So, I have held off on this review for a couple of months as I really wanted to put these puppies to the test before letting off any steam about the woes I may endure with them. I eagerly stepped into the new pair of Korkers K5 Bomber wading boots after having the previous pair of Korker boots, a first run KGB set, go the way of the dodo after little more than a year.  So, I didn’t want to rush to conclusions with the K5s, as I have been known to be hard on my gear, especially when I am up in the back country freestone streams. And let’s face it, the first port of call for abuse of gear is going to be the boots, and with the way I treat them, I need something that is up for the challenge.

Having pointed out previously that Korkers really need to release an “Australiana” boot, ready for the rigors of both Australian and New Zealand conditions, I thought perhaps it was not so much the conditions they faced, but the pressure I tended to put on them that was the issue. So, I thought it paramount to not jump too eagerly into a review of the K5 Bomber boots until I had given them half a chance to fail miserably beneath my feet. That gets us to ten weeks later and a pair of K5s that are taking the beating in good standing.

Firstly, coming out of a pair of Korkers KGB boots, I felt like I was walking on air with the K5s. These are simply the most comfortable boots I have ever waded in. The padding up around the ankle area means that the rigid support structure from the boots doesn’t go noticed at all. You simply feel like your feet are wrapped in pillows and ready for anything. The triple stitching around the boot shows a great improvement on previous models where this has proven to be a weak point. Now, the stitching is recessed so you don’t grind it down working your feet between rocks in freestone streams. This is a major benefit for a lot of the fishing I get up to, that’s for sure.

Like previous Korkers boots, the interchangeable OmniTrax sole system allows you to tailor your boots to the conditions your are fishing. Mine came with both felt and Kling-On sticky rubber soles. Now, I know this to be a problem every time I get new soles and thought about going with an older set of Vibram soles I had kicking about, but I launched straight out with the new rubber soles and really wish I hadn’t. Yes, they offer great grip on a variety of surfaces and conditions, but they always let you down the first few outings until they are worn a little. I almost went A over T with my second step in the river and had to step gingerly for the rest of the week, as I slipped and slid my way around some hairy conditions. Given about forty hours worth of use and they were spot on, but I really recommend getting a bit of time on dry concrete with these soles before taking them into the river. Wear them in a little and you will be most thankful when it comes to getting them wet.

Other than the woes of fresh soles, there is little to no major negative points when it comes to these boots. Except the new locking lace cleat two thirds of the way up the boot. I liked the old system. It was simple, elegant and it worked. This new locking cleat seems somewhat over-engineered and really just locks up when you don’t want it to. It’s a nice idea, but it just doesn’t work as well as the theory suggests it should. Aside from that, these boots are brilliant and I am looking forward to stepping into them again in a few days time to further put them through their paces. Try and get the Korkers K5 Bombers to fail on you. You be walking along way to achieve this, and should even catch a fish or two on the journey as well.