My wading boots felt is getting dangerously thin. Should I just order a new pair as before, or should I try to replace the felt by myself? Is it worth of the time and effort? Any recommendation of trustworthy merchants that provide this service? Thanks!

How long do you think the boots will last? That would determine for me if I wanted to try to repair or replace. Personally I don't get more than 2-3 years out of a pair of wading boots. And this is across multiple brands, higher and lower price points. I do rinse after trips and dry upside down.

Anyway, based on reading about it at one point I don't think felt replacement is that difficult. I could be wrong.....I would hunt around youtube for how to's. You could also contact the company and see what they might have to say about their product.

Is the original felt sewn or glued on? I’ve known guys who’ve tried various products to glue new felt on and never heard of any thing that worked very well. If the felt you have is worn down, I’d bet it was sewn on or it probably would have fallen off long before it wore down. For felt that was sewn on, I’d take it to a shoe repair shop. No idea where you are, but you can probably find a shop near you. They might be able to fix glued on soles as well. It certainly has to be cheaper than new boots

I get a lot of years out of my boots. The last pair ( neoprene) lasted 25 years and I don't take care of them. I use sock style waders with wading boots. I change the felt sole myself every 5 or 6 years. Just make sure you try to remove as much of the old felt you can using a knife. Then glue the new one using Goop. Make sure that you use some tape to hold the felt sole in place and let dry for a couple of days. Then I screw in studs to finish the job. That way the felt holds securely, doesn't get used so fast and I get better footing on rocks and moss.

1 hour ago, Reel said:

I get a lot of years out of my boots. The last pair ( neoprene) lasted 25 years and I don't take care of them. I use sock style waders with wading boots.

I'd like 25 years out of my next pair of boots. Care to share?

1 hour ago, Kev-mo said:

I'd like 25 years out of my next pair of boots. Care to share?

I’ll get 25 years out of my current boots if I don’t wear them again for the next 20 years.

5 hours ago, Kev-mo said:

How long do you think the boots will last? That would determine for me if I wanted to try to repair or replace. Personally I don't get more than 2-3 years out of a pair of wading boots. And this is across multiple brands, higher and lower price points. I do rinse after trips and dry upside down.

Anyway, based on reading about it at one point I don't think felt replacement is that difficult. I could be wrong.....I would hunt around youtube for how to's. You could also contact the company and see what they might have to say about their product.

The boots are about 2 years old, but they are still holding up pretty well. That's why I feel like it's a waste to dump them just because the felt wore off.

May try a local shoe repair shop on Monday as @Scott F suggested. Meanwhile, I am all ears for @Reel to share the secret. BTW, where should I get the felt and studs?

4 hours ago, Kev-mo said:

I'd like 25 years out of my next pair of boots. Care to share?

They were thick neoprene ( 5 mm, the brand is Bare) and I just fold them in a large box in the SUV. They stay there most of the wading season that is from April to July and then again from September to November. I fish at least 3 times a week during these periods. I put them in a cool garage during the winter months. The only thing I do is cover them so that there is no light.

Now I have Orvis lightweights and they are on their 5th year with no problems.

Felt soles are available in most fly fishing shops along with cleats.