I prefer the Patagonia Beefy Wading shoe and its cleat system. The cleats barely protrude through the felt, giving you the advantage of having both carbide spikes and felt on the rocks.

Found them on sale: [url=http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.79996/dept_id.L2~349/qx/product.htm:48bc0]http://www.sierratradingpost.com/xq/asp/base_no.79996/dept_id.L2~349/qx/product.htm[/url:48bc0]

I haven't tried any rubber soled boots yet, but might if I lived in a whirling disease affected area.