PETERSBURG, AK A new book out this year takes a closer look at that essential piece of Southeast Alaska footwear – the Xtratuf boot – and the way the brown rubber boots have become part of life in the communities of Alaska’s Panhandle. Juneau resident Larry Johansen this August published “Xtratuf An Alaskan Way of Life.” The book contains photographs of the people of Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan and elsewhere in Southeast wearing Xtratufs in their daily lives and on special occasions. Johansen worked for Cruise West until the cruise company ceased operations this fall and says his Xtratuf book is not connected with the company that makes the footwear. Joe Viechnicki spoke with Johansen this month about his book.
