FISHING
Columbia’s New PFG Pro Sport Deck Boots: Stay Upright, Stay Dry, Stay in the Fight
Engineered for Your Toughest Days on the Water
BY: NANCY BOUCHARD
Decks are slick. They shift. They roll. They don’t care if you’re a seasoned salt or a first-time angler. They’ll throw you off balance—and maybe toss you into the drink—if you give them the chance. Or you might lose your catch. Deck boots are waterproof, slip-resistant, ankle-high marvels, made to keep you steady when the rest of the world is pitching sideways.
Columbia’s PFG Pro Sport Boot, made in both men’s and women’s sizes, is built for the extremes of life on the water. It’s designed for the harshest marine conditions, to get you through hauling crab pots at dawn, casting lines all day, and cracking a cold one on a slick dock at dusk. Sure, they’re made for fishing, but you’ll end up wearing them just about everywhere—especially if you like dry feet and comfort.
There’s no doubt that Columbia understands fishing. Back in 1938, when Columbia was still the Columbia Hat Company, the first design was a fishing hat. Fast forward, and now it’s head-to-toe fishing gear built to help you catch more fish—in comfort and style. Plus, there’s cutting-edge technology. Ryan Bucci, Columbia’s PFG Footwear Product Line Manager, explains that what makes the Pro Sport Boot so special is that it’s the only vulcanized rubber deck boot with the feel of a running shoe. “It’s protective and comfortable, and it's the only deck boot available with this type of cushioning system.”
Columbia’s PFG Pro Sport Boot, made in both men’s and women’s sizes, is built for the extremes of life on the water. It’s designed for the harshest marine conditions, to get you through hauling crab pots at dawn, casting lines all day, and cracking a cold one on a slick dock at dusk. Sure, they’re made for fishing, but you’ll end up wearing them just about everywhere—especially if you like dry feet and comfort.
There’s no doubt that Columbia understands fishing. Back in 1938, when Columbia was still the Columbia Hat Company, the first design was a fishing hat. Fast forward, and now it’s head-to-toe fishing gear built to help you catch more fish—in comfort and style. Plus, there’s cutting-edge technology. Ryan Bucci, Columbia’s PFG Footwear Product Line Manager, explains that what makes the Pro Sport Boot so special is that it’s the only vulcanized rubber deck boot with the feel of a running shoe. “It’s protective and comfortable, and it's the only deck boot available with this type of cushioning system.”
Part of the magic is the Omni-Max system that was originally intended for trail running and fast hiking. “Our innovation team developed Omni-Max to be really comfortable right out of the box,” says Bucci. “Then the PFG development team took the technology and worked on a PFG outsole with less aggressive lugs and more deck grip. The Omni-Max system is a combination of responsive foam with flex grooves in the forefoot and a ‘deflection dome’ in the heel, so it feels broken-in from day one.” And the unbeatable traction is due to Columbia’s time-tested, world-class Omni-Grip rubber compound. The soles have added micro-siping for even better traction in wet conditions—think high-performance all-weather tires.
Columbia tested the Pro Sport Boot with world-class anglers and boat captains across the country. “We wanted to ensure they offered best-in-class comfort and performance,” says Bucci. “We also conducted extensive durability testing to make sure they exceed expectations.” The result: dialed-in comfort, state-of-the-art performance, market-leading durability, and a splash of understated fashion.
Capt. Mark Johnson, an Islamorada, Florida-based fishing guide, along with six other captains, has been testing the ankle-high, waterproof workhorses an average of five days a week, 8–10 hours a day, for the past five months. He and his team report that while they’ve tested many other deck boots, they “haven’t found a boot that we like better.” “We’ve been really impressed with the comfort,” says Johnson. “Especially the arch support, pull tabs that don’t break, and the non-skid grip on deck.”
Columbia tested the Pro Sport Boot with world-class anglers and boat captains across the country. “We wanted to ensure they offered best-in-class comfort and performance,” says Bucci. “We also conducted extensive durability testing to make sure they exceed expectations.” The result: dialed-in comfort, state-of-the-art performance, market-leading durability, and a splash of understated fashion.
Capt. Mark Johnson, an Islamorada, Florida-based fishing guide, along with six other captains, has been testing the ankle-high, waterproof workhorses an average of five days a week, 8–10 hours a day, for the past five months. He and his team report that while they’ve tested many other deck boots, they “haven’t found a boot that we like better.” “We’ve been really impressed with the comfort,” says Johnson. “Especially the arch support, pull tabs that don’t break, and the non-skid grip on deck.”
Capt. Phillip Wilds of Anchored Charters Guide Service in Panama City Beach, Florida, agrees. “These boots have more cushion and comfort than any I’ve worn—and I’ve tried nearly all of them chasing the right pair. Most fishing boots lack support, have flat soles, no arch and no cushion, and are a pain to get on. The new PFG Pro Sport Boot solved all that. I’m impressed.”
While many deck boots are one-trick ponies, the Pro Sport Boot is versatile. Not only do they give you instant sea legs, but they also add waterproofness and stability on the boat—and when you return to shore. The entire boot is loaded with smart, fishing-savvy features that translate well to land-based activities. “They work great on the boat, but also on slick, rainy streets,” says Bucci. “Thanks to the cushy midsole and pull-tabs, they’re easy to put on and wear pretty much anywhere.”
“I’ve been testing the Pro Sport Boot for about five months in all kinds of conditions—snow, rain, fishing trips, even deer hunting—and they’ve held up incredibly well,” says Shawn Sackman, a Wisconsin-based angler and field tester. “Right away, I noticed how good they look, plus they’re light and comfortable. These fit way better and have thicker soles than other deck boots I’ve worn, which makes a big difference. They’ve become my go-to boots for just about everything.”
The Pro Sport Boot is the next gen in Columbia’s PFG Pro lineup, following the already iconic Pro Sport Shoe. According to Haskell Beckham, Columbia’s VP of Innovation, both were engineered to absorb engine and wave vibrations—a key factor in reducing fatigue during long boat days. That makes the Pro Sport Boot part of a fatigue-fighting strategy that helps you catch fish.
While many deck boots are one-trick ponies, the Pro Sport Boot is versatile. Not only do they give you instant sea legs, but they also add waterproofness and stability on the boat—and when you return to shore. The entire boot is loaded with smart, fishing-savvy features that translate well to land-based activities. “They work great on the boat, but also on slick, rainy streets,” says Bucci. “Thanks to the cushy midsole and pull-tabs, they’re easy to put on and wear pretty much anywhere.”
“I’ve been testing the Pro Sport Boot for about five months in all kinds of conditions—snow, rain, fishing trips, even deer hunting—and they’ve held up incredibly well,” says Shawn Sackman, a Wisconsin-based angler and field tester. “Right away, I noticed how good they look, plus they’re light and comfortable. These fit way better and have thicker soles than other deck boots I’ve worn, which makes a big difference. They’ve become my go-to boots for just about everything.”
The Pro Sport Boot is the next gen in Columbia’s PFG Pro lineup, following the already iconic Pro Sport Shoe. According to Haskell Beckham, Columbia’s VP of Innovation, both were engineered to absorb engine and wave vibrations—a key factor in reducing fatigue during long boat days. That makes the Pro Sport Boot part of a fatigue-fighting strategy that helps you catch fish.
The next time you head out on the water, consider Columbia's line of fishing -and land-friendly PFG apparel and footwear.
