Felt Sole Ban

[Bill Anderson]

I've been fishing in Simms Headwaters Vibram soled boots for a couple of years now and I like them. I got smart and added the Simms carbide AND the aluminum studs to them and have had NO slippage problems on any kind of bottom, They really excel on muddy or icy riverbanks that used to stand me on my head in felts. So now I just put them on and get on with my fishing. I'll bet they will have a much, much longer life span than my felts ever did, too. I'm happy.

[Robert]

I got down to the river last week. The day after the tornado. 70 degrees, and just a great day to fish. I pulled on my new Chota rubber sole boots. I could not put the studs in(wrong nut driver) I figured I would be on my butt quickly. I'm happy to report that they stuck like glue. I'm not sure if I will need the studs.

[Bill Anderson]

I've been using a pair of Simms Headwaters boots with the latest Vibram soles for the past two years. I also have both carbide AND aluminum studs on the bottom and I have had absolutely NO problems in wading anywhere with them. They really excel in ice, snow and mud, compared to plain felts. I have slipped many times on those types of surfaces in felts over the years, but the metal bites into every thing. You just can't wear them in a fly shop or a boat. But, other than that, I'm pretty happy with them. I have not found any surface where they didn't equal or exceed felts in grip. I can't speak for the Vibrams by themselves, because I added studds to them before I first used them.

[ColdWaterFshr]

I just bought the Simms Headwaters a few weeks ago. Hargrove even gave me some some studs for free to screw into the soles, but I didn't do that and don't plan to unless I'm going somewhere out west with them.

First trip out on the Current River --- they were extremely comfortable and lightweight. I didn't notice ANY difference in grip while wading. But I did notice a big improvement in grip while hiking on dry land. Much better for slick mud and rocks than my old felt boots. Even went into a cave and the Vibram streamtread sole is the shnizzle on wet slippery rocks. Also, what I liked about the Simms was how easy the are to get on and off with the neoprene tongue -- I think that really helps. No more arch cramp trying to cram my foot into a tight boot.