Q&A | #28 - WADING Boot Options + FELT Sole CONTROVERSIES

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In this video, Brian Flechsig at Mad River Outfitters discusses the controversies surrounding felt soles, what he does and what your options are when selecting the right wading boot.
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Welcome to Mad River Outfitters, hosted by professional fly fishing guide, Brian Flechsig and his team of fly fishing guides at Mad River Outfitters. On this channel you will find honest fly fishing education, fly fishing tutorials and product reviews. We're passionate about fly fishing and that's what we hope to share here. More information about who we are can be found on our website (www.madriveroutfitters.com) and also on our Instagram (@madriveroutfitters).

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11 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 160

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Thanks for tuning in friends - do you have a question you'd like answered over video? Send it to admin@madriveroutfitters.com 🤙

@lanecobb2462 4 года назад

I’ve been a felt guy since boyhood. A few years back I bought a pair of Chotas and added studs. Shortly thereafter, VT instituted a knee jerk ban on felt soles and my freestone stream wading days suddenly were over not to mention being out a chunk of money. I was both sad and pissed. Rubber soles were like wading on greased ice. However, a few years after that cooler heads prevailed, the ban was lifted and felt soles were again OK. Now at 73 with my studded felt soles and a Folstaf wading staff, I am back in business. Hallelujah!

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Nice! Thanks for sharing and thanks for being here.

@pilot3016 4 года назад

As a "Newbie", to the sport, I appreciate your input on a wide range of subjects. Thanks!

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

@andreiocneanu7788 4 года назад

Huuuge like. You’ve answered all my questions! Keep up!

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Thanks for being here. We'll keep up as long as folks keep supporting the shop. So far so good!!!!

@johnhull7519 4 года назад

Thanks for posting this video. While I totally agree with the sentiment that it's more than the sole that can carry aquatic organisms, I think it's worth mentioning that local regulations can also be a factor. For instance, felt soles are banned in Yellowstone and can't be used in any body of water in New Zealand. Always worth checking the regs before you go, but just another thing to consider if you plan to travel with your boots.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Of course. Thanks for being here.

@jimbissell1909 4 года назад

This was refreshing! You just said what a lot of us have wanted to say for years “I’m a felt guy”. Thank you

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Nothing wrong with felt as long as you are careful and responsible.

@mglennon5535 Год назад

Good stuff! Honesty. Works every time.

@Madriveroutfitters Год назад

Thanks for being here!

@JohnJohnstonfly 4 года назад

Nice to see someone who knows what he is taking about.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

John Johnston He’s been in the biz for 30 years now so we’d hope so! Thanks for watching.

@derekspace 4 года назад

Thank you! You guys are like a PSA (Public Service Announcement) but actually deliver information we need (unlike PSAs). Yeah, what a novel idea. Anyway, thanks and my next fly fishing related purchase will be with you guys. Why? You guys give real info and educate. I've been fly fishing since before 1977 but I don't know it all and don't have time to keep up with latest products and what works best. You make it easier. Keep doing what ya doing. Thanks!

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Thanks for being here and we are happy to help.

@ryancrawford3238 3 года назад

Thanks for the info! Just came across your channel and your videos and content are awesome. Thank you from a BC fisherman!

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

Thanks so much for being here. Please stay tuned.

@Sethyfisher Год назад

great video man, extremely informative

@Madriveroutfitters Год назад

Thanks for watching.

@_JimS 4 года назад

I have studded felt Korkers now and LOVE them, that's another choice out there for Korkers. Back in the 80's when I had a shoe repair shop in Pa. I installed a lot of "carpet" soles on hip waders right before trout season. Guys would bring me a chunk of carpet remnants, short nap, that I'd trim and glue on the waders.....ahhhh, good times. Love your videos Brian

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing.

@PABrewNews 4 года назад

After the 4th unintentional backflip in the creek my first time out, my rubber waders went in the bin... , cheers!

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Thanks for being here. Let us know if we can help with a new pair!!!

@ohnonotagain1653 4 года назад

Paul C. Bought a pair of felt sole boots to wear while fishing from our raft. Love my studded boots for hiking in and out but with the typical river bottoms I encounter in Washington, these boots are a real handicap while wading. Have gone to using the felt exclusively and with the addition of a wading staff (which I've learned not to leave in the truck), I cover far more water, more efficiently, and can't remember the last time I went for a swim! Thanks for the great video's.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Thanks for watching.

@FishTramp 2 года назад

Oregon Coast felt guy here! Love the information, thanks!

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

Thanks for watching.

