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Author Topic: Re-felting wading boots  (Read 314 times)

Spawn Sack

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Re-felting wading boots
« on: November 04, 2025, 01:28:15 PM »
I have two pairs of Simms boots that are still in pretty good condition, but the felts are worn pretty thin. They need new felt or I'll unfortunately have to toss them. Does anyone know a shop or cobbler that still does this kind of thing?

A year or so ago I posted the same question on this site and had a good answer from Dan, or Daniel. Forget his last name. Krentz maybe? He used to post a lot on this site and also sold roe flies on this site and maybe also Facebook. Anyway, he mentioned that he posted a video on Instagram showing how he re-felts his wading boots. Unfortunately, I can't locate this past discussion on this site (I did do a key word search), nor can I find the video on Instagram.

I do have a pair of Korkers with replaceable soles. I find they are fine for summer/fall, but for steelhead when I'm walking a lot, the Simms boots (esp the G3s) are just WAY more comfortable. So I'd really like to re-felt them rather that buy new boots.

I would rather pay someone to do this for me. Seems like a bit of an iffy job getting the new sole glued and clamped well to get proper adhesion. Would suck to buy the adhesive and felt and have the sole peel off prematurely.

Does anyone known a guy or business that still does this? Express Reel did back in the day (he has been closed for several years).
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clarki

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Re: Re-felting wading boots
« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2025, 07:37:15 PM »
Perhaps Langley Shoe Renew?

In the dark recesses of my memory I recall an ancient FWR thread (that I cannot find!) about a shoe repair/cobbler in Langley that re-felted wading boots. I seem to recall the business was located in Langley Mall, but the closest shoe repair place to the mall is Langley Shoe Renew just a block or two down the road on 56th.

Edit: did a bit of extra curricular digging...10 yrs ago Quick Cobbler in Vancouver re-felted wading boots and was (is?) an approved Simms boot repair centre
https://forum.flybc.ca/index.php?/topic/51254-wading-boots/
« Last Edit: November 05, 2025, 07:47:26 PM by clarki »
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RalphH

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Re: Re-felting wading boots
« Reply #2 on: November 06, 2025, 09:53:55 AM »
New West Cobbler used to do this kind of work though I don't think they are in business anymore. Sometimes tackle shops have a good idea where it's possible to get this kind of work done.
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Wiseguy

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Re: Re-felting wading boots
« Reply #3 on: November 06, 2025, 03:40:04 PM »
Whatever happened to Daniel Krentz? He used to post on here all the time. His wife Kitty was Rods video fishing partner.
« Last Edit: November 06, 2025, 03:41:51 PM by Wiseguy »
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RalphH

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Re: Re-felting wading boots
« Reply #4 on: November 06, 2025, 06:59:01 PM »
Quote from: Wiseguy on November 06, 2025, 03:40:04 PM
Whatever happened to Daniel Krentz? He used to post on here all the time. His wife Kitty was Rods video fishing partner.

Dan's website outdoor addictions is still online at wordpress. There is a link to his instagram account there as well.
« Last Edit: November 06, 2025, 07:02:37 PM by RalphH »
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"Oh Show me the way to the next whisky bar! Oh don't ask why! For if we don't find the next whisky bar. I tell we must die! I tell you we must die!" -from the Alabama Whisky Song  lyric by Bertolt Brecht music by Kurt Weill.

canucksfan233

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Re: Re-felting wading boots
« Reply #5 on: November 07, 2025, 07:14:36 PM »
I asked the guys at PA this question and they said at this point just buy new shoes. Seems like its pretty tough to re-felt your shoes without it ruining the integrity of the shoe.
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Roderick

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Re: Re-felting wading boots
« Reply #6 on: November 07, 2025, 08:24:04 PM »
I think the point is, that getting it done at a cobbler costs about as much as getting a new pair.  And that's just the labour cost.  I have done it myself, but even just finding replacement felts is hard these days... or was the last time i checked.
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