Korkers is a well known boot manufacturer which originated in our backyard here in the Northwest. They have made quite the name for themselves locally as a fantastic boot manufacturer. Their story started helping create footwear for loggers sending logs down rivers. They needed a solution which allowed the men to grip to the wet logs. Some old tires and carbide spikes is what started their legacy. Soon after they were making wading footwear for steelhead fishermen on the notoriously slippery Umpqua river and the rest is history. Now they are a force to be reckoned with in regards to quality, modular footwear of all types. Today we are focused on their wading footwear and accessories; to be specific their “River Ops” boot.
Korkers River Ops boot is their “guide” boot; meaning it is their toughest, most robust boot they offer. It would have to hold up to the use and abuse a guide would put them through season after season. The boots come in two distinct models: Lace up and one with a “BOA” lacing system. For this review, I am speaking on behalf of my experience with the lace up model. These boots feature a robust construction and despite their bombproof build, they are surprisingly light and comfortable. My favorite features of these boots are: The ability to swap soles, synthetic/non-absorbent construction, depressed stitching, and robust construction which provides exceptional ankle support. Below I will go into more depth on the features I love.
Exo-Tec: is Korker’s synthetic composite outer which wicks water away while still providing support. The synthetic feature of the construction allows for these boots to remain extremely light while they are wet, and dry off even faster after a day on the river. This feature also aids in being able to hike longer, as the boots do not absorb as much water and remain much lighter than others. Boots that stay soggier longer in your garage deteriorate quicker. I often find my boots are almost dry by the next day.

Protected Stitch: This is one of my favorite features of this boot. The River Ops feature depressed stitching on almost every seam of the boot. This means that abrasions from rocks, logs, etc. will not fray your stitching. The stitching of your boots is arguably the most important aspect and Korkers did a great job providing this feature on their higher end models like the River Ops, Devils Canyon, & Darkhorse.

Internal Drain: This is a brilliant feature of Korkers wading boots which is made possible by their modular sole system. Excess water drains from the inside of the boot through ports where the soles meet the boot. This is especially apparent when stepping out of the water, you can see excess water exit the boot. This makes the hike to your next spot more enjoyable.
Ankle Support: This boot provides excellent ankle support. This is why I originally chose these boots, and it is why I just replaced my original ones with another pair. I grew up skateboarding so my ankles need all the extra support they can get. I sometimes find myself exploring a new stream far out of cell service by myself and it makes me feel safe knowing my boots will properly support my ankles and I will not have a problem.

Soles: The feature everyone knows Korkers for is their modular soles. This is a wonderful feature that allows one pair of boots to do it all. Felt is a fantastic sole option here in the Northwest, but it also is great at harboring bacteria and other invasive species. Some states even outlaw felt, the nice thing about these boots is that you can constantly mix and match different soles without having to buy a different pair of boots all together. All boots come stock with two soles, and the River Ops is the only boot to come stock with Vibram soles. From the factory, you can either order Vibram and felt, or studded Vibram and standard Vibram soles. There are 9 sole options that are compatible between the Omnitrax Series and the Triple Threat Series of Soles. My favorite all around sole for local fishing is the studded felt sole.
I cannot recommend these boots enough. Often when helping a customer pick what’s right for them, I go to the products that have served me well, that I have great experiences with. The River Ops checks all the boxes for me and I was so happy with my first pair, that when it was time for a fresh pair of boots, it was a no brainer on what I was getting. The boots start at $259 for the standard lace, and jump to $299 for the BOA version. Your boots are arguably your most important piece of gear next to your rod, fly line, and fly choice. Good boots are not necessarily essential to catch a fish, but they are an essential piece of gear needed to keep you upright and not floating down the river. They are the only piece of gear to carry you around that riverbend to the next hole.
-Simon