Wader Boots?

[Willb43]

Fished the Norfork @ 30 years ago in jeans and tennis shoes. I want to fish it again, but with waders this time. Will I be better off with felt or stud soled wading shoes?

[cnr]

Felt is always better if it is allowed. Missouri has banned it from the trout streams but I believe you are still okay in Arkansas.

[Lancer09]

I believe felt is also illegal there. Go with a good studded boot. If you are really nervous look into the patagonia aluminum bars.

[Nighthawk]

felt.

[Lancer09]

Yep, felt is allowed.

I'd still go with the Patagonia aluminum bars.

[Lancer09]

Yep, felt is allowed.

I'd still go with the Patagonia aluminum bars.

[dennis boatman]

...stick to the tennis shoes...

[Bill Anderson]

Unless you plan to confine your wading to Arkansas, you would be well advised to get metal studded rubber soles. While felt is still legal in Arkansas, It's ILLEGAL in Missouri and many other states now and more will be added to the list. Buy the studded rubber and you won't ever have to worry about being legal or not, regardless of where in the US/world you fish. To me it's just common sense. The fine for using felts in Missouri is $250, and may be even higher in other states. Buy the rubber and save yourself a lot of grief later on.

[Adam B]

I use the Patagonia Felt and have the new Crampon Boot. They are both sweet. The metal bar boot hooks up good but I wouldnt want to damage anyones book with it. You do sound like a cowboy walking down the boat ramp or any gravel/concrete. They don't seem to wear down the aluminum though and there not heavy. Pretty sweet.

[JCWolfe]

Personally I think felt is better but bought rubber soled boots and added studs because of them being banned in other states. When you have fished in multiple states then you have no worries.