XTRATUF Legacy Boot Long-Term Review
WATERPROOF RAIN BOOTS AND WINTER BOOTS WITH UNBEATABLE TRACTION AND MOBILITY
January 8th, 2024
Home > Gear Reviews > Footwear
Our Verdict
From Maine to Alaska, we trudged through ice and snow in search of the best winter boots and best rain boots to keep feet warm, dry and comfortable. When it comes to the best rubber rain boot and non-insulated pull-on winter boot, the XTRATUF Legacy is a clear winner. (Seriously — I spend 200+ days a year in them.)
Designed for commercial fishers on the brutally cold seas off of the Alaska coast, these boots are as waterproof as you’re going to find.
With insulated and non-insulated options, these are the ultimate winter boots for those who live with heavy, wet snow — especially along coastlines. The non-insulated options work well in shoulder seasons (fall and spring), warmer winters, or just plain wet snow.
We tested boots for fit, comfort, water resistance and traction and found the XTRATUF Legacy excel at every outdoor activity from hiking to boating to snowshoeing to wearing after a ski trip.
Out of the 17 adventure partners I asked who own XTRATUF Legacy 15” boots, every single one said that they wear their XTRATUFs year-round. Our Colorado friends, upon seeing our Alaskan contingents wearing XTRATUFs to the ski hill and out on the town, have begun to buy them for themselves. One couple brought them as their only winter boots to Japan. They’re not just a boot; they’re an institution.
The XTRATUF Legacy are the best waterproof boots we've tested–with style to boot (check out the designs available for when you roll the top down)!
Looking for boots? See our guide to Best Men's Winter Boots and Best Women’s Winter Boots
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
SPECS
Sizes: 5-15 (men's), 6-11 (women's)
Shaft Height: 12” or 15”
Footwear Closure: pull on
Waterproof: yes
Insulation: Thin layer of nylon protects toes from cold rubber
Temperature Rating: none stated
Comparison Table
Men's
| MEN'S BOOTS | MSRP* | INSULATION | SHAFT HEIGHT | TEMPERATURE RATING | CLOSURE | WATERPROOF? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xtratuf Legacy 15" | $150 | None (insulated version has polymeric foam) | 12" or 15" | Not stated (insulated version -10 F) | Pull on | Y |
| Xtratuf Ankle Boots 6" | $105 | None (insulated version has polymeric foam) | 6" | Not stated (insulated version -10 F) | Pull on | Y |
| Muck Boot Arctic Sport Boots | $190 | 5 mm neoprene, fleece lined | 13" or 16.5" | -40 F | Pull on | Y |
| Kamik Greenbay 4 | $90 | 8 mm Thermal Guard removable liner | 14.25" | -40 F | Pull on | Y |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Winter Thinsulate Waterproof | $165 | Thinsulate | Over the ankle | -13 F (limit) | Lace | Y |
Women's
| WOMEN'S BOOT | MSRP* | INSULATION | SHAFT HEIGHT | TEMPERATURE RATING | WATERPROOF? | CLOSURE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xtratuf Legacy 15" Salmon Sisters | $142 | Uninsulated | 12" or 15" | None (insulated version has polymeric foam) | Y | Pull on |
| Xtratuf Legacy 6" Ankle Deck Boot | $115 | Uninsulated | 6" | None (insulated version has polymeric foam) | Y | Pull n |
| Oboz Bridger 9” Insulated BDry Winter Boots | $210 | 200g Thinsulate | 9" | Not stated | N | Lace |
| Bogs Neo-Classic Tall | $140 | 7 mm neoprene | 13" | -58 F | N | Pull on |
| Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus Omni-Heat | $170 | 400 g and Omni-Heat reflective lining | 6.5" | -25 F | Y | Lace |
The Legacy boots feature triple-dipped neoprene rubber shafts that are more malleable and lighter than traditional rubber, making them easier and more comfortable to walk in. Photo courtesy Josette Deschambeault.
WHAT WE LIKED
Waterproof
Unbeatable traction
Height adjustment with roll-top
Very comfortable–especially for a rubber boot
Great arch support
Versatility throughout cooler months
Durability and long-term life
Performance fit and flexibility around the ankle minimizes heal rubbing and blisters
Just enough warmth but not too much
Beautiful style of the women's versions with collaborative designs by Alaska-based artists Salmon Sisters and FisheWear
WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE
Not a budget boot
Figuring out the best sizing. You may need to size down from your street shoe.
