Korkers Wading Boots

[pickardjw]

Anyone familiar with Korkers wading boots? I'll be using them for duck hunting, around the boat and in the rivers so I like the idea of having interchangeable soles so I don't need to buy multiple pairs of boots. So far I've heard their build quality is high but the older models would have issues with the soles falling off. The new design is apparently improved. Any input or suggestions would be appreciated!

[Stein]

I've never used those but sure wouldn't trust the removeable soles to hold on going through a muddy field.  To me, it seems like you could get two decent pair of boots for the same price if you really wanted lug soles and felt.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I have used them for years fly fishing.  Switching out soles us very nice, but I generally use the ones with metal corks. 

[pickardjw]

Hmm, yeah after looking into more of the reviews on their website mud does seem to be an issue with the soles. Heck, the mud in a corn field a couple weeks ago pulled BOTH soles off my super old, Academy brand insulated much boots...they weren't in great shape to start with but I imagine it would pull those Korker soles right off.

[pickardjw]

How do typical wading boots handle the mud? If I need a separate pair of something to wear when I'm hunting so I don't destroy decent wading boots I'll get something else.

[steeleywhopper]

Bought a pair and fished the Kenai river a total of 30 minutes before one of the "interchangable soles" was missing. Luckily the Hardware store in Soldotna had some of those soles on sale... We were in a muddy spot in the river where we were fishing and I think that was the issue as I did not have a problem on the rest of the tripl. For duck hunting I would pass on the Korkers.

[mallard]

The interchangeable design is a nice concept. I tried a pair and absolutely hated them. No issues with boot quality and construction, but I had huge issues with the soles coming out. Had one come out once while in the middle of crossing a swift river. No bueno. After that I tried glueing them in, duct taping them on, you name it, but nothing worked short of driving screws clean through from the inside of the boot. I gave up and went back to a traditional studded felt for river wading and a different pair of waders with fixed rubber boots for hunting. IMO, the tread on the bottom of a rubber boot offers better traction than felt in mud. Felt can be slippery on mud banks.

[Stein]

How do typical wading boots handle the mud? If I need a separate pair of something to wear when I'm hunting so I don't destroy decent wading boots I'll get something else.

I never had any problem, stocking foot boots work better in deep nasty mud than boot foot but either work fine.

I think I have a pair of boots I saved when the waders got junked, size 12 or 13 if you are interested in buying used and get up north.

[Bullkllr]

How do typical wading boots handle the mud? If I need a separate pair of something to wear when I'm hunting so I don't destroy decent wading boots I'll get something else.

I never had any problem, stocking foot boots work better in deep nasty mud than boot foot but either work fine.

I think I have a pair of boots I saved when the waders got junked, size 12 or 13 if you are interested in buying used and get up north.

What kind of soles are you talking about?

In my experience, felt soled boots are slippery as heck on mud. Any rubber/cleated soles would be much better.

[Stein]

Lug soles.

[follow maggie]

How do typical wading boots handle the mud? If I need a separate pair of something to wear when I'm hunting so I don't destroy decent wading boots I'll get something else.

I wear my fishing waders & boots in the early season and never have problems with them in the mud. My boots have a rubber lug type sole on them.

[BigGoonTuna]

I had a pair about 6 or 7 years ago, nice concept but poor execution.  The “lugs” that the soles snap into on the boots are your typical midsole foam so after a while they stop snapping in firmly. At that point if you twist your foot wrong, or step in a sloppy mud puddle the sole is hanging on by a thread.

Sold them to a guy at work for super cheap, I think I still got the better end of the deal

[simondude]

I have a pair that I wear for fishing and have had zero issues with them. I swap out the soles semi often and never had a problem with the soles staying in place.

[pickardjw]

I guess now I’m just worried about buying some nice wading boots and trashing them in the mud! I assume they all wash out pretty well.

Kinda like the Simms flats sneakers. What’s up with all the other wading boots being so bulky?

[Kingsnake1]

I have been using Korker Buckskins for a couple years and I like them alot. No slips in the rivers or loose soles.

I recoment them

[Seabass]

Anyone familiar with Korkers wading boots? I'll be using them for duck hunting, around the boat and in the rivers so I like the idea of having interchangeable soles so I don't need to buy multiple pairs of boots. So far I've heard their build quality is high but the older models would have issues with the soles falling off. The new design is apparently improved. Any input or suggestions would be appreciated!

I have the newest model. I have only fished in them 10-12 times since I bought them...so far so good.

[shadowless_nite]

I bought a set of korkers darkhorse boots with the boa cable system  2 months ago and so far I've used them a few times surf fishing as well as fishing on the banks of local rivers quite a bit. Mostly in the sand never a big amount of mud. Zero problems with the soles coming off and the cables ratchet has been doing great with the constant sand exposure which was my biggest concern. Fit and feel is good especially with a appropriately sized stocking foot wader. Sorry I can't give a review of their mud performance 😔

[GASoline71]

Had a pair of Korkers for 2 seasons and cussed them almost every time I used them.  The removeable sole thingy is a joke in mud, and I'm still not a fan of the BOA system.

I'd say do yourself a favor and get a pair of Simms... best money I've ever spent on a wading boot.

Gary

[SuperX]

I have a pair and they seem fine except that I wore them in saltwater and the hooks all rusted off within a year. Shoulda rinsed them in fresh but never considered they would not be safe in saltwater.

[chukar58]

I had a pair and the soles fell off even after some heavy glue,  and wore them in the salt water one time did a super rinse in fresh water and then later rust and corrosion.