Xtratuf Boots

The Tuf Crab Captain and His XtraTuf Bride

Xtratuf Boots — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:32:49 +0000

We got married at the end of the Homer Spit in Homer, Alaska, on April 13, 2011. We arrived in Homer on April 12 and stepped out of our SUV into 12” of heavy wet spring snow. Since we had planned on getting married outside I knew instantly that the satin ballet flats I had planned on wearing were not going to work. Needless to say I had a small meltdown! My husband saved the day and took me to the marine supply store and bought me a pair of XtraTufs. I thought a pair of wool socks would be appropriate, so I added those to the outfit as well. So, there you have it… got married outside in Homer, AK in XtraTufs. I had a chance to go back to AK in August to do some fishing and took them with me. XtraTufs are the VERY BEST and I also have some very unique wedding pictures!

Photo Gallery (click on image to enlarge):

Add Warmth and Style to your Xtratuf Boots

Xtratuf Boots — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:23:31 +0000

Slugs are a great enhancement to any pair of Xtratuf boots. They offer additional warmth, comfort and style to an extremely versatile pair of boots. The idea behind SLUGS fleece boot liners is from Rayana White who was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, where they measure rain by the foot rather than by the inch! She currently sells SLUGS on Etsy.com a website for small businesses to sell their crafts. I would imagine that as popular as Slugs are becoming, that you will see them in major retails right next to Xtratuf Boots in no time!

Where to buy SLUGS: http://www.etsy.com/shop/withtherain

Photos of SLUGS (click on image to enlarge):

Fearless Photographer

Xtratuf Boots — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 19:22:52 +0000

R. J. Kern is both a fearless photographer as well as a new fan of Xtratuf boots. R.J. has an annual tradition to “trash the dress” which amounts to taking a bride and her wedding dress someplace that has never typically seen either, and taking some amazing photographs. You can see more about this years trash the dress in an Alaskan Gold Mine!

Here is what R.J. had to say about his experience with Xtratuf Boots:

The Boots…and why he used them!

About once a year I embark on a special personal project I like to call “Trash the Dress.” It’s not about destruction, but creation. No disrespect towards irreverence to the wedding dress… but honestly, a bride will never wear her dress, nor will her daughter. So why not make it special when she does:) Go big, or go home. We went BIG.

A dear friend of mine and stunning wildlife photographer, Brendan Smith, came along to help with gear logistics. He recommended a pair of Xtratufs, so bought a pair while on Kodiak Island since we’d be getting dirty and wet. Never thought I’d be wading through cold mountain streams with all my lighting gear on me. I felt comfy, warm, and secure in knowing I wasn’t going to easily slip in the rocks.

Stacy reminds me the importance of living life to the fullest. Faced a rare disease, she’s battled death more times than many can would care to dream a nightmare of. Celebrating life, we decided to a no-holes barred experience in her native Alaska environment full of gold mines. She’s a gold mine herself… filled with enthusiasm, bravery, and big smiles. Heart of gold, in flesh. I wore the boots up as we headed up to Hatcher Pass to begin our bridal portrait session. I knew I had the right boots for the job. showcasing her beauty like she’s never seen before. One of the talents of a good wedding photographer is to pull out the inner-most beauty (despite vulnerabilities), and not only make their clients look beautiful… but FEEL beautiful. But I also have to feel comfy, and cold and damp in June in Alaska is an easy thing to come by.

One of my favorite parts of this shoot was any number of these images could have been taken 50 years ago. And I’d like to think in 50 years these images will still be ‘cool.’ Here’s a link to view the images and see the rest of the story: http://www.kern-photo.com/

Please let me know once it goes live and I will share with my buddies.

Kind Regards,
R. J.

It is the real life stories of why people use Xtratuf boots and the absolutely odd places they use them that keep us going!

If you have a dress, and a need to trash it then leave a comment, maybe R.J. will pick you next year!

Below are a few of the “Trash the Dress” photos (click to image to enlarge) you can see more on R.J.’s website at http://www.kern-photo.com

Tuf Girls Calendar

Xtratuf Boots — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:58:52 +0000

During some research on Xtratuf Boots I came across a website in the early stages of creating an Xtratuf Calendar. The website is called www.tufgirls.com. Tuf Girls is working on building a calendar that will feature real honest to goodness working girls (not just girls paid to pretend to work) wearing Xtratuf boots. I love this idea not only because of my love for the boots, the fact they are using real working people, but also the fact they are also based out of Bellingham Washington, my old stomping grounds!

The calendar release date is not yet scheduled, but we will certainly keep you informed as soon as they are ready to release the Tuf Girls Calendar!

