Peter I've dealt with a similar problem hiking in and out of the
Peter Niagara River gorge. I've been using studded Weinbrenners (you
Peter might want to dispense with the studs) and I used them as
Peter hiking boots when dry and wet. I'd keep a pair of dry Bare 2mm
Peter neoprene socks. Hike down in them, remove the neoprene socks,
Peter and then suit up in my waders. When the day is done, remove
Peter the waders and put back on the dry neoprene socks and hike back
Peter up in my wet wading boots while my feet stay dry and warm.

Yep, that's the kind of use I am thinking of. And like you assumed, I
don't want studs. And I'd like to avoid felt too, if possible, if the
sole is non-changeable: felt gathers unnecessary dirt and water for
the return travel.

But I did just notice that Weinbrenner has a boot model with a
synthetic, probably rubber-like sole:

http://www.wadingshoes.com/wading/8617015.html

The question remains: how much water do these boots absorb and how
quickly do they dry?

--
Jarmo Hurri

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