Korkers Defined: All about Sole - Updated

Updated: 11/2020

Korkers Triple Threat Soles

Korkers introduced their newest sole option called Triple Threat. The Triple Threat Soles allow you to design the perfect configuration of traction for your particular needs. 

If you purchase a sole with studs in it you can still mix and match studs as they can be removed and replaced with another type of Korker’s studs or, if you wore the first set out and you just need to replace the stud this is possible with this option. We will start with the basics of these soles. 

Triple Threat - Aluminum Bar Sole: This sole provides a solid bar of aluminum across the whole sole for excellent tractions. The softness of the aluminum once it’s scuffed up provides excellent traction in slippery conditions. 

Triple Threat - Aluminum Hex Disc Sole: These soles provide a combination of lots of edges plus the gripines of the soft aluminum for maximum traction in many conditions. 

Triple Threat - Carbide Spike Sole: These spikes cut through slick surfaces to provide amazing traction. This is also a popular sole for all our jetty anglers.

Triple Threat Customizable Blank Sole: You purchase this sole blank and you can mix and match and customize your sole. The studs are sold separately and can be purchased in packs that you would then attach to the sole.

Replacement Aluminum Bars, Hex Disc and Carbide Spikes

Triple Threat Aluminum Bars

Triple Threat Hex Disc

Triple Threat Carbide Spikes

Shop all Korkers Boots and Soles

Korkers - Defined

Lets talk about Korkers. There has been confusion on sizing and which sole option best suits your needs. We hope this answers your questions.

SIZING: 

When it’s time to purchase a new wading boot it is always confusing to know which size is best.

Please see our Wading boot sizing guide for all general rules. We want to note however, that if you own the older Korkers sole boot (the one where only the middle part of the sole is interchangeable) the sizing on those boots are different than the current models. So please use the one full size up rule and not purchase the same size as your previous boots as they will not fit.

Studded Felt vs Studded Kling-On 
Studded Felt in the water is our preference however on the sides of the river and while hiking felt can become slippery. Also to note that in temperatures below freezing snow can build up on wet felt or can freeze.

AS OF THIS WRITING: All Korkers boots can be purchased with two different sole configurations. This is true except the Redside o Greenback boot which offers three configurations.

First Configuration
Kling-On and Felt this is the base price for all boot models. (2 sets of soles)

Second Configuration
Kling-On and Studded Kling-On this is a $20.00 upgrade (2 sets of soles)

Redside and/or Greenback Only - Has above two options plus they offer a Felt only option for a great price of $99.99 (only 1 set of felt soles)

All other soles are considered accessory soles and purchased separate from the boots. 

Korkers Soles - Defined

Kling-On Sticky Rubber - Basic sole that comes with all boots. Great for use in boats / inflatables and basic hiking situations. While it is sticky rubber, it was not designed for highly slippery conditions.

Studded Kling-On Rubber - Same as Kling-On but with 26 carbide-tip studs per pair. These are great for slicker conditions or where studded felt can not be used.

Felt - Compressed high quality felt provides great traction while wading in the water. As noted above, depending on your wading conditions studded felt might be a better option as plain felt is not as grippy without studs.

It's all about that Sole!

Studded Felt - Plain felt soles adorned with 26 carbide tip studs per pair. Our number one choice of soles for our home waters and extremely slick conditions. Keep in mind while felt is great in the water it can be very slippery outside of the water and in very cold conditions snow/ice can build up on your feet. If this occurs we recommend changing the soles back to a rubber based sole for hiking in between fishing spots or back to your rig. That is a Korkers Boot Bonus…. not another boot out there allows you to change your soles while on the water.

Alumatrax - Our # 1 selling Accessory sole - These soles are a great alternative to studded felt. The aluminum bars are made here in the USA and for this reason very limited quantity. Aluminum is a soft metal, offering exceptional grip in the most slick wading conditions. One downfall….aluminum wears out faster vs. carbide but due to how grippy it is still very popular.

Studded Rubber - Large aggressive 7mm threaded carbide tip spikes adorn these flat rubber soles. Please note these studs are replaceable. These soles are great for those whom are Jetty fishing or fishing in highly slick conditions. Not the most comfortable to do much hiking in.

Vibram Idrogrip - Idrogrip is made by Vibram. This sole has a deep and wide lug patterns that offers better grip in tougher wading conditions. Great all around sole.

Studded Idrogrip - Same as Idrogrip but with carbide studs which offers even more grip in slick conditions.

Do you have the current generation of Korkers with OmniTrax v3.0 soles?

