wadding boot question

[eastcoastguy]

Just got new waders and boots. The boots are felt bottom.they come with spikes.is it worth putting them on?  I've never owned a pair before.

[SteelheadTed]

Felt is really good for gripping slippery rocks while in the river, not so good when walking anywhere outside the river. The spikes may help when walking to and away from the water.  I used rubber soled wading boots with a good tread because I spend more time walking out of the water than in it.

[BigGoonTuna]

every pair of boots i own from now on gets studs, except for the pair i wear in my boat.  they make a big difference when you're in the slippery stuff.

[eastcoastguy]

Awesome. I think I'll put them on. Thanks for the input.

[Bullkllr]

Felts are terrible in mud along rivers, esp. in steep spots. Studs might be nice if the rocks are really algae covered and super slick, but really just the felts are normally fine when wading.

I never wear studs because I'm in and out of boats a lot. I might put studs on if I knew I had to hike a lot of steep muddy banks. But as stated ^ then I'd probably just wear a cleated boot.