View Full Version : Replacing felt soles


Back Beach
03-13-2008, 10:19 AM
Has anyone done this before? The directions imply that you spread the glue over the new felt and let the glue set up for 30 minutes or so before pressing the new felt sole onto the boot. Is this the correct way or do you just spread the glue and stick the new felt right on?

eastendlu
03-13-2008, 10:54 AM
Fred can't you call the manufacturer and get the anwser from the horses mouth so if it don't work right you can blame them and get a new pair.

Joe
03-13-2008, 11:31 AM
I've done it many times....usually to add the Korker Studded Felts (http://surfcasting-rhodeisland.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SRIOTS&Product_Code=K025&Category_Code=K)
You do not remove the old felts.
Take the waders to the car wash and powerwash out all the dirt from the existing felts so they are clean. (This step is key - the dirt on the old felt soles will prevent a good bond if it is not removed)
Let them dry a couple of days at least
Trace outline of waderboot on top of felt sole
Trim replacement felt with heavy shears or utility knife
Put a ton of glue (like a tube's worth for each foot) on the sole of the wader boot and the backside of the replacement felt. Marine Goop or Korkers Glue (http://surfcasting-rhodeisland.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=SRIOTS&Product_Code=K027&Category_Code=K) is very good for this.) If you use Korkers glue, you need two tubes to do a good job.
Let the glue get tacky (10 mins or so)
Stick the replacement sole to the wader boot
Put a towel on top over the wader boot and sole, or wrap in an old t-shirt or something.
Wrap duct tape around the fabric, wader boot and replacement felt sole to get a tight seal. Let sit for two days. (Very important that the glue sets up under pressure.)
Trim replacement felt with sharp knife or razor.
After trimming, run another bead of glue around the seal where the sole and the replacement felt meet. Let sit another two days.
That's it....

Back Beach
03-13-2008, 11:36 AM
Thanks Joe.

BTW everyone, I changed my name to Fred. :laugha:

ThrowingTimber
03-13-2008, 11:45 AM
Lut thought you were backbeach jake aka. fred.

sierra trading post had the korker convertible soled wading boots for short money this week.

eastendlu
03-13-2008, 11:51 AM
OOPS:whackin::nopain:

Back Beach
03-13-2008, 11:59 AM
Lut thought you were backbeach jake aka. fred.

sierra trading post had the korker convertible soled wading boots for short money this week.

I know, just busting....

eastendlu
03-13-2008, 12:02 PM
I had a senior moment!

reebok
03-13-2008, 03:56 PM
You are also going to have to rearrange the studs on the new one because once you trim it to fit they are either trimmed off or not in the right place.

It's a big project. But as I learned last year not as much of a pain as replacing screws in modified korkers every 2 or 3 weeks, or every week if you fish every day.

HESH2
03-14-2008, 01:20 PM
on my bootfoot waders felt soles came loose.i pulled both off,they came off easy.cleaned,dried,got contack cement and coated boot and felts.waited like 15 min and put back in place.put on waders and stomped down hard to set.then used duck tape to toe part and let dry.worked good but had to redue toe portion on 1 foot.