Rock Treads Rubber & Felt Fixed Soles Kit

THIS IS NOT SPONSORED. I would like everyone to know this I paid for these full price after finding them online. There are a couple youtube videos about them but it's hard to understand what is real and what is sponsored. I was on a search for a better cleat since my Simms Alumibite Star Cleats kept falling out and I was spending over $60 a season replacing them and when they stay in you only get to use half the cleat as the other have is stuck in the rubber sole like a worn out rock in your tire tread.I used the "Loaded" pattern from their website and it worked flawlessly yesterday on the stream. We had plenty of rain and the river was flowing over 200cfs. I was in the middle of the river on algae and slime covered rocks and never had to worry about slipping. I tightened them down really well and did not use the loctite yet. I also put Dr Scholl's inserts in my boots. Don't cut the insoles to the size chart, your wading boots are bigger.

Read the reviews, watched the videos, these looked like the answer to my prayers.But they weren't.My background: long time fly fisher, former guide, worn many types of boots with every conceivable sole.Installation: Not as straightforward as they portray. What they don't really tell you is just how tight you should screw these in. I chose to go fairly tight but not compressing the rubber soles too much. Bad call. They recommend just a drop of the red thread locker. Another bad call. First time using them multiple screws came loose, the screw heads got worn down on the rocks (meaning they are no longer able to be taken out), and the screws pushed up on your feet, making it very uncomfortable to walk. Awesome. FYI, I used the standard pattern from their website.Installation Part 2: Managed to get all screws out except one. Notice that I was able to get them out - you shouldn't be able to do that when using red thread lock. This time I used an appropriate amount of red thread lock, using the extra screws provided, and cranked the screws down HARD, really compressing the rubber soles. They stayed put this time, however the one I couldn't get out continued pushing up on my foot, making it a "super special" day on the river.Performance: Totally awesome on clean rocks. Totally garbage on any rock with even the slightest bit of algae, rock snot, etc. Which is the ENTIRE PURPOSE OF THIS PRODUCT....I slipped, slid, and tumbled my way across 4 different rivers during a weeklong trip. My fishing buddies were actually concerned for me, they started trying to have someone downstream of me at all times to catch me as I floated downstream. Each river has a different type of substrate, so I got the full exposure to different river bottom types. Complete garbage.Bottom line: Don't waste your money on these things unless you really want them permanently attached to your boots and sliding/crashing/falling is your goal. If you get them off your boots you now have permanent holes in the soles to let sand and rocks into your boots, which is perfect for destroying your neoprene booties. Yaaaaay!Recommendation: Buy Korkers, find the soles that work best for you, use the $60 you would have wasted on these things (plus the $250+ you'll need for new boots after drilling holes in your current boots) and buy some different soles for your Korkers.

Product is fairly easy to install. With Simms brand boots make certain to not drill to close to the edge of the sole. As the drill bit can catch the neoprene lining and tear it or spin it into a mess. Other than that the screw lengths work perfectly for he sole thickness. The aluminum disc’s are very durable, they provide solid traction and bite. Being a Guide in the Great Lakes Rock treads are ideal on the shale and cobble.

The treads do take some time and work to install, but the instructions are clear. Once installed they are very firmly in place. I've been fishing the San Juan, where the wading problem is broad, flat rock surfaces covered with slime. I had strong reservations about big flat aluminum discs on such surfaces, but they grip very well. My Simms boots are on their third season of hard use, and not surprisingly the soles at the toe are beginning to separate from the uppers. But the hardware for these treads goes completely through the sole and into the footbed, so it has permanently secured the soles to the uppers. I'll probably get several more seasons out of these boots now. The aluminum discs are quite thick, and I don't think they'll wear out quickly the way most other cleats have done. Going to order another set for my back-up boots. Best thing since good old real felt soles.

Love Rock Treads.Was tired of slip sliding around and after getting a new pair of boots on a warranty exchange, I took the plunge. The grip was amazing on 95% of surfaces and only on asphalt or concrete do you notice they are there.Installation is a bit tedious but take your time and its pretty straight forward.I highly recommend them!

I live in central wv and fly fish rocky streams here regularly, and I have to say I can’t believe I haven’t purchased these sooner. I’ve only had these out on one fishing trip so far but the difference between these and other brands and even felt was amazing. Closest I could compare would be felt, but climbing up and down rocky banks to get in and out of streams was much easier with these. Highly recommend

They are fantastic on super hard rocks that carbide just slides off. Can't wait to try them on more tough Wade's. The kit is great but allow ample time and plan carefully. I did a pair of Simms and the bottom piece is best removed before you start and its glued in. Great product best grip I've ever had on boots. My wife loves hers too no more slips on flat rocks and round odd shaped rocks.

A must have for rubber sole wading boots! A bit of a pain to install, but well worth it!