Do XTRATUF boots run big or small?
XTRATUF boots mostly run true-to-size, though several of the ranges available run small. XTRATUF boots don’t come in half sizes, so it’s advised that you go up a size if you’re a half size. Many people often wear thick socks with XTRATUF boots, too, which should be factored into your choice.
XTRATUF boots have a history of being relatively narrow, though there are a few choices for wider boots. For women choosing to wear the men’s selection, it is recommended that you buy a size or two down from your standard size.
XTRATUF boots are some of the best boots available for commercial and sports fishing. They’re built for durability and performance, but they’re also known for being a tough boot to size for.
Some XTRATUF boots run small, while others are known to be quite narrow, which can cause issues if you’re planning on wearing thick socks when out fishing. Whether you fish commercially or for recreation, you need boots that are comfortable.
With that in mind, I’ve gone over all the available information to make your XTRATUF buying experience as smooth as possible; you don’t want to be miles out to sea only to find your feet are in agony.
How do XTRATUF Boots Fit?
XTRATUF have a large selection of boots available in varying styles; the style you choose affects the overall fit of the boot, but generally, XTRATUF boots fit true to size.
Given that XTRATUF doesn’t come in half sizes, you’ll need to go up a size anyway if you’re a half size.
XTRATUF are an Alaskan company targeting an audience that’s often working on commercial or sports fishing in extreme conditions, which usually means wearing thick socks with their boots, thanks to some of the coldest seas on earth.
XTRATUF boots are pretty narrow, so wearing a close-fitting, albeit true-to-size boot with thick socks to keep your feet warm might make them a little tight. Buying a size up is also a good idea if you fall overboard; you can kick off your heavy boots and swim to safety more quickly.
XTRATUF boots have become the badge of ultimate preparedness for the individuals of Alaska, the people who arrive as lone wolves and become part of a pack.
Should I Buy a Size Up in XTRATUF Boots?
I advise that you at least consider buying up a size in your XTRATUF boots, but read the customer reviews first, as some do seem to be an excellent fit. The 15″ Steel Toe Legacy Boot is a true-to-size boot that’s fantastic for commercial fishing, though if you’re a half size, take the next size up.
An Alaskan staple in the commercial fishing industry, these boots will give you flexible, all-day comfort and the best protection against the broadest range of acids, corrosives, and contaminants.
The Filson 12″ Elite Legacy Boot is an example of another legacy boot, but in this instance, I would always advise taking a size up from your average boot. Worn with a pair of warm socks, these boots will take some beating by the cold but will be too tight unless you size up.
This boot is designed to provide the protection and durability of a Legacy boot but with an unmatched comfort for long days at sea or long hours on the dock.
XTRATUF Commercial Grade
The XTRATUF commercial range is the de-facto boot range for Alaskan fishing; the company has over 50 years of experience creating boots that can handle any conditions. You’ve basically got three choices when it comes to the commercial line; legacy boots, Chelsea boots, and deck boots.
One thing to note with the XTRATUF commercial grade range is that these boots are only available in men’s sizes. If you’re buying for women, both XTRATUF and all of the reviews I’ve checked state that you should go down at least one size, potentially even two.
Legacy Boots
The Legacy range is the absolute business when it comes to commercial fishing boots, especially in serious weather conditions. This range is only available in full sizes, so if you’re a half size, go up to the next size. Most of the information I found leaned towards taking the next size up anyway to accommodate thicker socks.
One of the most popular sellers is the Men’s 15″ Steel Toe Legacy Boot, a flexible, comfortable, and light boot with added steel toe protection. A cushioned insole keeps you on your feet all day, and the slip-resistant sole is perfect for a treacherously wet deck.
You can also find this boot without the steel toe if you prefer. One thing to note about the Legacy range is that these boots all come in medium width, which is fine for most of us, but if you’ve got wide feet, your choices become limited.
The Men’s 8″ Insulated Legacy Lace Boot, available in whole sizes ranging from 7 to 14, is an excellent alternative to the 15” Legacy boot. With a smaller shaft and a lace-up upper unit, you get all the functionality and waterproofing in an all-purpose winter boot.
The Legacy Lace Boot can run a little large, so you might not need to go up a size if you’re a half size; reviewers say this is a big boot. Again, this boot is available in medium width only.
The Legacy Lace features the same commercial grade performance and safety features of the classic Legacy Boot, but with a functional lace-up upper unit making it a perfect all-purpose winter and wet-weather boot.
Ankle Deck Boots
The men’s Wheelhouse 6″ Ankle Deck Boot range is designed for standing for long periods while at sea, and XTRATUF state that these are a slightly wider fit to allow for your feet swelling due to standing up all day. The Ankle Deck Boots all come in a medium fit and are available in sizes 7 to 15.
The commercial grade version of the Ankle Deck Boot fishermen have been asking for. Standing for 12+ hours a day on the sea can cause feet to swell, and the wider fit of this boot is built for that.
Reviews suggest the Wheelhouse 6 Ankle Deck Boot runs big and that the overall build quality is decent. The Wheelhouse range is easy to slip on and off, but if you usually struggle with getting your boots off, I suggest using a shoe jack; it won’t damage the heel of your boots. Why not take a look at our Boot Jack guide for tips on the best ones available?
Chelsea Boots
I’m a big fan of the XTRATUF Chelsea boot, a stylish boot with a full-grain, waterproof leather upper that is a true-to-size fit. The Men’s Legacy Chelsea Boot is available in full sizes ranging from 7 to 14, and is a medium width boot that’s suitable for all weather conditions.
The Legacy Chelsea features the same commercial grade performance and safety features of the classic Legacy Boot, but with a functional upper unit making it a perfect all-purpose winter and wet-weather boot.
