Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Spawn Sack on November 09, 2017, 02:18:06 PM
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So was thinking of buying a new pair of wading boots, was going to give Korkers a go. Was looking on their website at different models and, hey wait a minute they have some pretty sweet looking slip on soles that just might work! Maybe half the price of a new pair of Korker boots. Has anyone tried these?
Looking specifically at the "casttrax" "rocktrax" and "rocktrax plus"
http://www.korkers.com/footwear/fishing.html
I'd mainly want to use them for winter steelheading. I have 2 pairs of felt boots and I quite like them both; however, they both suck and are dangerous when the felt freezes and builds up with snow and ice!
I don't really want to buy new boots as I just got my Simms Guide boots re-felted and the boots themselves are in excellent condition. My backup Sedge boots are practically new and the felt is almost 100%. I only wear them when my Simms boots are out of commission getting re-felted or whatever. Nothing wrong with the Sedge boots but they are kind of floppy and unsupportive. The Simms boots are far superior in fit/comfort/support.
Curious if anyone has tried any of these Korker slip ons? And if so which one you'd recommend for winter wading on our local rivers. If they are a pain to get on/off, floppy when walking or whatever then I just bugger the idea and buy the complete boots.
Going by the product description I would be inclined to go with the Casttrax. It has 36 carbite studs. The Rocktrax has 28 studs but not carbite. The Rocktrax plus has 52 studs but not carbite.
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I will add this. I've met the guys in Portland and love the way they stand by there products, I've used 3 models of there boots and had a few issues but those issues were responded to very very well. Overall a great shoe, great idea and I believe they have gotten much better along the way
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I have never owned Korkers, the only reason being I am very slightly knock kneed with flat feet and I wear out the inside toe section of my footwear fastest.
I am hesitant to buy these boots because of how the treads attach to the toe of the boot im afraid I would destroy that part it hooks into.
Maybe someone can chime in on this? Something for others to consider.
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I will add this. I've met the guys in Portland and love the way they stand by there products, I've used 3 models of there boots and had a few issues but those issues were responded to very very well. Overall a great shoe, great idea and I believe they have gotten much better along the way
Yeah I recall a 3-4 years back when I bought my Simms guide boots the Korkers seemed like a bit of a risky buy. The guide boots have been AWESOME. Currently at Express Reel getting re-felted for the 3rd time. I've been doing them before steelhead season, the felt is worn right thin and I figure I need max grip in the winter. However last winter my felt froze half the time and I might as well be wearing skates! Fell lots on my rear. Never hurt myself but it's only a matter of time.
Seems Korkers has improved their quality and now I would not hesitate to buy a pair.
Not much I can really do with the felt except add studs, and when the felt freezes and builds up with snow/ice the studs are covered up and useless!
Time to get something with studded rubber.
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An observation from Korkers website:
When you buy a pair you get 2 pairs of soles and you have a choice here: You can get option A, which is Kling-on (rubber sole) and a separate pair of felt soles, or option B which is the Kling-on soles and a separate pair of studded felt soles.
The Kling-on soles are not going to grip worth a crap on ice, and the felts will also suck once they freeze and pack up. SO....if I buy a new pair of Korkers I will have to buy another pair of soles anyway. Something like the studded kling-on or the studded rubber.
http://www.korkers.com/footwear/soles-accessories.html
I read on another discussion on this site that the alumatrax are fantastic for wet wading on slimey rocks, but no good for ice.
Whatever sole I am wearing it needs to exel on both snow and ice.
I am leaning towards just getting a pair of the slip ons (probably the CastTrax) for my existing boots. Hoping to hear some reviews from someone who has them.
Buying a new pair of Korkers plus a new set of additional soles probably noth of $300 depending on which boots I go for. If the slip ons are good I see no reason not to buy them and slip over my existing comfy boots.
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Spawn, if u buy Korkers, take the rubber soles and drill small screws into them and there u go, instant ice cleats,,use flat head screws and place on pressure points. Done this for 3 years now
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Yaaaaaaa, I've done this with wading boots before using machine screws. Yeah they work I guess. I find the soft metal wears out quite fast. I have heard the carbide, while expensive, lasts much longer and has more bite on slippery surfaces compared to screws from the hardware store.
