Korkers Wading Boots

[Ham]

While I still think it is pointless and likely to lead to me falling on slick rocks, I have purchased non-felt soled wading boots to be fully legal in Missouri Trout waters. 

I went with a Korkers boot that was being phased out, but I would bet are still available to a Master Internet Shopper (Griz for example).

I busted those bad boys out on a little Missouri adventure last week. No pics so it didn't really happen, but I was very impressed with my first two full days in the boots.

The boots have their Boa lacing system. A stainless steel cable that is permanantly laced and has a knob you twist to tighten. You pop the knob outward to quick release. Very quick on and off and you really can get a snug fit. Minimal rocks in my footwear was a welcome change.

these boots also have their replaceable sole system. Felt soles were available. I still have other felt boots that I will use so I did not buy the felt sole. I have some crappy rubber sole that is more grippy that lugs, but not felt. 

we will see how long they hold up, but I love them right now.

[JQL]

Ham I think you will find those boots to be pretty rugged.

i have only owned the old fashion lace style Korkers so not sure about your lace system, although I have a fishing buddy who has owned that same boot for a while and really likes them with no problems with that lace system.

 

I am on my 2nd pair of Korkers,purchased my first pair in 2010 for a trip to Montana, size 12  out grew them!! I'm 58 years old and my feet are still growing, no seriously they are. I use to wear a 10 my newest Korkers I bought last fall  are size 13....for some room to grow. First pair had years of fishing left in them, I wear the studded soles and have never been more confident wading on slippery rock surfaces They were great in Montana we fished Rock Creek which is aptly named,very slick cantaloupe size rocks, a couple of the Guys who had felt soles modified them with hex head screws. They own Korkers now. I have wore them numerous times on the White and Norfork Rivers. There are a lot of good boot brands out there, but I will never wade again without studded soles. 

 

[Ham]

Well then, I might have to give the set of studded rubber soles that came with the boots a shot when I do a full wade. I'm concerned about the effect of studs getting in and out of trout boat or canoe though.

I'm supposed to float next Friday on North Fork of the White River. I'll give the studded set a shot at keeping me upright. 

 

[Ranger520vx]

I also have Korkers and been using the studded soles for the last few years on the White River and really like them. I wasn't sure when I first got them but I think they are better than felt just my two cents worth.

[kjackson]

I haven't used Korkers studded soles here, but in the PNW, they were the best for wading on slippery rocks in the salt.  I've only fallen one time with the sticky rubber/studded soles (not Korkers but a pair of Simms), and that was when I stepped on a very smooth drift log that was sloped dramatically.  I still don't know why the studs didn't bite into the wood, but they didn't.

Since falling is an issue now that I'm older, I will only wade with studded boots.  

Also, the boa system is a lot better than any other I've used.

[Lancer09]

I have got a newer pair of korkers. Same deal. BOA laces, interchangable soles. I LOVE the studded soles over the all rubber. Feels like you are glued to the rocks. Mine are the small studded ones. I think you can find a pair at bass pro. 

[Ham]

a quick follow up note, The main reason I got the Korkers as previously stated was to comply with Missouri law. I swapped out the rubber for the studded rubber soles and really do think it is MUCH better than the rubber alone. They likely are really close to being as good as felt. There are some rocks and/or some situations that you just cant handle in any foot gear. I hung in there in some high current on pretty tough footing though.

Now I'm wondering why I bought that other pair of boots.