Anyone using Korkers inter-changeable sole boots? Likes? Dislikes?
I am about to pull the trigger on a pair and wanted to see what you all thought.
I got a cheap pair of the older style ones about two years ago (something like $50 discontinued at Sierra Trading Post). I have used them maybe 100 times as felts, felts plus studs, and lugs. They have worked fine and the tops and bottoms look like new. The one issue is the old velcro closure system is starting to give some problems. They pack with mud or snow and start letting go. They also catch lines at times. These problems seems to have been addressed in the new designs. I would likely do them again except if you are not allowed to use felts anymore you might as well get boots with lugs.
David
I had the old style, and agree that the velcro thing gave issues. Also have the new style. The velcro thing is no longer an issue. They also changed the inserts which makes them much less likely to slip out. Very happy with mine.
Kevin
Got a pair 2 years ago. Lace closure. I love mine, but I dont really take out the felt soles either, so I cant really comment on that. They have never ever had their soles come loose on me. I may get a pair of studded felt soles to replace these…which are getting worn out.
also bought pair on sierra on close out for 34.00-love them have 5 diff.soles have had them almost 3 yrs.-no problems what so ever??
I have 4 pairs and hubby 2 - the only problem I had with mine was the sole pulling out, and solved that by putting a screw through the sole into the bottom of the boot, and used them 2 years since. Happy camper.
I have the Torrents and have had nothing but good luck with them. I really like being able to only have to pack the soles when I go to a river that requires some hiking instead of having to pack an extra pair of boots.
Also what are the differences between the Streamborn model and the less expensive Cross Current?
Thanks,
Randy
I have the newer guide model boots and I love them. I don’t change the soles very often, but they’re great when I need to.
I use the rubber soles with the studs most of the time. I haven’t had any problems with mine. And I would say that I’ve had them for about 2 years.
Be sure to buy them a little big.
I’ve had a pair for over a year and really like them. In addition to the interchangeable sole, they are the most comfortable and easy on/off boots I’ve owned. Pull the trigger.
Hi Wayne,
I’ve had a few pairs if Korkers, The Torrent shoe, Swift sandle and Streamborn boot. All were the “newer” type with the rear tab instead of the velcro.
I have been using them for the last 3 plus years and they have gotten alot of use. (120+ days a year) I have never had a sole come loose of fall out.
The Swift sandles are great for warmer weather fishing, but as with any sandle you do get sand and or pebbles in them at times. No problem, just let the river current wash them out. My only complaint about these are the laces and the back heel strap, slack line can and does get caught in these places.
The Torrent shoe I really liked, Light weight, full foot protection and really easy to change soles from lugs to felt.
The Streamborn boot gets alot of use in fall, winter and spring. Easy to put on, take off. Great ankle support, and upper lace clips rather then eyes take the hassle out of lacing up.
With the Torrent and sandle I found I needed to go one size bigger then shoe size, The Streamborn required 2 plus sizes bigger.
Overall I have been very happy with the Korker products.
Z
I got a cheap pair (with laces) back in the end of 2007. I think I paid around $40 for them on clearence. I still use them all the time, and had to replace the felt soles once so far. I typically fish around 50+ days a year.
i’ve had both the old and new style and the new style is a great improvement. i have all 4 sole and only use the robber with studs. i have the guide model and it is a very well made boot that is very sturdy and rugged. the only issue is with sizing. the boots are a true medium width, i wifh they made a wide width. also you will have to up-size at least 1 size maybe 2, i had to buy a size 15 while i have a shoe size of 13. the only other issue is you can not pick what soles you get as a base package, you get the felt and the hiking soles.
I’m on my 5th year with a pair of Wetlands. I only had the sole popping off problem one time but it was a pain in the backside when it happened. The first 2 years I used the felt soles, the past 2 the studded aquastealth. I will likely buy a new pair once these are beyond repair. The new models sound like an improvement with regards to the mechanism to hold the soles in place.
I love mine but definetly size up. I am a size12 normally and my size 14 korkers are a perfect fit.
I have a pair of the Predator boots with the Boa lace system…best boots I’ve ever owned! Comfortable and man that lace system makes me never want to tie my wading boots again. Especially on cold days, it’s really nice. No problems yet. My buddy has a pair of their Guide boots and has 0 problems. I think he’s had them for two or more years. I think they’re the best in the biz.
Oh, the new ones come with a their klingon sole (I think like Vibram sticky rubber) and felt both included, so that makes them a pretty good deal. I sort of wish now I’d waited and gotten a pair with both soles so I could switch them out.
I’ve had a pair of Guides for 2 years. Despite heavy use, including hiking in them to get to more “my spots”
they still look brand new. The soles have held up very well and have never loosened. I switch back and forth b/w the rubber soles and the studded-rubber soles. Both give very good traction.
… with the older model. I’ve had four pair for waders and one pair for wet wading. Three pair were very good and each lasted quite a while ( well over a year each pair, fishing something over 125 days a year, with some hiking in and out and some fairly difficult streams to wade ). I did have some problems with the soles coming out, but not to the point that the boots were not serviceable. On one pair I used some shoe-goo to keep the sole in place.
On the other two pair, the workmanship wasn’t up to the level of the three good pair. Seams split, to the point of ultimately rendering the boots useless, albeit after a fair amount of use.
I do like having the interchangeable soles. I’m glad to hear that the newer models seem to have a better system for keeping them in place.
The older models were very comfortable ( I’m on my last pair ) just sizing up one from my normal shoe size for waders and down a size for wet wading boots. The lug soles were quite slick when new, but the studded rubber, the felt, and the studded felt were all very good for the various conditions I used them for.
John
I’ve had the older style Korkers Convert-a-boots for about 5yrs now. Absolutely the best pair of boots I have ever owned in my opinion (and I’ve owned quite a few). Never had a sole come lose or any problems at all with them, and I’m in them probably 70-80 days a year so I can’t complain at all. Great boots and really good quality. I have a few different style sole inserts for them but I found the rubber Studded soles seem to work best on just about everything and I leave them in year round.
Steve
When I spoke to Korkers last year they said their book are cut wide, which is why I want to buy a pair. Were they mistaken?
Randy