Richard Yvon – circa 1980’s Grindstone River, NY

In the beginning…

Rich Yvon started streamside fishing in the early 1980s. He spent all his leisure time fishing rivers and streams in the Northeast. After graduating to steelhead river fishing through the ’80s, he found himself needing better stability and safety running the water in upper-state New York. When He first tried on his first pair of Korker tie on “river cleats”, his world had changed forever. Fly fishing water in swift currents was now not only safe but had given him the confidence to pursue the love of steelhead in swift, hydro rivers. As time passed he graduated to the buckle and strap cleats. Korkers has evolved today, a very diversified and outdoor staple for Rich. Now with the Omni Trax system, Korkers is the most diversified boot company on the planet. The product line addresses all of Rich’s outdoor shoe needs for wading, ice fishing, snowshoeing, and outdoor adventuring. Guiding in Maine, Korkers is a must-have and a necessity for his four seasons of outdoor guided adventure work.

” I highly recommend Korkers products for anyone looking for the absolute best boot and tread solutions for any active outdoors person “

~ Richard A Yvon, – Maine Registered Guide and Lodge owner for Twin Maple Outdoors

Photo: Richard Yvon – Circa 2012, East Outlet, Kennebec River, Maine

About Korkers

Korkers designs develops and distributes all-terrain footwear featuring patented adaptable traction so outdoor enthusiasts can optimize their traction performance for every terrain and weather condition in and out of the water.

Our Roots

The Korkers brand was born over 50 years ago on the rugged and treacherous riverbanks of the Rogue River near Grants Pass, Oregon. Made by hand, using scrap rubber, nylon cord, and carbide spikes, Korkers “River Cleats” was created in the basement of Korkers founder, Sherman Smith.

The functional yet versatile design of the cleat system quickly grew as a favorite among fishermen who often found themselves slipping and/or falling on slippery river rock, and eventually spread to provide traction safety to several industrial applications such as roofing and outdoor work on snow and ice.

Over the years Korkers hasn’t abandoned its independent thinking. The Company continues its bold and innovative approach, having the courage to take risks to meet the needs of those who identify with the intensity of outdoor adventure where extreme conditions can be challenging and unforgiving. Their gear must perform double duty as conditions change rapidly and performance optimization puts every piece of gear to the test. Some people gear up, we prefer “gearing down”. That’s where Korkers thrives. Our legendary OmniTrax Interchangeable Sole System enables this rare breed the versatility to do more (adventure) with less (gear). Interchangeable felts for fly fishing, interchangeable carbide studded outsoles for traction on snow and ice, and an interchangeable trail sole add to the most versatile and efficient all-terrain, all-season footwear available. For those who crave outdoor adventure, Korkers expands your boundaries.