They are pretty easy to identify if you look closely at these pictures. The current OmniTrax v3.0 soles have a U-shaped notch on the front portion of the sole. They are the only ones that have this feature. Gorge Fly Shop only stocks current OmniTrax v3.0 soles. If you are searching for older generations please call us for information and availability.

Three generations of Korkers Soles

We hope this information is helpful in your quest to find the perfect wading boot and soles to match. Korkers Innovative design and comfort really allow you to utilize one boot in many ways with the replaceable and interchangeable soles. If you are headed on a trip and will need a studded sole but your friend does not want studs in his boat….easy fix just throw your non studded sole in your pack and you just solved a big problem without needing to haul a second set of boots.

For further questions or information please feel free to contact us via phone or email. We are here 7 days a week to help!

Helpful links:

Wading Boots - Finding the right size
Korkers Wading Boots




Lyndsey Duddles
Gorge Fly Shop | "Deskmaster"
541.386.6977

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Korkers - The Sole Story

Korkers AlumaTrax

Three New Korkers Boots to check out...

Darkhorse - Tough "Workhorse" of a boot
Hatchback - Enter From Rear
Buckskin Mary - Dedicated Women's Footwear

The Sole Story

The unique feature of all Korkers Wading Boots is the ability to change soles to match wading requirements. The proven OmniTrax V3.0 System offers versatility not found in any other wading boot.

In this short article we'll explore your sole options and how they can improve your fishing

Alumatrax
With concerns for stream health and regional restrictions Korkers has a solution to keep you safe and our streams clean. When I need traction I depend on Alumatrax. About the only sole type that comes close to this traction in the stream is studded felt but studded felt is no match to Alumatrax on the trail. Also since Alumatrax is not spikes it is generally accepted friendly to boat floors. I am a huge fan of this sole type and if I only had one to choose from this would be it.

Studded Felt
A good argument can be made for the effectiveness of studded felt. For many anglers it's still the "go to" choice for traction. Great feature with Korkers and the Omnitrax system is when regulation forces you to drop the felt you have adaptable options.

Felt
When your guide request "No Traction Devices in the boat", this felt option can save your day. Still get great traction when in the stream and comfortable to stand on deck all day long.

Studded Rubber
I found these soles to be very effective on slimy slick rock stream bottoms and rocky terrain. Super aggressive 7mm threaded, replaceable carbide spikes makes these soles a favorite with ocean jetty anglers and winter extreme icy environment anglers coast to coast. I understand this is a favorite among coastal Striper anglers.

Studded Kling-on
Great option for the anglers who just needs a tread sole with a little extra traction.

Vibram and Studded Vibram
These are a great step up option in tread soles. My pick would be the studded model but there are reasons to go with no-stud tread.

Traction device or tread

It's easy to have traction opinions when wading throughout the western waters. The West is demanding and therefore it's hard for us to talk about anything other than serious traction devices. One such example is Oregon's Deschutes River. One slip here could put an angler in a serious life threatening situation. The general claim from anglers who frequent this fishery is, it's not a matter of if you will dunk but when you will dunk. It's advised not to come to this fishery with just tread soles.

Many situations don't require the hardware to wade.
Example is Great Lakes Carp Flats Fishing. I fished this environment a couple years ago and preparing to go fish it again later this spring. In this situation one might even find traction devices to create unnecessary noise. The shale rock bottoms of Lake Michigan are not slick at all and the surface to walk on is flat. For this fishery I would reach for the Kling-on or the Vibram. The non-studded soles will be stealthy as possible and provide clean quiet wading.

Korkers Omnitrax adaptable traction provides the angler options to meet the specific demands of traction, safety, cleanliness, stealth and regulation.

We'd like to hear from our Korkers owners and what sole you are using and tell us about your wading demands. Please share in the comments.

April 2017 Rebate Promotion...Buy New Korkers Wading Boots and Get a Free Pair of Soles...More info

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop 
Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Felt vs Tread - Who Gives A Boot

Wading Boot Sole Options - What Grips

Now Hold On!

Before you go off and get your waders in a wad thinking that the title of this article defines how we feel about your wading safety and/or our responsibility to the health of our streams first give me a chance to explain that it was really just a catchy phrase designed to get you to click into this article. Did it work?

Next... Let me inform you that if you're just looking for pleasurable fly fishing reading, THIS IS NOT IT! Click out now! Nothing fun about wading boots. This is purely an informational article intended to educate about wading boot traction options from one man's opinion taken from many years of experiences with both boots and various wading environments.

And lastly I apologize now to the manufacturers. I'm not writing this to endorse or criticize any one brand or product but I'm not going to hold back the truth of what I have experienced with various types of wading boot soles. The view of this article is only intended to examine how to deal with concerns of stream health and angler safety.

