Felt sole
A thick pressed wool-style pad on a wading boot. It grips wet algae-covered rock better than anything else, and it is banned in several states.
Felt works because the fibres conform to the microscopic texture of slick rock and because it does not hydroplane the way rubber does on a film of algae. On a freestone river with greasy cobble it is still the best traction available.
The problem is that felt stays damp for days and holds silt inside the fibres, which makes it an ideal vehicle for aquatic invasive species between watersheds. That is why several states and Missouri's trout waters have banned it outright.
Check the regulations for the water you are fishing before buying felt, because the rules vary state by state and change.
Felt is also worse than rubber at everything that is not wet rock. It is slick on grass and mud banks, it is useless on snow, which balls up under it, and it holds enough water to make the boot noticeably heavier all day.
Studded felt exists and combines the grip of both, at the cost of the same regulatory problem plus the noise and boat-deck issues that come with studs.
If you fish more than one river, choose rubber with studs. Felt that never fully dries is exactly how invasive species travel.
Common questions
Are felt sole wading boots banned?
In several states and on some specific waters, yes. Felt holds moisture and silt for days, which spreads aquatic invasive species between watersheds. Check the regulations where you fish before buying.
Related terms
Where this comes up
The guides that use felt sole and show it on real gear.
Felt sole is one of 206 terms in the glossary.
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