Walking on wet snow in felt soles is a whole new experience. The snow will stick to the felt then like a magical snowman shoe, you'll get taller and taller with each step. Eventually you'll fall over and someone will need to chip the snow from your sole so you can get going again. Total hassle. I ended up taking the boots off and walking the last 100 yards to the river in my wader sock feet.

I've also found that walking on our Southern Ontario clay in felt soles akin to walking on ballbearings. I turned about a dozen 1/4 inch sheetmetal screws into each sole for added traction. Works great....permenant cleats.

As for walking on freestone rivers in felt soles, nothing compares for their awesome grip.

Glenn



[This message has been edited by Oncoryncus (edited 26 April 2005).]