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The Best Fishing Boots for Keeping Your Feet Dry

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There’s nothing worse than wet feet when you’re trying to enjoy a day out fishing. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous if you’re walking on slippery surfaces. So, what are the best fishing boots for keeping your feet dry?

In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the most popular options and provide some tips for choosing the right pair for you. Stay dry and comfortable all day long with the right fishing boots!

best fishing boots
Muddy or not, enjoy your fishing experience with comfort. Source: Gillfoto

We have listed the top deck boots that you should check out for your day on the water. If you’re looking for wading boots, then check out our wading fishing boots guide.

7 Best Fishing Boots

1. Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots

Best Fishing Boots

Considered one of the best fishing boots for avid anglers, the aptly named Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots should be part of your gear. The boots are lightweight and ankle height, so they are quite comfortable to walk in.

Pull them on and off easily with pull loops and keep feet dry courtesy of the XpressCool lining. The lining is antimicrobial, which means that it will protect your feet against bacteria and fungi that can cause odors. 

The outsole is slip-resistant, so it will prevent you from taking a nasty fall and from getting drenched when you are wading out to your favorite spot. The boots are made from rubber, so they will keep your feet free from moisture all day long.

The stylish design boasts a Kryptek Yeti White print with a dark accent on the top and the bottom, which will add style to any attire you choose to wear. These boots are a testament to the Xtratuf legacy.


2. Shimano Evair Rubber Boots

Most Comfortable Fishing Boots

Shimano Evair Rubber Boots are the ideal boots for fishing for anglers who prioritize comfort along with functionality. With waterproof, natural rubber, and vulcanized construction, these boots will keep your little piggies dry and comfy at the same time.

The EVA midsole is made out of ethylene-vinyl acetate, which distributes weight to provide robust stability. The material is akin to foam, so it cushions each step you take. Shimano Evair fishing boots are 100% waterproof, and the molded insole can easily fit any foot shape.

These also come with a lightweight insert that offers additional arch support for a comfortable fit. Like the best fishing boots, these also clean up quite quickly. Just take a clean rag, dish soap, and cold water to make the boots pristine again.


3. Shimano Evair Fishing Boots

Most Stylish Fishing Boots

Shimano Evair fishing boots are not only comfortable but also stylish to look at. These are made with a single piece of molded lightweight EVA complete with a high traction rubber sole and an ergonomic arch for optimal toe and heel comfort.

The seamless design gives the boots a clean look AND makes them comfortable as well. Plus, these are super lightweight, so you won’t feel bogged down as you are trudging through mud or ankle-deep water on your way to a fishing spot.

The brand designed these boots to be aesthetically pleasing as well as shock absorbing. The non-marking outsole feathers a water canal design that offers a sturdy grip on a soaked boat deck.

The molded EVA absorbs shock and reduces foot fatigue. Like most boots from the brand, these boots are super easy to maintain and clean.


4. Xtratuf Women’s Ankle Deck Boots

Best Waterproof Boots

Stylish, comfortable, and incredibly resilient, Xtratuf Women’s Ankle Deck Boots are 100% waterproof and won’t let you down when you are trudging through mud or on algae.

The Chevron outsole is slip-resistant and offers a strong grip on slippery boat decks and docks. Plus, since the outsole is designed to be non-marking, the boots will not leave unsightly marks on your beautiful deck. 

Straight from the Xtratuf legacy, these boots boast XpressCool lining, which will prevent your feet from getting smelly no matter how many hours you spend fishing with them on.

The design is lightweight, and the six-inch height ensures long-wearing as well as walking comfort. Plus, these rubber boots also have pull loops in the front and back to take them off and put them on quickly and easily.


5. Xtratuf Neoprene Boots

Most Sturdy Boots

Designed to remain sturdy and waterproof in rough waves and choppy water, Xtratuf Neoprene fishing boots can give you the support you need in harsh weather and during demanding jobs.

These are triple-dipped for protection against corrosive fish fat, diesel fuel, and other solvents. The Chevron outsole also offers optimal slip resistance on wet decks and docks. The hand-made construction adds flexibility and strength that provides comfort from toe to heel.

The insoles also feature Breathe-O-Prene, which not only absorbs moisture but also absorbs shock. The toe and heel guards also prevent the boots from getting damaged on abrasive surfaces/scrapes, and the heel counter secures the heel in place to prevent nasty slips.

The neoprene material is ozone-resistant, which prevents the boots from developing unsightly cracks and fissures when it comes into contact with fish waste and cleaning products. 


6. Grundens Deck Boss Ankle Boots

Best Grip On Slippery Surfaces

As one of the best fishing boots on the market, Grundens Deck Boss Ankle Boots were designed to offer anglers comfortable footwear that can last for the longest days spent out on the water.

