Best Footwear for Fishing in Alaska

Muck Boots Women’s Muckster II AnkleMuckBootsWMucksterII.jpg
www.muckbootcompany.com
Our tester loved this all-purpose shoe, which is available for women offering an even greater fit for all-day comfort. These light shoes will keep your feet warm and dry. A new high-traction rubber outsole and comfortable, shock-absorbing insoles are why these boots are so cozy.

Muck Boots Men’s Excursion Pro LowMuck-Boots-Men’s-Excursion-Pro-Low.jpg
www.muckbootcompany.com
These waterproof shoes are a good choice for day-to-day use in the rainy season;they are warm, comfortable, easy to take on and off and provide good traction. Our tester walked around a lot in the rain and his feet stayed dry. They make for a good camp shoe, whether after a long day on the Kenai River catching sockeye or after a rewarding day float tubing to hungry Mat-Su Valley rainbows.

XTRATUF 6-Inch Ankle BootXTRATUF-6-Inch-Ankle-Boot.jpg
www.xtratufboots.com
These boots are designed for offshore anglers, and they feature the same Chevron outsole we like from the Legacy boots. We like the 6-inch Ankle Boot because it’s easy to put on, lightweight and comfortable. We also found these boots to be great for those who usually experience constriction and lack of mobility from traditional boots.

XTRATUF W 15-inch Legacy Boots with Ocean PrintXtratuf_oceanprint.jpg
www.xtratufboots.com
The Legacy boots are already famous and loved throughout Alaska, and the Women’s Legacy features the exact same non-marking, slip-resistant Chevron outsole as the classic, but it is specifically designed for better fit and all-day comfort. New liner prints are available, and our tester preferred the Ocean Print. 

Kenetrek Women’s Bridger Ridge Lowbridgewater.jpg
www.kenetrek.com
The Women’s Bridger Ridge Low is a rugged, low-top hiking boot that is both light and comfortable. We recommend it as an all-around outdoor shoe in Alaska; our tester commented that they provide excellent support. They are available in women’s whole- and half sizes from 6 to 10. 

Darn Tough Hiker ¼ Sock CushionDarn-Tough-Hiker-1-4th-Sock-Cushion-1.jpg
www.darntough.com
These socks are perfect for those who prefer shorter socks but want the warmth and performance of wool. Our tester says the supportive non-slipping, non-bunching fit and the fine-gauge knit design makes them more comfortable than any wool sock he’s worn. We tested two pair of these socks and definitely plan on purchasing more due to the fact that they performed so well that we almost didn’t want to take them off.

KEEN Women’s Saltzman WPKeen-Saltzman.jpg
www.keenfootwear.com
This fast, flexible hiking shoe is built with waterproof mesh, which is exactly what our tester needed on exceptionally rainy days in the Alaska bush. The springy midsole and high-traction outsole added long-lasting cushioning all year long, which made these the practical go-to shoes for most excursions. 

Vasque Women’s Monolith LowKenetrek-Womens-Bridger-Ridge-low.jpg
www.vasque.com
Light and stable, the Monolith Low is a good hiking shoe for moderate terrain. Pertinent features include the Vasque Monolith outsole which is comprised of multi-directional lugs that give excellent traction on loose ground, a molded EVA midsole that provides comfort, a waterproof upper that is a blend of leather and mesh and a TPU mid-foot shank that provides stability. Our tester reported that the shoe is very comfortable, but also supported her ankle and gave protection to the foot when hiking rocky landscapes.

Kenetrek Canada SocksKenetrekCanada.jpg
www.kenetrek.com
Our tester loved this medium-weight sock for summer in Alaska, especially appreciating the reinforced ball of heel, toe and shin pads. Constructed with the perfect blend of fine merino wool fibers and synthetics for additional durability, these socks also wick moisture well.

KEEN Women’s Versatrail ShoesKeen-Versatrail.jpg
www.keenfootwear.com
These shoes are lightweight but built for handling tough trail conditions. They offer a perfect solution when hiking terrain that’s too gnarly for sneakers but doesn’t fully require a high-top hiking boot. Available in five colors and half sizes from 5 to 11.

Sigvaris Merino Outdoor SockSigvaris-Merino-Outdoor-Sock.jpg
www.sigvaris.com
These merino wool compression socks bring top-level athletic performance to the outdoors market, offering increased circulation and improved blood flow, more oxygen to muscle tissue and less lactic acid buildup in the legs to Alaska anglers, hunters and hikers. Constructed of fine Australian merino wool, the socks are also itch-free, soft and comfortable, with a cushioned, padded sole. These are available at Lake Otis Medical Supply in Anchorage who offers a 10% discount to our readers.  

Bogs Ultra Mid BlackBogs-Ultra-Mid-Black.jpg
www.bogsfootwear.com
Easy-on pull handles, durable hand-lasted rubber over 7mm waterproof Neo-Tech insulation and an internal midsole with rubber sponge for extra cushioning and warmth are the prime features of this simply designed, comfortable and functional boots good for most Alaska-sized tasks outdoors. 

Darn Tough Hiker Boot Sock, Full CushionDarn-Tough-Hiker-Boot-Sock-Full-Cushion-1405.jpg
www.darntough.com
These performance-fit socks were found in our tester’s bag over and over throughout 2016, as their no-slip, no-bunch performance helped prevent blisters, while fine-gauge knitting offered unprecedented durability. Fast-action wicking pulls moisture away from the skin, and the socks were quick-drying as well. 

Farm to Feet Slate Mountain Mid SockFarmtoFeet-Slate-Mountain-Mid.jpg
www.farmtofeet.com
These socks provided nothing but accolades after a season’s use. Durable and rugged, the outer nylon plating helped deliver a traditional look and natural odor-resistance, while cushioned protection ensured we stayed comfortable all day long.

KEEN Men’s Oakridge Polar Waterproof BootKEEN-Men's-Oakridge-Polar-Waterproof-Boot-1.jpg
www.keenfootwear.com
Versatility is important for life in Alaska, and this boot provides just that. While waterproof and warm enough for winter, these boots are still breathable and lightweight enough for daily use. Combine those traits with multi-directional lugs for grip and subtle styling and the Oakridge Polar is the perfect boot for Alaska winters. 

Baffin Women’s Sage BootBaffin-Sage-Boot.jpg
www.baffin.com
This is a serious cold-weather boot. The liner is removable and can be molded to the foot, while the sole offers comfort and superior grip in slick conditions. The outer is made from waterproof PU-coated leather and nylon, so this boot, rated from 40 to -55 F can be worn in wet as well as super-cold conditions.

Farm To Feet Damascus Lightweight Elite Hiker SocksFarm-To-Feet-Women's-Damascus-Lightweight-Elite-Hiker-Socks.jpg
www.farmtofeet.com 
These socks offer great cushioning and breathability. They are super-comfortable and help prevent blisters. The materials in these socks helps reduce bacterial build-up. They are a favorite for working outside, rugged hikes or long days on the water.