Here are a few preview photos that could end up in the calendar (click on picture to enlarge):

Working Construction? Xtratuf Has the Boot For You

Xtratuf Boots — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:13:29 +0000

Are you working in the construction industry? No matter what the economy, the work of building things just goes on, and it doesn’t stop when conditions get a little bad. Construction workers work in the highest heat and in subzero cold. They work when it’s sunny and they work when the rains starts coming down. And after the rain, when everything is mud and puddles, do they still work? You bet they do because the work needs to be done. Construction workers face all sorts of pain and mishaps when they’re doing their jobs. Working with heavy equipment is filled with danger and you never know when something large and heavy will come crashing down on your feet. You need construction work boots that can keep you protected while they keep you dry and keep you warm in the winter or cool in the summer.

We recommend the 16" Xtratuf Safety Boot for Construction Workers

A waterproof work boot is what you need, and XtraTuf waterproof construction boots fit the bill to keep you comfortable, safe and dry in the harshest working conditions. Summer work boots for the hot weather and insulated outdoor work boots for the cold are both available and a great buy and investment to keep you working construction when you are needed, without having to lose time to sickness or injury.

Construction work is tough work and by using the right outdoor construction work boots will help you keep going and doing the important work that you want to do. If you know how to wear work boots for the best time at your construction job, you will find that XtraTuf outdoor work boots, construction boots for the toughest construction jobs are tailor made to make you a great construction worker in the rain, in the heat and even when the weather couldn’t be better.

Xtratuf: An Alaskan Way of Life

Xtratuf Boots — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:05:51 +0000

Xtratuf: An Alaskan Way of Life by Larry Johansen

For any Xtratuf boot fan you know the value of a warm comfortable pair of boots. Well, nobody knows that better than Larry Johansen Photographer and Author of the book Xtratuf: An Alaskan Way of Life.

For the Xtratuf enthusiast in each of us, this book points out just how normal we are…at least to ourselves Larry captures the essence of the Xtratuf boot fan, and how we live our lives. This book is an excellent coffee table book to entertain both the believers and non-believers. Enjoy!

Xtratuf Boot Insoles

Xtratuf Boots — Sat, 21 May 2011 14:21:11 +0000

When looking to purchase a pair of Xtratuf boots, you should also include a pair of felt insoles for your boots.

Click Picture to Find Xtratuf Insoles

Because Xtratufs are made of neoprene, there can be sweating inside of the boots during heavy strenuous use. But, if you have felt insoles under your feet, it will not present a problem. The felt will absorb the majority of the moisture from your activity that day. Then, when you get home and remove the boots, simply pull out the felt insoles and put them where it is warm to dry out. At the same time, put your hand into the boot to see if there is dampness in the boot bottom. If there is, place the boots in a standing position where it is warm and they will be ready for your next adventure.

Felt insoles are nearly always sold where Xtratufs are located. If you do not see them, ask someone. They are sized just like the boots are, and if they need a little trimming to fit properly, a pair of sharp scissors aids in having a custom fit.

The felt insoles are inexpensive and yet will prove to be invaluable. You can even toss them into the washing machine after several days of wear. If you do, let them air dry instead of using the dryer. They will keep their fit and last a long time.

We recommend Bates Unisex Performance Insoles, but there are a variety of brands that will do the trick!
Purchase Your Felt Insoles

How much do Xtratuf Boots Weigh?

Xtratuf Boots — Sat, 14 May 2011 05:07:56 +0000

Often we are asked by hikers how much do Xtratuf boots weigh? Well you have looked far enough for the answer, below are the weight of the boots by pair, along with their shipping weight. Xtratuf boots range in weight from roughly three pounds (1.36kg) up to six pounds (2.27 kg). Getting the right pair of boots is just as much about comfort as it is about the weight. Xtratuf is the best combination of both light weight and amazingly comfortable.

Xtratuf Boots by US Weight

Xtratuf Boot Type	Actual Weight	Shipping Weight
6″ Xtratuf Insulated Boots	3.5 Pounds	4.0 Pounds
12″ Xtratuf Boots	3.8 Pounds	5.3 Pounds
16″ Xtratuf Boots	4.5 Pounds	5.0 Pounds
16″ Xtratuf Insulated Boots	5.2 Pounds	5.7 Pounds
16″ Xtratuf Safety Boots	5.3 Pounds	5.8 Pounds
16″ Xtratuf Insulated Safety Boots	6.0 Pounds	6.5 Pounds

Xtratuf Boots by Metric Units

Xtratuf Boot Type	Actual Weight	Shipping Weight
6″ Xtratuf Insulated Boots	1.59 Kilograms (kg)	1.81 Kilograms (kg)
12″ Xtratuf Boots	1.72 Kilograms (kg)	2.40 Kilograms (kg)
16″ Xtratuf Boots	2.04 Kilograms (kg)	2.27 Kilograms (kg)
16″ Xtratuf Insulated Boots	2.36 Kilograms (kg)	2.59 Kilograms (kg)
16″ Xtratuf Safety Boots	2.40 Kilograms (kg)	2.63 Kilograms (kg)
16″ Xtratuf Insulated Safety Boots	2.72 Kilograms (kg)	2.95 Kilograms (kg)

How to Repair Xtratuf Neoprene Boots?

