As many anglers become more and more eco-conscious (an undoubtedly good thing), in an era when we know felt-soled wading boots can contribute to the spread of aquatic invasive species that ruin rivers (things like mudsnails, didymo, and the like), a lot of fly fishers are choosing their boots carefully.
The Korkers Metalhead wading boot won to “Eco-Friendly” award honors at the International Fly Tackle Dealers show recently, because the boots’ interchangeable outsoles can be treated, switched, frozen, or dried in a way that helps protect the waters.
Let’s be clear: No product is, purely by design, a cure-all to the threats posed by aquatic invasive species. But if you have a choice to wash your boots, and then pop off the soles and freeze them overnight (versus freezing your boots entirely), eco-friendly fishing becomes a heckuva lot easier. The boots themselves are hydrophobic, meaning they absorb less and dry faster (and shrink less when they do dry). And the forthcoming “Svelte 2” sole material offers a reliable alternative to felt. Metalheads are easy to slip on and off too. Retail for the boots is $159.99-$179.99.
Sam Houser of Korkers talks about the new Svelte 2 soles in the video below:
I bought my first pair of Korker Guide boots two years ago Ilove these boots and bought a pair for my wife as well. My problem is that I fish the Miramichi River for over 100 days each summer and the felts are wearing out and have been unable to find replacement soles.
My size is 11R KK 003/004. Can anyone help where I might be able to find new soles.
Thanks
Ken
I have some felts that I have never worn if you are interested in buying them. I purchased the Korker Chromes and have been using them. Just send me an email (we can negotiate a fair price) and I can get them sent out to you.
Best regards,
Jeff
j.medina@mchsi.com
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