@davidbennett1585 2 года назад

Absolutely agree. Felt is king.

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

Thanks for watching.

@italiantroutaholic8926 4 года назад

Your right .I did not think about the laces and the other materials. I`m getting Rid of my Slippery non sticky rubber boots!!!! and going back to Felt!!!!

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Italian Troutaholic 👍 Thanks for watching.

@johnkinsfather64 4 года назад

Good for you , felt just works. I have 3 pair of the best rubber souls and they are just plain treacherous, felt is the best.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Thanks for being here.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

John Kinsfather Great album btw!

@jamesdunn9714 4 года назад

Felt provides better traction. I have rubber soles for hiking in. Felt is what I am using most of the time.

@jasonsfishingagain312 3 года назад

I love felt, they give me great traction in the water but very little out of it. My Korkers allow me to switch out, and that's great because I've gone down more times trying to go down slippery slopes than I have in the water.

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

Thanks for being here and thanks for sharing. We love our Korkers!

@cepaasch 2 года назад

I have a pair of Korkers and my felt soles delaminated. I went to my local fly shop, they didn't have felt replacements but they turned me on to the aluminum bar soles. I was a bit skeptical. Game changers!!! OMG!!! Like you said, I felt like Spiderman. I can do things in those that I could only dream about with felt.

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

The aluminum bars are amazing! As you say......Game Changers! Thanks for watching.

@Flux_Flow 2 года назад

I'm from Asheville NC and a felt guy. Flew to Colorado a month ago, fished the South Platte with a guide service, and felt was preferred there as well.

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

Thanks for backing us up. Felt is preferred anywhere that you want to stay on your feet!!!

@IMKINDOFABIGDEAL13 3 года назад

I have the korkers boots. Oregon fishing is generally a little muddy on the banks so I wear the rubber soles when I hike to and from the river and hiking alongside the river. But as soon as I start wading I grab the felt soles out of my backpack and swap out for the felt.

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

Exactly! Thanks for sharing.

@brandoncope8680 3 года назад

Yanno, the first ever video I saw from Mad River Outfitters, I thought the person talking was very arrogant. I only played a minute or two of the video. I guess I was wrong. This gentleman is very smart and informative and I praise his channel and his business. All of the videos including the one I thought was trash, are exceptional. I have not found that video since that day, but I can tell you that the information that you give people is top notch.

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

These guys are definitely arrogant but still provide some good information. We appreciate you being here.

@brandoncope8680 3 года назад

Mad River Outfitters You’re Welcome! As a 21 year old who has been fly fishing since I was 8 and tying since I was 11, I am always looking for information and seeking to build my arsenal of knowledge. I am by no means a pro, but these types of videos provide a ton of information and you will learn something if you put aside your beliefs (how you fish is the only right way and everyone else does it wrong for example). If you put aside your (everyone) ego, and become open minded to learning, then you will be successful.

@stevej6552 4 года назад

Great information as always. Love my Korkers. I have all 3 of those soles, plus the rubber only that comes with the boots. And I’ve also used the aluminum bared soles while at Kelly’s lol. Still haven’t tried the felt because I’m worried about slipping while hiking in. I’m considering carrying in the felt soles with me and swapping them out when I get to the river.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Being able to swap them out is what makes Korkers such a great option. Thanks for watching.

@klb6910 4 года назад

@@Madriveroutfitters Are the Korker soles interchangable between the different Korker boots?

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Yes.

@stevej6552 4 года назад

Mad River Outfitters I actually bought a second pair for that very reason.

@Simgus88 4 года назад

I fish sea run brown on the rocky and some times steap Swedish west coast and if I dident use felt I think I would have died a long time ago. Have the same korkers that you have on the video and they work great for me.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Thanks for sharing. Yes, they are good boots and very versatile.

@Hapfletcher Год назад

I love my old school studded felt boots... before that as kids we use to glue carpet to the bottom of our converse tennis shoes

@Madriveroutfitters Год назад

Our good friend Flip Pallot STILL does that!!! Thanks for watching.

@ericnortan9012 2 года назад

I love my felts, when I'm in the river, but they suck getting there. Most of our rivers in Michigan are mixed sand, gravel and muck, so rubber is good enough in the water and a hell of a lot easier climbing out our muddy banks. We do have a lot of rocky rivers too so I have both. I just bought Orvis Clearwater Rubber with studs.

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

Thanks for watching.

