How To Replace Felt Soles On Neoprene Waders

Felt soles make moving through water less slippery.

Felt is used on the bottom of wader shoes used by fisherman. Maintaining balance is an important part of keeping dry and uninjured, and the felt helps. It does not slide as easily over slippery river rocks like a rubber soled wader does, allowing you to keep sure footing while you concentrate on the more important goal of catching fish and enjoying a day out.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement felt
• Razor
• Sandpaper
• Rubbing alcohol
• Waterproof sealant
• Adjustable C clamps

Instructions

1. Pull the old felt off the bottom of the waders if there is any left. Use your hands for this. If it is still securely fastened near the edges of the shoe, try using a razor blade to start the process by cutting the felt away from the shoe.

2. Sandpaper the soles of the shoes to remove any remaining felt and glue, and rough up the surface so the new felt will attach more securely.

3. Clean the soles of the waders with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue or dust from the surface.

4. Apply a waterproof sealant to the felt soles that you are going to attach to the waders. Run a bead of sealant along the outer rim of the felt.

5. Attach the felt to the bottom of the waders. Set up adjustable C clamps to hold the felt securely to wader shoes until it dries. Allow about 12 hours for drying.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with your state's fishing regulations about felt-sole waders. Many states are starting to ban them due to cross contamination of rivers and streams by algae, plant life and other things that stick to the felt and take a ride to the next waterway.

References

• McNett-Hunting: Repair Waders

Resources

• Troutlet: Felt Sole Replacement Kit