IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: Uglymug on Dec 18, 2017, 05:41 PM
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Hey folks,
I was wondering what many of you experienced fellas would recommend for a pair of winter boots that are good for ice fishing? I know what to look for with hunting boots, but these winter boot insulation and boot types seem more confusing.
I've looked at the Muck Boot Arctics and some Cabelas brand stuff. I fish south(ish) central WI, so it can get cold, but not Sasketchewan or Northwest Territories cold usually. Looking forward to your recommendations.
(I tried the search feature and got overwhelmed with results, mostly of boots not made or that I couldn't find anymore)
Thanks,
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I've had Baffin for years
I'm 6'4 my feet get cold after 2 hours in cold weather with muck..oh yeah my feet cold!
Got muck arctic for hunting, lighter and less bulky
Baffin hands down win for warmth even the wife wears Baffin ..no complaints! I believe there is better, but i would but another pair if they wore out, going on 6 years. I like them!
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I'm in the "no rubber" camp. My feet sweat and that moisture needs to go somewhere and rubber doesn't do that. So no mickeys, mucks or any other full rubber deal.
My feet have always gotten cold at some point on the ice until last year. I bit on Cabelas Trans Alaska II. For the first time in my life I've toasty toes all day. Had 'em on for a full day in the teens, no shack. Toasty. They look and feel bulky at first, if you're 5'10" like me you stand @ 6'+ with 'em on. They walk surprisingly easy compared to the first impression look/feel. They keep your feet off the ice enough (thick soles) to help keep your toes toasty.
I'm going into my second season so I can't speak to durability but I'd buy another pair in a heartbeat.
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Thanks for the replies Gents. I will take a look at Baffin's and the Cabelas Trans Alaskans.
I am running a pair of Mickey's right now that I'm quite positive are older than I am. I've never gotten cold in them, but they have no tread left at all and are like a pair of lead ingots are taped to both of my feet. The rubber is also starting to split in several places. Considering I bought a full set of Striker Lake Effect's last year I figured it won't do me much good this year if my feet are frozen. ;)
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MICKEYS ALL THE WAY BABY
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Arctic sport muck boots are what i go with.light weight good tread and always keep my feet warm.
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Cabelas trans alasksa or cabelas predator extreme. Whichever you prefer. Baffin also makes a quality boot, but I have not worn them.
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Mickey nothing better just not the acton brand
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I have both the cabelas transalaskens 8yrs and predators 5yrs, and no complaints. Feet stay warm and dry, no sweaty feet. Go one size larger.
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Kamik goliaths or ice breakers , rated for -50 .
any boot you can pull the felt liner out and dry both the liner and the inside of the boot will work great .
I'm leary of the neoprene boots even though they are lite , they just take to long to dry .
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Expensive, but the best all around unless you’re in the NWT or Alaska. No need for separate cleats. Work that in to the final cost of your boot setup. You can find them discounted if you look around.
http://www.korkers.com/footwear/winter/polar-vortex-1200.html
I own the Tundra Jacks, this boots predecessor. It’s an awesome boot. The Tundra Jack can still be had for around $150 depending on your size. It’s 1200 grams of insulation, so definitely not the warmest available, but I can drive my car with them on my feet. That’s worth something. The Cabela’s boots and Baffin's are humungous. I also own a pair of Baffin Shackletons and they are very nice boots as well, very, very warm and rated to -148F, but they are quite large. Buy two sizes bigger than your day shoes if you buy Baffin.
DN
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Cabela's trans Alaskan here 7 years and counting . No cold or wet feet yet
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Cabelas Predetor Extreme get my vote .
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Another vote for Cabela's Trans Alaskan. Warmest boot that I've ever worn.
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Third season on Baffin Expedition boots. Lightweight, waterproof, warm, and comfortable. They are also not full rubber so they breathe and I can stay in them all day at -30
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X2 on the Korkers. I also have Muck and Baffin but like the Korkers best.