@kenwebster5053 2 года назад

When I 1st started fly fishing, I just used vinyl/gum booted waders. They were OK in the local river but extremely slippery in high country streams. Eventually, I bought a pair of Korkers with interchangeable klingon & felt soles. I anticipated using the felts in those slippery high streams. Well, I never found it necessary to use the felts though I did from time to time. Felt was a considerable problem exiting at grassy slopes though. I have never found studs to be necessary either. Interesting about the aluminium bars, I may look into that. Ta

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

Thanks for watching.

@jorgesven5197 3 года назад

Some years ago I have purchased a pair of Korkers Shoes which came with a pair of Felt Soles and a pair of Rubber Soles. Following the trend, I started fishing with the Rubber Soles in my favorite freestone river in Patagonia. In five minutes I fell twice into the water and almost broke a rod. Switched to Felt Soles and problem solved. I still use the Korkers boots and replaced the felt soles a couple times when worn out.

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

Thanks for watching and backing us up here.

@rainbosprinkles6548 Год назад

I use korkers to fish saltwater rock jetties in the Gulf. They are awesome. I can walk were others wouldn't dream of.

@Madriveroutfitters Год назад

Thanks for watching.

@Showza83 Год назад

I use korkers for my freshwater fishing. I can hike in with the rubber soles then swap over to my felts when in the water.

@Madriveroutfitters Год назад

Thanks for watching. We do the same.

@johnmanganello4551 2 года назад

Felt soles may offer superior traction on stream bottoms, but they are a hazard on mud, wet grass and leaves, especially on the slightest incline. I can attest to that fact as I sit here typing with a walking boot on my fractured ankle. Yes, that right, both feet slipped out from beneath me with no warning as I entered a stream five weeks ago resulting in a fractured fibula. Going to order Korker boots and a pair of Triple Threat Carbide soles. My felt boots are going into the trout camp burn barrel!

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

Thanks for watching. Seems that you guys agree. For sure better in water, not so much on land......as you know. The Triple Threat soles ARE amazing.

@kansasscout4322 2 месяца назад

I started with felt. Worked great. Then Missouri banned them. Recently I bought felt soles for my Korkers for use in Arkansas or other places. I did then buy the Korkers aggressive lugs and pins. Worked great!

@kansasscout4322 2 месяца назад

These new aggressive soles are better than the ones you showed

@Madriveroutfitters 2 месяца назад

@@kansasscout4322 Thanks for watching.

@silentbob1236 11 месяцев назад

I'm new to ff and using waders, I learned today that rubber is not going to work on the north fork of the Boise river.. Its a good thing I have some balance because I was ice skating on those rocks. Wish I would have watched this first!

@Madriveroutfitters 11 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching.

@bigskystatefishing9918 4 года назад

Love the Madison but I like the beaverhead more.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Well thanks for sharing.

@dannydnice1 2 года назад

I use felt. I put the screws in only when I plan on walking the rocks with algae. Felt+studs = a safe day

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

Thanks for watching.

@KowboyUSA 3 года назад

Was just on rubber soles in the Yellowstone river and they were so slick I could hardly stay upright.

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

We know the feeling!!!!

@Grouse2275 4 года назад

Felt is the best.....hands down......if you take a wire brush and roughen up the bottoms from time to time, it's even better. I fished Slough Creek in July and it was like walking on ice without being able to use felt. BTW, have you ever noticed how much water is retained in the laces?

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Craig C Ageed. Good tip. Thanks for watching.

@jamesmccreery250 3 года назад

I love my felt soles, I've never put the rubber soles I have on. (Korkers) I did have a huge problem Sunday walking a short distance on snow! Every step lifted all 4" of snow, after three steps I was 7'4" tall standing on snow bowling balls! I fish some slick spots and wouldn't go in certain spots with rubber, just not enough grip!

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

Yes, felt not good in the snow but in the water......nothing better.

@ozclimaco8379 2 года назад

So can you hike on your felt soles for about 1 mile or two to get to the river? Or are they only to use in water?

@jamesmccreery250 2 года назад

@@ozclimaco8379 If there is no snow they are fair to hike in. I've had plenty of 5 mile plus days fishing.

@ozclimaco8379 2 года назад

@@jamesmccreery250 thanks…

@jamesmccreery250 2 года назад

@@ozclimaco8379 For sure friend.

@philipvankampen3394 Год назад

7:50 I have been on the river 100+ days with my Korkers (darkhorse) and lost my sole one time. I was bushwhacking and the back tag got caught up in some rhododendron (I too am a NC guy) so I'm not sure that counts. If anything, I was glad the sole gave before my ankle did. :)

@Madriveroutfitters Год назад

Thanks for watching.

