Yes, these are better than felts. In the store I usually have to say it at least twice. Yes, I guided the river for fifteen years in felts and would never believe any rubber could give you more traction, BUT THEY ARE BETTER THAN FELTS. I know it's hard to believe, but they are better on slippery rocks, better in drift boats, rafts, mud, liquor stores, snow. I think that covers it --they're better than felts.