I've had a pair of LL Bean wading boots with the AquaStealth rubber soles with studs and they've been a powerhouse on all of the riverbottoms I've used them on (quite a few). I bought a second pair without studs to wear in the boat, and had them on the other day and slipped on an algae covered rock into the drink....but I'd still reccommend the rubber soles. They work well and I tend to NOT slip on the bank when looking for a new spot like my buddy with the felt soles seems to do every trip!