Overview

The Korkers Bantam Lite is the most affordable way into Korkers' swap-sole boots, and it comes with both a felt sole and a Kling-On rubber 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.

It is a light, lower-profile boot that still supports your ankle, with a reinforced toe cap and traditional laces. Hydrophobic materials shed water and dry fast, which also helps keep invasive species from riding along between rivers, and internal channels drain water out so the boot does not stay heavy. Men's whole sizes 5 to 15.

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.