Korkers new Stealth Sneaker is a hybrid of the wading sneakers we’ve seen develop in reputation recently and the tried-and-true wading boots we’ve used for many years. It’s additionally the only most unusual piece of wading gear I’ve ever reviewed, and much and away probably the most snug.
Again in my center faculty/junior excessive days, I attempted to get into skateboarding. I by no means might determine a kickflip, and the one good factor from that part was the sneakers. Skate sneakers are snug, and after I first tried on the Stealth Sneaker, that’s precisely what I used to be reminded of. In the event you’ve ever worn skate sneakers earlier than, you’ll know what I’m speaking about. Your ft are free sufficient to maneuver and flex as you stroll, however safe sufficient you’re not in peril of slipping and tripping over your self.
The Stealth Sneaker is a part of Korkers’ new Wade Lite assortment, and I undoubtedly see a spot for these boots in my everlasting rotation, particularly at their $149.99 worth level.
These boots aren’t meant to exchange the bomber-style River Ops, or different related beefy boot choices. Heavy-duty footwear like that has a time and a spot. What the Stealth Sneaker presents is an excellent expertise for the occasions whenever you’re not thigh-deep in a salmon river, or stumbling over car-sized boulders chasing steelhead.
What Works
Weight and Consolation
As a part of the Wade Lite assortment, the objective with the Stealth Sneaker is to offer a terrific wading expertise in as gentle a bundle as doable. They clock in at 2.2 kilos per pair, which is considerably lower than the three kilos, 6 ounces per pair of the River Ops BOA boots.
My good fishing buddy Alex purchased the Stealth Sneakers the identical time that my pair confirmed up and we used them for the primary time whereas fishing collectively right here in Wyoming. The primary phrases out of our mouths, nearly concurrently, had been “Holy crap, these boots are gentle.”
You nearly don’t really feel them as you’re strolling. It’s like sporting a pair of tennis sneakers. The match is cosy sufficient that you simply really feel steady and safe, however free sufficient that your ft can flex and react to uneven surfaces.
These are the primary pair of wading boots I’ve worn that aren’t terrible for driving in.
Traction
I didn’t anticipate the Stealth Sneaker to provide me the identical stage of traction and stability I get from Korkers’ River Ops boots. Nevertheless, I used to be pleasantly stunned at simply how grippy and steady these boots had been, particularly on my native creek. The stream by my home is steep pocket water flowing over giant boulders, so it’s not simple wading. The Stealth Sneakers had been greater than as much as the job, nonetheless, and positively made the lengthy stroll from my truck to the river extra satisfying.
The Stealth Sneaker makes use of the identical Kling-On Rock outsole you’ll discover on the Chrome Lite boots, and Korkers does promote an non-obligatory Xtra-Chew carbide screw-in cleat set for added traction. I’d suggest shopping for these, as including them to my Stealth Sneakers actually upped their traction. It provides a tiny little bit of weight, however not sufficient to be noticeable.
Sturdiness
For $149.99, these boots really feel sturdier than I anticipated. The Stealth Sneaker is designed to be as gentle as doable, so most of the sturdiness options you’ll discover on costlier boots aren’t current. There are not any molded toe caps, or a rugged exoskeleton.
You do get steel eyelets for the laces, strengthened with a sturdier leather-like materials, and that very same materials is discovered within the heel cup and prime cap, to stop abrasion on the material that makes up a lot of the boot. Korkers calls this a “ballistic seamless loom know-how” cloth that delivers abrasion resistance, and from my expertise, it does.
I’ve put these boots by the wringer on lengthy hikes by the backcountry, steep descents in slender canyons, and wading boulder-strewn rivers with heavy present. They don’t present any indicators of falling aside, all of the seams are intact, and even the laces have held up properly. I don’t anticipate to get a whole bunch of hard-use days out of them, however once more, that’s not what they’re designed for. These are the boots of alternative for lengthy days trekking by meadows within the mountains, or after-work classes on the native creek.
What Doesn’t Work
Longer Laces Please
I’ve come again round to having fun with lace closures on my boots (BOA is actually extra handy, however I’ve discovered laces match my ft higher), however these ones simply don’t provide sufficient adjustment. An extended set of laces—spherical as an alternative of flat—would seemingly safe my ft a bit extra, and keep in place longer. Maybe elevating the boot one other half-inch in top, and including another row of eyelets, might assist as properly, however I’m unsure how a lot weight that may add.
Ultimate Phrase
Wading boots have been largely by-product for years, and new ones felt like retreads of different designs. Korkers’ Stealth Sneaker is the primary one I’ve used that’s felt new, and I applaud Korkers for going out on this limb. They’re gentle, agile, and excellent for the overwhelming majority of trout fishing, particularly up within the excessive nation. I wouldn’t hesitate to make use of the Stealth Sneaker on the vast majority of my favourite rivers, since they provide loads of traction and stability.
It’s laborious to overstate simply how snug and lightweight these boots are. They’re the primary boot I might realistically take into consideration sporting for hours-long hikes with out my ft immediately hurting on the concept.
It is also value nothing that, for rookies who want to begin on a price range, at $149.99, it’s laborious for me to think about one other boot I’d suggest first.
BUY KORKERS STEALTH SNEAKER
