Reviewed by: CAPT. MIKE SCHOONVELD
There was a tip from a reader several years ago for the Basics and Beyond column in Great Lakes Angler magazine about hopping into a pair of muck boots when he loaded his boat at the ramp after each fishing trip. The alternative, he said was either wet feet or tip-toeing on the bumper of his truck and onto the tongue of his trailer.
Great idea and like the tipster, I took it to heart since I walked the bumper and hitch tightrope each time I loaded my boat. I bought an inexpensive pair at a farm store and they worked well for their intended use – for a couple of years. One day last fall I was loading my boat and I got a wet foot. The cheapo boots had a weather check from very limited exposure to the sun. I only wore them about 10 minutes each time I loaded my boat. More likely the rubber broke down just from baking in a hot vehicle while I was out on the lake.
Did I mention I only used them for a few minutes each day I went fishing? That’s because the fit and feel of the boots didn’t suggest I wanted to use them for more “normal” uses, like hunting, gardening, shoveling snow or just mucking around in muddy places and conditions.
I replaced them with a Canadian made pair from Baffin Boots, a company that prides itself for putting quality first. When I slid my feet into the Enduros it was like slipping into a familiar pair of comfortable work boots. It has an interior that almost feels sculpted and Baffin’s unique GelFlex anti-fatigue material on the insole for foot comfort. I could see wearing these boots all day when necessary.
They are 16 inches tall – plenty of depth on every ramp where I’ve used them with several inches to spare. The bottom of the outsole has a rugged pattern giving a firm footing whether it was slick winter conditions or algae-slick boat ramps in the summer.
If you are looking for a muck boot, for work, boat launching or just all around use in “mucky” conditions, consider the Enduros from Baffin. Check them out at www.baffin.com. They are available at some retailers and many online sellers including Amazon.com (Women’s versions are available, as well.)
FISHING TOYS 