I’m in the market for a new pair of wading boots. I’ve purchased what I consider lower end models in the past, and I wear each one out withing a single season.
I was looking at a pair of Korkers Cross Country wading boots, or a pair of Korkers Wetlands convertible wading boots.
Does anyone have experience with these boots? If so, will they last more than a single season (I usually hit the stream about four times a week)
Cheers,
Andrew
I’d think any boot would wear out in a year’s time at 4 times a week but that is just me.
I have a question about the Korkers. What do you do with the treads when you take them off the boot? I mean does the tread actually come off? If so what on Earth do you do with a muddy sole while you are fishing?
Or am I assuming wrong here.
Andrew:
I own the Korkers Konvertables Outfitter and I used them quite a bit last year. The easily replaced soles are a HUGE advantage if YOUR wear issue with other brands was sole related. They are well made and I HOPE they will last for many years to come. The shoes were redesigned for 2007 so I can’t really give you a comparison to the models you mentioned but I’m sure the new models are even better.
Being able to swap soles to match conditions is an awesome thing. I did notice that there are less sole options for the new shoes and POSSIBLY the studded Aqua Stealth has gone away since I didn’t see it on the website. The old soles don’t work on the new shoes so IF you consider Korkers, make sure you can get the sole options you want.
You may hear some complaints from some owners about soles coming loose but I never had a problem with mine. Also the sole attachment method has changed on the new models so maybe the issues have completely gone away.
If you want another shoe option, look at the Chota STL shoe. I have those too and they are VERY well made, last a long time and are very comfortable. Sole durability is good and I BELIEVE you still can get replacements from Chota. I have replaced one set of Chota soles and while not as easy as the Korkers; it can be done. If I owned only one pair of wading shoes, they would be the Chota STL’s.
But take another piece of advice: if you are really putting 4 days a week on the water buy another pair of shoes and rotate their use. It will be money well spent and will actually increase the lifespan of BOTH pair of shoes. Even the best pair of dress shoes in the world won’t last if you wear them every day. I have several pairs of wading shoes and some are more than a few years old. I rotate their use so small problems don’t become bigger problems and I can repair them when needed without impacting my fishing time.
Enjoy!
I don’t think I would buy the Wetlands at this point, as they are now out of production - the new Korkers are supposed to have a much improved sole, which I think they need, as I have had mine come off when I was in the river - but that said, they are the most comfortable boot I have had. Also, if you should get a terrific deal on the Wetlands, buy several of the replacement soles, as you won’t be able to get them soon. You should be able to find both the boot and soles at about 50% off. I’m assuming that the new model is the Cross Country you mentioned, and they should be fine, although a bit higher priced. I guess if you do hike in the one sole and then put on the wading sole, you would have to stash the muddy ones, but they are very “stashable”.
I have the Outfitter’s for a few years now. Much use.
No problems. used the lug soles for hike in fishing & switched to felts at the water. I put the one’s I’m not using in a plastic bag… they are small (narrow) & back to back take up little room. Put them in back of a vest or a pack (hike in means bring water & lunch)…
Korker’s customer service is quite good!
Later,
Peter
I have a pair of the Korkers that I’ve had for two years. I used them heavily last summer and they’re starting to fall apart. They’re now relegated to my backups. You can’t beat them for comfort and when hiking long distances to get to the water. Now I’ve got a pair of Simms with aquastealth studs (perfect for the Deschutes) and absolutely love them. They seem pretty indestructable although they’re not quite as comfortable as the Korkers. I might end up getting a pair of the new wading shoes that Korkers has out now but getting down and dirty, my current pair of Simms are hard to beat…
I’ll add another vote for the Chotas. Going on the third year of hard use and still are in great shape. The wife also has a pair and hers are holding up well too after the same length of time (yes guys, she fishes harder than I do). They’re also the most comfortable wading boots either of us have ever owned.
REE
Dear Andrew,
Cabela’s studded Ultra-Lights at $ 59.99. Why buy expensive wading boots with the hope that they will last more than one year? Just buy low and beat the snot out of them and repeat the process next year.
Best Wishes,
Avalon 