I think I'm going to go "all in" and get a new pair of Korkers and just buy an additional set of soles purposed for snow/ice/winter. Or I may go the budget route and just buy the Korker overshoes.
Reviews on Amazon are quite good.
https://www.amazon.ca/Korkers-CastTrax-Cleated-Overshoe-Large/dp/B004US0EZE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510342502&sr=8-1&keywords=korker+casttrax
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Boa system or laces? Love Boa, they totally stand behind their products too.. you'll love korkers. I have 3 years on my latest pair
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Boa system or laces? Love Boa, they totally stand behind their products too.. you'll love korkers. I have 3 years on my latest pair
Not a fan of the Boa system - I like to go a bit extra tight across the top of the foot and you cant do that like you can with laces. Plus I had the Boa system fall apart on a pair of decent snowboard boots years ago - now pretty leery about them.
I'd also like to figure out a way to keep myself safe over the winter season - Crampons? Spikes?. Love my Simms Freestones - but they get pretty slippy once iced up.
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Thanks for that. I don't like it either. Have tried on runners and boarding boots with similar system and not a fan.
My plan for max traction is to go Korkers and go with one of the following:
1- Get the CastTrax and slip them over my existing wading boots. + = lowest cost. CastTrasx look like they have insane grip/traction. - = Dealing with extra buckles. The possible sensation of wearing two pairs of boots on one foot. In other words, not that comfortable.
http://www.korkers.com/footwear/fishing/casttrax.html
2- Get Korker boots with the rubber sole, and additional studded rubber sole (comes with the boots). Wear the studded rubber in the winter + = Better comfort. No extra buckles and straps to fart with. - = studded rubber does not look nearly as grippy as the CastTrax. Possibly not enough grip for icy rocks and so on.
3- Get the Korker boots and buy the carbide studded rubber soles (that click into the boot) separately. + = max comfort. Max traction. - = A lot of $ up front.
http://www.korkers.com/footwear/soles-accessories/studded-rubber-sole.html
**It is also worth noting that the CastTrax slip ons have 18 carbide studs per sole. The "studded rubber sole" that clicks right into the boot has 14 carbide studs per sole. In other words, the CastTrax is likely to outperform the studded rubber sole in a max snow/ice grip test. Food for thought**
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To sort of hijack the thread a little, Hodgman also had wade boots that come with multiple soles. They might be worth a comparison. I have a pair but have not had a chance to use them yet. Look pretty decent though. On an early model of Korkers I found them very narrow plus the sole popped often but that was a long time ago and I would guess their boots are much better now
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I bought one pair of Korkers and ended up getting three via warranty. They have issues with the uppers though the exchangeable soles now seen goof proof. I had one sucked off in mud but the back clip held it on so I didn't lose it. The cost of a pair of replacement soles is less than felt or vibram replacement. I did have a pair with Boas and on balance prefer laces as I found it possible to get a finer adjustment via old fashion laces. Boas sometimes tricky to disengage.
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Ralphy, good service from them hey? Was similar to my experience. That nub broke twice on me on the heel and they were very quick to replace, was happy with service
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Service was good but I went back to Simms. I figure the uppers should last longer than 13 months.
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I've been watching this thread and I should chime in!
Korkers are bomb proof, and pretty much the only modern boots I'll buy now. I've had my pair of Devil's Canyon's a full year now (and I bought them used). Have put a tonne of miles on them, and have had to buy replacement felts once already due to the number of miles on them. Easily 100+ trips on them already. Hardly any wear at all, besides a tiny bit on the neoprene that isn't notice-able.
A couple notes I do have though.
Someone had mentioned worrying about wrecking the inside toe of the front of the boot. Apparently I do the same thing, and I did end up ripping the rubber front of the boot up, which caused the bottom to pop out of the front constantly. I ended up super gluing it back together and haven't had problems since.
I had a few other pairs of earlier korkers. I did have problems with the soles popping off and the back nub getting broken off. Both issues seem to be fixed with the newer pairs - Kitty and I have not had a sole pop out or anything break on our two newest sets.
