Overview

The Korkers Devil's Canyon is one of the lightest boots Korkers makes, at about 2 lbs 14 oz a pair. A stretch cuff hugs your ankle for an athletic, glove-like fit, and a BOA M2 dial tightens it in seconds. It is a great boot for hiking into canyons and small streams. It comes with a Kling-On rubber sole and a studded Kling-On sole.

Korkers' OmniTrax system lets you pop one sole off and lock another on in seconds, so you can run felt on slick freestone rivers and rubber where felt is not allowed or when you have a long walk in. Extra soles, including studded versions, are sold separately. Rubberized anti-abrasion material, few seams, recessed triple stitching and a molded toe cap make it tougher than its weight suggests, and fast-drying materials drain and dry quickly.

Which wading boot is right for you? Felt soles grip best on slick, algae-covered rock, but some states and parks restrict felt, and it is slippery on mud, snow and trails. Rubber soles are legal everywhere, better for hiking in, and take studs for extra grip. For the best value, the Orvis Clearwater comes in rubber or felt. Most Korkers boots let you swap soles in seconds: the Bantam Lite is the budget pick with felt and rubber included, the DarkHorse and Devil's Canyon add BOA dial lacing, and the River Ops is the toughest. The Simms Freestone is a proven mid-price boot, and the Simms G3 Guide is built for anglers who wade nearly every day. Try boots on over your wader booties, not bare socks.