Korkers Revamps Wading Boot Line, Unveils Alternative to Rubber and Felt Soles

October 12, 2010 By: Alex Cerveniak

Tags:
Korkers

Svelte

Korkers has made some big improvements to their wading boots for 2011. To start, they’ve upgraded their OmniTrax Interchangeable Sole System so that a special tool is no longer needed to to pop the various soles into place. In fact, you don’t even need to remove your boots to change the outsole. If by chance you didn’t completely snap on the outsole, your natural walking motion locks it in place. If you’re still unsure, the orange tabs provide visual confirmation that the outsole is locked in. Korkers also improved performance by extending the traction to the edge of the sole.

Also new for 2011 is that the company has moved to 100-percent hydrophobic materials, including the stitching. Korkers believes that both are key elements in fighting the spread of invasive species (and for increased durability). They’ve also improved drainage by integrating drain ports which are located at the lowest possible point on the boot. Less water retention allows their boots to stay lighter and dry faster. Selected styles also feature a screened-on polymer mixed with ground rubber bits to add protection and durability without adding additional layers and stitching. One less layer reduces material resources used during production which also means the boot stays lighter.

Korkers has also upgraded their popular Boa lacing technology for 2011. This lacing system provides a glove-like fit without any pressure points. The lacing system offers an almost infinite degree of fine-tuning in and out of the water with a simple one handed adjustment of the Boa dial. Their new dial also tightens 4 to 7 times faster than previous versions. I’ve been wearing a Boa laced boot for the past several months, and I honestly don’t think I’ll ever go back to tying my shoes again. Other Korkers styles incorporate a new Quick Cinch™ lace system that provides a secure and custom fit at every price. This new one pull method eliminates wasted time retying traditional laces.

Finally, Korkers has re-engineered their wading boot line to be true to street shoe sizing, eliminating any confusion regarding fit once your waders are on.

You can click here to see Sam Houser from Korkers demo their new products for MidCurrent at the International Fly Tackle Dealer show in Denver.

You can purchase all Korkers products directly through their website, or by clicking here to find a dealer near you.

Svelte Soles

Korkers is introducing a limited run of a Svelte soles for 2011. Svelte is a new option for anglers who are stuck between being unhappy with the performance of rubber sole and simultaneously concerned with the possible environmental impacts of felt. Svelte offers a superior grip to felt and rubber soles, yet it dries four times faster than felt, and absorbs five times less water.

Chrome

Durable, yet ultra-sleek technical wading boot.

OmniTrax® 3.0 Interchangeable Sole System for adaptable traction
Low profile Boa® speed lacing system for quick on/off and custom fit
Waterproof materials reduce water absorption and dry faster
Lightweight yet durable with fewer seams and screened-on toe protection
Integrated midsole drainage ports quickly draw water out, keeping boots lighter

$179.99 or $199.99, available January 1, 2011

Metalhead

High-performance wading boot that blends traditional styling and innovative technology.

OmniTrax® 3.0 Interchangeable Sole System adapts traction to meet the performance needs of each river system
Boa® speed lacing system for quick on/off and custom fit; significantly faster than previous system
Waterproof materials reduce water absorption, reducing overall weight, and dry faster, helping to prevent the spread of invasive species
Integrated midsole drainage ports allow water to drain quickly keeping boots lighter
Strategically placed seams reduce fatigue and the possibility of seam failure
True Fit™ sizing

$149.99 or $169.99, available January 1, 2011