I guess you guys don't remember the old days 30+ years ago when those of us short of funds, glued indoor/outdoor carpet to the bottom of our boots to keep from sliping on rocks. That material was mostly rubber and plastic and it worked rather well. Now that we are older and can afford it the felt bottom boots work great. However, the next pair of wading boots I buy will most likely be the new vibram soles in the interest of retarding the transfer of organisms from one watershed to another!
On the subject of using a staff, after getting the camp award for the most "wader swims", three in one season, I finally got a staff! I hate to say it, but the older I get the more I'm cautious about my legs/knees, and the inconvience of a staff is outweighted by the increased mobility in the water! And that leads to more fish!! G.