The Bantam Lite in its maximum-grip package — shipping with felt and Studded Kling-On soles. Korkers describes Studded Kling-On as ideal for extremely slippery aquatic environments where felt is not an option, which is a fair description of a lot of western Colorado water in spring.
The Bantam Lite itself is Korkers' hiking-inspired boot: speed laces with non-corrosive hardware, EVA midsole, internal ankle wrap, protected stitching at heel and toe. 8 inches, 2 lb 8 oz per pair, and the broadest size run Korkers offers at 5 through 15.
How to run this pair. Felt for your home river where nothing beats it on algae-covered rock. Studded Kling-On when you travel to another drainage, or when the wading turns genuinely slick and you want carbide biting into stone. Swapping takes about a minute and no tools — toe clips in, heel strap secured, step down.
That flexibility matters here: felt is the best-known carrier of whirling disease spores and didymo between drainages because it stays wet for days. Having a studded rubber sole in the bag means you never have to choose between traction and doing right by the river.
Specs
- Upper: hiking-inspired; EVA midsole with internal ankle wrap; protected stitching at heel counter and toe
- Closure: speed lace, non-corrosive hardware
- Height / weight: 8 inches; 2 lb 8 oz per pair
- Sizes: 5–15, whole sizes only
- Soles included: felt and Studded Kling-On (OmniTrax 3.0)
Current pricing is on the selector above.
A note on studs and boats: carbide studs and drift boat floors do not get along, and some outfitters will ask you to leave studded soles on the bank. The advantage of this system is that you can swap to plain felt or add a smooth Kling-On sole for boat days — all OmniTrax soles are sold separately.
If you fish salt: Korkers markets the Bantam Lite for saltwater too, but their warranty excludes rust and corrosion damage, including from saltwater. Rinse thoroughly after every day in salt.
Warranty: Rock Solid Guarantee — one year on defects, soles included. Korkers publishes no country of manufacture.
Sizing: whole sizes only; boots go over wader booties, so plan on roughly a full size above your street shoe. Spare soles are unisex and sized to the boot. Call 970-964-9991 or bring your waders by and we will sort the fit.
Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.
