I've used felt sole for years - never had a problem with them wading in the river - found them quite good actually .
The problem with them is that they are useless when walking on wet grass or muddy banks - no grip whatsoever - so make sure to put some studs in them.

 

It was the banksides I was worried about. I was concerned they'd get pulled apart - I hadn't thought about grip. Cheers

 

They are surprisingly indestructible. They last for years but as others have said they are buggers for falling off if not stitched. You sometimes find lost ones caught in the bankside bushes after the winter spates and I think they last longer in the environment than most plastics and even uranium!
As well as mud and wet grass they aren't much use on snow either.
On smooth often algae covered rock they are something else, nothing touches them for grip.

Andy

 

Felt soles are good when wading stoney rivers, if you do decide to fit studs, be sure that they are compatible with your soles. IE the thread isn't too long.

 

The felt on some boots can sometimes detach from the sole of the boot , so buy some that are stiched on , not just glued on. The stitching can however wear out over time.
If you notice the felt starting to peel off the sole , the best thing to do is pull off the entire felt and re attach using MS11

https://arcbuildingproducts.ie/product/arc-ms-11-ms-polymer/

 

I only tried them once - didn't like them. As above, almost impossible on mud and wet grass. I much prefer a vibram sole and really good studs.

 

Try them on snow - you slowly find yourself growing taller, just before you land on your backside.

 

Used them for few years but I would put studs in them

 

For rocky bottoms felt soles with studs give the best grip . The studs also help on grass

 

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to have to take the plunge (so to speak); it's algae covered smooth rocks that I'll be wading over so it seems as if they're the best thing for it.

 

Felt will be the best bet for slippy flat rocks, as others have said fit some studs for walking on wet grass etc. Any form of rubber soles would be treacherous.

Steve

 

SO, where any dry land walking is involved, maybe a pair of trainers or something to the river and the boots in a bag! I'd better start looking through the usual suspects and see what's for sale.
Thanks everyone

 

I bought Hodgman H lock interchangeable sole boots. Rubber, rubber with studs and felt with studs.
https://www.garryevans.co.uk/hodgman-waders--boots-1505-c.asp If you do a bit of internet searching you can get them quite a bit cheaper.
?

 

I bought a pair of snowbee rangers felt soles for £50, 4 seasons ago. My boots have a hard life on boulder rivers and walking to lochs. The uppers are now pretty much done in, but the soles, although worn, are perfectly intact with the boots.
Attach studs sensibly and you won't slip.

 

Thanks all, some Snowbee Rangers plus studs ordered!

 

Thanks all, some Snowbee Rangers plus studs ordered!

I wish I could find another pair of 9's but I fear I am out of luck.

 

I used to wear them and others have said they are fine when wading but really bad on wet grass or mud. I slipped on wet grass whilst wearing mine and ended up on my back in the river,fortunately there was no harm done other than getting a good soaking but it wasn't an experience that I would like to repeat. Have a look at the Hoffman boots with interchangeable soles.