I'll second the no liking Boa's. This was the first time I had tried them, and I'd never get them again. I don't like how it tightens up (I like my boots tight, and Boa's just don't seem to sinch down the way I'd like, especially mid foot. I also don't like them in the winter. When you've been fishing a full day in negative temps without gloves (like I often do), it's damn near impossible to pop that button at the end of the day lol! I've had to delay taking my waders off a few times until I've been home to use my hands again!
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I've been watching this thread and I should chime in!
Korkers are bomb proof, and pretty much the only modern boots I'll buy now. I've had my pair of Devil's Canyon's a full year now (and I bought them used). Have put a tonne of miles on them, and have had to buy replacement felts once already due to the number of miles on them. Easily 100+ trips on them already. Hardly any wear at all, besides a tiny bit on the neoprene that isn't notice-able.
A couple notes I do have though.
Someone had mentioned worrying about wrecking the inside toe of the front of the boot. Apparently I do the same thing, and I did end up ripping the rubber front of the boot up, which caused the bottom to pop out of the front constantly. I ended up super gluing it back together and haven't had problems since.
I had a few other pairs of earlier korkers. I did have problems with the soles popping off and the back nub getting broken off. Both issues seem to be fixed with the newer pairs - Kitty and I have not had a sole pop out or anything break on our two newest sets.
I'll second the no liking Boa's. This was the first time I had tried them, and I'd never get them again. I don't like how it tightens up (I like my boots tight, and Boa's just don't seem to sinch down the way I'd like, especially mid foot. I also don't like them in the winter. When you've been fishing a full day in negative temps without gloves (like I often do), it's damn near impossible to pop that button at the end of the day lol! I've had to delay taking my waders off a few times until I've been home to use my hands again!
Hey good to hear from ya Dan! Thanks for that.
Alright I'll steer clear of the boa laces. I have not liked them on other footwear I've tried so I see no reason why I'd like them on wading boots.
Do you have an opinion on the overshoes by Korkers? I was thinking about ordering a pair, likely the CastTrax with the 18 carbide studs per sole. However I decided against this idea. If they slip around even just a bit they'll drive me nuts. Extra buckles and straps to fart with. I plan to fish these boots most of the winter. Have decided to just get a pair of actual Korker wading boots.
Plan is to buy a pair that come with the rubber soles, and the extra studded rubber soles. I do not need another pair of felt boots, I have two pairs.
I have never had rubber soled wading boots, but the general consensus from what I've read is that plain rubber sucks big time for slippery/icy winter conditions.
I'm hoping that the separate studded rubber will do the trick. If they are not gripping enough I would likely buy the studded carbide soles. I can't see them slipping!! However they look very aggressive and I bet they would be uncomfortable walking on rocks all day. By this I mean I imagine such big studs would push up a bit into the foot bed. However I bet they would rock on an icy trail with compact snow.
If the studded rubber provides adequate grip I'd likely just stick with them as they look a lot more comfortable to walk on rocks etc all day.
There is also the alumabar soles. Consensus from what I have read is 2nd to none for above freezing in slippery conditions. Better than felt, and better than studded felt. However several ppl on this site commented in past threads that the alumabar soles suck big time on ice. So they are out for when the temperature dips below freezing.
What do you think?
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I have owned four pairs of korkers over the years and will share my experiences. Korker's warranty was great to me and their sole interchangeability was great but I doubt I would buy another pair personally.
My first pair had their version 2.0 soles. I fell in love with the ability to change out soles but hated that they would pop out on occasion and even lost one in some deep mud while cutthroat fishing. The soles clipped in front and back but had hardly anything along the sides. They also didn't hold up for me and in less that a year were thrashed and falling apart. The mid soles had delaminated and were coming apart and toe separated too
Korkers came through on their warranty and offered me a pair of their new Chrome's with their newer version 3.0 soles as a replacement. The new soles (what they still use currently) were much improved and I have never had one fall out. Unfortunately that pair lasted well under a year and were coming apart too.
They warrantied that pair with another set of Chromes. I got about a year and they were coming apart as well. I liked the boa laces and the ability to change soles but their boots just didn't last for much more than a year.
