>>2457402>You have a Patagonia outlet store by you?There are, no doubt, objectively better wading boots than Korkers in a one-sole, one-piece option (although the Korkers are still very good, especially in the toughness and protection category). You always sacrifice something for versatility, and weight is definitely one of those things, since you need attachment points and a pull-tab to swap soles.
However, the ability to get out of the stream, switch soles, and then walk for miles while saving the felt's durability, or just go with rubber in winter when felt will take on water and freeze, with one pair of boots is great.
And when you do wear out the felt soles, you simply order more (or have some stockpiled). Not saying you can't get traditional boots refurbished, but it can be a pain in the ass.
I keep them in my trunk (always after sterilizing and completely drying, of course) at all times along with some Chota hip waders, a tenkara rod, a tiny little 2 wt fly rod, and my diminutive bare basics sling pack (also water and foil retort bags of trail mix), just in case I need to pull over and fish at any time.
