Women’s Xtratuf 15″ Legacy Winter Boot Review

Bottom Line

Xtratuf boots are beloved in winter climates for their excellent traction and waterproof design. We love our pair of Xtratuf boots, which we bought while living in Alaska, so much that we had to include them in our list of best winter boots. During side-by-side testing, we confirmed much of what we already knew from extensive use. First, they perform great in wet and slippery conditions.

The boots stayed dry after over two hours of submersion in water. They also scored well on our traction measuring device and gave us confidence walking on snow- and ice-covered surfaces. 

Some downsides of the Xtratufs include the lack of insulation, a heavier design, and limited options for customizing comfort. During winter hikes in both Alaska and Colorado, we have noticed that the toes can get a bit chilly while standing around in these boots.

Additionally, the neoprene materials and tall shaft inherently make them weigh more than some other boots.

However, these issues are minimal or easily fixed with thicker socks. Overall, we will always keep a pair of Xtratufs in our closet for rainy days, snowy hikes, and long winter walks on the beach. If these aren’t the type of winter boots you’re looking for, check out our full list of women’s winter boots.

How We Tested

We have been using and hiking in Xtratuf boots for many years, starting with our first pair while living in Alaska. We’ve used these boots for outdoor chores in winter, walks along Katchemak Bay in Homer, AK, and hikes in both the Kenai and San Juan areas. 

Weight

The Xtratuf 15” Legacy boots were some of the heaviest we tested due to their heavier neoprene design and tall shaft height. When we weighed one on our kitchen scale, it came in at 28 ounces, or 1.7 pounds.

This was comparable to most of the other tall rubber boots we evaluated. It was disappointing to see that they weighed slightly more than the Bogs Neo Classic Tall, despite having less insulation.

From our experience, buying Xtratufs that fit well really helps reduce how heavy they feel during use. We’ve been hiking on beaches and in snow with

Xtratufs for years, and boots that are too big can feel quite heavy on your feet in a short time. Properly sized boots are easier to walk in, although they still require more effort than some lighter options models.  

Water Resistance

The Xtratuf 15″ Legacy boots excel in water resistance. Their neoprene design is 100% waterproof, as confirmed through both quantitative and qualitative testing. To compare them with other boots, we placed them in a bathtub filled with water, enough to cover the toes.

After adding a rock to prevent floating, we started a timer and checked the inside every five minutes. The Xtratuf boots remained completely dry after more than two hours in the water. 

One of our favorite uses for these boots is during winter hikes where water is involved. For example, we enjoy walking the beaches near Homer, Alaska, all year round. These boots have always kept our feet dry as long as nothing falls in over the top. On more traditional hikes, they are perfect for stream crossings or wet snow. If moisture is a major concern, then the Xtratuf boots are a fantastic choice.

Warmth

Although the Xtratuf 15″ Legacy boots were made in Alaska and are essentially the state footwear, they lack any insulation and are the coldest among the boots we tested. To evaluate their warmth, we buried the toes and heel in a snowbank and measured the internal temperature with an infrared thermometer. We recorded readings every 5 minutes to compare how temperatures changed over time. From the first measurement, the inside of the Xtratufs was colder than all the other boots. Throughout the test, the temperatures were similar to those of a pair of trail runners we used as a control. 

In the field, we often find the Xtratufs to feel chilly whether hiking the Resurrection Pass trail in Alaska or walking through snow in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Part of this is due to the neoprene construction with just a basic inner lining.

We usually try to pair these boots with warmer socks, and it may be helpful to consider that when choosing a size. Although the toes can often feel cold in these boots, it’s less noticeable when moving and has never been a problem when hiking in temperatures down to the low 20’s.

Comfort

The Xtratuf 15″ Legacy boots either will or will not be comfortable, as there are limited ways to address pain points. Since comfort varies greatly between individuals, we focused mainly on the number of adjustment points available to modify the boot’s comfort when ranking models in this category.

Features like laces, a wide range of sizes including half sizes, and the availability of wide toe boxes were among the aspects we looked for, though the Xtratufs lack some of these. However, we were pleased to find that they have removable insoles, allowing orthotics or custom insoles to be added if needed to increase comfort. We also appreciate that they can be returned if they are uncomfortable for the wearer. 

It’s important to note that although the Xtratuf boots didn’t score very high in comfort, we’ve never found them uncomfortable. We’ve spent many days wearing these boots on beach walks in Alaska and on winter hikes without any signs of discomfort. We believe this is true for many people, as these boots are very popular in the Last Frontier state. The only reason we ranked them lower is that if they don’t fit your foot shape well, there’s little that can be done to fix it short of returning them and trying a different pair boot.

Traction

Xtratuf boots are known for their great traction in slippery conditions, which is why they are a top choice for fishermen working on boats in Alaska. The tread on Xtratufs is less aggressive than some dedicated hiking boots but features a lot of surface area. When we tested these boots on our traction device, they climbed up to a 45° slope before slipping and falling. This places them in the upper tier of boots we tested for traction.

Though we can’t claim to have worn them on a wet boat, we have used the Xtratuf boots on various slick surfaces. We have hiked with them over wet rocks on the beach, on wet wharfs, icy roads, and snowy trails. Throughout it all, they have provided reliable traction, and the fall risk has always felt minimized low. 

Should You Buy the Xtratuf 15″ Legacy Boots?

The Xtratuf 15″ Legacy boots have notable strengths and obvious weaknesses to consider before purchasing. Their neoprene build and tall shaft make them ideal for wet conditions, including prolonged submersion. They also offer good traction, which is helpful on wet rocks and ice.

Additionally, they are easy to slip on and off, making them a great choice to keep by the door in winter or as transition shoes before skiing. Those concerned about adjustability, warmth, or lighter weight should look elsewhere however.

What Other Women’s Winter Boots Should You Consider?

Not quite what you’re after? Check out our women’s winter boot gear guide: or some comparable models below:

Bogs Arcata Review: One of our editor’s picks, we love how versatile the Bogs Arcata boots are. Though they aren’t as tall as the Xtratuf boots, they feature handles for easy slip-on, faux-lined fur and insulation for warmth, plus a lighter weight. We appreciate that they remain highly waterproof with decent tread.

Bogs Neo Classic Tall Review: Similar in height and featuring a waterproof design, the Bogs Neo Classic Tall boots are a great alternative to the Xtratuf boots. Those seeking extra warmth will appreciate the insulated design of these Bogs. 

Sorel Caribou Review: Like the Xtratuf boots, the Sorel Caribou has a long-standing reputation for quality and performance. These boots are designed with snow in mind for those who want warmer boots with more adjustability.