By Josh Boyd
The LaCrosse Alphaburly line of boots has been a prominent staple of the knee-length rubber boot market for some time now. If the reputation that precedes LaCrosse footwear’s lengthy history in the boot market is any indicator, the Alphaburly should not disappoint.
The LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro is billed as being the ultimate in rubber hunting boot comfort. These boots boast a specialty contour fit grip to prevent foot shift from within, as well as a neoprene gusset for increased dexterity and calf fitment. Other selling points include a custom sole design for improved traction, neoprene liners for increased air circulation, and EVA midsoles for superior weight reduction.
To preface this review, I initially purchased the pair of LaCrosse Alphaburly Pro boots, that I currently wear, four years ago in 2015. I have worn these boots for a wide array of endeavors including turkey hunting, deer hunting, trapping, and scouting. The following documents my experiences during this time period.
Comfort Factor
From their initial day of use, there seemed to be a remarkable difference in feel between these boots, and previous rubber boots that I have owned in the past. The LaCrosse Alphaburlys lacked the excessive free play in the ankle and heel region that is typical of similar market offerings.
At the same time, the rest of your foot was allowed adequate room for movement, but not excessively so. There was never a feeling that your foot was constricted in any manner. In fact, the opposite was true.Their feel was closely related in nature to that of a well fitted hiking boot.
The neoprene gusset was a nice addition to the Alphaburly line, as it made stepping into and out of these boots a dream. Enough flex was given that they could be yanked on quickly as you headed out the door.
The neoprene gusset also provided a fully customized fit in the calf region. This would be invaluable for individuals that have had trouble with fitment in this particular area of a boot in the past.
Additionally, LaCrosse seems to have perfected their multi-layer rubber construction design, as it performs exactly as advertised. When walking, the triple layer rubber design provides you with all the flex that is needed to have a comfortable trek, while also staying rigid enough to prevent premature breakdown.
Perhaps the most compelling finding in relation to these boots was that these qualities are just as prominent after four years of use as they were the day the boots were purchased.
Temperature Regulation
The Alphaburly Pro comes in a variety of different insulation ratings, as well as a non-insulated model. For this reason, temperature regulation will probably, at least somewhat, become a product of your choice in model.
I purchased the 800 gram insulated variety of the Alphaburly Pro boot. Now, I will start by saying that I was concerned with my initial purchase as to what level of breathability a boot of that insulation rating would have during early season bow hunts. However, I hate freezing on stand during late season hunts, so the insulated version it was.
As it turns out, my concerns were unsubstantiated. I have bowhunted in 100 degree heat in September, and never recall any remarkable degree of foot sweat while wearing these boots. The moisture wicking, self temperature regulating design of these boots is nothing short of remarkable.
On the flip side, I have sat on stand in temperatures that ran in the single digits, and have found that the rest of my body was ready to pack it in due to the frigid cold, long before my feet were. If your feet get cold easily, you will not be disappointed if the insulated Alphaburly is to be your next purchase of footwear.
Tread Design and Durability
The Alphaburly Pro line of boots features a tread design that is aggressive enough to get you where you are going when the going gets tough, but not excessively so that you cannot enjoy your casual stroll back to the truck after calling an end to the day’s hunt.
This tread pattern will hold up to any set of conditions that you want to throw at it. From climbing into ice and snow covered treestands, to wading through ankle deep river bottom mud during turkey season, navigating through virtually any situational feature, both terrain based and weather induced, has been a breeze.
As for tread life, all I can really say is that I cannot seem to wear them out. After miles upon miles of adventures, the tread stands as prominent today as it did on day one.
Durability
After over four years of use, I have just reached the point that these boots will have to be retired following this season. Until recently, I have experienced zero durability issues. However, as of late, I have started to experience some degree of sole separation from the body of the boot. I have also begun to observe some cracking of the outermost layer of the rubber construction.
However, to adequately put this into context, it is only fair to state that these boots have lived a less than ideal life. I refuse to bring a good pair of rubber deer hunting boots inside and risk scent contamination. Consequently, these boots have been exposed to far lengthier durations of direct UV exposure than any boot probably should.
I feel that it is fair to say that with a reasonable level of care, the average consumer could expect to see a service life of anywhere between five to seven years out of their pair of Alphaburly Pro boots, with little to no issue.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Alphaburly Pro line of boots is yet another stellar entry into the already illustrious LaCrosse product portfolio. With comfort that surpasses that of any other rubber boot that I have worn, unfathomable depth in internal temperature regulation, and a tread pattern that practically cannot be worn out, it is safe to say that no buyer’s remorse will be felt when purchasing a pair of Alphaburly Pro boots.
