This just in, Simms has reintroduced a line of felt boots for the spring 2012 season! It’s been a rough couple of past summers for me with the new vibram and stream tread rubber soles. Sure they work all right and with spikes and cleats they do a decent job at gripping the river bottom but when it comes time to really wade there is just no substitute for felt souls!
Felt souls do have their own set of problems as they are more apt to carry invasive species such as New Zealand mud snails from one stream to another. So if you do choose to wear felt make sure you first check the wading regulations in your fishing area. Also be sure to limit your boots to one watershed and be religious about cleaning and sterilizing your gear before switching streams.
Either way I am glad to see some quality felt boots back on the market, in certain situations wading with rubber soles is just flat out dangerous.
Check out the new Simms Spring 2012 line: www.simmsfishing.com
Tight Lines,
Tyler Bowman
The Flyfisher Group