Xtratuf Boots — Sat, 14 May 2011 04:09:56 +0000

I can think of several ways you can repair neoprene boots, but luckily Xtratuf’s very rarely ever require any repair. That being said, the question of how to repair your boots can only be answered by someone who has places their boots in dangerous situations and come out the other side. Lucky for you I have put a couple holes in a few pair over the years and as a result developed a few strategies for patching up Xtratuf boots.

Four Ways to Repair XtraTuf Boots

Strategy Number One
Gorilla Glue! By far some of the best glue I have ever used for shoe repair. Gorilla glue can patch a hole without much consideration to the size. If it is a small hole it will easily repair it, medium sizes just put multiple layers (let each layer dry in between), if it is a large hole combine repair step #3 with Gorilla glue. For the large hole put Gorilla glue around the hole, then place the patch over top, then place more glue around the seem. The key is once it dries, then place another coat around the outside of the seam and then also inside your boot along the seam. The combination will lead you to the promise land and dry feet. Note: It will take a couple wears for the rough spot to wear down on the inside of the boot. Make sure you do not patch and then plan on a long hike, I know this from experience.

Strategy Number Two
Duck Tape! Very often when I put a hole in my boots it happens in the most inopportune places, and the least predictable times. The one thing I always have handy is a role of gray duck tape which is sure to get me through the rest of the adventure with dry feet. Basically I put on my boots, and then tape them as tightly as possible across the hole, that is assuming the hole is in the foot. If the hole is in the vertical part of the boot I will often line the inside of my boot with a few sheets of newspaper and then tape tightly enough that I can just barely pull out the newspaper. The newspaper gives me something solid to push/tape against but when I pull it out I still have flexibility in my boot.

Strategy Number Three
Two Words Again – Les Schwab! One time I got my foot caught on a barb wire fence in the middle of the night (don’t ask). I made it back to my buddies house, and slept off the liquid motivation that found me jumping the fence to begin with. Needless to say, my boots had a whole in them, luckily for me my buddy worked at a Les Schwab store in town and told me to come by later that day. When I brought my boots by he was able to quickly treat them just like a regular tire with a hole. About 10 minutes I was in and out. Anyway, I am sure you will get some stares when you take in your boots, but at the end of the day Les Schwab is willing to help the craziest amongst us!

Strategy Number Four
I am out of two word expressions so I will leave it to a multi-word phrase and say get yourself a good old bike tire repair kit. Just follow the directions and patch that sucker up. It will not last as long as some other repairs, but it is affordable and you do not have to get others involved like option #2.

If you do not like any of the options above you can always take your boots to a local shoe repair shop. The cost ranges from $40 -$100 depending on the size of the hole, your geographic region and the overall temperament of the repair technician.

Xtratuf Boots Conversion Chart | Men’s Sizes to Women’s Sizes

Xtratuf Boots — Sat, 14 May 2011 03:32:54 +0000

Size Conversion Chart For Xtratuf Boots

Below is the official conversion chart for finding the right pair of Xtratuf boots for both men and women!

Click on image to make it larger!

It is often difficult to know just the right size of boots to purchase when you are a women looking at boots that only list men’s sizes. We understand how this can be difficult and want to make it as easy as possible for you to be able to convert your female to male shoe size when selecting Xtratuf boots.

Now that you know what size you are, it is time to find the perfect pair of Xtratuf Work Boots for Women. We recommend the 16″ Insulated Xtratuf Boots!

Servus Xtratuf boots offer the only all day protection for men and women. Regardless if you are out for a hike, on the golf course, fishing in Alaska, or just going from your car to the grocery store on a cold winter day, these 100% waterproof boots will keep you warm and dry! Xtratuf prides themselves on offering a quality product at an affordable price, and now because of this conversion chart both men and women can be confident they will select the right size!

Still not convinced that Xtratuf boots are right for you? Why not ask an Alaskan women how the boots worked out for her? Even the guys on Deadliest catch wear this top of the line footwear to keep them on the boat rather than in the water swimming with the fishes!