Bottom Line
The Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots are so lightweight and easy to step into that we found ourselves choosing them more often than any other boot on our guide to the best rain boots. They’re almost like a pair of clogs with way better weather resistance. They’re the perfect footwear for everyday chores, errands, and yardwork, even when the weather turns sour.
We love the unique style and array of colors and patterns. Our lead tester has a pair that is a collaboration between Xtratuf and the Alaska-based fish distributor Salmon Sisters. They feature a cute salmon and jellyfish pattern, as a nod to the fishing industry for which Xtratuf was designed. Our tester has owned her pair for over six years, which is a testament to their durability and versatility.
As long as the ankle boots aren’t flooded, the water resistance is excellent. For the most rugged work conditions, we’d recommend the taller and burlier Xtratuf Legacy 15” Boots. But if you’re looking for a durable, lightweight waterproof boot for daily use, the Ankle Deck Boots are a great choice.
How We Tested
We wore these boots during May and June in the Pacific Northwest, which is one of the rainiest areas of the country. Our lead tester was living in a cabin in the Western Cascade foothills while working on building another cabin. She wore them on dog walks along the river, while working on a muddy job site, and while shopping in outdoor markets and lumber yards.
Quick Specs
Women’s Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots
Best Everyday Rain Boots
CleverHiker Rating: 4.6/5.0
Price: $115
Weight (Pair): 2 lb 1.2 oz
Height: 6 in
Material: Rubber, Bioprene
Pros
- Easy on and off
- Lightweight and low profile
- Durable
- Good waterproofing
Cons
- Lower flood height
- Less traction
- Less comfortable during all-day wear
Water Resistance
As long as you don’t flood them, the construction on the Ankle Deck Boots is soundly waterproof. We carefully stood for ten minutes with them totally submerged in water and experienced zero leaking. Our tester was also using her six-year-old pair during the testing process, so the waterproofing has stood the test of time.
The main downside to the water resistance of the Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots is their short height. At just over five inches tall, they’re pretty easy to flood if you’re stepping into a deeper puddle or into a snowbank. Particularly torrential rain could also fall into the wider ankle opening.
The short height and wider opening are some of the features that make these boots so easy to wear, so we wouldn’t necessarily change them. But if you expect to be out for long periods of time in inclement weather, we’d recommend a taller boot.
Comfort
The lightweight nature of the Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots makes them comfortable and versatile for daily chores and errands. The insole is pretty minimal, and they don’t offer much arch support, so we wouldn’t recommend them for longer hikes or walks on pavement.
When we wear them for extended periods, we don’t notice any hot spots or chafing. However, our feet will eventually start to hurt on long pavement walks due to the minimal cushion and arch support. They are roomy enough that a custom insole could easily be swapped with the standard one for better support.
Traction
The Xtratuf Ankle Deck boots are designed to be used on slippery boat decks or wet docks. They have a slip-resistant rubber chevron outsole that is decently grippy on wet roots and rocks. The treads are fairly shallow – just ⅛ inch – compared to some of the burlier designs we tested, and we did slip a couple times on slick roots.
We found that mud and other debris doesn’t build up too much in the shallower tread, a problem we had with boots featuring deeper lugs. This made the deck boots a bit easier to clean and maintain.
Durability
Our lead tester has owned and loved her pair of Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots for over six years, and they’re still kicking. The only real sign of wear she recently noticed was that some of the interior lining has a small tear where it rubs on the heel. There is so far no splitting in the exterior rubber, and the outsole still looks fresh. These aren’t the least expensive boots on our list, but with this level of durability, we think they’re a great value.
Features
Xtratuf has added a few additional features to make the Ankle Deck Boots a bit more comfortable and easy to use. They include pull-on tabs for easy on and off, though we find these boots to be easy to step into without the tabs.
They also come with an anti-microbial evaporative cooling liner to help regulate foot temperature. Thanks to these liners and the roomy fit, our feet rarely get too hot in these boots. There’s very little insulation, however, so we have had cold toes when wearing them during the winter. Adding wool liners helps.
Should You Buy the Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots?
If you’re searching for the perfect everyday waterproof boot, look no further than the Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots. They’re easy to pull on, lightweight, and comfortable enough for daily chores, errands, and light-duty adventures.
For the most rugged work or inclement weather, you may want a taller rain boot with better insulation and traction like the Xtratuf Legacy 15”. The style is slightly less versatile than more trendy or styled options, so it might not work with every outfit. Despite these slight drawbacks, the ease of the Ankle Boots is hard to resist, and we still find ourselves reaching for them over the others for daily use.
What Other Women’s Rain Boots Should You Consider?
While we wear our deck boots almost daily in the PNW, our complete guide to this season’s best rain boots for women has some taller and more fashionable options as well.
Merry People Bobbi Ankle Boots Review: If you like the height and style of the deck boots but want a slightly dressier version, the Merry People Bobbi Ankle Boots are a great choice. They’re equally as versatile, though for slightly different activities. The Bobbi boots will fit in at the farmer’s market as well as at the office or out to dinner. They’re easier to dress up than the deck boots but can also be worn casually. Plus, they don’t sacrifice water resistance and durability for style.
Xtratuf Legacy 15” Review: Constructed with the same long-lasting quality as the Ankle Deck Boots, the Legacy 15” are a better choice for those facing more inclement weather conditions. A top choice for work on fishing boats or out on docks, these classic Xtratuf boots feature a much higher flood height, excellent traction, and all-day comfort to help get the job done.
Hunter Original Short Review: Another well-made, classic boot to consider is the Hunter Original Short. This is a shorter take on the iconic Hunter Original Tall rain boots, and we think their height makes them more versatile for daily use. They’re flexible and comfortable, easy to pull on and take off. Despite them being a “short” version, the Hunter boots have a much higher flood height than the Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots.
