New Zealand Expected to Ban Felt Soles

July 28, 2008 By: Marshall Cutchin

It looks like New Zealand will be the first country to ban felt soles on wading boots. “The ban, expected to become effective from October 1, would apply to felt-soled waders or footwear with a sole of felted, matted or woven fibrous material when sports fishing. Fish & Game said such boots were a ‘high risk’ carrier of microscopic aquatic organisms like didymo and banning them would help prevent the spread of didymo.” On Stuff.co.nz.
Remember that in most cases you can resole your wading boots with kits like those offered by Five Ten, which include a 5.5mm AquaStealth sole for $24.25.