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It’s rare to find a shoe that’s truly amphibious. Most sandals lack adequate protection for terrestrial use, while sneakers tend to skimp on ventilation and drainage. In the footwear world, land and water sit at either end of a broad spectrum. Some people say the gap can’t be bridged. Those people just haven’t met XTRATUF’s Riptide Sandals yet.
If anyone knows how to make a seriously rugged, versatile sandal, it’s XTRATUF. The brand took the footwear scene by storm 50 years ago when its iconic Legacy Boot arrived in Alaska. Waterproof, grippy, and meticulously well-made, the boot soon became ubiquitous on commercial fishing vessels across the state. Today, the brand brings much of that same experience and technology to a variety of other shoes—including the Riptide Sandal, one of its most versatile options to date.
Built for life on and off the boat, the Riptide is non-marking and slip resistant. (Photo: XTRATUF)
Brand-new from XTRATUF, the Riptide collection was designed for security both in and out of the water. For starters, the slip-on sandals are made of injection-molded BioLite—an eco-friendly, high-performance foam. Unlike some other closed-toe sandals, the Riptide sports a low-profile silhouette and a permanently deployed heel strap. These features provide a secure, shoe-like fit. In other words, they don’t shift around, even when you’re hustling to set up camp or chasing your dog down the beach.
The Riptide’s traction is also outstanding, thanks to a combination of square- and arrow-shaped lugs on the nonmarking BioLite outsole. Macro and micro textures on these lugs provide grip on everything from loose sand to smooth stone. Wet rocks prove little challenge as well—the BioLite foam has a slight give, which allows it to press into hard surfaces. That maximizes surface area, making the shoes feel sticky even on something as slick as the bottom of a wet kayak.
With drainage holes throughout the upper, this shoe is made for all day wear wherever you go. (Photo: XTRATUF)
It’s not just the traction that goes from land to sea and back again. Aside from being insanely comfortable, the BioLite foam is fully waterproof and fast-drying, ideal for adventures that have you in and out of the water a lot, like fishing, rafting, lake days, and rainy-day camping trips. Strategically placed drainage holes boost breathability without compromising protection, and a textured footbed provides a secure grip, even when the boat’s rocking.
So, can a shoe handle land and water equally well? Armed with superior grip, ventilated protection, and all-day comfort, the Riptide shouts a resounding yes. It’s safe to say that the gap has been bridged—and that you’ve found your new summer sandal.
XTRATUF’s history in commercial fishing has inspired new styles built for life on and off the boat. From commercial-grade Legacy boots to explorer-grade ADBs and Riptides, XTRATUF is Alaska proven and built for all.
The post First Look: XTRATUF Riptide Sandals appeared first on Outside Online.
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