Korkers and Simms are two of the most popular wading boot brands. While both offer great quality, they also have sole, customization, weight, and warranty policy differences.
Wading boots might seem a bit unnecessary as it’s similar to hiking boots. But once you get into a river, as a strong current pushes your leg on rocks, only then can you truly understand a wading boot’s true purpose.
However, the plethora of options on the market makes it hard for buyers to decide. Comparing Korkers and Simms wading Boots will help you pick the best suit according to your need.
A Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | Korkers Wading Boots | Simms Wading Boots |
| Sole | Felt or Rubber Sole Options | Felt or Rubber Sole Depending on the model |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Customization | Yes | No |
| Drainage | Excellent | Good |
| Size options | Less | More |
| Price | $119 – $300 | $100 – $324 |
| Warranty | 1 or 2 years of warranty, depending on the product | 60 days replacement and 1 year of warranty |
Key Differences Between Korkers And Simms Wading Boots
- Sole
The sole under your wading boots is a key consideration while purchasing. Typically there are two types of soles, felt and rubber soles and both brands offer them.
However, Korkers allows the customers to choose the sole with any wading, while Simms doesn’t have that option. Budget-wading boots from Simms have felt soles, while the premium ones come with rubber soles. This sole selection option puts Korkers ahead in this comparison.
- Weight
Weight is another crucial factor for any boot, especially wading ones. The weight will ultimately affect your user experience in terms of mobility and comfort.
When you need to wear your wading boots for a long time, a lightweight one will make the experience way more comfortable.
You need to find the perfect balance between comfort and weight. Excessively lightweight boots can cause pain as they lack cushioning. In the weight department, Korkers wading boots are lighter than much heavier Simms wading boots.
Also Read: Differences Between BRUNT And Thorogood Boots.
- Customization
The customization option will allow the users to make their boots suitable for various situations. While customization is a very handy feature, most brands out there lack this feature.
In that regard, Korkers comes to the rescue as they have a patented interchangeable outsole system.
This way, you can change the outsole easily according to the traction and terrain. Unfortunately, Simms wading boots don’t have any such option.
- Drainage
A wading boot must drain well if you want a comfortable experience in the long run.
Wading boots are meant for use in water.
If the water that gets inside doesn’t drain properly, it can increase the weight of the boot and damage your skin.
The moisture can cause unwanted bacteria too inside the boots.
In that regard, both Korkers and Simms come with a drainage hole to get the water out.
However, Korkers seems to do it more effectively with their internal channels and midsole ports. Their hydrophobic material also dries a lot quicker.
- Size options
If your boot size doesn’t fit perfectly on your feet, it can cause various issues like injury and deformities. So, having various size options available will make wading boots available to a wider customer base.
In that regard, Simms wading boots seem to have the upper hand as all their boots come in men’s and women’s sizes. On the other hand, Korkers mostly have men’s sizes available with a few women-specific fit.
- Price
The cost of your wading boot will justify the value of your products worth. So, it’s important to see how much your products cost and how much value it provides.
In this regard, both Korkers and Simms have similar price ranges for their wading boots. If you are looking for budget options, Simms has a slightly lower starting price than Korkers.
- Warranty
Last but not least, warranty is another differentiating factor we need to discuss here. While both Korkers and Simms wading boots have the excellent build quality, you can always need a warranty due to their type of usage.
In that regard, Korkers offers one or two years of warranty, depending on the boot. On the other hand, Simms has 60 days replacement and 1 year of warranty for their wading boots.
Which Wading Boot Will Be Better Suited For You?
As you can see above, both Simms and Korkers wading boots have pros and cons. In terms of comfort and build quality, both brands are equal, but the other aspects mentioned above will decide which brand is suitable for you.
If you are after customization lightweight, drainage, and longer warranty, then Korkers wading boots are for you. Otherwise, Simms wading boots can also be an exciting companion for you on your next fishing trip.
Also Read: Differences Between Simms And Orvis Waders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Korker boots are worth every penny due to their; high quality and longevity. So many factors come in to make the perfect wading boot. Including sole, drainage, customization, and warranty, Korkers wading boots seem to get everything right.
While Korkers is based in Oregon, the manufacturing is completely china based. The manufacturing plant is situated in Dongguan, China, and the sales and distribution go on in North America.
Yes, expensive wading boots are worth it for several reasons. Firstly, expensive wading boots have hybrid materials to make the construction more durable. Then there are advanced lacing mechanism, better sole, and lightweight that makes your extra investment worthwhile.
Unlike Korkers, Simms wading boots are made in the USA, maintaining strict quality control. The factory is located in Bozeman, Montana, and the boots are made with imported materials.
Final Thought
That’s a wrap for today. I hope my article will be handy in figuring out the differences between Korkers and Simms wading boots and purchasing the better-suited option for yourself. These days people have been more interested than ever in wading boots due to their safe and flexible fishing experience.
As you have seen above, both Korkers and Simms offers great wading boots to fulfill customers’ demand. While both brands have their strengths and weaknesses, you should choose the one that suits your priorities.