@philipvankampen3394 Год назад

@@Madriveroutfitters thanks for the content

@kevinhartley3580 Год назад

I recently started fly fishing. Living in California and was sure felt would be outlawed but it actually isn’t. Doing some research and reading river side signs they (the state) recommends either allowing the felt to dry completely between rivers or freezing the felt for at lease 6hrs. So if I plan to do two different rivers on back to back days I just toss the soles in the freezer overnight (I have korkers.)

@Madriveroutfitters Год назад

Thanks for watching and sharing that great idea!!!!

@Little.R 3 года назад

Just ordered some felt-soled boots after years of having rubber soles.

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

Cool...thanks for the support!

@wndsrfross 4 года назад

I prefer felt soles fishing in Arkansas, East Tennessee & Western North Carolina. I have found that my old felt soles worked so much better than the studded rubber. Have been using studded rubber for 5 years & find them to not be as effective as felt. I find myself skating in fast water on smooth rock river bottoms with studs. Have not tried the aluminum bars, aluminum being much softer that the studs, I can only imagine the is grip better than the studs.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

The opinion of many. Thanks for watching.

@Valscorn01 Год назад

Realistically, anything you bring into the water could carry micro-organisms that can then pollute other water you go to. I'm of the belief the felt soled boot thing was started by Simms to sell rubber soled boots that was more economical for them to produce and sell.

@Madriveroutfitters Год назад

Thanks for watching. That’s basically what he is saying here. It was actually Patagonia who started it and not Simms…..but they quickly followed suit.

@stevemcgavren7645 4 года назад

Which Korkers sole is best for hiking?

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Rubber as stated. Thanks for watching.

@billcalhoon8353 Год назад

What about adding studs added to felt soles?

@Madriveroutfitters Год назад

Thanks for watching. Please send any and all questions directly to the shop and they will be happy to help. E-mail them or give them a call.

@lets_fish_already_9345 4 года назад

I'm just speaking for missouri but you can't use a felt sole because of certain plants so you have to use a boot bottom wader just to keep the rivers and lakes clear of this plant

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Shout out to Missouri!!! Thanks for being here.

@flyfishing_and_hiking 4 года назад

I guess that it takes longer time for felt soles to dry out than for laces or waders or I'm wrong on this?

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

Never tested that out but might make sense.

@davidarnold9117 4 года назад

Don't forget Korkers studded felt

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

david Arnold Of course. He did mention studded felt.

@hoxiedog 4 года назад

where I fish, if I cannot use felt soles, I just as soon have a pair of roller skates...

@banjopete 4 года назад

M79Man , same in NZ.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Studded rubber works well if you can’t.

@gannon767 4 года назад

Which type would be best for a slate bottom river? I always used felt on smother flat rocks. But they tend to get slick after awhile.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Studded rubber for sure!

@gundriver6439 4 года назад

I have never owned a pair of rubber sole boots where I'm not on the verge of breaking my darn neck while wading. My rubber soled with spikes Korkers are no different.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

gundriver64 pretty sure he agrees here.

@stevemcgavren7645 4 года назад

I wear size 9. Should I buy the 9 or a size or two larger for waders as it used to be?

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Give a call or e-mail to the shop and they will be happy to help. Thanks for being here.

@jonpaulson7870 4 года назад

I wear size 9.5-10.5. Korkers Dark Horse 10 was snug, but Korkers size 11 is beautiful for both wet wading with SImms gravel guards and Simms Freestone waders--I wear thin bicycle socks under the Freestone boots. Very comfortable boot and the rubber (w/o studs) is grippy on sand, but slippery on limestone based rock. The felt bottoms are awesome. You get the rubber and felt for the base price, so two boots for the price of one! I've got 100-120 hours on them and no signs of wear.

@K3Flyguy 3 года назад

Is there such a thing as waders that don't get leaks all the time? So tired of leaky waders and fixing them a few more times out they leak again. Boots don't seem to last long either, 2-3 years tops! It that normal?

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

No, not normal. At all. Give the shop a call and they can help.

@visual_legacy5720 4 года назад

In New Zealand we aren’t allowed to yours felt soles

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

True. Studded rubber it must be!

@seanfalconer7182 Год назад

I'm a strong proponent of "Bucket Biology".

@Madriveroutfitters Год назад

Thanks for watching.

@seanfalconer7182 Год назад

@@Madriveroutfitters 🤣

@glenntoulouse5710 11 месяцев назад

Can't find korkers here in the UK.

