Here in Vermont felt bottom waders are illegal starting April of this year. They transport "rock snot" didamo algea too well, and that stuff is terrible for a stream.

So between my son and me we have 2 pairs of chest waders and 2 pairs of hip waders, all with felt bottoms and all in excellent shape. I think they are all Orvis silver label. To replace will cost about $1,000.

Anybody know if there is a way to convert them to studs? Is the boot bottom the right shape? I see stud kits on line....but can I get the felt off?

Any thoughts?

I would think a cobbler could cut the soles off and attach a rubber sole of some sort into which you could screw studs.

They used to sell replacement felt bottoms for wading boots, so certainly getting the old ones off is possible (probably heat activated glue). What you would put on instead I'm not sure, but you might check with Orvis and see if they would send you some aqua stealth replacement soles. If no luck, a ground down vibram sole with studs would likely work.

Here in Vermont felt bottom waders are illegal starting April of this year. They transport "rock snot" didamo algea too well, and that stuff is terrible for a stream.

So between my son and me we have 2 pairs of chest waders and 2 pairs of hip waders, all with felt bottoms and all in excellent shape. I think they are all Orvis silver label. To replace will cost about $1,000.

Anybody know if there is a way to convert them to studs? Is the boot bottom the right shape? I see stud kits on line....but can I get the felt off?

Any thoughts?
You can cut most of it away, and clean it off with sandpaper.
Did you ever thing of this option?
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Moog

or use the softer style wire brush in a drill for the last of it

Just dedicate them for the sand. Or, you can get drill-in studs for felt soles. Simms makes some called Hardbites for felt and rubber soles for $20. You should make sure that your soles aren't too worn down so when you screw them in, your feet don't get pricked.

Thank you for the input...I think I'll get the old felt bottoms off and see what they look like. And go from there.

Joe,
Contact Orvis and explain this to them. They may have a buy back/trade program for someone as conscientious as you. It would be good PR for them.

DZ