Men’s XTRATUF 15″ Legacy Rain Boots Review

Bottom Line

The XTRATUF 15” Legacy Boot is a rugged and fully waterproof choice to tackle harsher environments. Made with Alaskan commercial fisherman in mind, the 15” Legacy mixes long-term durability, top-notch traction, and all-day comfort into a package that’s sure to keep your feet dry. With its triple-dipped latex neoprene construction, the Legacy is not only flexible enough for squatting and kneeling but also resistant to corrosive substances that you might encounter on the job. 

On the flipside, the Legacy Boots have some real heft to them as some of the heaviest boots in our guide. Their style makes you immediately think of working on a fishing boat, which might be a bit polarizing as far as fashion choices go. If you’re looking for a boot with a bit more walking comfort or style, you can find some solid choices in our men’s rain boots guide. But if you’re looking for protection and traction in extreme environments, the XTRATUF 15” Legacy would be an amazing choice.

How We Tested

We tested the XTRATUF 15” Legacy Boots over multiple months on short hikes, in ice-cold streams, and while working in our gardens during the mid and late fall in the front range of Colorado.

Weather Resistance

The XTRATUF 15” Legacy Boot is a highly weather resistant option made for full-water submersion and sloughing through the snow or mud. The neoprene material is exceptionally impermeable, and the 15” height covers an ample part of the lower leg. This allows you to walk through deep streams with ease. We tested the Legacy Boots by standing in deeper flowing water for upwards of 30 minutes and noticed no water penetration or leakage. 

XTRATUF also boasts that the Legacy boots are resistant to corrosive materials and blood-borne pathogens, which is one reason why they’re popular on commercial fishing boats.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, the XTRATUF 15” Legacy boots take a well-balanced approach for such a protective and sturdy boot. The neoprene material is relatively flexible rather than stiff. This allows for maneuverability when squatting or kneeling on one leg. There’s also decent bend at the ankle area, meaning you won’t feel your mobility restricted as much as with a boot sporting a stiffer rubber compound. The foam footbed with arch support was also surprisingly cushy and lended to an all-day wear type of feel. 

Where the Legacy Boots lack is in weight. They are heavy – weighing in over 5 pounds for a pair. This makes them feel a touch clunky when moving about, despite their flexibility. If you’re looking for a lightweight boot or something made for extended periods of walking, you should consider other models from our rain boot buyer’s guide. The XTRATUF 15” Legacy boots are best suited for those who need support and protection in extreme conditions.

Traction

The Legacy boots’ non-marking outsole compound is grippy when it comes to slick surfaces. We tested them on some of the slipperiest stuff we could find – river rocks. Thankfully, we were able to walk with confidence and tread on logs and stones without much extra thought. Since the outsole was intended for wet decks on a ship, this is no surprise.

This level of traction means the Legacy boots are a great option for harsher winter conditions and more extreme environments. The only downside here is that the embedded tread means you will occasionally pick up pebbles and rocks, which require clearing by hand from time to time.

Warmth

Warmth was one of the only areas where the XTRATUF 15” Legacy Boots were lacking. During our stream test in snowmelt waters, we noticed cold spots developing near our toes after a few minutes of submersion. We would love to see this solved with a slightly thicker toe cap, especially for a touch of added protection. If you need more warmth, be prepared to wear insulated socks if for harsh winter or sub-freezing environments. 

If you’re looking for something warmer to use in Alaskan seas or deep winter, the Legacy boot comes in an insulated version rated to -10 degrees. The uninsulated Legacy 15” boots – which we tested – are best for wet and muddy environments in milder temperatures.

Should You Buy the XTRATUF Legacy Boots?

We love the XTRATUF 15” Legacy boots as a grippy, comfortable, and highly waterproof option for those in rough terrain and harsher work environments. Their value shines for folks who are looking for amply fortified boots to adventure in milder temperatures. We don’t recommend these boots for harsh winter environments or extreme cold, but they’re a great option for icy and muddy conditions in spring temperatures.

What Other Men’s Rain Boots Should You Consider?

If you want to explore other options, here are a few from our gear guide to check out:

Bogs Bozeman Mid Insulated: A rugged yet comfortable mid-height winter boot that strikes an excellent balance between warmth and functionality,  this boot features Bogs’ proprietary Neo-Tech™ waterproof insulation rated to -40°F/-40°C.

Muck Boot Wetland Review:  An excellent option if you want to add some height in a more flexible package that still offers serious warmth and performance.

Kamik Forester Review: This is a versatile, waterproof boot with great insulation for moderate winter conditions and a more flexible feel. 

The 15” Legacy Boots also come in insulated and steel toe versions.