ALASKANS - What is the best waterproof fishing boots?

[Cabin Fever]

We are planning a long driving trip to Alaska this summer. My Dad worked on the Alcan Highway prior to enlisting for WW2. At any rate, seems like "those in the know" recommend that we get some tall fishermen waterproof boots. Not sure if I agree, but if I change my mind, what boot brand and model would you recommend. I trust the recommendations of this group, Thanks.

 

[Caribou]

XtraTuf are known in Ketchikan as Ketchikan Sneakers. Other communities in S.E. Alaska call them sneakers as well but with their community name first. It has been this way since at least the 50’s and probably before. For the locals and commercial fishermen it is the standard. Here is a link to let you see what I’m talking about. I have no idea what a good price is today.
https://www.sportsmans.com/footwear...ping&msclkid=5fcb0005c8241882f413661c0a4b3290

If you are looking for hip waders, sorry, I can’t help.

 

[Cabin Fever]

Don't need hip waders. Looking for below the knee boots.

Based on your recommendation. I bought some XtraTuf boots for my wife directly from the manufacturer's website. We got a good deal, too. 15" Salmon Sister Legacy boot, regularly $155, got them for $85 which included shipping.

Still looking for mine.

Thanks @Caribou

 

[Alaskajohn]

Xtratuf are pretty much a standard and I have several pairs. When it’s spring or fall when the temps can be cool, I wear these. The extra insulation makes a huge difference when standing in icy water.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WHBQ22?ref=emc_s_m_5_i_atc

 

[Sourdough]

My vote..........What I wear......What I have worn for 40+ years

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=lacrosse...SSE+boots,aps,3683&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_6_14

A much cheaper & totally workable option is LaCrosse "Hip Boots" and cut them off just above the fold. Essentially that is how we birthed the original "BURLY" boots.

 

[elkhound]

XTRATUFFS !

 

[Caribou]

The wife got herself a pair of these for yard work and trudging through the snow back and forth from the car. Not good for long distance in the cold but to keep dry they are functional. The have a good tread for the snow as well.

https://www.amazon.com/XTRATUF-Dura...id=1713035613&sprefix=xtratuf,aps,185&sr=8-31

The trick to XtraTuf and similar high top boots is to keep the top straight overnight so they can dry out. Many a day I put my feet into cold clammy boots. I got into the habit of rolling the tops down to the ankle to keep the boot open. Eventually I came to wear them that way unless the water level required a higher boot. Also, if I was fishing I’d roll my boot tops up to catch most of the slime outside the boot. Today the low top boots are available.

Another trick is to put felt, or other, insoles in them. Pull the insoles out at night to more rapidly dry the boot. A second pair of dry insoles is placed in the boot in the morning. Keeping your feet dry inside rubber boots takes effort. Your feet sweat and the moisture is captured by the boot. Multiple pairs of boots, and rotating, is an answer but is impractical for a trip.

 

[elkhound]

Niece has 3 pairs like caribous showed link for wife ones..low cut models.

best boot dryer ever is peet brand...loggers and more use them...just a fan with tubes..not heated..just room temperature will dry out wettest of leather boots for next morning....used mine day in and day out living in PNW.

https://www.peetdryer.com/

 

[Cabin Fever]

Thanks all for the recommendations We purchased these.