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  1. #1
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    Good deck rain boots?

    So I’ve been using (muck brand boots for spring & fall seasons) and (dry shod arctic for winter) and have been happy but I have worn out my chore mucks (they last a long time) So now I’m looking for a 2 seasons boot (spring & fall) all of my rain gear/ clothing is simms brand. Simms has been excellent so I was thinking about their challenger boot?
    But some of the reviews say they fit too tight? Does anyone have any input? How about Huk,grundin,ect.

    I also thought about just getting mucks again but they are a little heavier I’m thinking than some of the other styles of deck boots….. a tip for someone that likes the muck,dry shod boots is I cut 6” off the top of them with a utility knife and that made them work better for me on the boat. I’m only need rain protection not deep water so I was happier with them shorter.

  2. Member
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    May 2015
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    #2
    I'm not an expert, the only ones I've owned are Pelagic Pursuit. That being said, I really like them the couple years I've owned them. They've held up well and keep my feet warm and dry in a pretty harsh northern climate. They are for sure worth a look.

  3. Member
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    Jul 2004
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    #3
    I've got a pair of XTRATUF deck boots. Picked them up at Sierra which is like TJMax for outdoor stuff for like $50. I like the flat soles (almost like Vans) for running the TM. They've been good, pretty much the same style as Huks and Grundens.

  4. Member
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    Jan 2015
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    #4
    I've had several fishing boots over the years but I've never found anything as comfortable as the New Balance 990 athletic shoes I wear every day. I have gone with pull-on galoshes. For old-timers think of the old brand "Totes". They are available in a number of brands and styles to just cover your shoes or a 10" boot. $20-$40 all day comfort in the shoulder seasons not too warm in the summer they take up very little room stored in the boat and dry feet. Not stylish

  5. Member
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    #5
    I have the Frogg Togg brand rubber boots and like them for fishing in the rain. They’re wide and fit my feet well.

  6. Moderator Luke's Avatar
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    #6
    Bought my wife some of the Grummans and she really likes them
    They have a memory foam insole and she says they are really comfortable.

  7. Member
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    #7
    Huk seem to fit to size and are comfortable.

  8. Member Quillback's Avatar
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    Aug 2011
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    Bella Vista Arkansas
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    #8
    Muck makes some versions of the Chore boot that are shorter, as in a mid-calf and an ankle boot. Duluth has the "Wild Boar" moccasins that are touted as being water proof and they have a non-slip tread which is nice around water. Duluth is running a 25% sale right now too.

  9. Member
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    #9
    Simms makes good product. I have the challenger boot and really like them. I think maybe they've been redesigned since I purchased mine, but I'd guess mine are going on strong for 5 or 6 years now. Don't get worn a ton though.

  10. Member
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    #10
    I use Xtratuf which has pull on loops front and back.

    If I fell overboard the double loops would help remove the boots compared with single loop.

    My Gill rain suit covers the top ( above ankle ) of the boots so feet stay dry.
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  11. Member
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    Feb 2019
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    Roland, OK
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    #11
    The Huk brands have the best soles for walking on wet boat decks/docks. They make an all rubber ankel high version that works great in wet weather; though ugly. Can always find last years models around 1/2 price.

  12. Member
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    #12
    A good pair of Merrill goretex hiking boots would probably be the most comfortable.

    Never been a fan of Huk clothing or shoes. Not worth the money IMO. Started out great but seems like they became too big and their quality took a nose dive. Only reason why they’re popular is marketing. If you e noticed, HUK prostaff at the professional level is almost non-existent now and seems like everyone went to AFTCO.
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  13. Member
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    Dec 2018
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    #13
    Xtratuf

  14. Member DrewFlu33's Avatar
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    Mar 2016
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    #14
    I grabbed a set of Xtratuf from Chris Stewart who's always selling on the Facebook pages and who runs an online discount shop. I think I gave $50 for them and I've been super happy.

    I'd never pay full price for them as there's not a lot to them and I can't imagine how they ever get north of $100 for a pair, but I also can't really imagine anything better for their intended purpose. Comparing the soles to Vans, or I thought Converse All Stars, is a nice way to think of them.

    Past that, they're completely waterproof and easy to get on and off. I definitely like the minimal sole for dexterity in the boat and for running the trolling motor, as others have mentioned. They don't have a ton of support if that's something you're after, though they'd take an insole very easily. They're actually surprisingly warm, I think due to the fact that there's no restriction at the ankle, and my feet don't sweat in them like I thought they would (at least at temps below 50, which is the only conditions where I've worn them).

    I'm sure the Huk and other clones are good too.
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  15. Member
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    May 2020
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    #15
    Well I’m ordered the Simms challenger boots and a few pants and shirts. I’ll try and give a review of the boots when I get them on.

  16. Member
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    #16
    So after about 3hr in the Simms challenge deck boots I’m impressed. They’re very comfortable not very heavy (but not as light as the huk boots). I normally wear a 10 1/2 — 11 size shoe. From some of the reviews on the website I ordered a size 12. I think the sizes that Simms use do run a little small. I can have a very heavy sock on and still have good room in them. With a light sock they’re a touch bigger by the toe but not bad. (I’ll keep the 12 size) they have a nice fit around the ankles for me but if you had big ankles they might be a little tight. They will stretch but just something to be aware of. I think you pay a lot for the Simms name but I do like there products. A side note there pants and shirts are very nice, super soft and comfortable but expensive. Definitely not budget clothing but I continue to prefer there products.