Advice/Opinions on Wading Boots

[Esoxbum]

Need new boots for upcoming trip (no felt soles in Yellowstone). Trying to stay under $200. Was considering a few options. Would appreciate any input on the following:

White River prestige - $140
Korkers stealth sneaker w/ cleats - $150ish
Korkers greenbacks + additional soles - $150ish
Old model Orvis Riverguardian - used $60 (look near new)
Open to suggestions…..thanks in advance

 

[TheDuke44]

I've had great luck with my Korkers holding up. Not to mention - if you typically wear felt you can always swap soles whenever you get back home without having to buy a whole new pair of boots.

I'd also be tempted to go with the old Orvis boots though...those things will likely hold up better than any modern boot if I had to bet.

 

[Esoxbum]

I've had great luck with my Korkers holding up. Not to mention - if you typically wear felt you can always swap soles whenever you get back home without having to buy a whole new pair of boots.

I'd also be tempted to go with the old Orvis boots though...those things will likely hold up better than any modern boot if I had to bet.

Am wary of the interchangeable soles. Along the outside edges of my boots (where the 3 tabs are on the Korkers that lock sole into the boot looks like it is doomed to fail) is where every pair of wading boots I’ve ever owned has fallen apart (usually the stitching). So much so that lately I’ve made a conscious effort to not wedge my feet between rocks if possible). If I pay $150 and get 3 seasons out of them I’d be ok

 

[Esoxbum]

Am wary of the interchangeable soles. Along the outside edges of my boots (where the 3 tabs are on the Korkers that lock sole into the boot looks like it is doomed to fail) is where every pair of wading boots I’ve ever owned has fallen apart (usually the stitching). So much so that lately I’ve made a conscious effort to not wedge my feet between rocks if possible). If I pay $150 and get 3 seasons out of them I’d be ok

Which is why I was considering the stealth ones with permanent sole. They look like I’d probably want to buy cleats for them, though

 

[TerrellBFly]

I have the Stealth for my boat boot. They work well, and are very comfortable to hike in. If they weren't my boat boot, they would have studs in them as well.

Been using Korkers with the interchangeable soles for 10+ years for my wading, never had a sole come loose - for what its worth.

 

[TheDuke44]

Which is why I was considering the stealth ones with permanent sole. They look like I’d probably want to buy cleats for them, though

I've heard great things about them but can't vouch myself. I'd also be curious to know if they offer the ankle support that a more "traditional" boot design offers.

I've always liked the versatility of having the interchangeable soles and haven't had any issues with them ever coming loose or falling off, but I do get that it is an extra potential point of failure.

 

[Esoxbum]

I have the Stealth for my boat boot. They work well, and are very comfortable to hike in. If they weren't my boat boot, they would have studs in them as well.

Been using Korkers with the interchangeable soles for 10+ years for my wading, never had a sole come loose - for what its worth.

I just found a new pair on ebay for $88 inc shipping. I might pull the trigger. I carpeted the deck on my boat last year so I could go barefoot even on hot/sunny days

 

[Swattie87]

If longevity is a concern, the Korkers branded products will most certainly outlive the others. The tabs on the soles do wear with age, and once or twice (usually deep mud suction scenario) I’ve had the sole pull off. But it’s still attached at the heel of the boot if that happens. It’s not like you’ll lose them. Just have to get to shore and line up the tabs and step on it. Again, I’ve had this happen less than a handful of times on hundreds of outings and likely thousands of miles walked in Korkers products. The pros in terms of their build quality far outweigh the cons IMO.

FWIW - My current pair is 4 or 5 years old, everything, including the laces (regular, not BOA), is still original equipment. The seams are blowing and some of the metal studs (I bought the rubber studded soles) are missing. But they’re still going. Mostly small stream outings with lots of walking too.

 

[Esoxbum]

I've heard great things about them but can't vouch myself. I'd also be curious to know if they offer the ankle support that a more "traditional" boot design offers.

I've always liked the versatility of having the interchangeable soles and haven't had any issues with them ever coming loose or falling off, but I do get that it is an extra potential point of failure.

Was actually more worried about the thin strip of the boot where the soles attach tearing/breaking as opposed to the soles falling off…I hike a ton, too as well. Which usually entails more mountaineering than wading

 

[Swattie87]

Was actually more worried about the thin strip of the boot where the soles attach tearing/breaking as opposed to the soles falling off…I hike a ton, too as well. Which usually entails more mountaineering than wading

Get a pair in hand. That thin strip isn’t as thin as you think and it’s very heavy duty material.

 

[Esoxbum]

Was actually more worried about the thin strip of the boot where the soles attach tearing/breaking as opposed to the soles falling off…I hike a ton, too as well. Which usually entails more mountaineering than wading.

Get a pair in hand. That thin strip isn’t as thin as you think and it’s very heavy duty material.

I have at Cabelas. I have a history of CYS worthy abuse/neglect

 

[TerrellBFly]

Was actually more worried about the thin strip of the boot where the soles attach tearing/breaking as opposed to the soles falling off…I hike a ton, too as well. Which usually entails more mountaineering than wading

I thought the same before I purchased a pair. Fairly certain there is a gauge of wire in there to prevent breaking. At least it feels like there is.

 

[Esoxbum]

I have at Cabelas. I have a history of CYS worthy abuse/neglect

It’s been maybe 2 years, though

 

[afishinado]

I have the Stealth for my boat boot. They work well, and are very comfortable to hike in. If they weren't my boat boot, they would have studs in them as well.

Been using Korkers with the interchangeable soles for 10+ years for my wading, never had a sole come loose - for what its worth.

I've heard great things about them but can't vouch myself. I'd also be curious to know if they offer the ankle support that a more "traditional" boot design offers.

I have the Korkers Stealth sneakers for the same reason, to wear on a boat or kayak.

They have pretty sticky soles, but as with just about any wading boot, studs would make them better if you don't plan to use them for boats.

They are light, comfortable, offer good ankle support and great for wet wading.

Review: Korkers Stealth Sneaker wading boots

Korkers new Stealth Sneaker is a hybrid of the wading shoes we’ve seen grow in popularity lately and the tried-and-true wading boots we’ve used for decades. It’s also the single most unique piece of wading gear I’ve ever reviewed, and far and away the most comfortable.

www.hatchmag.com