I'm trying to decide on what wading boots to get now that my previous
cheapo ones have worn out. From everything I've read in old posts
here, it sounds like studded soles (either felt or aquastealth)
provide the best traction. However, I'm concerned about how much
noise these might make, and whether or not I'd be in regular danger of
spooking the fish.

(I know that I could get cleats of some sort to put over a standard
felt, for esp. tricky wading rivers... but also from what I've read,
it sounds like they're not as good as built-in studs...?)

Any thoughts?