Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Alaska Xtratuf Rubber Boots

Has anyone tried these Shimano boots?

https://www.tackledirect.com/shimano-evair-rubber-boots-12in.html

They are called "Juneau tennis shoes" around here. Always have a pair in the truck. They were doggschitt for a few years after they moved production to vaChina, but have gotten better. I'm on year 2 of a new pair.

My last pair of xtra tuffs have been amazing. 3 years and counting, fishing in them 150 days a year. Still waiting for them to fall apart. China model. Must have got lucky!!

Are they the non-insulated, non-steel toe Joel?

Yes. Bought them in Ktown when we were waiting for our 2nd to arrive. She turns four in a few weeks. Tread is getting low in a few spots, but I'll get one more season out of them.

Barnacle encrusted beaches are extratuff on 'em

I've had better luck with the non-steel, non insulated. I guess I wore the lining off the inside of the heel on my last pair, so they are not falling apart as quick.

I took a slide down a hill because of them. It was a miracle I wasn't seriously injured.

West Marine here in Anchorage seems to have them for sale too.

I bought a pair this summer, and I've worn them for about two months now.

My observations:
They fit differently than the Xtra-Tuffs, a little tighter across the top of the foot. It took a couple of outings for them to break-in and feel right. I wear a size 10 Xtra-Tuff and I bought size 11 Deck Boss boots.

They don't grip the deck as well as the Xtra-Tuffs, but they are a close second, and MUCH better than Mucks or Alpha Burleys on the boat deck.

The Deck Boss's have a spongy sole (more cushion) than the Xtra-Tuffs. They are more comfortable after a long day on my feet, after I got them broken-in, that is. I had my doubts after the first couple of days wearing them, though, but now they are comfy.

I like the stiffer side walls on the Deck Boss boots. They stand upright and dry better overnight.

I have an easier time getting the Deck Boss boots on and off, versus the Xtra-Tuffs.

Fish blood and herring scales don't seem to stick at easy to the Deck Boss boots; they either clean-up better or the darker color does a better job of hiding the mess and gore.

They are holding up really well, can't hardly tell they've been worn.

Interesting....

I think I've got almost all the miles out of these that I can.....

I think you got all the miles and also all the "feet" possible out of that pair.

Some 5200 on those cracks and rips and they’ll be good as new.

Way to get your money's worth!

I noticed you still hadn't thrown them out yet. It's hard to say goodbye to old friends, isn't it?

I'm shopping for 5200 in brown.

I’ve been running a pair of those rugged shark great white boots on deck for 2 years now. They have a lot of cushion in the sole which I like as my shins and knees used to kill me after a 12 hour day on the water. Easy on easy off and a stiff upper. Excellent traction on the fiberglass non skid and on the bonar hatches and diamond plate on my buddies down east boat. Usually do about 300 hours a season on the motors so I’ve got some time in these. From the looks of them now they will be around for a couple more years. Think I paid about 90 bucks for them.

Xtra Tuffs is all I use for hunting, hiking or really anything. They did have quality control issues a few years ago and I even had a pair that lasted just one week. So I did try and find a replacement with no luck - Lacrosse way too heavy and stiff, Muck boots too hot etc. There really is no substitute for a good pair of Xtra Tuffs. I also like to get a 1/2 size too small so that I don't float around in them and can go down steep hills etc. I also put in a pair of super feet insoles. And I use hiking poles.

I have climbed the highest volcano in the Aleutians, the highest peak on Kodiak in Xtra Tuffs. I have also done 2 week sheep hunts in the Brooks Range in Xtra tuffs. On our annual Afognak Elk hunt I always laugh at the people who don't use xtra tuffs and have wet feet the whole time. Xtra tuffs are the best. I also use micro spikes and crampons on mine. And it must be remembered that they are not a hiking boot with a sole that you can dig into the slope. You have to bend at the ankles and keep the whole sole on the slope (smear in climbers terms).

They are light weight, dry quick, supple when frozen. what's not to like?
Patrick