Since the summer sierra season is fast approaching I'm looking for a good wet wading boot that is lightweight and good for hiking as well. I think I might look at trying some korkers ultra lights with a stuuded rubber soles. Does anyone have experience with the interchangable sole system they use ? The last thing I'd want is for a sole to come off and or get lost, Seems that could be a hassle.
You're not going to lose the sole. Korkers use a special key to take the soles out. It can be a pain in the butts sometimes, but worth a try if you're worried about wear.
-- Edited by BigOkieWhiteBoy916 on Monday 5th of April 2010 07:36:14 PM
Dr. B, if you can find an older pair of Simms L2's, they were the lightest wading boots in their class. They do run a little narrow with very little boot volume. You may be able to find a "Stealth Rubber" version still out there somewhere online instead of felt, but probably difficult to find in popular sizes. Our casting director swears by them and bought two pair since they were discontinued. He does do "hike ins" in studded versions.
BTW - fished the close of the Mokelumne last week below Comanche Res. Outstanding! Won't open again until end of May.
I went with some korkers ultra light guide series boots with the removable soles and the BOA wire lace system. After trying them out on 2 long day trips on 2 different rivers I'd have to give them rave reviews. They fit well (they run small, had to go 1 size smaller then simms), Very lightweight, Good ankle support, Fast draining when wet wading. They perform well while wading and hiking. The wire lace system is the best thing to come along for wading boots, If it proves reliable I'll never use anything else again. The omnitrax removable soles are pretty easy to change, I'd say about 5 mins. max. Again if this system proves reliable and I think it will defenitly be the future of wading boots. So far I've used the standard felt and the non studded sticky rubber, Both worked well. Studded rubber will likely be the go to sole when i get some. Cost was $179.00, Extra soles run about 35 bucks. If your interested in a new pair of boots there worth a look.
I have been looking at them as well due to my simms boots being very very worn out. I had Toby my TFO rep come up to Mosquito Creek Outfitters in Placerville (where I work) and brought a few things up including Korkers to see what I thought about gettin them on the shops floors to sell. Great Product, and very inexpensive to get new soles for them. 120 to resole your simms boots, only 35 for the korkers.
__________________
Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
Good point on the sole replacement cost. My simms felt are getting pretty worn after about 1 year of use. The cost to resole them is not worth it. I think you'll enjoy the korkers Brian.
Sounds like you found your hiker/wading boots Shaun. BTW - where you going on the eastside?
BTW - Here's several Simms resoling outlets with prices for StreamTread Vibram rubber soles and other soles types.
http://www.rmresole.com/wading.html
http://www.mtnsoles.com/?page_id=9
Simms Sole repair Web page:
http://www.simmsfishing.com/site/streamtread.html
Staying at big springs on the owens river. Plan to fish every inch of every river/stream from crowley north to bridgeport. Just kidding but I'll sure as hell try. Getting a bit concerned with runoff conditions ! New spot I want to try this time is green creek, got any info ?
