Andrew Cotton Talks his "COTTY Boot" Collab with XtraTuf & Big Wave Surfing's Progression

Photo courtesy XtraTuf

Andrew “Cotty” Cotton spends most of his time in extreme environments.

The blonde-haired 42-year-old big wave surfer from the United Kingdom splits his time between rugged big wave venues, from Nazare — where he helped pioneer the wave — to Scotland, Ireland, deep water breaks seemingly in the middle of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and more.

In these rugged conditions — a combination of all things cold, slippery, wet, windy and deadly — he needs equipment that is durable, comfortable and waterproof.

And we're not just talking about surfboards, fins, and wetsuits.

Your footwear, or lackthereof, can affect how you feel pre and post surf — and even be a safety measure.

That's why Cotty did a collaboration with Xtratuf — just as their name implies, they have some of the toughest products for the harshest climates — to create a pair of boots that fit his rugged lifestyle.

Truth is, if the "Cotty" boots fit his lifestyle, they can fit yours too.

We talked with Cotty about designing the boot, how they're a a perfect mix of durable and comfortable, and the extreme environments he plans on wearing them in this year during his endless pursuit of big waves. — Cash Lambert

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ASM: Talk to us about how the boot collaboration with XtraTuf began. 

Cotty: I've been working with XtraTuf for a few years now, they’re rally good supporters of me and what I do. They’re not the typical surf brand, which is really refreshing, you know? 

Photo courtesy XtraTuf

The boot collab came from me working with a company based in New York, called Fishbird that focuses on corporate mentoring and leadership. During my work with them, we were talking about making things happen, whether that’s personally or professionally, and I was thinking about what I wanted to make happen.

‘I’ve been working with Xtratuf for a few years now, and I’d love to do a collaboration with them’ was my thought. The group I was talking to said ‘have you asked them about doing a collab?’ and my response was ‘no, they probably wouldn’t want to do it’. They persuaded me to reach out and start the conversation, and Xtratuf loved the idea and we made it happen.

The collab and the boot is something I never thought would have come about. From the idea to the design, the packaging and more, it’s been a rad process. I can’t believe it’s happening, really. 

Talk to us about the design of the boot. 

I definitely wouldn't call myself a designer, but as we were going through the process of it, I took things I liked about their other boot models and styles and combined it all.

It was this creative process with loads of ideas, then whittling them down.

And that process wasn’t just involving me, there were a lot of amazing people involved too from Xtratuf.

It was funny, I would suggest things, and the team would give me good feedback, like ‘that wouldn’t work’, and it was good, because they’ve made thousands of pairs of boots. That helped and it was cool to see their brilliance. 

Photo courtesy XtraTuf

What part of the process did you enjoy the most? 

The process which I really enjoyed the most was the packaging. As a kid growing up, maybe this isn't normal (laughs), but I was really into the packaging itself. Like, the different shoe boxes your shoes came in, the design of it, the stickers that came with it, and things like cards.

I was always fascinated by that. I even kept packaging for ages.

So, for this collab, I pushed for some different packaging and some different branding, and everyone at Xtratuf loved the idea. 

How important is it for you to have a durable and comfortable pair of boots, given that you’re usually in extreme environments?

Yeah, it’s so important, and it’s not even just about the boots. It’s about, in life in general, being prepared, you know? 

With my surfing, it’s all about having the right equipment for the right day.

Having a pair of good boots that will keep you dry and comfortable when you’re around the water, harbors and the beach and having a pair of boots you can slip on easily that’s going to keep your feet dry after you surf is a no brainer. 

As far as the durability goes, it feels like a lot of things today aren’t really built to last. Like, something will only last one surf season.

Xtratuf’s boots are the opposite; they’re built to last.

I’ve had the same pair of their boots for 3 seasons now, and that’s what I wanted my boot collaboration with them to be like. 

Photo courtesy XtraTuf

Talk to us about some of the phrases written on the boot and why you wanted to incorporate those. 

“Is this it?” is on the insole of the boot, and it’s also on some of the packaging. It’s a thought proving question, something I’ve asked myself over the years many times. 

When you've been chasing something like the biggest waves for so long, you see these storms together and these numbers on a chart with wind and swell direction, and you can’t help but wonder “is this it”? Is this going to be that one swell where the stars align, and you get the magic wave? Or a wave that will change your life?

Photo courtesy XtraTuf

On the outside of the boot is “What makes you feel alive” written in a spiral.

For me, this goes back to asking yourself what makes you feel alive? Just thinking about that question can change what you do in a single day.

For me, surfing has really given me purpose and a power to express myself. And that’s what makes me feel alive, that I’m enjoying it and making a difference.

I think these are the sorts of questions you need to ask yourself that can help put you in a good direction. 

What are you excited about for season three of  100-Foot Wave releasing this summer?

That’s a tough question, because I personally try and focus on what’s next, I don’t look back often, so while I don’t know what’s in the episodes, I do know I have had some of the best waves of my life recently and I've been to some of the most amazing places that I never thought would be possible. Sessions in Cortez Bank, Ireland, and some really remote spots. So I’m excited to see some of that in the show.

You’ve been one of the pioneers of surfing at Nazare. How has that venue and experience affected surfing from your vantage point? 

I think it's created a new sport.

Big wave surfing was definitely about paddling, and then when it got too big, it grew into tow surfing, so there was a progression there. So at first, you paddled for big waves, and then only towed on the biggest days like, whereas now I feel that tow surfing is coming into its own sport. You have guys in the lineup who may not have much paddle experience, but they’re doing airs, backflips, and the progression of tow surfing has become its own sport.

It’s exciting, because I never thought I’d see the performances which I’m seeing now, with the progressive surfing and airs on giant waves. It’s really cool. 

Photo courtesy XtraTuf

What are your plans for the rest of 2025?

I’m really excited about this collab with Xtratuf, that’s one. I’m also excited about season three of the 100 Foot Wave. 

I’m excited to keep pushing, staying consistent in my surfing, and chasing the biggest waves. That means places like Nazare, but also big wave spots yet to be found, and that excites me. 

And I’m excited to continue to see brands like Xtratuf supporting that progression of big wave surfing.

Get your pair of Cotty Boots right here (INSERT LINK ONCE LIVE).