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For ice fishing I use a different strategy in boots. Several seasons ago I got some Neos Stablicer overboots & continue to use them today. I just wear comfortable shoes & good socks that feel great when driving then slip the overboots on at the lake- no need for adding chains/spikes for traction as their built in, waterproof & insulated. Then just kick ‘em off when leaving and back to lightweight driving shoes for the drive home. I wear size 15’s and the 3XL work great for me, warm & plenty of grip + the cost was right.
https://www.overshoesneos.com
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I tend to be frugal with money and I bought these. They worked very well made in the USA. No complaints at all
https://chinookfootwear.com/product-detail/badaxe-st.html
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I have went through the ice and had the predetors had water in them and fish for the rest of day .mickeys are heavy but most ice fishing boots are.mickeys don't breath and have crap for traction but can be had cheap.i don't care for the mucks didn't keep my feet warm.i have heard allot f good about the trans Alaskan but not own one
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Expensive, but the best all around unless you’re in the NWT or Alaska. No need for separate cleats. Work that in to the final cost of your boot setup. You can find them discounted if you look around.
http://www.korkers.com/footwear/winter/polar-vortex-1200.html
I own the Tundra Jacks, this boots predecessor. It’s an awesome boot. The Tundra Jack can still be had for around $150 depending on your size. It’s 1200 grams of insulation, so definitely not the warmest available, but I can drive my car with them on my feet. That’s worth something. The Cabela’s boots and Baffin's are humungous. I also own a pair of Baffin Shackletons and they are very nice boots as well, very, very warm and rated to -148F, but they are quite large. Buy two sizes bigger than your day shoes if you buy Baffin.
DN
I have the Icejacks and am very happy with them. I have the carbide studded soles and I can walk on glass ice without an issue.
Their customer service is one of the best. I have a few of their wading boots as well and they are great. When my Icejacks kick it, I'm getting another pair of Korkers.
I used to run the Muck boots as well but no breathability is a big pain..
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I wear Sorel Caribu's.
https://www.sorel.com/mens-caribou-boot-NM1000.html
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Only schooling I can give is for the most part get a size bigger then your regular hiking boot size ..a liner sock and a heavy wool sock add up to cramp/tight fitting boots ..which really defeats the purpose of a insulated boot. My fear for going a size larger was having a Bozo the Clown boots on ...but in reality less then an inch between sizes ...but that little difference is a big difference. Another thing if your choice has removable liners take them out wear the sock(s) that you plan on wearing on ice and walk around the house with the liners to stretch them out and form fit to your feet.
https://www.zappos.com/measure-your-shoe-size
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When I saw the forecast for NE WI over Christmas break, I jumped on Cabela's website ad saw they had the Trans-Alaskans and the Saskatchewan on sale for 150 and 187.50. Bought the Saskatchewan with Gore-Tex. Some of the warmest boots you can get. They seem to run small, I have a 9 foot and had to buy 11's.
Features & Benefits of the Saskatchewan
Advanced SolarCore aerogel barriers underfoot and in the toes
13mm Texel removable liners minimize heat loss
Moisture-trap footbeds wick away moisture, keeping feet dry
Waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX liners
Heat-pack pockets allow you to insert toewarmer heat packs
(https://i.imgur.com/bwDmqEx.jpg)
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I have Baffin Titans -- they're bulky, but my feet are never cold. Not the best for any hiking, but for standing on the ice or even 6" of slush all day, they're amazing.
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I have 1600 gram 16" high Rocky's rubber boots, wouldn't trade them for the world. My feet have never been close to cold since I bought them 3 or 4 seasons ago and I generally only wear a pair of regular ankle socks with them. I don't take care of them in any special way, I don't put anything in or on them, just kick them off when I get in my truck and they stay there until the next trip, and stay on a shelf in the garage all off season, and they still look and work like new. I guess they are considered bulky which doesn't bother me given the protection and warmth they give me, I never have an issue walking long distances in them. If you can afford two pairs you can always get something more like a trail boot for those days you know are going to be temperate and dry but if I had to only own one pair I'd want something water tight, not just waterproof, at least a foot up.
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I am on my 3rd or 4th year with the Clam rubber style pull on boots. I like the handle cutouts on the top, Never get wet and decent glare ice traction without spikes. Can be heavy but I don't walk long distances. I just wear a quality moisture wicking sock, then wool socks and make sure its not tight after that. Tight boots are cold boots. Havent had cold feet with them in 3 years where my "old style" boots had me cold every trip.
Personally I will stay with the rubber style in the future as well, too many slushy lakes to go back to the old style that I constantly had to apply waterproofer spray to keep dry long term.
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Thanks for the replies Gents. I will take a look at Baffin's and the Cabelas Trans Alaskans.
