korker shoes

SteelieSlammer · 08-07-2005, 01:53 PM

I got a pair of korkers and the interchangeable soles are constantly coming unhooked. They have a piece of velcro on the bottome of the shoe and top of the sole. This adhesive came loose and now the sometimes slip off. Usually this wouldn't be a problem but it has happened crossing streams. Anybody have this happen and what did you use to re-attach the velcro to the shoe?

bauer buoy · 08-07-2005, 02:20 PM

My velcro came off after the first month, They will still work. Be sure the sole is fastened in the shoe tightly. check the front and the sides too. be sure to strap it tightly. I'm still using the same soles and I'm not having any problems. That was two yrs ago.

Jennie@ifish · 08-07-2005, 03:03 PM

Weird. Both Bill and I have had ours for two years, with no problem with that.

The only problem I have had is that they seem to have shrunk a bit after getting wet and then laying out in the sun.

I want to try their sandals, which are featured in the latest STS.

Jen

cphatts · 08-07-2005, 03:39 PM

I would return them, Korkers is pretty good about returns.

Fish'nDude · 08-07-2005, 03:52 PM

Korkers is well aware of the problem. Bring them back to the factory at:

Korkers Products
3155 NW Yeon Ave.
Portland, OR. 97210

If you explain your disappointment with their product in a polite manner they will give you a new pair. I've got a couple of buddies who had the same failures and they were replaced with a new pair without any problem. The Korkers are not designed for heavy use (not intentionally) and they are trying to come up with a design change to fix the problem for the next models. If you have a smaller foot while you�re down there they might ask you to be a field tester for their prototype designs. They are really trying to fix their design problem, Korker is an excellent company and this is unusual for them to have quality/design errors. This local company has been around along time and has always been know for its high quality products.

I haven�t had any problem with mine yet but I haven�t worn them even a dozen times.

rhansme · 08-07-2005, 04:27 PM

I have the same problem with mine. I gave up wearing them last year. I tried new soles, but the velcro hooks were just plain wore out. I have tried contacting Korkers via email and never have received a reply. I was tempted to just use Glue on the soles. I like the boots, but it is not worth it when they come apart while 4 miles from your truck, an or another pair of boots. ( I always carry spares )

Jennie@ifish · 08-07-2005, 04:29 PM

That is too bad! Good to know, though!

I'm sure glad I don't have that problem. Mine have been really tough! Maybe I got a later pair?

Jen

buzzerbaby · 08-07-2005, 04:34 PM

I've had it happen on more than one occasion, the first time they sent me replacements that worked fine for a month or so before they started coming undone, a quick call got me a new set of soles but unfortunately these are doing it again :depressed:. at least they (korkers) have had good customer service for me and sent out new soles at no cost, but it's still not worth taking the chance crossing anything dicey.oh well next time I'll stick with danners.

Navigator · 08-07-2005, 05:55 PM

I too have had this problem. Generally, I am not satisfied. I will write the company.

The problem I have is with their studded felts as well as carbine cleats. Not only have I had the soles fall out (once, while fighting a steelhead) but with both types of studded soles - I have had the soles delaminate (i.e., separate). This isn't about wear and tear. I just had my carbine cleats new this weekend. They just can't handle the punishment of grinding against Deschutes lava.

They are a big investment, so I will begin experimenting with fixes and will post based on my success.

I like the concept - just tougher to implement.

mwade16 · 08-07-2005, 06:05 PM

I have a pair of the sandals that strap over your wading shoes, cant leave home without them, I love em!

bauer buoy · 08-07-2005, 08:59 PM

mine lasted the lasted two yrs. in the Deschutes in hard core fishing and I have no problem with my felted sole spikes.

Grandpa Lynn · 08-08-2005, 06:56 AM

I got mine last Christmas, and have had the same problems with them ALL THE TIME, with the studded soles (only soles I use). Some days all I'm doing is walking along a path, and they come out. Other times I'll be wading in the stream. I'm beginning to wish I hadn't purchased them. By the time you purchase the basic shoe (with the soles I've never used) and then purchase the studded soles, you have A LOT OF MONEY invested in them.

I have to stop what I'm doing, sit down on a rock, and put the soles back in. Some days, I have to do this several times in a 2-3 hour fishing trip. Others days, no problems at all.

The biggest problem is when you're crossing a stream and it happens. What do you do, when you're out in the middle of the stream, part way across, and now you lost your felt sole and the studs, because the sole came out? One of these days, it's going to happen to someone, and they're going to die! Who's resposibel now? Defective product?

Grandpa

SteelieSlammer · 08-08-2005, 03:16 PM

I'll try taking them in, but i dont' have my reciept anymore.

rhansme · 08-09-2005, 08:10 PM

I have to admit that today Korkers has responded to my email I sent last night. I thank them for that. I will see what follows and let you know.

Raymond Hansmeier

rhansme · 08-25-2005, 05:51 AM

Korkers has authorized a Return for my old boots. They are going to replace them. Thank You Korkers.

Raymond Hansmeier

rhansme · 09-01-2005, 05:51 PM

Update:

Korkers has received my boots, but have not as yet replaced them. I have a running email thread with one of their reps who is trying to help. I must admit this is a long process and I would like some sort of resolution soon.

Jennie@ifish · 09-01-2005, 06:29 PM

I'd like to assist, but they are no longer sponsors on ifish, so I don't have a contact for you.
Jen

rhansme · 09-01-2005, 08:37 PM

Thanks Jen,

They authorized an RMA and I returned my boots to them as they requested. I have been working with Suzanne and she is trying to be helpful, but passed me to another rep who has not taken the time to do anything. They say they looked at the boots and the soles seemed to fit ok. We'll we all know that they fit fine dry, but get them on in a river and try wading across rocks and have one of the soles come off and flapping around your ankles while midstream is not a pleasure, as others have experienced with this product. At this point I just want them returned or replaced. This is now going on into the second month and I am ready to have my
boots back. I will just glue the old soles in place with shoe goo and call it good.

Red · 09-02-2005, 08:07 AM

Yo,

Sounds like their holding your boots for RHANSME.

Sorry, my bad.
Thats a long time to be without boots !! I almost bought some of those boots just before I heard all the bad press. Thank god they were too narrow. Good Luck

Jennie@ifish · 09-02-2005, 09:25 AM

...and I like them BECAUSE they are narrow! :smile:

Bill and I have owned ours for over two years. Wear them daily during steelhead season and we have not had this problem occur for either of us.

That begs the question if they are produced the same? Did they change something?

I just can't understand why I hear this from some, but not from all. I think I'd give the boots an A plus, in all ways. I absolutely adore mine, or I wouldn't have had them sponsor ifish to begin with.

Jen

rhansme · 09-02-2005, 10:37 PM

Quote:

I am sending out a new pair today. You should receive them on Tuesday, (due to the holiday).

Looks like they are on their way. My thanks to Korkers (Suzanne) for standing up and doing the right thing.

From what I learned from this process is that all new Korkers will not have the velcro lock system in the mid sole area. :whazzup:
I do not know how well they will perform without some method to secure the sole other than the front toe area. If it were me I would also make the heel area similar to the front. You would have to bend the sole to get install it at first, then you would have a much more secure fit. Seems simple to me.