Meet the Waterproof Fishing Booties That Beat Every Other Airport Shoe I Own

As a travel writer and outdoorswoman, I spend more time in airports than I care to admit. On average, I fly once a month—much less than other folks in the industry, but still enough to allow me to expertly hone in my packing skills. Over the years, I’ve learned what travel essentials can make or break an easy day of flying. That includes a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones (your babies are cute but loud, sorry), a packable blanket (why are airplanes so dang cold?!) and the best airport shorts, a.k.a. a durable, comfortable pair of slip-on shoes that make TSA a breeze.

So when I got my hands on Grundéns’ new Deck-Boss Shorty Sherpa Boots, I was stoked, and honestly a little surprised. Of all the places to find my new favorite airplane shoe, I never expected it from… a hardcore fishing brand. As an angler, most of my gear has a very specific purpose for days on the water; the crossover between real life and fishing is rare. But these slip-on shoes looked like something anyone could enjoy, regardless of fishing.

Grundéns Deck-Boss Shorty Sherpa Slip-On Shoes

$100 at Grundéns

On paper, the Deck Boss Shorty Sherpa Boots ticked off every box I had on my ultra-specific list for a premium airplane shoe: easy to kick on and off in line at security, comfy enough for schlepping bags, and warm enough to keep me from freezing mid-flight. And after testing them myself for the past month (including two flights and countless hours on my feet), they really are as good as I hoped and are worth a spot in everyone’s wardrobes, not just fishy folks.

Built for the Boat, Perfect for the Terminal

As an angler, Grundéns is one of my first stops for quality fishing apparel. Visit any dock or crowded fish market like Pike Place, and you’re sure to see someone sporting Grundéns bibs—the bright orange rubber overalls have become table stakes in the commercial fishing industry. Even amateur anglers like me trust the brand’s heavy-duty fishing gear, like jackets, rain pants, and boots, for a day out in the elements.

The Deck Boss Shorty Sherpa Boots are a fleece-lined, slip-on version of their classic Deck Boss Ankle Boots. For those who don’t fish: deck boots are effectively hardy rain boots that keep you from slipping and sliding all over the deck of a boat. I’ve fished in Grundéns ankle boots for years, and they’re fantastic—but they’re not exactly fit for travel (and why I was so surprised these are as versatile as they are). Despite the pull tabs, the higher shaft makes them harder to kick on and off. They’re also fairly bulky and they’re not breathable, which is great for days when you’re getting covered in fish slime and saltwater, but not so great when you’re sweating running to your gate.

Why the Deck Boss Shorty Sherpa is the Ultimate Travel Shoe

In my somewhat-professional opinion, the Shorty Sherpa Boots are the perfect travel shoes. They swap the ankle-height shaft to a slip-on silhouette that’s similar to a clog or even a loafer that you can step in and out of quickly. The exterior is Grundens’ signature waterproof rubber, which comes in handy more than you think while traveling. If you’ve ever spilled your coffee all over yourself while sprinting to make that final boarding call (hi, me) or squeezed into an airplane bathroom only to wonder what gross, wet substance is all over the floor, the rubber is a must-have. It’s super protective and easy to clean. The outsole also has impressively grippy traction. I’ve worn other rubber slip-ons that feel squirrely the moment you hit wet surfaces, but these feel planted.

Being a perpetually chilly gal, though, the sherpa lining is my favorite feature. This is a delight my trusty deck boots don’t have, and it’s plush without being overly thick, so your feet feel cushioned but not suffocated. On my last flight to Salt Lake City, I spent four hours tucked against the window with my feet under the seat—and for once, I wasn’t freezing. The Shorty Sherpa Boots basically wearable slippers you can actually walk around in.

And because most of my trips involve some kind of outdoor adventure—usually fishing, skiing, or boating—the boots have proven just as handy once I land. Once I was in Utah, I wore them around town and even to fish a section of the Provo River. Granted, I changed into waders to fish the actual river, but for tromping around the parking lot to rig up and for changing out of wet, cold wading boots, these shearling booties are a dream. At $100, they feel totally worth it to me—solidly mid-range, but noticeably cheaper than comparable shearling-lined booties or premium sneakers from other footwear brands. For something this durable, warm, and weirdly versatile, the value feels like a no-brainer.

Considerations: Fit, Sizing, and Style

That said, they’re not perfect. I have narrow feet, and the fit is slightly roomy on me. Unfortunately, there are no half sizes, which is annoying if you’re trying to find that perfect Goldilocks fit. My advice is to size down if you want a snug, sock-like feel. And they currently come in only one color (a deep forest green), which may disappoint anyone hoping for something brighter or more stylish.

The Final Verdict: Are These Slip-On Shoes Worth It?

But overall? These boots are the real deal, proof that good fishing gear can be used well beyond the banks of a river or deck of a boat. They strike that rare balance of function, comfort, and durability—exactly what you want in a travel shoe, especially if your travels regularly involve the outdoors. Whether I’m rushing through TSA or hauling gear down a dock, the Deck Boss Shorty Sherpa Boots have earned a permanent spot in my rotation. Honestly, at this point, they’ve replaced all my other airport shoes for good.