Buyer's Guide to Korkers Soles

Felt, Studded Felt, Kling-On and Studded Kling-On Soles

The OmniTrax 3.0 Sole System

Korkers has done an extremely good job of refining their modular wading boots.  All the Korkers boots stocked at Gorge Fly Shop come standard with two sets of soles; either felt and Kling-On or Kling-On and Studded Kling-On.  Beyond these standard stock options, Korkers builds several other soles to suit any wading situation imaginable.  If you find yourself searching for the perfect sole for a particular wading scenario, read on!  

Felt - Compressed felt sole that provides excellent traction on slippery rocks.  Straight felt soles provide for maximum surface area contact with the bottom substrate.  For decades, felt sole has been the industry standard on wading boots.  Though widely used, it is worth noting that a handful of states have outlawed the use of felt due to its potential of transporting invasive species.  Be sure to check your local regulations to avoid any violations.

Studded Felt - Korkers standard felt sole equipped with carbide studs.  Studded felt is the go-to sole for most anglers fishing slick rivers with heavy current (think Deschutes!).  The studs on this sole protrude enough to give you a noticeable amount of extra bit, but not so much that they detract from surface area contact with the rocks.  If you're fishing places with heavy current and flat bedrock, you've likely noticed yourself sliding downstream with plain felt soles.  The studded option takes care of the "slide factor".

Kling-On Rubber - Basic sole that comes with most Korkers Boots.  Great for use with any type of watercraft.  Excellent for hiking and light wading duty.  Not recommended for extra slick rivers with fast current.

Studded Kling-On Rubber - The standard Kling-On rubber sole equipped with carbide studs.  The studs significantly increase traction.  This is a great option in places where felt is outlawed.    

Vibram XS Trek an Studded Vibram XS Trek Soles

Vibram XS Trek - Deep and aggressive lug pattern. About as grippy as a straight rubber sole gets.  

Studded Vibram XS Trek - Standard Vibram XS Trek sole equipped with carbide studs for added traction.  One of the best rubber sole options where felt is outlawed.  

Korkers Triple Threat Soles

Triple Threat Aluminum Bar, Hex Disk and Carbide Spike Soles

The Triple Threat System - Beyond the more "standard" sole options, Korkers offers the Triple Threat Series.  These products all start with the same base; the Triple Threat Blank Sole.  They are available in the pre-built versions seen above and as a blank sole that can be customized with any combination of their aluminum bars, hex discs or carbide spikes.  All of the metal components are offered as accessories to put together your own sole or replace the parts as they wear down over time.  

Triple Threat Aluminum Bar - Solid bars of soft aluminum on this sole become extra grippy when the metal gets scuffed.

Triple Threat Aluminum Hex Disc - The Hex Discs combine the grip of soft aluminum with the traction benefits of all the edges.  Extreme traction!

Triple Threat Carbide Spike - These soles have the most aggressive stud packages on the market.  Perfect for the most difficult wading situations.  Also very popular among jetty anglers.  One important not on these....this is not a boat-friendly sole!  

Triple Threat Customizable Blank - You can build your own adventure with this sole.  Mix and match any of the Triple Threat bars, discs or spikes to match your liking.   

Convert Your Korkers Wading Boot, Shoe or Sandal to an Awesome Boat Shoe!

Kling-On Deck Gum Rubber Sole

If you regularly fish out of a boat, you're well-aware of the importance of what's on your feet.  This great offering from Korkers fits any of their footwear with the OmniTrax 3.0 system.  This means all current wading boots, shoes and sandals.  Whether the boat in question is aluminum, glass or rubber, this sole provides great traction and stability on wet floors.     

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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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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"