Although Korkers had been great with warranty replacements when my third pair fell apart again in just over a year, I was told it was wear and tear and that I fish too much for their boots. They offered me a pair of their new at the time devils canyons for a discounted price and I figured I would give them a try. I am pleased to say they have held up well with the exception of I have gone through three pairs of the boa wire laces, they kept fraying (none of my other pair ever did that). I also hated the lack of ankle support in the devils canyons as well.
I still have them as a pair of backups but I bought a pair of Simms freestone felts and have used them for over two years now and besides needing to refelt them, the boots look like they are a month old. They have stood up well beyond my expectations, love the fit and ankle support and actually prefer normal laces as I like my boots snugged tighter than I could with the boa's. My next pair of boots will be Simms for sure but it may be a while because these still have plenty of life in them.
In regards to soles;
- Felt I think is the best all around goto
- Studded felt was my goto in winter. Bites into ice and good wading. Downside is their noisy and not allowed in my boat and do wear down.
- Korkers version of vibram was the scariest thing I have ever waded with. Deadly and not in a good way
- Studded vibrate good along the shore in snow and ice, wading was still scary though
- Aluminum bars best wading traction by far. Nothing even comes close. Downsides is they don't bite into ice at all and I wouldn't use them in a boat but they were seriously like velcro when wading.
I have not used the strap on deals. I think the added weight and bulk would annoy me as well as more work to put on ands if they didn't stay tight I would hate them pretty quick.
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Pretty Dam good write up ^^^
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Awesome write up BNF861! I still think I'm going to roll the dice and try a pair. Adding aftermarket soles (studded carbide or alumatrax) would get expensive fast coupled with the initial cost of the boots.
I have been extremely impressed with my Simms Guide boots. They are going on their 3rd set of felt. Have had them for 4 years I think. Awesome comfort and support! Durability is amazing. My back ups, leather Sedge boots, are not bad but very poor ankle support. I only really use them when my Simms boots are getting re-felted or whatever.
I would prefer to stick with Simms but I need to go a size up as they are too tight with thick socks on. The Korkers would be my "winter boots." The interchangeable soles is just too good to pass up.
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Some decent prices on steep and cheap https://www.steepandcheap.com/Store/catalog/search.jsp?q=korkers&s=u
and Sierra Trading Post https://www.sierratradingpost.com/s~korkers/
Also on Simms https://www.steepandcheap.com/Store/catalog/search.jsp?q=simms+boots&s=u
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Thanks scouterjames. I checked out those links. I find it kind of odd that the K-5 Bomber and Ambush both sites have on sale are no longer listed on Korkers website. I wonder if they are discontinued models? If so does not mean they are garbage, but I would not buy them without trying them on.
I think I'll just go to my local tackle shop, try several pairs on with my waders, and buy the ones I like. Down the road if I decide to order another pair I would order online, but I'm not going to spend an hour in the shop trying on and asking questions, then go order online to save $20. Nobody likes that guy.
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Although Korkers had been great with warranty replacements when my third pair fell apart again in just over a year, I was told it was wear and tear and that I fish too much for their boots.
tells you everything you need to know right there. My other warranty experience with Korkers was the replacement offered was always the current model below the level of the model that had failed.
"You walk too much for our walking shoes!"
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So gots me some K-5 Bombers for xmas ;D Requested from the wife the sole package that comes with one set of studded rubber, and one unstudded rubber.
Been rocking the studded rubber the 3 or so times I've been out since xmas. Love the soles! Way, way more grip on trails than frozen felt. IMO comparable grip to felt when wet wading. The studs really bite into the rocks. Only downside is the studs are a bit noisy/scrapey/crunchy over rocks on shore, kind of a fingernails on the chalkboard kind of noise! A bit irritating, but I am definitely sold on studded rubber for below freezing steel heading.
