I guess we should clear up what Delcambre Reeboks are before we get too deep into this. The footwear in question is the iconic white boots that many of Louisianas shrimpers and fishermen wear.
They are called Cajun Reeboks, Cocodrie Converse, Swamp Nikes, and other bad names in other parts of the state. Yes, we are partial to our own part of the state.
The answers really do vary depending on who you ask. It has nothing to do with Labor Day or any of those silly fashion rules that are meant to get women to buy more clothes.
There are many who suggest the white color is cooler in the warm weather months. Around here thats known as those two weeks in January when you might need a jacket.
Another reason given is the white boots dont leave scuff marks on the boat deck. After all, a shrimp boat deck must be pristinely clean at all time. Unless someone is working on the boat, the boat is in the dock, or the boat is above water. We keep the boat clean enough okay? Youre not our mother so be quiet.
If your name isn’t Biff, Navin, or Geoff (pronounced “goff” like golf without the “L”), you’ll have to wear boat shoes. We like to keep our man card here in South Louisiana; save the fancy boat shoes for you plaid short-haired guys. If I offended you just go have a latte and have a seat on the shut up stool.
The white boots also have a wider mouth than their darker cousins. The shaft that the foot goes into at the top of the boot is also a little shorter. That makes slipping them on and off and tucking pants legs into them a lot easier.
By the way, thats a safety feature of the boots. Should one find oneself on the outside of the boat, aka the water. The ability to kick off those boots and swim to safety is a very nice feature.
Speaking of safety white boots are easier to spot on the open ocean or bodies of water. Also, if you hunt at night, you need to be able to tell where the ends of your feet are so that all of your toes stay out of the gun’s blast zone.
But besides being cooler, the white boots look really good, which is what we heard most often. They are a true fashion statement. Thats why you see “wanna be types” wearing them at outdoor events and shopping malls. Fashionable, functional, and a solid safety requirement. Thats why your Delcambre Reeboks are white.
In commercial fishing, it’s common to see fishermen and dock workers wearing knee-high white rubber boots Commonly referred to as shrimp boots or shrimpers, this ubiquitous white footwear actually serves important functional purposes for those laboring in the seafood industry
As a novice fisherman myself, I was curious about the prevalence of white shrimp boots and decided to investigate the practical reasons behind this tradition. In this article, I’ll share what I discovered about the origins, benefits, care and purchasing of these iconic white boots.
A Brief History of White Shrimp Boots
The rubber shrimp boots worn by fishermen today evolved to meet the needs of the growing seafood industry in the early 20th century Gulf Coast region. With the marshy and muddy working conditions, standard footwear just didn’t cut it.
Thus, a type of specialized boot was developed – white rubber knee boots that were non-marking, waterproof and easy to clean. The tall shaft protected legs from water and debris, while the white color helped reflect heat in the sunny southern climate.
This functional style of boot became ubiquitous along the Gulf Coast docks and spread to fishing communities across the country. The color remained white for practicality, and the name “shrimp boots” stuck due to their popularity among shrimpers.
Why White Over Other Colors?
There are good reasons why white emerged as the standard color for shrimp boots, rather than black, blue or other options:
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White reflects heat and light, keeping feet cooler in hot weather. Dark colors absorb and trap heat.
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Blood, fish guts and grime are easily spotted on white for quick cleanup. Dark colors hide stains.
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White rubber doesn’t leave marks or scuff boat decks like black soles do.
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The light color allows you to easily spot critters like snakes when slogging through marsh mud
Overall, the white color simply made the most sense for the needs of fishermen in their working conditions. It just worked, so the tradition stuck
Proper Care and Cleaning
To keep your shrimp boots looking crisp and white for as long as possible:
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Scrub off debris with a brush and use mild soap and water to clean. Avoid harsh chemicals.
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Completely air dry boots after each use before storing to prevent mildew buildup.
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Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight when not worn.
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Apply white shoe polish periodically to brighten up scuffs and stains.
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Address any punctures immediately with rubber cement to avoid worsening.
With proper care, a quality pair of boots will last many seasons of hard use on the docks.
Purchasing Durable and Comfortable Shrimp Boots
When buying your first pair of shrimp boots, prioritize:
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Durability – The boots must withstand tough conditions of mud, water, fish guts and more. Inspect construction and materials.
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Traction – Soles should provide reliable grip on slippery, wet docks and boats. Lug soles perform best.
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Comfort – Ensure good fit and support. Break them in before extended wear. Some have insulation for cold conditions.
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Easy Cleaning – Smooth, non-porous finishes clean up easiest.
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Price – Expect to spend $65-$150 for a quality pair built to last. Cheaper boots won’t endure.
Shop at reputable fishing outfitters or hardware stores to get properly constructed boots. Well-made shrimp boots are worth the investment – helping you safely and comfortably navigate the demanding on-the-job hazards inherent to commercial fishing.
Shrimp Boots as Workwear Staple
Shrimp boats, crabbing vessels, fish processing plants – the iconic white shrimp boot remains a fixture in today’s seafood industry. This specialized footwear endures as a tried-and-true workwear staple.
The reasons behind the distinctive white color and knee-high rubber construction have clear origins in functionality. But even as designs evolve, the white shrimp boot remains etched in the cultural identity of fishing communities.
So the next time you bite into a piece of fried shrimp, take a moment to appreciate the humble white rubber shrimp boots that helped deliver that seafood bounty from the ocean to your dinner plate! They may not be pretty, but they get the job done.
Taylor Nauta – Shrimp Boots
What are shrimp boots?
All hail the shrimp boot! Shrimp boots are white rubber boots that shrimpers wear when they are out on their boats. Actually, they wear them more often than that. I wouldn’t say that shrimp boots can accompany formal wear, but they can be worn in most any other occasion outside a wedding and nobody will bat an eye.
Why are there white spots on my shrimp?
Low to high salinity (salt in water) seems to be a cause for a virus called WSSV (White Spot Syndrome Virus) in shrimp and without knowing if a white-spotted shrimp has the virus, any suspicion of white spots on the outside of the shrimp shell should make you avoid eating the shrimp.
Why do shrimp turn white when cooked?
You seem to be able to watch into the shrimp slightly. During cooking this translucency changes in a white colour, as it does for many other (white) fish. This change of colour is similar to that of an egg white turning white when boiled or cooked and is caused by the same mechanism: protein denaturation. Proteins are heat sensitive.
What is the Cajun Navy’s shrimp boot?
The shrimp boot is, of course, the symbol of the Cajun Navy. The Cajun Navy is the flotilla of volunteers that come out after a flooding disaster and take care of saving lives and property before the regular authorities can get organized. Their most recent mission was this past summer when floods occurred on the other side of Lake Pontchartrain.