Korker Alternatives? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Got Stripers · 12-01-2002, 09:58 AM

I've read all the hype on korkers and yes I know from experience how slippery wet rocks can get, but then again 75% of the time I'm casting to them from the comfort of my boat

. Then again, I'm spending more time on shore now and figure that it might be time. I've also read some of the posts about how quickly they can fall apart, so I'm curious if something I saw in the Auto Sport mail order catalog might be a viable alternative. They are called Stabil-Icers, designed in Maine if you believe the story, 34 steel cleats around the perimeter of a vibram sole and a velcro strap at the toe and one that goes from the heal up around the angle. They are only $49 or if you buy a slip on flexible sport model for only $39. I doubt the sport model would be worth while with the ristrictions of fit, unless you used it during the summer months for going over sneakers or lighter hiking boots. Curious if anyone has used them, plus what other althernatives might be available.

JohnR · 12-01-2002, 11:19 AM

GS - have not seen or used anything else but Korkers, well felt soles has it's place too... My personal thought is that you can find the lace up Korkers somewhere cheap and they work great over the lightweight wader boots used over stocking foot waders. Much more comfortable and lightweight than traditional waders with the boot foot.

With the lace up Korkers, not only are they cheaper but I think a little tougher too (and lighter). The hard strap Korkers are much more coin AND seem to take a little less beating (I need to replace a couple clips on mine). But they are SO much more comfortable with boot foot waders. Not really an isuue with Wader Boots.

I have VERY wide feet, so finding comfort in wader boots has been tough until now...

I would be interested in seeing those other creepers you talk about

hooked · 12-01-2002, 11:54 AM

I usually use the lace up Korkers over wading boots.

I tried these over a pair of old sneakers this past summer.

http://www.yaktrax.com/pages/1/index.htm

The walker model isn't durable for granite. I tore up a pair in one outing. I'm waiting for the warranty replacements to arrive (upgraded to Pro).

I'll probably give them a try if I go ice fishing. Has anyone else tried these with better results?

Jaiem · 12-01-2002, 11:43 PM

I agree. Nothing beats Korkers. I prefer the lace-up style too. I also screw them into my wader boot (a 1.5" sheet metal screw horizontally through the heel).

JohnR · 12-02-2002, 08:24 AM

Hooked - those look like they would come apart quickly on the rocks, or worse, trip ya. Have you had any problems with those snagging something?

Thanks...

John

Krispy · 12-02-2002, 08:57 AM

Im looking at a Korker alternative right now that would be applied directly to the boot, like a tire retread, a brand new sole. With replacable SS studs or maybe ceramic studs. It could be put on either bootfoot waders or stocking foot boots.

RickBomba · 12-02-2002, 09:03 AM

I have the hard-strap Korkers and they've been 100% for me since I got them three years ago. I got them from Fisherman's HQ in Jersey; I think they were 75 bucks or so. I'd never go to anything else...but they did cost nearly as much as my waders, which I just thought of now.
Anyway,
Later,
Rick

hooked · 12-02-2002, 12:08 PM

No problem with being tripped or getting snagged. They did provide decent traction before the rubber on the bottoms split (both broke where the rubber crosses in the front).

I'll hang onto them for slipping over Tevas or sneakers next summer and for light use only. If the Pro model holds up better, I'll post.

I wouldn't recommend these for a night on the rocks and if you have a choice, save the $20 towards Korkers. (I got these at 50% off this summer when all my local shops were out of Korkers in my size)

Krispy, Korkers sells what you are looking for too.

http://www.korkers.com/sport/felt.htm

Looks like something you could probably do yourself if you've got spikes and felt.

Krispy · 12-02-2002, 12:47 PM

Hooked, thats not what im talking about.
First, the ones Im looking into are not removable. They take off and replace the sole w/ a new one, permanently.
Second, I wouldnt trust those for even light duty, when the "Extreme" Korkers cant hold up to 1 night of RI Surfcasting. They are crap, including the lace ups. I have the problem of the STRAPS wearing thru. They're to HEAVY. The studs RIP OUT easily.

Young Salt · 12-02-2002, 01:52 PM

Krispy, I've been thinking about getting the same thing. I already have boots with regular felt on them. They're about six years old, and the felt is wearing thin from the many miles they've covered.

I want to buy a replacement pair, but so far i've only seen one type. They've got steel studs that are permanantly set into the felt. You said the ones you've seen have replacable studs? That would be much better than what i've seen.

Krispy · 12-02-2002, 02:33 PM

YS, what they do is grind down the sole and replace it w/ a new one that has 23 sockets in it. Studs, similar to Korkers can be screwed in. There made from a tungsten carbide core w/ a SS shell.
Ill let you know how things work out.
Krispy

Krispy · 12-02-2002, 02:35 PM

Its like melting a Korker directly onto your boot

Young Salt · 12-02-2002, 02:38 PM

So, you can unscrew all of the studs and use them like regular wading boots?

Krispy · 12-02-2002, 02:44 PM

Theoreticly, yes. But the actual "rivets" imbedded into the sole are quite larger than Korkers, so there is a large metal surface area exposed per stud (nickel sized) where it screws in. This also keeps them from tearing out easily. Also I dont know about getting dirt or sand lodged into the screw holes.

JohnR · 12-02-2002, 02:50 PM

Krispy - I volunteer to try out your, err, product

Krispy · 12-02-2002, 04:28 PM

UPDATE- These can only be done to rubber soled boots. Some soles are made of PVC, which wont work. Also, only ceramic studs are available. These are comprable to SS studs. 50 replacement studs for around $20. Cost for retrofit will be less than Korkers.
Krispy

Bill L · 12-02-2002, 07:37 PM

I bought a pair of Nokian rubber boots with carbide studs this year for the breachway, and they have worked out very well. Each boot takes 35 studs - I was worried at first, because I lost about 6 studs after walking in the driveway immediately after putting the studs in -- but no more have fallen out since (I dont think I had them in tight enough, they wedge in). These boots are light and don't get in my way like Korkers do. I find the Korkers somewhat bulky and clumsy, and the last straw was when I amost broke my neck when one of the tag ends from the straps came loose and I stepped on it with the other foot. These are only knee-highs, I wear them with bib pants. The studs aren't as large as Korkers, so they may not work as well on heavy weed.