Felt and invasive species.

[joesnuffy]

Check out this article. It helps explain the push to ban felt soled wadeing boots.

The Science of Felt Soles and Waders

I switched to rubber soles this last spring. I'd recommend it to everybody.

 

[beaverfan]

Hmmm I'll have to look into getting a new pair of wading boots. Do the new rubber ones give you anywhere near as good of traction on the slippery rocks. My main concern is that with my back problems taking a fall could end up very badly.

 

[JeannaJigs]

Hmmm I'll have to look into getting a new pair of wading boots. Do the new rubber ones give you anywhere near as good of traction on the slippery rocks. My main concern is that with my back problems taking a fall could end up very badly.

What he said. The rubber wading boots I've had were nowhere near as good of traction as the felt. So I'm curious as to whether that has changed or not?

 

[joesnuffy]

Mine work great. I feel safer in them then my felt ones. If the rubber isn't enough, you can also install metal studs in the bottom (studs included). I haven't done that yet but was thinking about putting them in for winter steelhead fishing.

These are the ones I've got.
Cabela's Guidewear Pro Rubber Sole Wading Boots
There are some reviews that they are heavy but they weigh less then hiking boots and don't gain much weight when wet. I've put many miles in mine this year and don't have much wear and tear at all.

 

[Irishrover]

I'm due for a new pair of boots. Prior to usuing studded felt I used rubber and was always about ready to fall on my but. Those where the old hip wadders. Before felt we used tennis shoes and they were not all that great. I'll have to look at the new shoe you posted. I like the idea of not screwing our rivers up but I don't want to go back to those slip and fall days. It doesn't look like Didymo is a problem in Oregon so far, but what this article describes here seems to be what I ran into on the Crooked River. (but more moss like) PS thanks for the post

http://www.oregon.gov/OISC/docs/pdf/calendar_feb09_assessment.pdf

 

[Thuggin4Life]

I just use old sneakers with the insoles removed. And I plan on glueing old carpet to the soles regardless of a felt ban or not.

 

[Mike123]

You can buy wading boots with environmentally safe felt bottoms.
Simms and Korkers makes them I think.