The idea of discussion about this topic comes from some recent opinions posted to one of our blog post. I don't think the author of said post intended to take a stand on what is best for anglers or streams but instead he chose the sole type based on the geographical area he fishes and the difficult and hazardous nature of the rivers he wades. Traction after all can be a life or death reality.

The concerns regarding wader safety and clean streams are real and many opinions exist about which sole type is the right one. I've been fortunate enough to have fished a variety of waters all across America and with that knowledge it's easy for me to understand why so many different opinions exist with this subject. In addition to so many varied types of stream beds and terrain you also have an assortment of traction options that can work across a variety of conditions.

• Felt
• Studded Felt
• Tread
• Studded Tread
• Aluminum Pucks
• Aluminum Bars

So what is right for you (and me)

This is were we get very deep and opinionated. I'm not going to try to tell you what you should be using. That just opens the door for arguments. It's up to each and everyone of us to decide what is best for the streams we fish and best for our wading skills and conditions. I will tell you this, there is an answer for everyone with all the available options we have today. 

Felt

I don't know who came up with the idea of felt but it was brilliant. Seemed like the perfect answer, mostly! Felt provides a good level of traction in the stream. Felt is also very boat friendly. But aside from those attributes felt also comes with some messy baggage. It carries dirt including possible hitchhikers that could pose a threat to our streams. Now before you start writing your comments that felt is just a scapegoat to the problem let's all take a hard look at reality, Felt is Dirty! Go ahead, jump in your truck right after getting out of the stream with felt boots and watch what it does to your floorboards. This is why we all have weather tech mats after all right! Why do fly shops have posted on their doors "Please Remove Wading Boots!" I welcome your comments but please do not even try to defend felt. 

Another issue I've encountered with felt is winter snow and  icy conditions. Felt can freeze and create a boot that is as safe as a pair of ice skates. Not to mention they get heavy and freeze your feet. Felt is no good for icy winter anglers.

But does that mean you should forfeit felt forever? Consider your situation, maybe you are only fishing one stream in felt boots all season. That's not really going to pose a threat of invasive species transfer. Maybe you're lucky to fish once a month. Pretty sure any possible threats will have been dried up long before you hit the stream again. Maybe you're completely anal and wash your boots in a bleach/water solution after every use. But let's talk reality, how many of you are actually going do that after every use?!

Traction with felt is good but truth is you can equal or even get greater traction today in different ways. So if you are one of those that still thinks felt offers superior traction, think again!

Studded Felt

Admittedly studded felt is hard to beat. All the same problems as above but greater traction ability. Note that many drift boat guides do not like studded traction devices in their boats. Luckily most modern studs are screw in therefor also removable for those times when they are undesirable. 

Tread

I'll go ahead and own up that tread alone is pretty much completely useless and downright dangerous for most anglers. BUT! I have waded streams that are so friendly that one would be safe in a pair of converse tennis shoes. For those situations maybe tread soles are just fine. Since recent demand for tread soles has spiked companies have put lots of r&d into getting better traction from rubber and I can tell you from my experience rubber soles have improved. 

Some kind of add-on traction is necessary for most conditions

Several positive attributes are associated with tread soles. Obvious of course is they are pretty clean. Also they do really good out of the stream such as hiking trails. They are very boat friendly except on boats that have diamond plate steel to walk on (slippery when wet). If your trip involves air travel you might appreciate a chance that tread soles will dry out the night before your flight. Never fun when you get home and open your luggage to find it full of musty clothes because your felt boots drowned everything.

Studded Tread

I doubt any tread sole users would argue that in most cases tread soles need the addition of some kind of traction device. Be it screw in studs, screw on aluminum pucks or similar devices. I've had good success with the Simms Hard Bite Studs in Simms Boots as well as using them in other boot brands. Are they the best traction you can get? No! But they work well in most average wading situations. Many anglers are content with this traction option for the water they wade. 

Aluminum Cleats

Left Simms Hardbite Star Cleats - Right Simms Alumibite Cleat

Another option from Simms for their tread soled boots are the Alumibite Cleats. I have used these with good success. Aluminum does a great job at cutting into the slime that makes rocks slick. There does seem to be one drawback, as the aluminum looses its sharp cutting edge they seem to lose efficiency. In the case of Simms Alumibite cleats you can remove and flip over to regain that sharp edge again for awhile. I found that using these in conjunction with the Simms Hardbite studs gets really good traction for Simms boots.
Note: Some anglers are reporting the loss of these screw in type of traction devices. I hear they get ripped out and even if you replace missing ones they no longer tighten into the original holes further increasing the problem of loss. I'd like to note here that all Simms boots have a hard retention plate designed to receive the screws. It's very important to be sure to drive the screws firmly into this plate for maximum retention.

