Korkers Darkhorse Wading Boot Review

Reality is, buying wading boots is pretty low on the thrill factor in the acquisition of fly fishing paraphernalia. I've never seen an angler run into our fly shop just to touch and feel the new boots. Fly rods, fly reels, yes!...Boots, not so much.

Many years of wading experience has taught me this, improper fitting wading boots will make your feet and your fishing suffer! Are poor fitting, poor traction, poor functioning boots causing your fishing to suffer? Maybe we should get more excited about wading boots. If your feet stay warm longer, feel comfortable and supported, provide confidence in safety and wading ability then one can assume that a great pair of wading boots really should be capable of improving our fish-ability.

Korkers Darkhorse has improved my fishing

The New Darkhorse Wading Boot comes to us equipped with all the best Korkers time proven features while built with an emphasis on durability without compromising lightweight, comfortable function. Once this platform had been established Korkers fitted in, without compromise, an additional technology providing Achilles Stabilization known as 3PFS. 3PFS stands for 3 Ply Fit System.  The 3PFS system helps lock the foot in place for a more comfortable and secure fit.

In my testing I found the 3PFS system cradles without binding my ankles movements therefore giving me support I need for tough wading and freedom of movement for comfort and speedy trail hiking.

Korkers Darkhorse Features - 

BOA M2

After 10 years of testing Korkers BOA Lacing system boots without a single failure I can say without hesitation I find the benefits of BOA an asset not only in the entry and removal of wading boots but also in the ability to maximize stream comfort with precision lacing pressure. Darkhorse utilizes the same proven BOA M2 that all current Korkers BOA equipped boots use and function has been flawless.

Durability

Protected Triple Stitching

Molded TPU Toe Cap attached with Protected Triple Stitching. Click the picture to see a closeup. The toe cap is attached with the stitching embedded in this tough TPU material thereby keeping it out of contact with damaging abrasive contact.

OmniTrax 3.0 Sole System

You got to appreciate the versatility of this system. Choose your traction! OmniTrax offers options like AlumaTrax when your safety is the only option, felt to keep your guide happy in his drift boat and Kling-On Tread for long hikes. Whatever your need, there is an option for great traction.

AlumaTrax Soles

Fast Drying

Darkhorse utilizes Hydrophobic upper material with ultra abrasion resistance and tonal camo pattern

Internal Drainage

This is one of my personal favorite Korkers features found on all their boots. The internal drainage ports direct water down and out the bottom of the boots allowing for a complete drain when exiting water. No sloshing down the trail. You can actually feel the water drain away the moment you step out of the stream.

In my testing I've noticed these boots do dry fast. I believe that has to be contributed to the fast drying materials and the internal out the bottom drainage. It's a great feature when your travel requires you to pack them in the luggage the morning after a great fishing trip.

Boot Conclusion

I wasn't born a great angler. I have to fight for it. I'm all about seeking every possible asset that can potentially improve my fishing game. I feel like Korkers and I have a lot in common. For instance Korkers wasn't born into greatness, they had to fight for it. Korkers continues to reach for every possible asset to improve upon which over many years has resulted in an innovative competitive line of products. The philosophy of Korkers mirrors my own in that perfection is a long never ending road of constant strive toward research, discovery and improvement. That long road to success is clearly evident in this latest innovated Darkhorse wading boot from Korkers.

I have on hand a pretty nice collection of wading boots to chose from but after clocking many hours over several days in the New Darkhorse, these are the boots I find myself automatically reaching for. Function and comfort level have exceeded my expectations. My wading confidence has greatly increased. The adaptable traction system is solid and provides options to optimize performance for any stream bottom, terrain and/or seasonal weather conditions. I absolutely believe Korkers Darkhorse wading boots have played a part in improving my fishing!

Our fishing industry has overwhelmed us with more then enough wading boot choices but if I were to bet on a dark horse, I'm placing my bet on the New Korkers Darkhorse!

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"

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Korkers Wading Boots - DARKHORSE - New for 2017

Korkers DARKHORSE Wading Boots

A remastered classic from the industry’s optimal traction brand, the DarkHorse™ is certainly not a one trick pony. Made for the angler that won’t compromise weight and durability for function.

