How to Replace Felt on Simms Boots

Simms felt boots are a type of wading shoe manufactured by Simms Fishing Products. The bottom of the boots is covered by a thick layer of felt, which provides traction on moss and slime-covered rocks in stream beds. Due to normal use it may become necessary to replace the felt sole of the shoe. Replacing the felt involves gluing a new felt or felt with stud sole over a rubber boot sole.

Things You'll Need

  • Replacement felt sole
  • Fine tip permanent marker
  • Contact cement
  • Rubber mallet
  • Knife
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clean your Simms boots to remove any dirt or other debris that may have accumulated. Examine the felt remaining on the sole of the boot. If it is partially loose, try to pull it completely off the rubber sole. Any remaining felt may be cut or scraped off with a knife. If the old felt is intact, the new felt will be glued on top.

    • 2

      Measure the new felt. Place the new felt face down on a work surface and position the boot on top. Make sure to center the boot as much as possible. Take into consideration the positioning of studs on the sole when replacing with studded felt.

    • 3

      Trace the outline of the boot with a permanent marker. If the boot sole features a raised heel section it will be necessary to mark this on the felt. Mark a point on the outline where the raised heel section is elevated from the sole.

    • 4

      Use a sharp knife to cut out the new felt. Follow the shape outlined in permanent marker. At the points where the heel was marked, cut a straight line to separate the heel from the rest of the sole.

    • 5

      Apply a thin coat of contact cement to the mounting surface of the sole. Allow the cement to cure or dry for one hour. Apply a coat of contact cement to the bottom of the Simms boot and the mounting side of the new felt. Place the felt on the boot making sure the felt lines up with the sole and heel of the boot. Allow the cement to dry for at least 24 hours.