Wading boot advice

[oldkipper]

I bought a pair of Cloudveil 8x grippy rubber wading boots 2 weeks ago , I find that they are a bit slippy under foot.

Does anyone else find they have the same problems, and can I add some stud to the sole ?

[Loose Ferrule]

I bought the same boots back in April and here are my thoughts.

Good:
- most comfortable boot ... period
- very light weight
- good traction in sand, mud, small pebbly rocks, and larger rocks without algae

Bad:
- not so good on algae covered rocks ... about the same or slightly less traction than felt. In the past month as the rocks became slicker, the first few trips were scary. But I've noticed that my wading style changed with these boots. Because the boots are so light and sensitive, wading is more about feeling out the rocks like a rock climber ... feeling for stepping points in the river. So yes, less traction than a studded felt, but better feel of what is underfoot. Since I had a few weeks of practice with the slicker rocks, my wading style is now different but not any worse in wading safety. (if that makes any sense!!)
- not sure how durable these boots will be. Sole is thin, nubby is small, so far so good.
- lace hooks on top are too small

[Aldo]

I started wearing aquastealth soles when they first came out, and stayed with them for a few years having about the same experience you have had. When I moved to studded 'stealth - wow! - what a difference. I wouldn't wear anything else. You could walk up a brick wall.

The only downside is that you have to be careful of where you transport them (NOT next to a pair of Gore-Tex waders ) and where you wear them when you're not in the water, as they can do serious damage to fly shop floors, drift boat decks, etc.