I am running a pair of Mickey's right now that I'm quite positive are older than I am. I've never gotten cold in them, but they have no tread left at all and are like a pair of lead ingots are taped to both of my feet. The rubber is also starting to split in several places. Considering I bought a full set of Striker Lake Effect's last year I figured it won't do me much good this year if my feet are frozen. ;)
If the exterior rubber splits, you need to seal that up ASAP. If water gets into the wool insulation, they will be absolutely worthless! There is no way to dry the insulation out since they are vapor barriered on both inside and out. Had this happen to a pair where the outside got a crack and soaked water up. That boot literally turned into a block of ice when temps got below freezing. I tried everything to dry out the insulation but as far as I'm concerned it's impossible without destroying the boot.
I replaced those boots with another pair of Mickey's. They just simply work and there's nothing comparable to them on the market.
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I have both a pair of Baffin Eigers and the black Mickeys.
I'll wear the Mickeys when it's mid to high 20 degrees. Anything colder than that I'm wearing the Baffins.
My feet get cold in Mickeys when it get down to zero or below.
Be aware however, Baffins are huge. I can't drive with them on so I just wear a cheap, old pair of snowmobile boots and then switch when I park.
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The white ones are warmer than the black ones if anyone is looking at the bunnies
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I have been using Lacrosse Alpha Burly Pro boots for a couple seasons now without complaints. The things I really like about these are 100% waterproof and that they have an actual sole similar to a traditional hunting boot. The downside to these boots is they don't hold up well if you drag your auger bit across them on accident. Easy repair with shoe goo but it is something to consider.
In general on "rubber" type boots, if your feet sweat - you get cold. The best solution I have found is two parts: wear good moisture wicking socks, these boots are warm and thin socks are really all you need. Suggest merino wool lightweight socks. Also, get some spray deodorant and give your feet a spray down before putting on your socks.
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I think like with any purchase your going to need to research and figure out what boot would best fit your needs, how you fish, where you fish etc. That pretty much goes without saying but I like to thrown it out there as I don't always practice what I preach. sometimes there's just not enough info available, or in my case I just don't have the experiance or know someone who does.
The last couple of years I've fished with a semi rubber boot with cloth tops, but last year my feet always got wet, either from the auger pulling water over the top of my foot, or from the crappy weather/ice conditions we had last year. This year I picked up some Muck Atric Sports, and some kold kletts for traction. My only concern with these is I like to walk around a lot when there's a slow bite and how they'll feel not being laced up
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Now that I think about it, I'll have a couple different pairs for different fishing conditions.
Depend on boot selection and budget that might not be a half bad option to consider either if you fish under a variety of conditions.
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I'm still kicking around in my Lacrosse Iceman's and have had great luck with them for a number of years. When it's really wet I switch to Burley's and always wear moisture wicking socks in either case. Good luck finding what works for you!
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I have been using Lacrosse Alpha Burly Pro boots for a couple seasons now without complaints. The things I really like about these are 100% waterproof and that they have an actual sole similar to a traditional hunting boot. The downside to these boots is they don't hold up well if you drag your auger bit across them on accident. Easy repair with shoe goo but it is something to consider.
In general on "rubber" type boots, if your feet sweat - you get cold. The best solution I have found is two parts: wear good moisture wicking socks, these boots are warm and thin socks are really all you need. Suggest merino wool lightweight socks. Also, get some spray deodorant and give your feet a spray down before putting on your socks.
needs to be antiperspirant to work deodorant just make them smell better
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For a same price, would you buy the Cabela's Trans Alaska Boot or the Baffin Shackleton Boot?
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I've got the Baffin shackletons and couldn't be more pleased. As I've gotten older couldn't keep my toes warm. Since I've had these no problem on the ice. Kind of bulky but very comfortable.
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Can't drive with my Baffin either, I wear other shoes sometimes crocks, slide on and off easy
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i have the new muck ice boots good to -60 so far to warm to ware even on days in the teens if you do any walking.
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For ice fishing I use a different strategy in boots. Several seasons ago I got some Neos Stablicer overboots & continue to use them today. I just wear comfortable shoes & good socks that feel great when driving then slip the overboots on at the lake- no need for adding chains/spikes for traction as their built in, waterproof & insulated. Then just kick ‘em off when leaving and back to lightweight driving shoes for the drive home. I wear size 15’s and the 3XL work great for me, warm & plenty of grip + the cost was right.
https://www.overshoesneos.com
I own the Neos Stabilicers also. They are very warm and you get ice traction with the boot. The only problem I have with them is, when I drill holes, I like to flush it and this dumps water on my boots. These are NOT waterproof, like they say they are, unless I got a faulty pair. Other than that, they are great. Get back to the truck, slip them off, and drive home in my tennis shoes.
