I have to begin with an important disclaimer: eight months ago, I suffered a severe ankle sprain that made me believe I wouldn’t be able to go fly fishing for a long time. After an MRI and consulting with three doctors, I was informed that I would require reconstructive surgery on my ankle, which would set me back another six months. However, I wasn’t going to let that stop me! In a bold move, I decided to purchase the Korkers River Ops boots and embarked on a trout-chasing adventure in the mountains. I am incredibly grateful that I upgraded to these boots from the Dark Horse model, as the River Ops boots offer better stability and ankle support. They strike a perfect balance, providing just enough flexibility while keeping my ankle secure. Without these boots, I don’t know how I would have been able to continue fishing. I absolutely love them!
The durability of these boots is truly impressive. They are slightly stiffer compared to other Korkers wading boot models. Over my 13 years of fly fishing, I have tried many different brands, but finally, I have found my go-to brand and boots. While I have previously owned lower-end Korker boots that performed well, they didn’t measure up to the exceptional performance of the River Ops boots.
It’s important to address the price from the get go of the Korkers River Ops boots, as they do come with a hefty price tag of $299. However, I can confidently say that these boots are worth every penny based on my personal experience with this particular boot and the brand as a whole. While it’s true that they are currently one of the most expensive boots on the market, the features and performance they offer justify the investment.
One standout feature of these boots is the BOA system, which allows for quick release and fast tightening. Once you switch to the BOA system, it’s hard to imagine ever going back to traditional shoelaces. There’s no need to untie and retie your laces; simply give the BOA system one or two clicks clockwise, and you’re ready to hit the trail.
In addition, these boots are lightweight and equipped with built-in quick drain holes, ensuring efficient water drainage.
However, with Korkers’ interchangeable system, I can easily replace the bottoms and restore the boots to their original condition. This feature is especially useful when traveling, as felt bottoms are prohibited in many places due to the risk of transferring unwanted species. I always carry a few extra felt bottoms for convenience. If you opt for felt bottoms, I recommend purchasing the studded ones, as they provide superior grip and traction compared to plain felt soles.
Another noteworthy aspect is the two-year warranty offered by Korkers. Their customer service is highly responsive and always ready to assist with any boot-related concerns. They truly stand behind their products.
Now, let’s address a minor drawback: personally, I found that there wasn’t enough padding just above the ankle, which made walking long distances somewhat uncomfortable. However, wearing an additional layer of socks seemed to alleviate this issue. With that said, I’m eager to see how these boots hold up against the constant beating they’ll endure this summer out west.
In conclusion, the Korkers River Ops boots are a clear winner. With their interchangeable bottoms, BOA system, and enhanced ankle support, they are both durable and reliable. These boots are built to last for years, and the two-year warranty further reinforces their quality.
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