What boots do the people on Port Protection Alaska wear?
The cast and crew of Port Protection Alaska wear Xtratuf Legacy Series 15” Neoprene Fishing Boots. Xtratuf has been referred to as the boot of Alaska, and is the number one choice for Alaskan fishermen. Warm, comfortable, flexible, and waterproof—these boots are everything an Alaskan could ask for.
There’s something about the harsh Alaskan lifestyle that just hooks people.
National Geographic seems to be back again and again to filming yet another show about living in the harsh Alaskan wilderness.
Maybe it’s a sense of adventure that looms in the back of our minds (I mean hey—that’s part of the appeal of boots, right?). Or maybe it’s the idea of going off grid, leaving the pressure of society behind us.
Either way, Alaska equals adventure, living in spite of the odds, being prepared for anything. Facing Alaskan life requires the proper gear, and the boots you choose are an essential piece of gear that could just save your life.
When Port Protection Alaska aired, there were questions. Viewers saw boots, and they wanted answers. What kind of boots do they wear on Port Protection Alaska? Why do they look like that? Where can I get mine?
Answers will come. All in due time, as long as you keep reading.
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3 Boots Seen on Port Protection Alaska
XTRATUF 15” Legacy
Sharp eyes on the BootSpy team have identified Gary Muehlberger’s boots as the Xtratuf 15” Legacy Boots. These boots are also the choice of Sam Carlson and Stuart Andrews.
Waterproof
Because Xtratuf makes their boots out of latex neoprene rubber, the 15” Legacy is completely waterproof. This feature is essential for fishermen, as water is a part of their day-to-day life. Throw the Alaskan below-freezing temperatures in there, and staying dry becomes a non-negotiable need.
The 15 inch shaft provides the wearer with a layer of water protection that rises to just below the kneecap. When wading in icy water is essential to your survival, these boots prove to be a valuable asset.
Durable
Neoprene rubber is also extremely flexible and durable, providing the wearer with the range of motion needed to navigate Alaska’s harsh terrain.
The boots are top notch in chemical-resistance, wear-resistance, and tear-resistance. Chemical spills? No problem. Abrasive surroundings? No worries. Intense labor? No sweat.
The cast and crew of Port Protection Alaska wear these bad boys. Xtratuf has been referred to as the boot of Alaska, and is the number one choice for Alaskan fishermen. Warm, comfortable, flexible, and waterproof—these boots are everything an Alaskan could ask for.
Comfort
Not only are these boots tough, protective, and waterproof—they’re also extremely comfortable. Open-cell foam insoles provide a wonderful cushion for your feet, allowing for comfortable extended wear. The insoles also feature arch support to battle fatigue on the lower back.
Traction
The chevron outsoles provide traction on even the slipperiest messes, whether that’s an oil spill back at home base, or blood from today’s catch on your boat.
These boots have you covered. You can wear them with confidence that your feet are protected no matter what the Alaskan life tries to throw at you.
Value
Are these boots worth it?
If you’re someone who fishes a lot, works in wet environments, likes to stay dry, and needs a boot that will serve them through thick and thin in the Alaskan wilderness, then yes, they certainly are.
Although many have argued that the quality control of Xtratuf products have gone downhill, the features advertised are still very much there.
Don’t let the occasional bad review stop you from giving these boots a try. If the Port Protection Alaska folks are betting their lives on Xtratufs, then it might be worth a shot.
Before picking up a pair of your own Xtratuf boots, check out our article on Xtratuf’s fit and sizing here.
XTRATUF 15” Insulated Legacy
Alaska is no tropical island. It gets REALLY cold there. Because the show takes place in harsh climates, Gary, Stuart, and Sam likely wore the insulated version of the Xtratuf 15” Legacy during the colder months for the show.
Insulation
Almost identical in every way to the Xtratuf 15” Legacy boot, the 15” Insulated Legacy adds cold resistance to the already awesome mix.
Polymeric foam lining inside the boots provide the wearer with warmth even at temperatures below 0. Add some cozy winter socks to the mix, and you’ll be staying toasty even in the harshest Alaskan weather.