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sorels al the way ;)
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needs to be antiperspirant to work deodorant just make them smell better
Good catch - yes antiperspirant! Works really well!
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I think I have the coldest feet in the north east. I relate this to crap for circulation and what I label as DID-DID, damned if I do and damned if I don't.
Damned if I boot up too warm before hitting the ice and my feet sweat. I have tried everything from moisture whicking socks plus the best wool over them to electric and even the disposable toe warmers. Wet socks is my dreaded killer and wet from either outside or inside will ruin a nice fishing day.
My ice boots are LaCross Ice Kings. Great boots and very warm if done right. Since I can't drive with them I have to put them on when I get to the ice. As long as my feet remain dry inside I am good. I take a size 9 and bought 11s so I have plenty of room for socks, some breathing space and movement so I don't cut off what little circulation I do have. Rubber bottoms on the Ice Kings is a must where ever there is slush on the ice. Since I only wear them on the ice I bought a pack of Kold Cutter ice screws designed for studding ATV and MC tires and have no need for creepers.
For hunting on a stand I wear Rocky Bear Claws and carry in a pair of over boot camo boot blankets that I put on when I get situated in my stand. Love them but they are a PITA to carry in and put on and take off and you can't walk in them.
Mickey's do not work for me at all and Lord knows I have tried them in both black and white and commercial and military grades. Cold feet have been a curse for me but my best fishing buddy could wear sneakers and his feet never get cold. There is a good side to all of this. After a season on the ice and dragging around 5 pound weights on my feet my legs are pretty buff.
Gam
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For a same price, would you buy the Cabela's Trans Alaska Boot or the Baffin Shackleton Boot?
Honestly, I don't think you'd go wrong with either of those.
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Mickey's... Black or White.
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Thanks for the responses guys.
Right now I'm thinking I just need to go to a store and try some on. Right now I'm leaning towards pac boots for breathability reasons. Though the weight of the rubber boots is sure tempting.
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I have Baffin Titans -- they're bulky, but my feet are never cold. Not the best for any hiking, but for standing on the ice or even 6" of slush all day, they're amazing.
Yup!
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Thanks for the responses guys.
Right now I'm thinking I just need to go to a store and try some on. Right now I'm leaning towards pac boots for breathability reasons. Though the weight of the rubber boots is sure tempting.
Its always a personal choice, just remember the two important factors , dry socks + dry boots = happy feet!
good luck
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I've had Baffins for 5 years. First pair of boots I've owned that keep my feet warm.
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Went from Mickey's to NEOS Stableicers three years ago will never go back, lite and warm. P.S. I don't just fish only in the Banana Belt of Nebraska.
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My buddy who guides in Yellowstone in Winter swears by his LaCrosse. I've had some Cabela's Trans Alaska but they were so heavy and clunky I passed them on. Baffin makes a line for polar expeditions but they're around $500 a pair. Nobody has mentioned Steger Mukluks which are also popular on those polar expeditions and are very toasty plus very light weight. They're quick death on glare ice but in snow they sure keep your feet warm.
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Great post. Helped me decide to set the hook on a pair of Baffin Impacts from Cabelas on sale $175 & free shipping Thanks Guys :clap: :clap: :icefish:
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Great post. Helped me decide to set the hook on a pair of Baffin Impacts from Cabelas on sale $175 & free shipping Thanks Guys :clap: :clap: :icefish:
Nice buy, congrats.
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Baffin said only boot to wear I've had em for 3 seasons now feet never get cold
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I have had my LaCrosse Ice King boots for many years. Probably 25 years or so. I have replaced the pacs many times but the boots keep going. Like my Vexilar FL-8 I sometimes wish they would crap out so I could look at something new but like an old friend they have never let me down.
Waterproof as all get out.
They have a 10mm pac. Others have a 3/8" or 9mm pac. The 10mm is just enough more insulation.
Like most of the boots made for extreme cold they are a bit too clunky for driving. I wear lighter boots or shoes and change before heading out on the ice.
Whatever boots you are looking at make sure they have insulation in the bottom of the sole. As was mentioned make sure they will fit with your chosen sock. You do not want them tight. With my Ice Kings I can wear any sock I please and my feet will still be warm. I have been out for a 12 hour day in below zero weather and never had to worry about my boots.
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This is basic physics....
The ice your feet are in contact with is sucking the warmth from your feet right into the ice via conduction. You need as thick soles of the boots as possible, to put as much material blocking the flow of heat from your feet to the ice as still allows you to walk in them.
And meanwhile wind is whipping away the warmth from everything above your feet bottoms via convection. You need thick, well-insulated material around the ankle/calves also. And in terms of ice fishing, need something on your feet that is reasonably water proof, durable, comfortable, and has good traction.
For me that's been the Sorel Glacier Extreme boots...huge thick rubber soles, 13mm felt reflective inner boot, etc. Feet never even feel like you're outdoors. People going to the arctic wear them for a reason.
(https://image.ibb.co/cO0Nh6/sorels2.png)
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I tend to be frugal with money and I bought these. They worked very well made in the USA. No complaints at all
https://chinookfootwear.com/product-detail/badaxe-st.html
I don't like what I see at the bottom of their contact us page...
(https://s10.postimg.cc/5yqv7jlad/IMG_20171222_000602.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5yqv7jlad/)
<°)))>{
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Chinook Asia, is directly connected with China, their boots are not USA made, although, that doesn't mean they are bad, the price is right...
My boots are made in Portland Oregon...
Danner Boots...(for the other three off seasons)
Mtn. Light
<°)))>{
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This is basic physics....
The ice your feet are in contact with is sucking the warmth from your feet right into the ice via conduction. You need as thick soles of the boots as possible, to put as much material blocking the flow of heat from your feet to the ice as still allows you to walk in them.
And meanwhile wind is whipping away the warmth from everything above your feet bottoms via convection. You need thick, well-insulated material around the ankle/calves also. And in terms of ice fishing, need something on your feet that is reasonably water proof, durable, comfortable, and has good traction.
For me that's been the Sorel Glacier Extreme boots...huge thick rubber soles, 13mm felt reflective inner boot, etc. Feet never even feel like you're outdoors. People going to the arctic wear them for a reason.
(https://image.ibb.co/cO0Nh6/sorels2.png)
Is that upper material waterproof?
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you mean were is says waterproof?
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This is basic physics....
The ice your feet are in contact with is sucking the warmth from your feet right into the ice via conduction. You need as thick soles of the boots as possible, to put as much material blocking the flow of heat from your feet to the ice as still allows you to walk in them.
And meanwhile wind is whipping away the warmth from everything above your feet bottoms via convection. You need thick, well-insulated material around the ankle/calves also. And in terms of ice fishing, need something on your feet that is reasonably water proof, durable, comfortable, and has good traction.
For me that's been the Sorel Glacier Extreme boots...huge thick rubber soles, 13mm felt reflective inner boot, etc. Feet never even feel like you're outdoors. People going to the arctic wear them for a reason.
(https://image.ibb.co/cO0Nh6/sorels2.png)
https://www.facebook.com/FishUSA/videos/10155844372419870/
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MICKEYS ALL THE WAY BABY
Agreed, bought 1 size larger than shoe size and wear my normal socks and have yet to have cold feet. Best part is I got them on eBay for around $40 several years back....
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you mean were is says waterproof?
Doh!!!! ;D I had a pair of Kamiks and the uppers were definitely not waterproof.
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Agreed, bought 1 size larger than shoe size and wear my normal socks and have yet to have cold feet. Best part is I got them on eBay for around $40 several years back....
My advice to any newby looking to purchase boots is to stay away from Mickeys, the black ones specifically. I've heard way more people, including me, getting cold feet in them when temps get down to 10 and below..
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My advice to any newby looking to purchase boots is to stay away from Mickeys, the black ones specifically. I've heard way more people, including me, getting cold feet in them when temps get down to 10 and below..
I've never been able to understand the reviews from people getting cold feet with mickey's. I'm not saying you're wrong or I don't believe you, I just think it's crazy how people have polar opposite opinions of the same boot.
