questions! Keep up!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. We'll keep up as long as folks keep supporting the shop. So far so good!!!!

[@jamesmccreery250]

I love my felt soles, I've never put the rubber soles I have on. (Korkers) I did have a huge problem Sunday walking a short distance on snow! Every step lifted all 4" of snow, after three steps I was 7'4" tall standing on snow bowling balls! I fish some slick spots and wouldn't go in certain spots with rubber, just not enough grip!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Yes, felt not good in the snow but in the water......nothing better.

[@ozclimaco8379]

So can you hike on your felt soles for about 1 mile or two to get to the river? Or are they only to use in water?

[@jamesmccreery250]

@@ozclimaco8379 If there is no snow they are fair to hike in. I've had plenty of 5 mile plus days fishing.

[@ozclimaco8379]

@@jamesmccreery250 thanks…

[@jamesmccreery250]

@@ozclimaco8379 For sure friend.

[@Grouse2275]

Felt is the best.....hands down......if you take a wire brush and roughen up the bottoms from time to time, it's even better. I fished Slough Creek in July and it was like walking on ice without being able to use felt. BTW, have you ever noticed how much water is retained in the laces?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Craig C Ageed. Good tip. Thanks for watching.

[@ryancrawford3238]

Thanks for the info! Just came across your channel and your videos and content are awesome. Thank you from a BC fisherman!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for being here. Please stay tuned.

[@stevej6552]

Great information as always. Love my Korkers. I have all 3 of those soles, plus the rubber only that comes with the boots. And I’ve also used the aluminum bared soles while at Kelly’s lol. Still haven’t tried the felt because I’m worried about slipping while hiking in. I’m considering carrying in the felt soles with me and swapping them out when I get to the river.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Being able to swap them out is what makes Korkers such a great option. Thanks for watching.

[@klb6910]

@@Madriveroutfitters Are the Korker soles interchangable between the different Korker boots?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Yes.

[@stevej6552]

Mad River Outfitters I actually bought a second pair for that very reason.

[@glenntoulouse5710]

Can't find korkers here in the UK.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Sure you can…..right here: www.madriveroutfitters.com/m-97-korkers.aspx

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We ship to the UK every day!!!

[@wndsrfross]

I prefer felt soles fishing in Arkansas, East Tennessee & Western North Carolina. I have found that my old felt soles worked so much better than the studded rubber. Have been using studded rubber for 5 years & find them to not be as effective as felt. I find myself skating in fast water on smooth rock river bottoms with studs. Have not tried the aluminum bars, aluminum being much softer that the studs, I can only imagine the is grip better than the studs.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

The opinion of many. Thanks for watching.

[@Valscorn01]

Realistically, anything you bring into the water could carry micro-organisms that can then pollute other water you go to. I'm of the belief the felt soled boot thing was started by Simms to sell rubber soled boots that was more economical for them to produce and sell.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. That’s basically what he is saying here. It was actually Patagonia who started it and not Simms…..but they quickly followed suit.

[@hoxiedog]

where I fish, if I cannot use felt soles, I just as soon have a pair of roller skates...

[@Pete-z6e]

M79Man , same in NZ.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Studded rubber works well if you can’t.

[@gannon767]

Which type would be best for a slate bottom river? I always used felt on smother flat rocks. But they tend to get slick after awhile.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Studded rubber for sure!

[@Little.R]

Just ordered some felt-soled boots after years of having rubber soles.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Cool...thanks for the support!

[@gundriver6439]

I have never owned a pair of rubber sole boots where I'm not on the verge of breaking my darn neck while wading. My rubber soled with spikes Korkers are no different.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

gundriver64 pretty sure he agrees here.

[@lets_fish_already_9345]

I'm just speaking for missouri but you can't use a felt sole because of certain plants so you have to use a boot bottom wader just to keep the rivers and lakes clear of this plant

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Shout out to Missouri!!! Thanks for being here.

[@flyfishing_and_hiking]

I guess that it takes longer time for felt soles to dry out than for laces or waders or I'm wrong on this?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Never tested that out but might make sense.

[@visual_legacy5720]

In New Zealand we aren’t allowed to yours felt soles

[@Madriveroutfitters]

True. Studded rubber it must be!

[@K3Flyguy]

Is there such a thing as waders that don't get leaks all the time? So tired of leaky waders and fixing them a few more times out they leak again. Boots don't seem to last long either, 2-3 years tops! It that normal?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

No, not normal. At all. Give the shop a call and they can help.

[@bigskystatefishing9918]

Love the Madison but I like the beaverhead more.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Well thanks for sharing.

[@stevemcgavren7645]

Which Korkers sole is best for hiking?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Rubber as stated. Thanks for watching.

[@stevemcgavren7645]

I wear size 9. Should I buy the 9 or a size or two larger for waders as it used to be?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Give a call or e-mail to the shop and they will be happy to help. Thanks for being here.