Simms Traction Devices left to right - Hardbite Studs - Alumabite Cleat - Hardbite Star Cleat

Hardbite Star Cleats

Another option from Simms is the Star Cleats. Basically a star shaped piece of metal with jagged carbide chips welded to them. Initially they do a great job of cutting slime but I have seen many with the chips worn completely away leaving behind a smooth metal surface that doesn't do anything for traction. Ten Star Cleats for $29.95 to me just doesn't have as much value as the Alumibite Cleats at ten for $21.95.

Aluminum Bars

If you really want traction aluminum bars are it! Bars were the first traction device I used that I openly said "this is better than felt!" Not only do they grip in the stream but also provide good traction on the trail and to the best of my knowledge I have not heard any guides complaining about them in their boats. Like the puck style they can lose their sharp edge over time but with such a larger area of coverage they seem to hold onto it longer. If there was one downside of aluminum bars is they are not ice friendly.

Currently I am only aware of two boot brands that utilize aluminum bars. One of which is Korkers and the other is a brand Patagonia which we do not currently carry.

Boot Brands

Korkers Wading Boots

I'm not trying to do a sales pitch for Korkers here but they really do offer some great versatility. Korkers have the ability to adapt to varying environments and/or to meet specific territorial regulations. Gorge Fly Shop has sold Korkers boots for many years. We've watched them improve and perfect the interchangeable sole system. It's a system that works for most anglers and it gives you the best traction option when needed whether it be a decision made by choice or by regulation. All current Korkers wading boots are built on the Omnitrax v3.0 interchangeable sole system.

Now the bad...The standard Korkers tread sole called Kling-On in my opinion provides the least amount of traction of any tread sole I have ever used. My advice is don't use it. The Studded Kling-On version is only marginally better. If you are going to wade in Korkers boots you want to utilize Felt, Studded Felt, AlumaTrax or the original Studded Rubber Soles.

Left to Right - Alumatrax, Studded Felt, Studded KlingOn. Studded Rubber

You know felt and studded felt, no need to talk about them. Alumatrax Soles start out as the standard non-studded Kling-On sole with aluminum bars riveted to them. While the bars are non replaceable the complete sole is so renewing traction is easy...just buy new soles. The Korkers Alumatrax sole is our number one selling add on sole option for Korkers boots. They provide good clean traction in and out of the water.

The original Korkers Studded Rubber Sole is an extreme option mostly used by rock hopping jetty anglers. The rubber part of the sole has no tread to it at all and traction is completely provided by 7mm carbide tipped screw in replaceable studs. Probably not a sole you want to hike for miles in but when traction is a must these are the soles guys are reaching for. They are very popular among east coast striper anglers.

Korkers offers Vibram Idrogrip Soles in both studded and non-studded versions. I don't have much feedback for these soles as they are a bit pricey and so few anglers opt for them.

Simms Wading Boots

Simms G3 Guide Boots equipped with Alumibite Cleats

Simms builds great boots period. Durability, sizing and comfort are all positive attributes for Simms. If I could name one missing feature from Simms is the lack of a full on clean traction device similar to the aluminum bar option other manufactures provide. But even so that shouldn't deter anyone from finding great traction from Simms boots if the user is willing to outfit them properly with the available traction devices.

Simms Vapor with Combination Alumabite
Cleats and Hardbit Studs

Simms Wading Boots are currently utilizing two tread sole types developed by Vibram. Idrogrip and Megagrip. Both are designed to accept all Simms traction devices.

Vibram Idrogrip is found on the G4 BOA, G3 Guide, Rivertec 2 BOA, Headwaters and Freestone wading boots.
It claims to be ideal on wet surfaces, improved grip on slippery terrain and inspired by free climbing rubber,

Vibram Megagrip is found on Vaportread, Vaportread Salt, Intruder, Intruder Felt, Riprap Shoe and Streamtread Sandel. It claims to provide unparalleled wet and dry surface traction, superior grip with rugged longevity and optimal balance of stability and flexibility for ground adaptation

For wading environments with average difficulty many are doing just fine with the Simms screw in Hard Bite Studs. My go to for maximum traction from Simms boots is a mix of Alumibite Cleats and Hard Bite Studs. The combination of the two together is tough to beat. I know some guys have seen a problem of rip outs but I'll note again, make sure they seat in tight to the internal retention plate. Personally I myself have not had this problem.