Also I am glad I went up a size from 11 to 12. With my Simms 11 boots my feet always felt bunched up with thick socks on. I either got cold feet due to lack of circulation, or cold feet with too thin a sock on for the temperature. With the 12s I can wear a liner socks and a big thick wading socks and foot room is still adequate. Feet are noticeably warmer now. ;D
Downside. This is just bizarre. So I'm heading out fishing yesterday morning. Put my boots on and am doing the laces up. Wtf....on one boot one of the rivets that holds the lace eyelet to the boot has come right off, and is hanging off the lace. I think, oh great, oh well just one eyelet I'm sure I can fix it with a rivet gun or whatever. Then I go to put the other boot on and TWO of the eyelets are off the boot, also popped loose where the rivet goes through the boot. The one eyelet is still on the boot lace, the other one seems to have fallen off.
Must have happened last time I was fishing and I didn't notice when I took the boots off when I got home.
Pretty strange as the boots are basically brand new. I've never seen rivets come loose on any pair of footwear I've owned. I emailed Korkers last night and am awaiting as response. :o
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try taking them back to where your wife bought them - then get a pair of Simms boots
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try taking them back to where your wife bought them - then get a pair of Simms boots
X2 but Simms boots might weigh an oz or 2 heavier! Fatigue factor may play into effect over a long day on the flow!
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X2 but Simms boots might weigh an oz or 2 heavier! Fatigue factor may play into effect over a long day on the flow!
I have Simms guide boots, felt soles. I love them but wanted studded rubber for winter, and a size bigger for thick winter socks. Decided to try Korkers as reviews for them are generally positive, and the interchangeable soles is just too convenient.
Got a reply back from Korkers today. Am quite pleased with their response. First they admitted yeah there was a bad run of the K5 bombers with respect to the riveted eyelets coming loose. Looks like you got a pair of them.
They are mailing me a brand new pair at no charge. All they asked is that when I get the new pair I destroy the current pair by cutting both tongues out, and then take a picture and email it to them. I could be dishonest and keep both pairs but I will honor my end of the deal and destroy the current pair when the replacement arrives. I see no reason to toss the soles though, so I will be keeping them.
A bit unimpressed I got a lemon pair of Korkers but I am impressed that they are sending me a new pair right away with minimal hassle.
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Okay okay! I will chime in. Rubber vs felt. The age old question. Korkers vs Simms? Have fished both. I prefer good old felt over rubber. Rubber is great for tons of hiking which I like to do but even with studs it does not grip the slimy rocks like felt does. I rather have the best traction while my balls are deep in the water then better traction with rubber while on land. And go...
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Dude, this has already been discussed ad nauseam in this thread. Kindly read the discussion from the beginning.
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waiting to see how many 'bad runs' you tolerate before you figure it's a 2nd rate product.
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Honestly, I'm not that worried about it. Just a pair of boots. If they don't work out I wont buy another pair next go around. I know several people that fish Korkers and the general consensus is they are solid and last. Doubt they will last as long as my Simms guide boots which are now on their 3rd refelting and still look and fit great. But whatever, I wanted to try a pair so I did. Doubt the replacement pair will have the same rivet issue. Slim odds. Ill also says Korkers customer service was great to deal with. Much better than Simms who requested that I mail them my defective G3 jacket at my expense, then did a horrible repair job that has already come apart again.
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Wow dude! Simms coat falls apart and now Korker boot eyelets pop out! Never heard of these things happening! That's some bad luck there bro. Hope your fishing prowess isn't as cursed... ;D
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Haha! Fortunately that has not been an issue. Hoping to kill a hatchery steelhead this weekend to appease the fish gods. 8)
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I had a pair of buckskin korkers, the boots lasted less than a year cracks on each boot where the bend is behind the toes . Also the rubber soles were a death trap couldn't even stand in ankle deep water with them . I recently purchased a pair of Hodgman h5 boots with the wadetech soles, by far the best grip out of any rubber soled boots I have ever worn. They are also interchangeable and are interlocking, so the soles don't come off unless the 2 things are pushed together. I cant speak for longevity, but so far so good I like them a lot.
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Haha! Fortunately that has not been an issue. Hoping to kill a hatchery steelhead this weekend to appease the fish gods. 8)
Hope you get it on your new rod ;)
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Hope you get it on your new rod ;)
New Rod? Oh no...