Reviews are very positive for the Chelsea boot, and thanks to its rugged build, this commercial grade boot is just as beneficial when you’re shoveling snow as it is out on the seas. The calf circumference is 12 inches, so there should be plenty of room to get your feet in.
XTRATUF Explorer Grade
The Explorer range has three main styles: deck boots, deck shoes, and sandals. All are only available in whole sizes and are also medium-width.
The Explorer range is probably more suited to less taxing conditions, shaft heights are usually around the 6 inch mark, so while they’ll keep your feet dry on deck, they may not be ideal for serious weather conditions.
Deck Boots
There are two options in the deck boot range, the Eco 6 and the standard deck boot. The boots look the same, though the Eco 6 range is made using a natural rubber derivative called Yulex. The Men’s Eco 6 Ankle Deck Boot runs larger than expected, so be prepared to take a size down in this boot.
The ECO is 100% waterproof built with Yulex, a natural rubber derived from the sap of the Hevea Tree. This boot is equally as durable, flexible, and comfortable as the original Ankle Deck Boot.
There are many more options in the standard deck boot range, such as the Ankle Deck Sport, a cool-looking waterproof deck boot that fits true to size. Again, the deck boot is only available in full sizes, so you may need to go up a size, especially as XTRATUF boots don’t stretch out.
The Sport is built with an ultra-durable and slip resistant high density foam, all while being a one-piece outsole. This boot delivers the comfort and agility of a sneaker with long cushion life and high energy return.
Deck Shoes
The Sharkbtye Eco Deck Shoe is one of the only ranges that XTRATUF makes in half sizes, with the range having sizes seven up to 14, with every half size in between. The Sharkbyte is a really stylish deck shoe that could easily pass as a casual shoe and is a true-to-size fit.
The Sharkbyte deck shoe is lightweight and designed to be versatile enough to wear on and off the boat. It features a rear pull tab for easy on, and a reinforced leather panel at the heel for easy off.
Sandals
There shouldn’t be any difficulty in sizing for a sandal, and the Men’s Auna Sandal range is no exception. Unlike the Eco deck shoe, the Auna sandal doesn’t come in half sizes; though the length isn’t the issue, the width is.
Reviews indicate that the XTRATUF sandal is narrow, so while you may get a good fit length-wise, the Auna sandal is relatively narrow. If you wear boots that are wide fitting, then these sandals could feel like you’re standing on a pencil.
This sandal is built to be supportive and comfortable for long days on the water or land. It features our innovative TUFgrp outsole, a revolutionary patent pending design constructed from a specially formulated rubber compound.
Are There Any XTRATUF Wide Fit (E-EEE) Boots?
XTRATUF doesn’t offer many wide-fit boots, and none that are calf high, which could be an issue if you want a wide-fit boot that can handle heavy weather. There are two choices available in a wider fit, though they’re essentially the same deck boot in different colors.
The Men’s 6 In Ankle Deck Boot is the only choice XTRATUF offers in both a medium and wide width, so your options are limited. I advise either looking elsewhere if this boot isn’t for you or potentially buying a size or two larger in the Commercial or Explorer selections and seeing if the extra size adds to the width.
XTRATUF Deck Boots have been crafted specifically for sport and recreational fishermen. Anglers are athletes and they need proper footwear to help them perform at their best.
XTRATUF Size Chart
Usually the best way to find the right size for your XTRATUF boots is to compare them to other brands. But if you’re still a bit confused on which size to get, grab a ruler or tape measure and compare your foot length (in inches) to the sizing chart above.
The chart above will also help you if you’re used to shopping in EU or UK sizes and need to convert to US sizing.
There are a ton of different factors that go into getting the correct size for your boots beyond just the length of your foot, so definitely go through the rest of this guide. But this hopefully should be an extra point of reference to help you.
XTRATUF boots have become the badge of ultimate preparedness for the individuals of Alaska, the people who arrive as lone wolves and become part of a pack.
Conclusion
For over 50 years the XTRATUF Legacy range has been a staple of the commercial fishing industry in Alaska. Boots such as the Men’s 15″ Steel Toe Legacy Boot are designed solely for being out at sea in adverse weather conditions.
That doesn’t mean you have to be an Alaskan fisherman to wear them though, if you’re looking for rugged boots that keep out the rain and cold, and need to keep a firm grip on the ground, the XTRATUF range could have what you need.
Overall, the sizing for XTRATUF boots leans towards true-to-size, though with some of the ranges you’ll need to buy a bigger size, especially if you’re a half size.
An Alaskan staple in the commercial fishing industry, these boots will give you flexible, all-day comfort and the best protection against the broadest range of acids, corrosives, and contaminants.
FAQs
Should I size up in XTRATUF boots?
With the XTRATUF boots not coming in half sizes, the company advises those who wear a half size to take the next size up. For example, a standard 8.5 should try a size 9. The same can be said for the women’s ranges; a women’s 7.5 should try a size 8. For women buying the men’s range, i advise taking the next size down, sometimes even two sizes down is needed.
Are XTRATUF boots good for hiking?
The XTRATUF range is not ideal for hiking, despite them being waterproof and comfortable to wear. Most of the boots are quite heavy, and though the grip is excellent, and they’ll keep out the weather superbly, the XTRATUF range is designed for working in all day, not walking for miles in.
Where are XTRATUF boots made?
XTRATUF boots were once made in the USA, and until recently this was still the case. Historically, the quality of the XTRATUF boot range was superb, and that was in part due to the boots being U.S made. More recently, production of the XTRATUF boot range has moved to China, and there have been concerns over quality control.
It’s noticeable on the XTRATUF website that the further back in time you go, the better the reviews; more recently the reviews have been less positive due to issues with the boots quality.