Drafting off one of the brand’s most successful boots, the WhiteHorse™, the new DarkHorse™ features several design enhancements aimed at durability, fit, and comfort. The DarkHorse™ is a lightweight, fast-mover, made for the angler who is looking for just the right balance between flexibility and durability. At 9 inches in height, the DarkHorse™ offers ample ankle support. The combination of the BOA® M2 lacing system and Korkers’ proprietary 3 Ply Fit System™ lock the foot in place and provide supreme support around the ankle and heel. The DarkHorse™ offers an enhanced EVA midsole & TPU toe cap for better durability, as well as Protected Stitching™ for better longevity.

Shown with Kling-On and Studded Kling-On Rubber Soles

Last, but certainly not least, the DarkHorse™ offers our patented adaptable traction outsole system, OmniTrax®, for customized, condition-specific traction performance. The OmniTrax Interchangeable Outsole System™ has proven itself to be an indispensable feature for any angler that travels, fishes multiple water systems, or is concerned about spreading invasive species.

“We designed the DarkHorse™ boot with our core consumer in mind and made a lot of decisions based on feedback from our loyal and avid customer base. From BOA® laces to Protected Stitching™ to our wildly popular 3 Ply Fit System™, the DarkHorse™ packs them all into one incredible boot.” says Korkers Development Director Drew Linth.

The DarkHorse™ will be offered in sizes 7-15 and comes in two different package options: Black Felt and Kling-On ($179.99 MSRP) and Kling-On and Studded Kling-On ($199.99). Other industry leading performance soles such as AlumaTrax™ aluminum bars, Vibram® IdroGrip, Studded Vibram® IdroGrip, Studded felt, and Studded rubber are available from Korkers and can be purchased separately. The DarkHorse™ will be available through fishing tackle retailers beginning December, 2016.

About Korkers Since 1959, Korkers® has created functional and versatile footwear for outdoor adventurers. Unique to the industry, Korkers’ proprietary OmniTraxTM Interchangeable Sole System provides a variety of performance traction options – from felt to Vibram® IdroGrip sticky rubber – allowing anglers to maximize traction performance on any terrain and in any condition. Brian Chaney leads the Portland, Oregon-based company’s team of avid fishing and outdoor enthusiasts dedicated to developing product solutions that combine design advances with innovative technology.
Media provided by Korkers

The Gorge Fly Shop Team

"Fly Fish The World With Us"

Korkers Devils Canyon Wading Boots review

Devils in the details

I gotta tell you ever since I first saw the new Korkers Devils Canyon wading boot last year at the IFTD show in Las Vegas I have been dying to try a pair. So this spring came and I ordered up a pair and proceeded to put them through the paces. 

Lite and Comfortable

Korkers has always done a great job of producing lite comfortable boots and the new Devils Canyon are no exception. I feel the comfort of this boot is further enhanced by the neoprene back cuff which allows it to flex on your ankle shin instead of cut into it. A problem I have experience in other boots.

The Devils Canyon incorporates the Boa M2 lacing system. 

The greatest feature of a Boa lace system is the ease of getting in and out of the boots. Simply release the Boa spool and pull the tongue all the way out to open up the boot and slip out. That really is a feature you come to appreciate after all day of wading. Another benefit is establishing proper tightening. I always have to walk in my boots till everything seats in and than go back and re-lace for the proper comfort. With the Boa it's as simple as reach down and click it tighter until the perfect comfort is achieved.

Korkers BOA System

OmniTrax Sole System

The third generation Omnitrax Interchangeable Sole System has proven itself to be secure and solid. I generally go with either a studded felt sole for great traction or a studded Kling-on sole for those easy wading waters. The Korkers AlumaTrax Sole option is my new favorite for those extreme tough wading rivers like the Deschutes River and Hood River in Oregon. The AlumaTrax provide a level of traction unequaled to anything else I have ever used.

Recommended sole options

Drainage Integrated

What!!! This Korkers feature is rarely talked about and is one of my favorites. Other boot manufacturers should take note. Korkers designs their boots to drain out the bottom instead of the side. Why is this better? First your boot drains as soon as you step out of the water. You can feel the water leaving the boot and no more sloshing as your walking down the trail. Next,  No more drain holes or vents to create weak spots in the side of your boots.

People are talking

So I rambled on about what I like about the new Korkers Devils Canyon wading boots but don't just take my word for it.
Read the Customer reviews

Greg Darling 

Gorge Fly Shop Internet Sales Manager | Product Specialist

"Fly Fish the World with Us"