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Korkers Replacement Felt Soles (Guest Review)
by Richard Chappel

After stumbling and darn near breaking a leg in 38 degree water I decided it was time to supplement my natural grace and agility (ballet classes forgotten) by adding some traction. The extra weight I carry only seemed to hasten my accent, so I needed help.

What to do? I posed the question to our angling fraternity, chains or studs? The answer came back with a majority in favor of studs. I know, I know, there are people who believe studded soles or full blown Korker sandals cause irreparable damage to stream banks, etc. This is a decision you'll have to make for yourself. It's been my experience that the studded felt leaves less of a print than a golf shoe and since I quit climbing trees my footprints are all that's left behind except for an occasional pirouette on a good day.

Forward to the task. I purchased the studded soles from Cabela's for $21.95 and they are Korkers brand. No doubt available at many retail outlets. The kit came with contact cement ample to the task, and the soles have the studs installed (pushed through). An instruction sheet fully covers the" how to" but I'd like to add a few tips...

The soles are giant one size fits all and are one piece. My wife's freezer knife made quick work of paring these down to size and separating heel from toe. When you cut the soles try to keep away from the studs if possible, or at least try to keep about a half inch of sole between the stud and outer edge of the sole to prevent breakout. After I cut to fit size 10 I had several studs extra. Drilled small holes and put 'em back in an evenly spaced pattern.

My boots are felt soled and a have a years wear, consequently the soles had a dome shape, curved in both directions. This should be flattened across from left to right or I suppose right to left may work too. Maintaining the front to back curve will insure a measure of comfort after application. A sharp wood rasp will easily cut the old felt sole or a disc sander with a very rough grit would work as well. Don't forget the face mask...bad dog that dust!

The soles may be applied to rubber soles as well, but the same flattening operation must be performed to provide enough surface area for the cement to do its job, remember the heads of the studs don't really provide any adhesion.

The time required is about 3 hours including a required drying time between coats of cement. Ventilation advised.

Well I think that's it. Would I do it again ? In a minute.

Although I still can't walk on the water, I am very satisfied with the traction. Can't wear my waders in the kitchen anymore, but I suppose that's a small price to pay. What if I put a good dollop of craw scent between the soles next time? Yeah, I like that......