Simms Freestone Wading Boot Review - Fly Fishing Insider Podcast

Short answer: yes, felt still grips better than rubber on river rock, and the Simms Freestone is a genuinely good boot. But felt is banned in a number of states for spreading invasive species, so check your local regulations first — and if you want felt for less, we stock two felt-sole boots in the shop.

You've stomped through streams in high-end boots, budget boots, and even — admit it — that one ill-fated attempt in sneakers. So let's wade into the debate: is the Simms Freestone with a felt sole really the Cadillac of the river, or just another sinking ship?

Funny story: I once left my boots behind and waded in tennis shoes. Not ideal. You slip, you slide. But hey, I was fishing.

Felt sole vs rubber sole: which grips better?

Felt wins on traction, and it isn't especially close. Felt soles are like grip tape on a skateboard, only for river stones. Even good non-slip rubber can't quite hold a candle to it on slick, algae-covered rock. If you've been a die-hard rubber-sole advocate, it might be time to feel the felt. Add studs and you've got a seriously stable setup.

The trade-off is real, though, and it isn't just environmental. Felt holds water, which means it's slower to dry and it can freeze solid in winter conditions — though once you're in the water the ice melts off and the stickiness comes back.

What about invasive species?

I'll review the boots and let you decide on the environmental question, but here's my perspective. If you wear felt, wash them. We need our waterways around in the future. Don't be lazy. Frankly, wash all boots and waders between different waterways, felt or not.

The practical point: several states have banned felt soles outright for exactly this reason. Check where you're fishing before you buy, because a boot you can't legally wear isn't a bargain.

Are Simms Freestone boots durable?

Nobody wants a boot that falls apart faster than a wet sandwich. These hold up like a champ against rocky terrain. What I look for is solid stitching and wear around the toe box — that's where boots die first. And I'll hold any manufacturer to their warranty policy: if a boot fails from construction, I challenge the warranty, and you should too.

One rule about studs and boats

DO NOT get in a boat with studded boots. I repeat — do not, get in, a boat, with studded boots. Boats are expensive and boots aren't. Bring a pair of unstudded felt boots instead and you won't chew up someone's floor. If you forgot them, pull your boots off and put up with the neoprene feet of your waders. That's just common courtesy for the boat angler.

If you do add studs, make sure you get studs made for felt soles — the screw length differs. With the wrong stud, the tip can protrude through the boot into the insole and puncture your wader, or your foot.

Felt boots we stock

If you want felt without the premium price, these are in our shop:

Slate Felt Sole Wading Boots — the straightforward felt option. You give up some of the brand-name construction and warranty programme, but the sole is doing the same job on the same rocks.
Women's/Youth Stonefly Felt Wading Boots — the same idea sized properly for women and younger anglers, which is a category that's badly underserved.

Prefer bootfoot and skip the separate boot entirely? The Slipstream PVC Bootfoot Chest Wader and Slipstream PVC Hip Boots are cleated and the warmest way to keep your feet happy in cold water. Browse the full waders and wading jackets collection.

Who are they for?

If you want sure feet at an affordable rate, felt boots are a fantastic option. They're great all-rounders, and without waders they're an excellent choice for travel and for the boat. Because I travel, I think a pair of felts belongs in every boot collection — mainly so I always have boat-safe boots with me, and because the last thing I want is a fall on a trip I've paid a lot of money to be on.

Four more things to get with your boots

1. Good socks

Socks make a difference on a cold day. Go light to medium rather than thick — you want space around your feet so circulation can do its job. The Minus33 Lightweight Over The Calf Wool Socks are exactly right, and they last for years.

2. A medical kit

Always keep one in the car. I prefer smaller kits so I can grab it on the way to a river trip and toss it in the boat or a backpack. It sits there doing nothing for a year and then it earns its keep in one afternoon.

3. A wader bag

Any bag that lets wet waders get airflow will work, but the thing that really matters is being able to stand on it while you change. Avoiding pinholes in your wader socks will extend the life of your investment tenfold. A DeckBoss Dry Bag Duffle covers the wet gear, and a Neoprene Waterproof Seat Cover saves your truck seat.

4. A pocket knife

You never know when you'll need to cut a dry-rotted lace, shave some fire starter, or slice a camp steak. Look at The Peasant Folding Pocket Knife, the Scout Feather Adventure Survival Knife, or the knives collection. Pair it with the Fiber Light EDC Fire Kit for the fire-starting half of that job.

Final verdict

If you've been on the fence — or more likely, on a slippery rock somewhere — it's time to make the jump. Felt keeps you stable, works in a lot of situations, and rinses clean easily. Just wash it between waters and check your state's rules first.

Next time someone asks you about the ultimate guide to fly fishing comfort, just chuckle and show them your feet.

More on wading gear: Simms G4Z Zipper Wader review and the Patagonia Swiftcurrent review.

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Tight lines, everyone!

Christian Bacasa, host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast