Perry and Cindy Mack
Perfect for west coast winter weather where water runs through the streets.
Words and photos by Perry and Cindy Mack
We live in an orchard on the west coast of Canada. Spring and fall are wet grass and mud in the fields and forests; summers are spent boating on the lakes and ocean; and in winter we wade through the wet slush covering city roads and sidewalks. For years we’ve lived in Xtratuf boots, and traditional shoe height Bogs. What we lacked was durable, comfortable waterproof footwear that could be worn all day, whether we were working on the farm or shopping downtown.
The LaCrosse Alpha Deck Boot is not as cumbersome as the Xtratuf boots, higher than the Bogs, and they have a tread that is slip resistant for wet decks, whether they be next to the house, or the dock. We like the height of the ankle boot, which keeps feet dry when walking through wet grass and that mistakenly deeper puddle.
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Perry and Cindy Mack
The tread pattern is distinctly suited for wet deck traction.
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Perry and Cindy Mack
Half sizes are available to find your perfect fit. This colour is men's Wild Dove.
The LaCrosse heritage is satisfyingly reputable. This a company that builds footwear for serious outdoor work and fun. You’ll find them angling, snowmobiling, and hunting, as well as on construction sites, and farms.
The shape feels more like a shoe and compared to Xtratuf, with a more secure fit. There is a good heel cup to keep the foot in place, and sizing is accurate with a selection of half sizes so we could find the perfect fit. If you have a wide foot I’d strongly recommend choosing the wide sizing. The arch support is just right. Enough to give some support and keep the foot in place, but not so much that it’s painful for someone who pronates (ankles roll inward).
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Perry and Cindy Mack
Step tab to get them off without bending over.
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Perry and Cindy Mack
The footbed is part of the Air-Circ system for a much more comfortable boot throughout the day.
They are easy to get on with a generous neoprene opening, which is a relief as our Bogs require a shoehorn. The Alpha Deck front and back pull-on tabs are solidly stitched in place, and the step tab on each heel makes getting them off easy, with less wear on the boot, and without having to bend over. A great design feature on what appears to be a well-constructed boot.
LaCrosse promotes the Air-Circ liner as helping to control the temperature in the boot. It is a quick drying mesh that assists air circulation aided by the Air-Circ footbed. It does help but don’t expect it to feel like a spring breeze, afterall, this is a rubber boot. It’s warm and dry but not breathable. We found it heavier compared to a fashion gum boot, but there is a sense that the robust construction of the Alpha Deck Boot is the culprit, and we’re ok with that.
Perry and Cindy Mack
Women's in Timber Wolf:Camo has the same quality features and fit true to size.
The boot is like a Jack (or Jill) of all trades. We wear them RVing, camping, gardening, walking the dog, pruning trees, fishing, boating, and taking the 4x4 out for a spin. We found the forefoot flexes comfortably for walking or kneeling, and the neoprene flexes backward comfortably at the Achilles for driving.
An oft repeated phrase is that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The LaCrosse Alpha Deck boots are more utilitarian than fashion, more function than form. If you’re looking for runway-model boots that meet this season’s fashion trends, then there is a plethora of other choices. On the other hand, if warm, dry, well-fitting, well-designed, and well-built deck boots check off the boxes on your list, this purpose-built boot is the top choice for those who love the outdoors and who demand reliable footwear in wet, often cold conditions.
Check out the colours, sizing and more at https://global.lacrossefootwear.com