Author Topic: Vibram vs. Felt (Read 1401 times)

Anita Coulton · « **on:** April 11, 2011, 05:00:31 PM »

Hi all. Not sure if this is posted elsewhere, but I wanted to see how many of you have made the switch to vibram soles and what you think about them compared to felt. I had sent a pair of boots to be re-soled with felt, and I received them back today with a vibram sole.(Grrrrr.....)

Anyway, before I waste 3 more weeks and getting them replaced yet again with what I asked for, I thought I would just ask and see what you all think....

Bob Lux · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2011, 05:31:56 PM »

I made the switch about two years ago. I loved them until I got into some mossy covered rocks and did the back stroke for 50 yards in the wintertime. I still like them, but I added carbide cleats and now I'm invincible. I used to love felt, but I do a lot of hiking (especially down South) and the felt just wore out too quickly. Not to mention the traction on mud or wet leaves with felt was terrible. 80% of the streams I fished were fine with the vibram. Now that I have the spikes, I may never go back to felt.

John Killinger · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2011, 09:21:52 PM »

Did simms do that?

Anita Coulton · « **Reply #3 on:** April 11, 2011, 09:51:25 PM »

John, it was the company that Simms uses for their re-soleing.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #4 on:** April 11, 2011, 09:54:11 PM »

What company is that i would not mind getting vibram put on my worn out felt boots

Rob Twombly · « **Reply #5 on:** April 11, 2011, 10:10:20 PM »

Try these guys...
http://www.rmresole.com/
A couple guys I know have used them and the turnaround and quality was quite good.

Anita Coulton · « **Reply #6 on:** April 12, 2011, 08:21:13 AM »

Mark, that's who Simms uses. They indeed do good work. These vibram soles look great. FYI....they charge $70 for re-soleing.

Bob Lux · « **Reply #7 on:** April 12, 2011, 12:26:05 PM »

I used a local cobbler down here with my felt soles. They did real good work and I think it was around $30 and had my boots back in a week. My local fly shop recommended them, so I would contact your local shop and ask if they know anyone local.

Mark Ferringer · « **Reply #8 on:** April 12, 2011, 04:06:18 PM »

I switched over to studded felt, and I am impressed, especially when I was in the snow. They didn't make me 6 inches taller because of snow accumulation.

Ryan Hales · « **Reply #9 on:** April 12, 2011, 04:18:28 PM »

I don't have vibram but Korkers klingon sole. Basically the same. I use it all the time. Actuall, I have never put the felt sole on my Korkers. I do notice it can get a little slick on some water, but I think it helps to keep me from getting my self into trouble. I now don't wade as deep because footing can sometimes become an issue, but I really don't think that is bad. I love my boots with rubber soles and wouldn't trade them for anything.

John Killinger · « **Reply #10 on:** April 12, 2011, 07:00:43 PM »

Thanks Anita, I think I will get the felt replaced on my boots. I don't want to be a carrier of didymo, ever!

Jason Baker · « **Reply #11 on:** April 13, 2011, 09:07:24 AM »

I am amazed at the Simms Vibram sole with the Star Cleats added. Simply the best traction on the stream I have ever experienced. As a bonus, way better off the stream coming down banks, etc.

Bob Lux · « **Reply #12 on:** April 13, 2011, 12:08:52 PM »

My only complaint about those cleats is that they stop you at a dead stop on wet rocks when sometimes you're not expecting it. Otherwise, you can't beat them. After two years, my Vibram was starting to wear but maybe now with the cleats they will last a couple more.

Rob Twombly · « **Reply #13 on:** April 13, 2011, 12:13:29 PM »

I put them in the Orvis side zip brogues and they are awesome! Love the easy on-off of the orvis brogues and adding these new cleats took them from good to great!

Anita Coulton · « **Reply #14 on:** April 13, 2011, 12:29:15 PM »

Thanks for the great feedback everyone. I've decided that I will keep the vibram soles and add some aggressive cleats to them. Should work out fine. Thanks again.