Although many of us are non-Alaskan dwellers, winter is still a reality. If you’re looking for a solid waterproof insulated boot for those colder months, then these are a great option. For more on winter boots, check out our guide on the YouTube channel.
Value
A solid rubber boot with insane insulation? I’m listening.
As a New Englander, the issue I always find in winter boots is that they rarely deliver on the “water-resistance” they promise. After only minutes of snow, they are sopping wet.
The Xtratuf 15” Insulated Legacy boots truly are waterproof, which is something not many products can guarantee.
After a winter of wears with dry feet, these boots will have paid for themselves and more.
XTRATUF 12” Legacy
The Xtratuf 12” Legacy boot also served its time on the feet of the Port Protection Alaska folks. Tim “Curly” Leach wore these boots in the warmer months out on his boat.
Compact
These boots offer the same functions as the 15” Legacy in a more compact package. However, these do not come in an insulated version.
When things heat up in the summertime, less is more when it comes to clothes and boots. With 3 inches less on the shaft, these boots offer less coverage on the leg without compromising protection on the feet.
Summer-Friendly?
It’s no secret that rubber isn’t breathable.
If you want to keep your feet just as dry and secure as you had in the winter months without having to completely cover your calves in rubber, then these boots might be your pick.
As an added bonus, because of the flexibility of neoprene rubber, folks will often cuff their boots down over themselves to expose more of the leg for breathability when the heat starts to rise.
This added feature is a lifesaver for those of us who sweat profusely.
If you’re stressing about the sweat that comes with wearing your work boots in the summertime, consult our anti-sweat guide. If you aren’t sure what socks to wear with your work boots, then we have a sock guide for you right here.
Value
Wet feet (unless you’re in the shower) are never fun. It doesn’t matter what season it is, if I can avoid wet feet, I do.
If you understand that sentiment, then these boots are worth it.
Many of us find ourselves in mucky, squishy, nasty wet messes during the summer time. Work is work. If you want to spare your leather boots while still wearing quality on your feet (and still keeping them dry), then Xtratufs are the way to go.
The boots will pay for themselves after a few wears of saving your toes from getting whatever that stuff is jammed between them in soggy boots.
Stay Dry and Survive
Boots are the best friends of people who do awesome stuff. In Port Protection Alaska, Xtratuf is their go-to best friend.
Whether you’re manning a fishing vessel in your 15” Legacy boots, wading through the snow at -10℉ in your 15” Insulated Legacy boots, or strolling the homestead during the warmer months with your cuffed 12” Legacy boots, Xtratuf has your back.
The cast and crew of Port Protection Alaska wear these bad boys. Xtratuf has been referred to as the boot of Alaska, and is the number one choice for Alaskan fishermen. Warm, comfortable, flexible, and waterproof—these boots are everything an Alaskan could ask for.
If you like this article, visit the YouTube channel for more sweet boot content, and subscribe to join the boot family.
When you answer the call to live in the untame Alaskan wilderness, you’d better come prepared. You can’t skimp on the footwear you choose, unless you don’t plan on surviving.
FAQs
What are the brown boots everyone wears in Alaska?
The brown boots you will often see Alaskans wearing are Xtratuf neoprene rubber boots. Xtratuf is the most prominent supplier of boots for Alaskan workmen and women. If you see someone in Alaska wearing a brown pair of rubber boots, they are likely Xtratufs.
Why do Alaskans wear XTRATUF?
The thick, tear resistant, waterproof, chemical resistant, and flexible rubber uppers and comfortable insoles make these boots a valuable asset for hard-working folks all over the world. Alaska has a lot of these types of people, so they often opt for Xtratuf to supply their work boots. These boots have a legacy of keeping people’s feet comfortable, safe, and dry for generations.
Are XTRATUF boots made in Alaska?
While Xtratuf has a cult-following in Alaska, they are not manufactured there. Instead, Xtratuf, a branch of Rocky Brands, originated in Illinois in the 1950s, and is now manufacturing their products in China.
