Simms M's Freestone Boot - Felt
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Synthetic scratch leather upper does not hold water so it stays light even after hours in the water
- Toe and heel reinforcements for durability and protection
- Partial neoprene lining for comfort and easy on/off
- Dual density EVA midsole for a comfortable ride underfoot
- 12mm felt outsole is fully compatible with Simms Hardbite Felt Studs
Description
Defined by proven support, determined traction, and rugged durability, the time-tested Freestone Boot powers through a full range of wading conditions. A synthetic scratch leather upper doesn't hold water, so it stays light even after hours in the water, and toe and heel reinforcements add durability and protection at the boot's highest-wear points.
A partial neoprene lining adds comfort and easy on/off over a stockingfoot wader, while a dual-density EVA midsole delivers a comfortable ride underfoot through long days of wading. A 12mm felt outsole delivers classic grip on slick, algae-covered rock, and is fully compatible with Simms Hardbite Felt Studs, sold separately, for even more bite in the slickest conditions.
Features
• Synthetic Scratch Leather Upper — Doesn't hold water, so it stays light even after hours in the water.
• Toe and Heel Reinforcements — Durability and protection at the boot's highest-wear points.
• Partial Neoprene Lining — Comfort and easy on/off over a stockingfoot wader.
• Dual-Density EVA Midsole — A comfortable ride underfoot.
• 12mm Felt Outsole — Classic grip on slick, algae-covered rock; fully compatible with Hardbite Felt Studs (sold separately).
Size Guide
Use your regular street shoe size when ordering wading boots - Simms wading boots are designed to accommodate the neoprene stockingfoot of the typical wader.
If you are a half size, then you should size up to the next full size. Women should size down for men's wading boots (ie: a women's USA shoe size 8 would take a men's wading boot size 7).
| Boot Size | Men's US Shoe Size | Women's US Shoe Size |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 |
| 5 | 5 | 7 |
| 6 | 6 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 | 9 |
| 8 | 8 | 10 |
| 9 | 9 | 11 |
| 10 | 10 | 12 |
| 11 | 11 | 13 |
| 12 | 12 | 14 |
| 13 | 13 | 15 |
Care
| After Use | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Every session | Rinse thoroughly with fresh water, including the neoprene lining, laces, and eyelets. | Grit and residue left to dry accelerates wear on stitching, laces, and eyelets over time. |
| Between trips | Air-dry fully out of direct sun before storing. | Trapped moisture in the neoprene lining can lead to odor and premature breakdown. |
| Switching rivers or watersheds | Rinse and fully dry before use in a different body of water. | Helps prevent the spread of invasive species and pathogens between waterways. |
FAQ
Who is this boot for?
The Freestone Felt Sole is Simms' step-up felt wading boot, built for anglers who want more structure and durability than the entry-level Tributary, paired with the classic grip felt provides on slick, algae-covered river rock. A synthetic scratch leather upper that doesn't hold water keeps it light even after hours in the water, toe and heel reinforcements protect the boot's highest-wear points, and a dual-density EVA midsole adds all-day comfort underfoot. It suits anglers fishing freestone and tailwater rivers with consistently mossy or algae-covered rock, in states where felt is legal to use. Anglers who fish across state lines or want a lighter, faster-drying boot may prefer the Rubber Sole version instead; the felt version's strength is traditional traction on slick rock, backed by a more durable, mid-tier build.
Are felt soles legal everywhere?
Felt-soled wading boots are discouraged, restricted or banned in a number of states and countries including New Zealand, Patagonia, parts of Canada, and Alaska due to concerns about spreading invasive species, like didymo and the parasite that causes whirling disease, between waterways. Regulations vary by state and can change, so confirm current rules with your state's fish and wildlife agency before choosing a felt sole -- rubber or studded rubber soles are legal everywhere and are a safe default for anglers who fish across state lines.
Why choose felt over rubber?
Felt conforms to slick, algae-covered rock in a way rubber can't fully replicate, which is why it's remained popular on rivers with consistently mossy or algae-covered streambeds. The tradeoff is weight (58 oz per pair vs. 54 oz for the rubber version, both size 11), slower dry time, and legal restrictions in some states over invasive species concerns.
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