A fall in a river can ruin a trip, a camera, or worse. In this episode we talked with Forest Rogers, the founder of Rock Treads, about the simple idea behind his company: adding aluminum discs to wading boots so you can grip slick rock. His story is also a solid primer on how to think about traction before your next wade.
Where the Idea Came From
The company started in 2014 on the South Holston River in Tennessee, a slate-bottom tailwater that is famously slick. A fishing buddy with a football background kept stumbling, and after seeing an ad for aluminum bars on a boot, the two decided to try their own. A local machine shop cut small aluminum discs about a quarter inch thick and the size of a quarter. They drilled them straight into their boots, fished the next day, and the difference was dramatic. Rock Treads launched as a company in 2015.
What Early Mistakes Taught Them
The early kits used plastic parts and screws that did not hold well in rubber soles. At a practice session, many anglers lost at least half their discs. The fix was a better screw and, later, an installation method that goes through the whole sole and locks the disc in place, which also protects the bottom of the boot from wear. The lesson applies to any boot modification: the fastener matters as much as the traction piece.
Today the company offers kits for felt soles, rubber soles, and removable soles, plus an option for wading sandals. Boot brand, size and river do not matter, he said. If you do not want to fall in, you need traction.
Wading Safety Habits That Help
- Match traction to the bottom. Slate, algae-covered cobble and wet wood all behave differently.
- Shuffle your feet and keep a wide stance instead of stepping over rocks.
- Use a wading staff and face upstream when crossing.
- Check your boot hardware before each season, and replace worn discs or studs.
- Cast aluminum wears faster than harder machined aluminum, so ask what a product is made from.
Know the Trade-offs
Aluminum treads can scratch boat floors and some surfaces, so think about where you fish and whether you ride in drift boats. Always check the rules in your area, since some waters restrict certain traction materials to prevent spreading invasive species.
Gear
For wading, the best upgrade is a good pair of boots and a staff from your local fly shop, who can match traction to your home water. For the drive home, our Five Panel Cap keeps the sun off, and the Tips and Tricks for Fly Fishing eBook covers more on-the-water basics.
