Question Why are felt soled booties not more widely used?
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tarponchik
Contributor
Felt soled booties are fairly popular in Hawaii because they are not very slippery on lava. I own a pair an use them sometimes. The downside for a traveler is that it takes forever to dry such booties even in direct hot sun.
broncobowsher
Contributor
But fishing wader boots are often felt soled. So it is known to work in the states.
OP
They definitely do. Even hanging them so water drains out the cuff they take a full day to dry out
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they are standard booties with a polyester needle punched felt on the bottom, similar to cheap tennis balls or wheel well liners in most modern cars. Easy enough to use some spray adhesive to add to bottom of standard booties.
Downsides is they take forever and a day to dry out completely, and if you are walking on rocky shorelines they will wear through fairly quickly. All about prioritize what you are trying to protect against.
Downsides is they take forever and a day to dry out completely, and if you are walking on rocky shorelines they will wear through fairly quickly. All about prioritize what you are trying to protect against.
I've had them. Fine for non-slip, but for the sharp-edged coral in places like Bonaire, I prefer heavy rubber soles...more comfortable for walking on the rubble.
spoolin01
Contributor
The answer is because they're slippery as heck on fiberglass decks. Nothing beats them for slick rock however.
OP
How are they slippery on fiberglass? I might not be dialed in on the differences but they feel like I’m damn aquatic Spider-Man on gloss painted wood. Even on rolling seas
spoolin01
Contributor
I dunno the physics, except that fiberglass is pretty slick, especially when wet, unless perhaps awl-grip coated. I only use felt sole boots in Hawaii, motivated by shore diving experience, but the times I've gone boat diving there, it's been a challenge to stay on my feet without paying close attention.
They've been banned in a few states. I've used both and there are a few really grippy hard sole boots, like rock boots. I always buy boots that drain.
Which States Have Banned Felt Sole Wading Boots - Guide Recommended
Image setting up the fly fishing trip of a lifetime. You travel to a lodge at a far off destination like Alaska you unpack, gear up and find out your Felt
guiderecommended.com
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