Simms also offers several models available with felt soles. Currently they include the G3 Guide, Rivertec 2 BOA, Headwaters, Freestone, Rock Creek, Intruder, Vapor and Women's Vapor Boots. Add the Simms Hard Bite screw in studs for felt soles and you'll be in good shape to handle life threatening wading conditions such as found on our local steelhead fishery known as The Deschutes River.

Redington Wading Boots

Redington Palix Shown with Goat Head Spikes - Click Picture for a larger view

Redington Wading Boots don't get much attention but there is a sneaky feature they just don't get credit for. By utilizing a combination of soft rubber compounds and adding into the mix ground walnut shells, an old technology taken from tire manufacturing way back when, they have developed arguably the stickiest sole we know of. I still wouldn't recommend going out in tough wading environments without some degree of added traction devices but for easy wades they perform well. Redington also offers screw in studs provided by Goat Head Gear. I have used these studs in the Redington Palix River Boots and have experienced a comfortable level of traction.

Goat Head Sole Spikes offered from Redington

Redington wading boots don't score high on the durability scale but they also don't cost as much as most other wading boots. One key note when considering a pair of the Redington Wading boots is you buy them to match your foot size. DO NOT buy them one size over your foot size like all other wading boot brands. Redington manufactures these boots with the needed room built into them to allow for your stockingfoot wader to fit. I appreciate this idea but unfortunately most anglers are already accustomed to buying one size over creating for us a high degree of boot returns for improper sizing.

Summary

Let me emphasize there are two areas of concern for wading boot technology, keep our streams clean and keep our anglers safe. The goal here is to share my experiences hoping that it will help you make the best decision possible for your needs. There is no one right answer for everyone but there are many options that can solve the problems we face. The good news to come out of awareness's and all out anti-felt regulations is that is has forced our industry to evaluate and improve technologies that has not only provided cleaner options but in my opinion technologies that can exceed felt performance.

I hope you found this information helpful. Please share your sole experience in our comments that we may all benefit from others experiences...

More Boot Post...

Simms G4 Boa Boots vs Simms G3 Guide Boots

Simms Vapor Wading Boot Review

Wading Boots - Finding the Right Size

Simms Headwaters Boot Review

Killing My Simms G3 Guide Boots

Pay Less For Redington Palix

Korkers Devils Canyon Wading Boot Review

Korkers Defined - All About Sole

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

Read more of Greg's Post

NEW - Korkers K-5 Bomber Wading Boot

Built to withstand hardcore use! NEW Korkers K-5 Bomber

Gorge Fly Shop has been a Korkers Boot dealer for almost a decade. There's good reason Korkers has remained in our shop and in the wader bag of many anglers. First I'd like to mention comfort. Korkers boots are comfortable hiking style boots. Our Korkers customers always mention this in feedback. Second, Versatility! The ability to swap a sole to meet different conditions is unlike any other wading boot on the market. Third, Durability! Korkers boots are tested tough in the Great Northwest and trust me if they can survived here they will handle anything you can put them through!

K-5 Bomber Features

• Traction: OmniTrax® Interchangeable Sole System adapts your traction to any fishing condition.
• Support: 5-Ply Fit System locks foot in place for a comfortable and secure fit.
• Fit: Combination of friction-free rolling lace guides and locking lace cleat provide a customized bi-zonal fit.
• Fast Drying: Hydrophobic materials = faster dry times which lessen the chance of spreading invasive species.
• Internal Drainage: Water flows thru internal channels then out mid sole ports, removing excess water and weight.
• Durability: Enhanced mid sole, triple layer synthetic upper, protected stitching, 3D molded toe and heel cap.
• Sizes 7 -15 full sizes only
• Weight: 3 lbs 6 oz (per pair, size 9)
• Height: 8.5 inches

Korkers Buyers Guide

1. Generally wading boots should be sized one size over your street shoe size.
2. Korkers K-5 Bomber wading boots can be purchased with two different sole combinations.

• ($199.99) - Comes with two pair of soles - Kling-on and Felt
• ($219.99) - Comes with two pair of soles - Kling-on and Studded Kling-on

More Sole Options

Korker AlumaTrax
Nothing grips like aluminum so when extreme traction is needed reach no further than AlumaTrax. Best part is the more they gain wear the stickier they get!

Studded Felt
Studded felt gives you the best of two worlds, Felt sticks good on slippery rocks and studs give them that extra measure to cut the slime and find something solid to stick to

Studded Rubber

For demanding situations such as mossy rocks, slimy boulders, slick logs and ocean jetties reach for the studded rubber. Big 7mm carbide tipped studs are replaceable if you dare think you could wear them out!

Visit our Korkers page for More Korkers Boots and Sole Options

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"