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A good pair of wading boots can make or break your fishing experience.
Korkers are one of the established players in the world of wading boots. Their interchangeable sole system has gained many fans over the years, as it allows you to basically get multiple pairs of wading boots in one. The eternal question when it comes to fly fishing footwear has always been felt vs. rubber soles.
Both options have advantages and disadvantages. If you go for a pair of Korkers you don’t have to answer that question as they come with a felt sole and a rubber sole – and you can even add studs. For the 2025 season they premiered their new Bantam Lite Boots. We’ve put them to the test and tell you what we think of them.
The facts:
Price: USD 169.99
Interchangeable sole system
Traditional laces
EVA midsole
Height: 8″
Weight: 2lbs 8 oz
Warranty: 1 year
What’s New with the Bantam Lite?
As mentioned before, Korkers has been making wading boots with interchangeable soles – so that’s nothing new. What they focused on for their new boot is low weight without compromising stability. Compared to their flagship boot, the River Ops Boa, the Bantam Lite weighs almost a pound less (2lbs 8oz vs 3lbs 6 oz). A pound doesn’t sounds like too much at first, but relatively, it’s a weight reduction of 30%.
Key Features of the new Bantam Lite Boots
Thanks to their reduced weight, the Bantam Lite are a great choice if you tend to walk quite a bit to get to your fishing spot or if you travel a lot. On these trips any reduction in weight can make a difference.
The Bantam Lite come with traditional laces, EVA midsole for additional comfort and an internal drainage system that further helps to reduce the weight of the boots when in use by getting rid of excess water quickly.
Around the ankles, the Bantam Lite are equipped with an extra layer of foam padding. During our testing days, we found the boots to provide very good ankle support and stability. They almost feel a bit like a hiking boots and reminded me of the Patagonia Forra Boots, another one of my favorite wading boots when it comes to lightweight.
Final Thoughts on the Korkers Bantam Lite
I think Korkers have done a great job with their new Bantam Lite boots that are aimed at the traveling fly fishermen as well as fly fishermen who like to walk a lot. There’s also a women’s version available. As always with Korkers, you get a lot of value for money. The Bantam Lite comes in at $169.99.
GET THE BANTAM LITE AT KORKERS
GET THE KORKERS BANTAM LITE AT TRIDENT
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