Ed Mitchell Outdoors

Korker Buckskin Wading Shoe: A Review

At the beginning of the season, I needed a new pair of wading shoes. So I searched around in the marketplace and spotted several pair made by Korker. To my knowledge, in the past, Korker only made tungsten studded sandals. For years in the salt, I used them  wherever rocks covered in bubble weed, or algae prevailed. So I was familiar with the brand, but what really caught my eye was this: interchangeable soles! Clever idea that.

Korker Buckskin Wading Shoe

Yes, in most freshwater applications felt soles rule. Okay, I understand. But today some freshwater locations don’t allow felts because of rock snot. And you don’t need felts if you  fish mainly sandy beaches or flats. And there are places were you want steel cleats. Hence interchangeable soles make economic sense.

The Korker Buckskin wading shoe is their least expensive model. They are offered with a wide variety of different soles – including felts, felts with studs, rubber, and rubber with studs. The price is reasonable, and they came in sizes up to 14# which I need. Moreover, I could order a package deal -the shoe and any two soles. And that’s what I did. I got the shoes with a pair of felts and a pair of rubber soles.

Korker Buckskin Wading Shoe – Felt Soles

How do the interchangeable soles lock into place? The red arrows in the above photo tells the story. Each soles locks in front with a tongue, in back with a rubber strap, and along the sides with plastic clips. But does it all actually work in the field? Yes. In use, I found these system to be very secure.

Korker Buckskin wading shoe Back Strap

The only issue I’ve seen so far with the interchangeable soles is this: you must take your time removing a sole. Don’t simply undo the back strap and try to yank the sole off. The side clips hold exceedingly well, and a hard pull can cause problems. See the photo below. Note the area where the welt has separated a hair from the bottom of the boot. I found it best to undo the back strap and then carefully pop the orange clips free with a flat bladed screwdriver. No big deal.

Remove each soles slowly

All said and done, I like the Korker Buckskin wading shoe and I love the interchangeable soles. A useful and practical idea. Perfect for me – felts for the stream, rubber for the flats. So I recommend them, if used with care. Happy wading.

Plastic fly boxes have improved. No question. Better plastic, better hinges, better latches, better foam, and more sizes and shapes then ever before. And today some are even water tight.

Plastic Fly Boxes have Improved

Years ago I relied mainly on metal boxes from Hardy and Perrine. Back then the only plastic fly box worth a hoot, in my opinion, was the Bonnand. Made from in France, they were transparent green, tough, “stackable” and had a brass hinge. Good stuff, and I still have one or two, but they are out of production. Today the tables are reversed, however. I relied mainly on plastic boxes. And why not? They are cheap, for the most part, sturdy, and work well.

Flambeau Slim Jim

Here are 3 inexpensive, clear plastic boxes that I like. First, in the photo above is a Flambeau “Slim Jim”. At 5/8″deep, this is narrow profile box, perfect for nymphs and small wets. It is clear plastic, measuring roughly 7″x 3 3/4″” The foam is flat, and holds quite a load of flies. What I like a lot about this box is that I can easily get 2 of them in one vest pocket! Love it. Shortcomings you ask? The plastic lid scratches over time and the box can be hard to open with wet hands. (Note, I’m not sure Flambeau markets this box directly anymore, but instead it is sold as the Wapsi Slim Jim, the Airflo Slim Jim, and as part of Cabela’s Slim Line. )

Myran Fly Box

The Swedish built Myran fly boxes are top notch. Made from clear MBS plastic, they are extremely tough, “snapped” together, and come in a number of sizes. Above you see two  8 compartment boxes connected to make a double-sided box. Very convenient! (And once together they stay put.) I have large dries on one side and smaller dries on the other. This double-sided affair fits inside a fishing shirt pocket. In the other pocket you could have nymphs and wets, and off you go! High marks for Myran boxes, a long time favorite. Shortcomings? None I’m aware of.

Plano Fly Box

This clear, ripple foam Plano box is a decent choice for dries, nymphs, wets, small streamers, or flats flies. The latch works reasonable well and the foam is decent. Size-wise it measures roughly 7 5/8″ x 4 1/2″ x 1 1/8″ deep.  It fits inside the larger pockets on my vest, but it also fits neatly inside my Fishpond lumbar pack.  And that is where I use it. Shortcomings? Yes with use the plastic lid will scratch. And the hinge pins show a little rust. Still I think you will find this box a useful item. ( update )