@Madriveroutfitters 11 месяцев назад

Sure you can…..right here: www.madriveroutfitters.com/m-97-korkers.aspx

@Madriveroutfitters 11 месяцев назад

We ship to the UK every day!!!

@JohninCle 2 года назад

well i guess it is Simms Tributary with rubber and Ill add studs. Im in Ohio and I will be fishing in the snow/Ice. The rubber alone I tried tonight and it was HORRIBLE (without studs)

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

Agreed.....as you saw here. Thanks for watching.

@ronaldfisher5093 4 года назад

In my humble opinion felt is a one trick pony, I don't think it is as durable, and as far as I can tell is only good on smooth rock. If you have any kind of a hike in , forget about the felt.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

RONALD FISHER We typically see rubber wear out much more quickly than felt on average. True about the walking, which he states here.

@danielcowell8346 4 года назад

Felt is far superior on freestone as well!

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Daniel Cowell yep!

@soydelrancho 3 года назад

Felt like spider man! LOL

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

It's true. He says it all the time.

@soydelrancho 3 года назад

Mad River Outfitters I’m sure. Just sounds funny

@turupardo3543 4 года назад

In the next season, it will be forbidden the use of felt soles in Patagonia, they said invaders can hitch to the sole and it could carry them through different lakes and rivers of Patagonia, making a cross contamination. But, as you said, they said that other clothes can carry these invaders, as waders, clothing, etc and they will not be forbidden 🤷🏻‍♂️ so I suppose they will not fix the problem at all.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Turupardo It was banned there for a few years and they lifted it. Now again?

@turupardo3543 4 года назад

Mad River Outfitters yes, they will apply again this year! You can found this information in the new “Continental Patagonia General Sportfishing Rules and Regulations” ( in last page, pag. 76) reglamentodepesca.org.ar/Reglamento-2019-20.pdf This new regulation is because of dydimo or rock snot

@allansbullet 4 года назад

@@turupardo3543 Hi Turupardo. Argentina has obviously learned from the very hard lesson we've had to learn here in New Zealand. Didymo loused up some of our BEST fishing rivers! And it came into the country on felt soled waders.

@banjopete 4 года назад

Didimo , now exists in New Zealand, has been identified as coming from Canada, how? We can’t tell, felt soles, possible.

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Yes possible. Same with waders. Same with laces. Could be a variety of different sources.

@rickiex 3 года назад

Aw man dude, that sucks. I fish all over and started to noticed didimo in Canada. It's disgusting. It appeared a few years ago. Felt is far superior than rubber, but felt is very very situational. Have you walked into mud and clay with felt?? It's suicidal lol. I've learnt how to walk on slimy surfaces without felt and studs.

@davyjones922 3 года назад

Im the guy that tries to do the right thing and i finally gave in and got rubber bottom simms guide boots. I absolutely love them but on my first trip out with them i took 3 unintended swims. After the 3rd dip i screamed out that they can shove rubber bottoms up their a@@. Lol my fishing buddies laughed to death at me throwing a tantrum along the stream. Im going to try the screw studs but "im a felt guy" for sure. 😁

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

See?

@kathyodato8322 2 года назад

The state of Maryland banned felt soles years ago.

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

That is the case. Thanks for watching.

@nathanellsworth7777 2 года назад

Patagonia now has a felt boot Lol

@Madriveroutfitters 2 года назад

No comment. Lol

@JP-dz7zu 2 года назад

Nobody should support Patagonia. Fakest woke company ever.

@dberry99 3 года назад

How do you keep water out of your boots when wading in deeper water? Newbie here.

@Madriveroutfitters 3 года назад

You do not. They get wet. Feel free to contact the shop directly with any and all questions. They are always happy to help.

@CallMeJackWagon 4 года назад

I'm Googling but not finding much. How can I add felt to a rubber boot? My boots are one piece to my waders so I cant just buy new ones. Thanks...

@Madriveroutfitters 4 года назад

Please send your questions over to the shop and they should be able to help you out there. Thanks.

@shawnjohnson9096 9 месяцев назад

I despise felt. Im in and out of the water constantly for most of my fishing. I've never had a problem with my regular boot foot waders. Only time I ever took a spill was when i was carrying a 28 bl. Salmon in a net and lost my balance. No harm done. My son just borrowed a pair of felt bottom waders, and BOTH soles came loose on our trip, And fell off! I just had to replace them, and can only come to the conclusion that the love of felt soles comes from having too much time on your hands and money to burn. No offense. For me they are very impractical.

@Madriveroutfitters 9 месяцев назад

Sorry but just wrong here on so many levels.