Newest version feels tighter on calves than older version. If you’re concerned, check out the wide calf version.
They sell insulated versions, but they're pretty bulky. We think these boots are best in the uninsulated version.
BEST FOR
Fishing on the seas of the Alaska coast
Heavy, wet snow–especially those who live off coastlines
Shoulder seasons and warmer winters (for the un-insulated version)
Walking on slick surfaces like boat decks, wet lobby floors or linoleum
Above freezing wet weather, such as in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska
Rafting
Working outdoors
Outdoor Chores
Hiking
Snowshoeing
Running errands
Walking on slippery surfaces like wet linoleum or boat decks
FEATURES
VERSATILITY AND HEIGHT
While XTRATUFs come in a range of heights, our favorite is the Legacy 15”. They’re tall enough to keep out even deep puddles, but the waterproof construction with triple-dipped neoprene rubber shafts (which are more malleable and lighter than traditional rubber) allow you to roll them down for both fashion or sweaty feet. At that height, the XTRATUF Legacies settle comfortably at the top of the calf in a snug but not restrictive manner.
Another feature we like is the roll-down top that allows you to adjust the height depending on the moisture, temperature, and your needs. Plus, the roll-down shows off the fun art designs on the liner.
With insulated, steel toe, and non-insulated options in addition to different heights and insulated and non-insulated versions, you can find the XTRATUF that works best for your situation.
TRACTION
The author used to hike 4-8 miles every day in XTRATUF Legacies, 5 days a week. Their traction on the slip resistant chevron rubber sole is unbeatable.
The outsole pattern on the insulated version of the Legacy boot. Photo courtesy Josette Deschambeault.
Treeline Review co-founder Liz Thomas soaped up her linoleum living room floor and practiced slip and sliding with a dozen different rubber rain boots. The XTRATUF traction was so good, she barely moved. You can see a video of her doing this on Good Morning America. XTRATUF boots were made to have traction on slippery boat decks and you'll find that same superior traction on all their boots.
The Legacy features a roll-top that allows you to adjust the height. This model is the women’s version with the Salmon Sisters designs. The men’s version is a solid color. Photo courtesy Josette Deschambeault.
WARMTH AND INSULATION
The author's feet run warm and she finds these are for Maine's Nor'Easters, the Colorado Front Range or Alaska coast winters.
They're also great for wet winter weather that’s above freezing. Your toes may get very cold, otherwise, as uninsulated rubber does not hold heat well.
If you get cold easily, we recommend checking out the insulated version of these boots. The non-insulated boots are not a good option for those whose feet get cold easily.
The XTRATUF boots are so comfortable, testers wear them as their main winter adventure shoes. Photo courtesy Josette Deschambeault.
COMFORT AND FIT
As we mentioned above, the author used to hike 4-8 miles every day in these boots. They are incredibly comfortable with an ankle and heel cup that makes walking easy–which is rare in rubber rain boots.
For best fit, we recommend going down about a half size. (The author generally wears a 9-9.5, and wears a 9 in XTRATUFs.) This prevents heel rubbing and blisters, and the thick soles give you great arch support.
I've had people buying newer Tufs mention the boot feels tighter on their calves now than older versions. If you're concerned about calf width, check out the "wide calf option" but stick with the sizing down.
The author wore the XTRATUF Legacy boots for firefighting in Maine.
DURABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION
Sticking to their fishing roots, the Legacies are acid chemical resistant and Viral Penetration Resistant per ASTM F1671 / F1671M - 13. That’s why these boots not only make a statement, but are a solid work boot, too.
I’ve worn the XTRATUF Legacies for work jobs from guiding in Alaska through my firefighting training in Maine.
The Legacy 15” can be rolled down to ankle length when you don’t need the full shaft length—like in shorter snow. Photo courtesy Josette Deschambeault.
