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Wading Shoes: Felt Vs. Rubber Sole

Wading shoes are worn to protect the feet when wading or submerging the feet, lower legs, and torso into the water. Wading is often done for the purpose of fishing in rivers and lakes, and requires special water-proof shoes. These special shoes are worn to protect the feet from cold water when the wader is in the water for a prolonged time. People can choose wading shoes with felt or rubber soles. Both have their pros and cons, but ultimately, it is up to the wader to decide which type of sole on their waders they prefer.

About Wading Shoes
- Wading shoes look similar to hiking boots, but they have a water-proof bottom and usually come in black or brown leather. Good wading shoes should provide adequate ankle support so that the wearer does not twist or sprain the ankle when walking on rocky terrain in the water. The tongue of the shoe should be sewn to the rest of the boot, so debris cannot enter inside the shoe. The material should also be lightweight and permeable so that water can flow in and out, and not weigh down the feet when walking in water.
Felt Soles: Pros
- Felt is a non-woven, woolen material created through pressing woolen fibers together. Felt soles in wading shoes conform to rock shapes and are conducive to walking over slippery, and sometimes craggy rocks. This layer provides good traction to avoid slipping over the rocks and also provides comfort and the ability to breathe. They dry quickly, once the shoes are out of the water.
Rubber Sole: Pros
- Rubber is a durable substance derived from latex, which is a colloid produced by many plants. Rubber soles are used for many wading boots because they are tough and nothing sticks to them. Additionally, rubber soles are great for keeping water out of the boots and for deflecting river debris. Besides keeping the feet dry, many rubber soles have cleats, which prevent waders from slipping off wet rocks.
Felt versus Rubber: Cons
- Felt and rubber soles have their downsides. Felt can be detrimental when wading because it can wear down quickly, which can be dangerous when walking on sharp, slippery rocks. Although good for smaller rocks, felt soles can have inadequate traction and can cause slippage on some types of terrain. According to Trout Unlimited, the Alaska Board of Fisheries has phased out all felt-soled wading shoes, due to dangerous possibilities. Similarly, rubber soles have downsides: rubber soles without cleats can cause slippage when moving over rocks. Rubber also does not provide as much comfort and movement as felt soles. Ultimately, choosing a felt or rubber wading shoe is up to the wearer. Yet, rubber soles with cleats may be the best option to keep the water out and to pass safely over rocks.

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