56 | BOATINGMAG.COM | JULY/AUGUST 2018
BOAT DOCTORIRISH SETTER
LAKESIDE
My last pair of Lakesides are
6 years old, still tough as nails,
and look good enough for casual
Fridays. They offer a stable
stance for boats in motion and a
protective sole that’s tough but
supple. They’ve been comfort-
able at trade shows, bass fi shing
all day, and dashing through
the airport.
Oiled leather uppers are
breathable thanks to styled
fabric sidewalls and moisture
wicking inside. Soles with siped
pods and dual textures add
to the grip. Dual-density EVA
insoles and a nonmetallic shank
give plenty of arch support plus
fl exibility. Durable stitching and
a rugged casual look help ensure
the timeless look stays timeless.
DRAINAGE: They drained
slowly but dried more quickly
than fabric shoes.
TRACTION DRY: 35 degrees
TRACTION WET: 30 degrees
DUNK AND DRY, 1 HOUR: 18%
DUNK AND DRY, 2 HOURS:
11%
SIZES: Half-sizes from 8 to 11,
medium and wide to 14
COST: $114.99; irishsetterboots
.com
XTRATUF
CHUMRUNNER
These retro canvas deck shoes
reminded me of the Red Ball
Jets basketball shoes I wore as
a kid. The Chumrunners have the
same canvas construction but
are more comfortable thanks
to the soft fabric and foam
liner. And unlike the Red Ball
Jets, they offer comfortable
arch support.
The chevron-style traction
worked well and was the ideal
depth to increase traction without
picking up rocks or shells in our
test — but beware. And unlike
the fi ner treaded shoes, these
sloughed off wet sand easily with
a kick or a slap. The insoles are
removable. They are available in
brown and cobblestone beige. A
synthetic leather heel cap adds
style and durability.
DRAINAGE: Weep holes in the
insoles did not help drain water
from the shoe.
TRACTION DRY: 40 degrees
TRACTION WET: 35 degrees
DUNK AND DRY 1 HOUR: 35%
DUNK AND DRY 2 HOURS:
34%
SIZES: Half-sizes from 7 to 11,
plus 12, 13 and 14
COST: $69.99; xtratuf.comXTRATUF
FINATIC II
The shoes molded to the feet
instantly with no chafe points
or hard spots to wear against
the bone. Xtratuf’s chevron sole
is sticky — even on a wet tile
fl oor. Inside, a closed-cell foam
foot bed is lined with pigskin,
adding even more softness to
the glovelike fi t.
The soft leather upper
is vented at the instep and
outside with a mesh-and-foam
fabric. The mesh and foam
lines the entire upper to softly
cradle the foot. The outsole
is bonded to the upper, and
the nonmarring rubber turns
up around the shoe for added
protection. They’re available in
tan or chocolate tan.
DRAINAGE: The shoes lacked
drainage, and the soft leather
was porous and slow to dry.
TRACTION DRY: 32 degrees
TRACTION WET: 31 degrees
DUNK AND DRY, 1 HOUR:
100%
DUNK AND DRY, 2 HOURS:
50%
SIZES: Half-sizes from 7 to 11,
plus 12, 13 and 14
COST: $84.99; xtratuff.comXTRATUF
SPINDRIFT KRYPTEK PONTUS
These slip on as easily as dive
boots but drain like a sieve
— unlike dive boots. They are
comfortable on the street for
light walking but most ideal for
the boat or wade-fi shing. Fine
sand can come through the
drainage system, but most of it
goes out the same way.
The laces are elastic for
quick donning and doffi ng, and
a friction buckle makes snug
adjustments easy. The insole
pulls out to make rinsing and
drying the shoe fast. The sole
is grippy but sort of lugged, so
check for small stones before
stepping aboard and kick the
sand off. The soft rubber won’t
scuff the boat.
DRAINAGE: They drained in
30 seconds and dried faster
than most shoes in the
performance class.
TRACTION DRY: 42 degrees
TRACTION WET: 34 degrees
DUNK AND DRY, 1 HOUR:
18%
DUNK AND DRY, 2 HOURS:
11%
SIZES: Half-sizes from 7 to 11,
plus whole sizes 12 to 14
COST: $100; xtratuf.comPHOTOS: (FROM TOP) JON WHITTLE (4), RANDY VANCE (4)CHECK OUT MORE BOATINGLAB TESTS AT BOATINGMAG.COM.