DESIGN
For design-oriented boot wearers, XTRATUF partnered with women-owned, Alaska-based artists called the Salmon Sisters and with women-owned fishing apparel company Fishe for beautiful designs both in and outside the boot. These two fisherwomen gave an otherwise drab (yet classic) rubber boot a colorful twist, designed to be shown off when rolled down. The designs are only available in the women's sizing of the boot, but adds a fun aspect to the otherwise utilitarian design.
PRICE AND VALUE
The XTRATUF Legacies are not a budget rubber boot. However, they last a long time (we can personally testify to being only on our second pair after 8 years of use for 200+ days a year and 4-8 miles of hiking a day). If you want to buy one boot that is good as a rain boot, winter boot for warmer weather, and workboot, this is it.
HOW WE TESTED
The Legacy 15” provides just enough warmth on cooler days, making it ideal for everyday activities as well as outdoors activities. Photo courtesy Josette Deschambeault.
The author spends 200+ days a year in the XTRATUF Legacy. She used to guide in Alaska, leading hikes of 4-8 miles every day in the XTRATUF boots.
The editor Liz Thomas previously wrote the Wirecutter guide to rain boots. In the process, she tested rain boots side-by-side in the redwoods and in the lab–soaping up linoleum floors in California and New York to compare traction on slippery floors.
WHO ELSE LIKES XTRATUF BOOTS
The XTRATUF Legacy 15” Tall Boots earned these ratings: Amazon (4.6/5), Wirecutter (Best Rain Boots, Former Top Pick), Outdoor Gear Lab (Top Pick, 69/100), and Gear Junkie (The Daily Multitasker Boot).
New York Times/Wirecutter, although updating their top rain boot to another XTRATUF offering, still had great things to say about the Legacy: “The 15-inch XTRATUF Legacy Boot for men and women is an all-around great boot that we’d still recommend. It’s high quality, it’s flexible at the ankle, it offers super-sticky soles, and it has stood the test of time.” (Full disclosure: their story was originally written by Treeline Review’s own Liz Thomas, who loves the XTRATUF Salmon Sisters Legacy, too!)
Gear Junkie said it right: “Built by and for Alaskan anglers, the XTRATUF boot line is designed for hard work in the harshest conditions. In collaboration with Salmon Sisters, the classic Legacy boot becomes a stylish option for the serious outdoorswoman.”
Womens Outdoor News pointed out a great observation in their review of the XTRATUF Legacy 15” Salmon Sisters boots — while XTRATUF makes both men's and women’s versions that inherently look the same, the women’s versions have a narrower ankle and heel, which fit women’s ankles (which are generally narrower than men’s) better.
Out of the 17 adventure partners I asked who own XTRATUF Legacy 15” boots, every single one said that they wear their XTRATUFs year-round. Our Colorado friends, upon seeing our Alaskan contingents wearing XTRATUFs to the ski hill and out on the town, have begun to buy them for themselves. One couple brought them as their only winter boots to Japan. They’re not just a boot; they’re an institution.
The author spent years guiding in wet conditions, most often wearing the XTRATUF Legacy boots.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR / WHY YOU SHOULD TRUST US
Cold and wet is no stranger to me. I grew up in Colorado with New York-expat parents and spent winters in Alaska before settling in Maine. I’m no stranger to cold feet. I wouldn’t give up the cold for a sunny beach day, ever—but I do prefer to keep my toes warm.
I’ve skied for most of my life, from New England hills to hometown Colorado resorts, and backcountry adventures in Japan, Alaska, British Columbia, and the Yukon. Additionally, I’ve been a backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, and rafting guide in Alaska and Colorado; many of my “summer” seasons up north began when there was snow on the ground and ice blocking my boats from going downriver. Spending years on volunteer fire departments in Alaska and Maine have sent me out on Search and Rescue calls on frigid winter nights, ambulance calls in 4’ snowdrifts, and fire calls where water would freeze as soon as it left the hose.
My gear expertise stems from gear reviews for outlets like Backpacker Magazine and REI Co-op, 6 years of guiding, 3 decades of cold-weather adventures, and a plethora of gear-head friends. In addition, I’ve written outdoor lifestyle pieces for REI’s Uncommon Path Magazine and Powder 7 Ski Shop’s Lift Line Blog. (For additional publications and upcoming articles, check out my website.)
You can see all my Treeline Review articles on my author page.
