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Purchased at Western Anglers
I was in the market for a new pair of wading boots due to mine seeing much better days, I had perused quite few different reviews on various wading boots and wasn't exactly sure what I was looking for anymore. So many options and so many choices and highly varying prices for what seemed to be boots that all worked basically the same.
After speaking with a friend of mine, he had told me to check out Korkers. I had never heard of them and he stated what they did. I had to check them out. I looked on their website and was absolutely blown away.
I checked a couple of places but they didn't carry them and then I went to Western Anglers. Bingo. In stock and in my size.
They had a three different models but I was immediately attracted to the Guide because of the Boa lacing system.
I played around with them and was very impressed.
If you look at the posted pictures, you will notice, what I think is, one of the most innovative boots ever made for wading.
INTERCHANGEABLE SOLES! That is the key feature on Korkers wading boots. The ability to change the sole to suit what ever environment yourself in. If you have a 3 mile hike through a muddy trail before you get to the water, slap on your included Trail Lug Sole. After hiking through the mud and you arrive at the perfect spot, whip out your included Felt Sole and dive right in the water. Finished fishing and ready to head back down, slap those Trail Lug Soles back on and enjoy the ride. Talk about convenience. It's like having two pairs of boots in one and a lot less weight. Once you figure out how to change the soles out, it shouldn't take you longer than a minute or two to get them both switched and back in the water. Korkers also makes 4 other soles. The Aquastealth Sole, a Studded Felt Sole, a Siped Boat Sole, and a Studded Rubber. For around $30.00 for each additional pair of soles, you are basically getting a new pair of boots. You can't beat that with a shillelagh.
The next coolest feature on these boots is the Boa Technology speed lacing system. No, it's not your regular style of speed laces that you find on any pair of Nike's. It's a stainless steel lace and a dial that tightens them evenly all around. I don't know how clumsy you all are but I am no Baryshnikov on the water. If there is a hole or crevice anywhere within 10 feet of me and right next to a rock, I will quickly find it. Ever notice how the more of those you find and slide into, the quicker your laces detiorate? Not these laces. Stainless steel. They aren't going to get eaten away and no need to remember to put laces on your Wal-Mart list. STRONG. The speed lacing system is also very easy to use. If you can turn a dial, you can tighten your laces and they tighten evenly all along the shoe. When you are ready to get out of your boots, pull the dial out and pull the tongue foward. They quickly loosen and you are out of them. No fumbling to get wet knots and laces pulled apart, it's so easy, even a caveman could do it.
Did I mention that these boots are extremely comfortable in and out of the water? No? Well, these boots feel great. Fairly light considering the added features but they are comfy enough to hike up that muddy trail, cruise through that rocky stream or river, and head back down without any discomfort. Yes, I like them.
Now as close to perfect as these Korkers are, two things somewhat bother me.
First off is the styling. Moon Boots is pretty much what they are referred to. They only come in the one color swatch, black-grey-silver. There is no conservative brownish olive or greenish tan. Nope, you get the most visible shoe on planet. They look more like something you would see on the basketball court and in actuality, I can see them making some soles to accomplish that purpose.
Second, it seems as though they take a long time to dry. After wearing these all day, I threw them in the back of my truck and drove back home about 75 miles away. Popped them in my garage and the next morning, they were still wet. Not lightly damp but still wet. Granted, it was an overcast and cold day but I would have still expected the ride back on the highway to eliminate some wetness as well as an evening in a garage.
But other than those two things, these boots are a must buy if you are looking for a multi-purpose boot that is high quality, comfortable, and durable. The price is maybe a bit higher than some may be willing to pay for but you are getting two pairs of boots at one time.
I can't see myself wearing any other pair of boots again. I will just deal with the interplanetary look.
Rating: 9
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