I have had many pairs of xtratufs. And currently own 6 pairs. Insulated, normal, fashion, work boots, etc. I end up hiking in my xtratufs all the time and while they have the best grip on wet wood of any hiking boot they are terrible side hilling. These boots have a really good sole, good traction in the mud and on edge. They are uncomfortably tight around the instep but that helps with grip. It also makes them colder. The price to pay for traction. But all those changes are useful but the next change is a deal breaker. The calf diameter has been increased over an inch compared to either my regular legacy boots or my insulated legacy boots. An inch increase means these boots are incredibly sloppy and they thwack against your calf and sound like walking around in flip flops. These boots fill up with sticks and leaves and water while hiking. Not sure why they would increase the calf size so much. Other xtratufs fit perfect and for large calf people they should offer the gussetted. I would return them if I could.
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