MidCurrent Tested and Trusted: Grundens Deviation 6″ Ankle Boot

The author has put in a lot of days in the Grundens Deviation 6” Ankle Boot, but they’re still going strong. Photo: Rick Mikesell

On a cold November morning in Colorado, the goal is simple: stay warm, stay dry, and make the most of shorter days on the water. For decades, Grundens has been the standard for commercial fishermen who work some of the toughest, wettest, and most dangerous jobs on the planet. If their gear can hold up to that level of abuse, it can handle a fly angler running to their favorite rock pile on a fall morning before sunrise.

The Grundens Deviation 6” Ankle Boot ($139.99) is built for heavy duty use. It is a waterproof, slip-resistant rubber boot designed for people who spend time in, on, or around water. I have lived in these boots from fall to spring; they are ready for any weather, from rain to a surprise spring snowstorm that lays down three inches before the drive home from work. The siped sole grips well on wet surfaces, and the interior cushioning keeps long days of standing and casting comfortable. (Siping is a process of cutting thin slits across a rubber surface to improve traction in wet or icy conditions.) The retail price is very fair for a boot that easily lasts multiple seasons of daily work.

Fit and Function

The fit is generous enough for thicker socks in winter but secure enough that the heel does not lift when you’re climbing in or out of a raft. Pull tabs on both sides make the boots easy to get on or off even when cold and stiff. After more than a year of pulling, those tabs have not torn or ripped.

The 6-inch height is about right for most conditions—high enough to block splash and for shallow wading but low enough to wear to work or around town without looking out of place. I do sometimes wish Grundens offered an 8- or 10-inch version for a little more coverage when water gets deeper than planned. I have pushed that 6-inch limit more than a few times, wading out just a little farther than I should, and filled them up with water. The Deviations dried quickly, usually overnight in the garage, and more importantly are not smelly, thanks to the HeiQ Pure anti-odor lining.

When you need to step in to land a big fish, these boots provide waterproof, slip-proof protection. Photo: Rick Mikesell

On the Water and Around Town

From fall through spring, these boots rarely leave my feet. The siped rubber sole sheds mud quickly, which means I am not tracking mud through the garage or into the house after a quick stop at the river on the way home. The grip is exceptional. On slick boat ramps, wet trailers, or while wading in skinny water, the soles grab without sliding. They bite into slick surfaces where most flat-bottom deck boots tend to skate, and they clear mud and gravel quickly once you are back on dry ground.

What makes them stand out is how naturally they move between fishing and daily life. The black color (which they call “Anchor”) looks clean enough for work, and the height keeps them from feeling like full-on deck boots. I wear them to work, then straight to the Denver South Platte for quick evening sessions. If I have to step in to net a fish or free a snag, my feet are still dry. They have proven perfect for mushroom hunting with the family or even ice fishing when the snow is not too deep.

Long-Term Durability

Over a full year of heavy use, the Deviation has held up better than expected. The rubber is still flexible, with no cracking or discoloration. The seams remain watertight, and there is no delamination or peeling around the sole. The anti-odor liner still works, which is saying something after a year’s worth of wet socks and long days.

Grundens’ commercial background shows in the construction. They are built to hold up in the harshest environments. Maintenance is minimal; a quick rinse with fresh water and occasional airing out is all they need.

Stay Dry, Fish Longer

The Grundens Deviation 6” Ankle Boot is straightforward, durable gear built by a company that understands tough conditions. It has become my default boot for the months when weather and water mix. The balance of comfort, waterproofing, and grip makes it easy to wear all day.

Check Out the Grundens Deviation 6” Ankle Boot Here