August 2026 Column SEA BOOTS -The Coming of Age for the Ubiquitous Ankle Deck Boots By Capt. John N.Raguso
Problems As a charter boat captain and professional mate for over five decades, I’ve seen just about every type of footwear on an ocean going sport fishing boat, ranging from Sperry Topsiders, sneakers of every variety, snow boots, waders, LL Bean high ankle boots, beach sandals and flip-flops, Crocs, commercial boat knee high deck boots and even bare feet (never recommended). Each one of these types has offered a few plusses and a lot of minuses and there has been no perfect solution until recently. The introduction of the ubiquitous 5”-to-6”high ankle boots by XTRATUF, Grundens, Korkers, Huk, Pelagic and others have totally changed the marine footwear landscape, offering reasonable pricing, stylish and light- weight designs, robust performance, enhanced non-slip traction, easy-on/easy- off capability, cushioned support, plus stay-dry, all-day comfort. I have some firsthand experience with the XTRATUF, Korkers and Grundens offerings and will detail their advantages in the following section. Solutions XTRATUF
XTRATUF ankle boots, specifically the popular Ankle Deck Boot line, were introduced in the mid-2010s and I’ve been a big fan ever since. While the brand itself dates back to the 1960s with its taller 12" and 15" commercial grade fishing boots, the low-profile ankle versions were created more recently to offer fishermen and boaters a lighter, more agile option.
The original Ankle Deck Boot features the trusted performance of their non-marking, slip resistant chevron outsole and 100%
waterproof construction. XTRATUF Ankle Deck Boots are 100% waterproof with a slip-resistant, non- marking chevron outsole and are a staple for sport and commercial fishermen both on and off the water. An anti-microbial moisture wicking XpressCool lining keeps feet cool and dry in warm temperatures and a molded EVA insole provides all-day comfort and support for long days on the deck. The new ADB Pro is ready for any adventure, from the boat, to the marina and to the launching ramp, the 6-inch Ankle Deck Boot is built for all environments and offers 100% waterproof construction, front and rear pull-on tabs; a molded BioLite footbed; plus a non-marking, slip-resistant chevron outsole. The new ADB Pro is engineered to deliver the form and function of the classic Ankle Deck Boot but built with the heavy-duty, chemical-resistant materials of the iconic Legacy Boot. The ADB Pro combines ultra-durable uppers with a lightweight design and is assembled in the USA. XTRATUF recently collaborated with world-renowned artist Dr. Guy Harvey for a collection of men’s, women’s and kids' Ankle Deck Boots featuring vibrant ocean-inspired artwork. Additionally, the recently introduced next-gen Ankle Deck Boot Sport is built with the same features as the classic Ankle Deck Boot, but in a sportfishing specific silhouette that is up to 30% lighter with a high-performance BIOLITE foam that is ultra-durable and slip resistant. If it sounds like the folks from XTRATUF have many different lines of ankle deck boots to offer, they do. I own at least a half-dozen pairs and have gone to sea with them hundreds of times. For more information, visit www.xtratuf.com.
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