SITKA Insulated Rubber Boots Are Way Beyond Basic
With a couple of months left before spring sets in, SITKA is launching two new insulated rubber boots to keep your feet warm and dry. Not familiar with SITKA boots? You’re not alone. These are the first footwear products they’ve designed.
If SITKA is a new name to you, they’re big in the hunting and fishing space, specializing in outdoor wear. Even if you’re not into hunting and fishing, these boots have a lot to offer in other activities and trades. Many of the design elements translate very well to construction and landscaping when you’re working in wet, sloppy areas. If you keep a pair of rubber boots on hand for those “just in case” days, you pay attention to what SITKA can do for you.
SITKA VentLite GTX Insulated Rubber Boot
The VentLike GTX is a top-of-the-line boot built for those who demand the best of everything. It has a full GORE-TEX laminate upper, helping it maintain outstanding waterproofing. Waterproof doesn’t mean hot and sweaty, though, and these boots have a GORE-TEX breathable waterproof bootie as well.
For insulation, SITKA turns to Primaloft Gold 1006f. Touting better warmth sustainability than any 1600g Thinsulate boots on the market, you can expect to keep your feet comfortable in temperatures ranging from -30° – 50° F.
At the same time, it’s lighter than you might expect. Each boot is just 35 ounces. For comparison, the SITKA Back40 (details below) comes in at 42.5 ounces. Saving nearly 1/2 a pound of weight on your feet makes a huge difference when it comes to reducing fatigue on long days.
Providing traction in sloppy conditions, there’s a Vibram Litebase MEGAGRIP outsole. Its proprietary lug design is similar to some of the best work boots we recommend. They’re deep enough to get a serious grip on soft ground with enough gap to release mud as you walk.
Additional Highlights
- Zero break-in feel
- TPU heel kick pad protects the heel when you remove your boots
- Anatomical RPU “Armor” protection
- Injected TPU external heel counter and toe guard
- Proprietary, plush polyurethane Insoles
Price: $399
SITKA Back40 Insulated Rubber Boot
More affordable yet lightyears ahead of cheap rubber boots, the Back40 is a great fit for those who prioritize high value. There are some trade-offs compared to the high-end VentLite GTX, of course, but the lower price will likely have a wider-ranging appeal.
One of the key differences is that it relies on 4mm neoprene and rubber for its waterproofing characteristics.
Another is that with 800g of Thinsulate insulation, the comfort rating is a bit narrower than the VentLite GTX, yet still generous at -20° – 40° F.
SITKA specifically calls out its high-rebound EVA midsole for the Back40. The additional cushion EVA provides can be a huge relief for those of us on the wrong side of 40 who feel our knees and backs at the end of the day.
Additional Highlights
- Stretch collar makes foot entry and exit easier
- Heel kick pad reinforces the heel
- High-traction, mud-shedding lug pattern
- Molded flex zone improves flexibility
- Zero break-in feel
- Low profile heel and toe rubber overlays
- 42.5 ounces
