Rubber vs. Felt Soles // Side by Side Wading Review

I wore a felt Korker's Devil's Canyon on one foot, and a Korker's Chrome Lite Boot with a Rubber sole on the other in order to best compare the pro's and con's of each sole.

[justal]

Interesting review, Joe. My experience with (any) rubber soles is that they work great on dry rocks or for hiking, and little else. As soon as I enter the water, rubber is too slippery unless flows are way down. I use Korkers cleats all four seasons now, but will slip on sandals in the summer if I know I'm limiting my stepping into the water. Curious what's different about these new ones. ☮ from North Idaho.

[daveschlom]

I have the Devil's Canyon and the All Axis Korkers. My favorite soles if I am going to be in the water most of the time are the studded felts. But if you have to do a lot of hiking, the rubber is a better option. I love the All Axis because they feel like I am wearing a nice pair of trail runners. Super lightweight and they drain great. They are a nice summery option.

[kansasscout]

I hedged my bets. I have Korkers plain rubber soles, rubber soles with aggressive studs, and Felt. Love me some Korkers boots. Sadly Missouri where I do most of my fishing bans felt. I fished with Felt for years and had good results. Plain rubber was not so good. I had too many wild thrashings about to stay afoot with them.

[VicBranker]

Yesterday just purchased Korker's Chrome Lite Boots from Red's Fly Shop, based on Joe's excellent earlier released video comparing Korker's Devil Canyon vs Chrome Lite Boots. This video solidified my choice, thank you Joe!!!

[allenstilwell]

Hey Joe, I was wondering if you have done a follow-up video to see if these boots kept their grip after 6 to 8 months?

[johnyorchak]

Thanks Joe I always wondered if there was a big difference. I fish the Madison as much as I can and I’ve been using rubber soles for years with studs. I feel a bit more confident with that setup on some of the slipperyest (is that a word) rocks around. Hasn’t Yellowstone park banned felt as well as hook barbs?

[flyguy]

The simms flyweight with the tan vibram soles are far superior to any of the black rubber compounds in my experience. Almost as grippy as felt. I do expect they may not last super long, but they are great, especially for travel because they dry so much faster than felt.

[markmcelwain]

Joe, thanks for this comparison, super useful. Do you have much experience with Korkers’s Kling-on rubber soles? I have some old Korkers and stick with the felt soles 99% of the time because I find the rubber soles terrifying slick. Do you have a take on the grippiness of the kling-on compound vs the chrome lite compound?

[JoanJanes-rc]

I tried to purchase a pair on line but I don’t have PayPal only a Visa card and was unable to use it on your website you should correct that for us senior citizens.

[pierevojzola]

Hi, felt sole on any footwear forbidden in our angling waters as it may assist transfer of invasive species, e.g. Snot (Dydimo) from affected waters. All our boats and boots and waders have to be cleaned each day or if visiting separate waters. The joys of modern day angling in NZ paradise! Cheers mate Harera

[dedsert]

sandpaper won't bring rubber back to life. please change old tires, old rubber is harder and has less traction.

[paulkruse]

Yea I use to have Korkers until the interchangeable soles kept coming off. Lost so many in stream it wasn’t even funny.😡