[@jonpaulson7870]

I wear size 9.5-10.5. Korkers Dark Horse 10 was snug, but Korkers size 11 is beautiful for both wet wading with SImms gravel guards and Simms Freestone waders--I wear thin bicycle socks under the Freestone boots. Very comfortable boot and the rubber (w/o studs) is grippy on sand, but slippery on limestone based rock. The felt bottoms are awesome. You get the rubber and felt for the base price, so two boots for the price of one! I've got 100-120 hours on them and no signs of wear.

[@davidarnold9117]

Don't forget Korkers studded felt

[@Madriveroutfitters]

david Arnold Of course. He did mention studded felt.

[@Pete-z6e]

Didimo , now exists in New Zealand, has been identified as coming from Canada, how? We can’t tell, felt soles, possible.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Yes possible. Same with waders. Same with laces. Could be a variety of different sources.

[@rickiex]

Aw man dude, that sucks. I fish all over and started to noticed didimo in Canada. It's disgusting. It appeared a few years ago. Felt is far superior than rubber, but felt is very very situational. Have you walked into mud and clay with felt?? It's suicidal lol. I've learnt how to walk on slimy surfaces without felt and studs.

[@samspade1841]

I know a guy who thought rubber was better than felt. He was wrong and proved it himself when he slipped and fell in the river and drowned.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Horrible story to prove the point.....sorry to hear.

[@ronaldfisher5093]

In my humble opinion felt is a one trick pony, I don't think it is as durable, and as far as I can tell is only good on smooth rock. If you have any kind of a hike in , forget about the felt.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

RONALD FISHER We typically see rubber wear out much more quickly than felt on average. True about the walking, which he states here.

[@danielcowell8346]

Felt is far superior on freestone as well!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Daniel Cowell yep!

[@turupardo3543]

In the next season, it will be forbidden the use of felt soles in Patagonia, they said invaders can hitch to the sole and it could carry them through different lakes and rivers of Patagonia, making a cross contamination. But, as you said, they said that other clothes can carry these invaders, as waders, clothing, etc and they will not be forbidden 🤷🏻‍♂️ so I suppose they will not fix the problem at all.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Turupardo It was banned there for a few years and they lifted it. Now again?

[@turupardo3543]

Mad River Outfitters yes, they will apply again this year! You can found this information in the new “Continental Patagonia General Sportfishing Rules and Regulations” ( in last page, pag. 76) reglamentodepesca.org.ar/Reglamento-2019-20.pdf This new regulation is because of dydimo or rock snot

[@allansbullet]

@@turupardo3543 Hi Turupardo. Argentina has obviously learned from the very hard lesson we've had to learn here in New Zealand. Didymo loused up some of our BEST fishing rivers! And it came into the country on felt soled waders.

[@dberry99]

How do you keep water out of your boots when wading in deeper water? Newbie here.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

You do not. They get wet. Feel free to contact the shop directly with any and all questions. They are always happy to help.

[@kathyodato8322]

The state of Maryland banned felt soles years ago.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

That is the case. Thanks for watching.

[@seanfalconer7182]

I'm a strong proponent of "Bucket Biology".

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@seanfalconer7182]

@@Madriveroutfitters 🤣

[@shawnjohnson9096]

I despise felt. Im in and out of the water constantly for most of my fishing. I've never had a problem with my regular boot foot waders. Only time I ever took a spill was when i was carrying a 28 bl. Salmon in a net and lost my balance. No harm done. My son just borrowed a pair of felt bottom waders, and BOTH soles came loose on our trip, And fell off! I just had to replace them, and can only come to the conclusion that the love of felt soles comes from having too much time on your hands and money to burn. No offense. For me they are very impractical.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Sorry but just wrong here on so many levels.

[@CallMeJackWagon]

I'm Googling but not finding much. How can I add felt to a rubber boot? My boots are one piece to my waders so I cant just buy new ones. Thanks...

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Please send your questions over to the shop and they should be able to help you out there. Thanks.

[@soydelrancho]

Felt like spider man! LOL

[@Madriveroutfitters]

It's true. He says it all the time.

[@soydelrancho]

Mad River Outfitters I’m sure. Just sounds funny

[@davyjones922]

Im the guy that tries to do the right thing and i finally gave in and got rubber bottom simms guide boots. I absolutely love them but on my first trip out with them i took 3 unintended swims. After the 3rd dip i screamed out that they can shove rubber bottoms up their a@@. Lol my fishing buddies laughed to death at me throwing a tantrum along the stream. Im going to try the screw studs but "im a felt guy" for sure. 😁

[@Madriveroutfitters]

See?

[@nathanellsworth7777]

Patagonia now has a felt boot Lol

[@Madriveroutfitters]

No comment. Lol

[@JP-dz7zu]

Nobody should support Patagonia. Fakest woke company ever.