The insole is quite thick to maximize shock resistance and provide more support. The antimicrobial cooling liner will prevent your feet from getting funky at the end of a long day. 

The best thing about these boots is the built-in razor siping, which moves water out from under the shoe, improving their grip on wet decks and other slippery surfaces. That and the gum rubber outsole will ensure you remain upright as you fish for hours.

These will prove invaluable when you finally catch that big fish and have no time to think but reel it quickly. 


7. Huk Rogue Wave Boots

Best Boots to Keep Your Toes Dry and Smelling Good

If you are searching for wader boots for fishing that will keep your toes from getting wet and stinky, go for Huk Rogue Wave Boots. These best fishing boots are made from waterproof neoprene, which is covered in a rubber overlay for optimal comfort.

The molded footbeds are designed to provide support for hours to reduce foot fatigue, and the GripX wet traction outsoles boast geometric patterned treads to prevent slips.

As some of the best fishing boots out there, Huk Rogue Wave Boots also feature pull tabs on the back and front so they can be easily slipped.

These are quite thick, so your fingers won’t move as you remove them. With these boots on, you will have the best fishing experience and keep your feet dry at the same time. 


Fishing Boot Buyer’s Guide

best fishing boots
Fishing boots for a comfortable and awesome fishing experience. Source: Dr. DeNo

Low Ankle vs. High Boot

Go for high-cut fishing boots wader if you have to wade out into the water, and go for ankle-length ones if you plan on fishing from the deck or a boat. Your feet will remain dry in both cases. 

Material

Fishing boots come in a range of materials depending on the water conditions they are to be used. Many boast rubber outsoles that offer better traction and are made from neoprene to keep water out.

Insulated rubber boots will also keep your feet warm when fishing during the winter, so the choice of material depends on your needs. 

Durability and Comfort

The best fishing boots have durable rubber soles and reinforced treads that prevent wearers from slipping and allow them to remain on their feet for hours without wearing down.

The rubber sole should be designed to provide robust ankle support so that the angler doesn’t break an ankle while fishing. 

Waders

Many people ask what the best boot to wade out into the water from shore is. The answer is there isn’t one. 

Waders are specifically designed for both shore fishermen and duck hunters, allowing them to reach levels of water past waist height and still maintain a dry base level.

These are not boots that seal off and prevent leakage but rather an entire system that has overall-like clamps bringing the whole garment up to nearly chest height. 

If you plan on doing a lot of angling on foot, but out in the water, waders are the way to go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What shoes should I wear for fishing?

While you can wear hiking shoes for fishing, if you plan on wading out into the water, go for proper fishing shoes that are waterproof and provide the extra support you need.

What are the best rubber boots?

The ideal rubber boots can mold to the contours of your feet, keep them dry, and provide the support needed to prevent fatigue.

Are muck boots good for fishing?

Muck boots are high for fishing, especially in cold and wet environments. However, even though they offer great support, these can be harder to clean compared to boots that are made from slick neoprene.

Why are fishing boots white?

Some anglers wear white fishing boots because these do not leave marks on the deck of their beautiful fishing boats. Additionally, these are broader compared to their darker counterparts. The shaft is also shorter, so the boots can be taken off or put on quickly.

What type of boots should I wear as a shore angler?

The best boots for a shore angler can keep your feet dry even if it is raining outside. You can go for mid-cuts that stop below the calf, but if you plan on fishing during a downpour, consider the overlap they offer.
If you plan to sit while fishing, your lower legs may be exposed in the mid-cut boot. In this case, you should consider getting a higher-cut one so you can remain dry.

Insider Advice

Even the best boots can wear down with time and lack of maintenance. Irrespective of which ones you choose, make sure you clean them right after you take them off after a day spent fishing.

Besides keeping them pristine, this will prevent cross-contamination of aquaculture from one stream or body of water to another.

Make a simple cleaner by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild soap. Soak a stiff brush or a sponge in the cleaning mixture and give the boots a good scrubbing to take the mud and dirt off.

Feel free to pour the cleaning solution inside the boots as well. These are waterproof, so you won’t damage them. Just make sure that you remove the insoles or insulation beforehand.

After you are done scrubbing, rinse the boots with clean water and leave them to air dry. Do not keep them in the sun! Just place them in a shaded spot at room temperature to dry out. 

Jon Stenstrom
Founder & Angler
Jon Stenstrom is a fishing enthusiast. He has over 25 years of fishing experience, and 6 years of spearfishing experience, and is currently learning how to boat. Jon has his Open Water PADI Certification and FII Freediver Level 1 Certification. Jon has traveled the world to fish and dive, most notably in the Great Barrier Reef, Baja Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia. More Articles
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