I've been wearing mickey's for over half my life (first pair at age 12, I'm 28 now) and the only time I've gotten cold feet was when I wore a pair out. The outside cracked, insulation absorbed water, and froze into an ice block on Lake Winnipeg. Aside from that one trip, mickey's have kept my feet warm for 16 years.
Last year in Canada 3 full days of sunrise to sunset fishing with an hour long one way snowmobile commute. The high temperature never got above zero the whole trip and we don't bring portables so you're outside all day. Over half the group was wearing mickey's and not one person complained of cold feet.
First person experiences like these are why I can't understand it when people say they aren't good for less than 10 degrees.
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For me that's been the Sorel Glacier Extreme boots...huge thick rubber soles, 13mm felt reflective inner boot, etc. Feet never even feel like you're outdoors. People going to the arctic wear them for a reason.
I've always liked my two pairs of Sorels, one pair is close to 30 years old now..
Those new ones look pretty nice, and don't seem too expensive either..
<°)))>{
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Mickey for me. Black or White for ice fishing.
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These... (http://www.amazon.com/NEOS-Adventurer-Season-Waterproof-Overshoes/dp/B002Y1ZFBM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1513969769&sr=8-3&keywords=neos+overshoe)
plus these.... (http://www.amazon.com/LaCrosse-Mens-Felt-Insoles-Black/dp/B001TXSDOW/ref=sr_1_10_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1513969701&sr=8-10&keywords=felt%2Binsoles%2Bfor%2Bmen%27s%2Bboots&th=1)
And these (http://www.amazon.com/Ranger-Thermolite-Insulating-Liners-Boots/dp/B00B5SRFTK/ref=pd_sbs_309_18?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QCAVHB7HH22WQVFWDWAG)
Super light and very warm.
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I've never been able to understand the reviews from people getting cold feet with mickey's. I'm not saying you're wrong or I don't believe you, I just think it's crazy how people have polar opposite opinions of the same boot.
I've been wearing mickey's for over half my life (first pair at age 12, I'm 28 now) and the only time I've gotten cold feet was when I wore a pair out. The outside cracked, insulation absorbed water, and froze into an ice block on Lake Winnipeg. Aside from that one trip, mickey's have kept my feet warm for 16 years.
Last year in Canada 3 full days of sunrise to sunset fishing with an hour long one way snowmobile commute. The high temperature never got above zero the whole trip and we don't bring portables so you're outside all day. Over half the group was wearing mickey's and not one person complained of cold feet.
First person experiences like these are why I can't understand it when people say they aren't good for less than 10 degrees.
Different strokes for different folks and we all have our opinions. I don't have the same experience you have with Mickeys. Once my feet sweat and socks get wet I freeze in Mickeys. I had a great pair of Sorels back when they were made here I think by Kaufman. They burned up in a fire so I bought a new pair of LaCross Ice Kings, also made here because the Sorels turned over to China manufacturing. As a kid I had a pair of those black rubber over the shoe boots with the funky buckles. They were insulated well and I bought them big enough to go over my best hunting boots. Out on the ice I have a piece of 1 inch fiber board I put in front of my shanty seat to keep my boots off the ice. Some guys feet just never get cold while others like me have to figure out what works best for them. All of the best options have been mentioned here in this thread and a guy new to the hard water gear should have learned a ton of great info on this subject. There is a lot of difference between warm hunting boots and warm ice fishing boots. I can't hunt in my Ice Kings and I can't fish in my hunting boots and stay warm. On the ice you are getting assaulted from above and below so you need good insulation between your feet and the ice.
Gam
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Ratings of boots is so relative it's not even funny. A boot rated for -110 may work fine for an in-shape 20 year old, but for a 60 year old fat guy with bad circulation that -110 is more like 30.
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Ratings of boots is so relative it's not even funny. A boot rated for -110 may work fine for an in-shape 20 year old, but for a 60 year old fat guy with bad circulation that -110 is more like 30.
. X2
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Gimlet, Howvmuch bigger than your normal size do you order ? If any?
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I'm a kinda fat 40something guy with poor circulation. :unsure:
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Ratings of boots is so relative it's not even funny. A boot rated for -110 may work fine for an in-shape 20 year old, but for a 60 year old fat guy with bad circulation that -110 is more like 30.
My understanding is that rating is for walking, not sitting still... So a -40 boot is only good for that temp if you're walking..
It would be nice if they had a sportsman rating, for ice fishing, duck hunting and such..
<°)))>{
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My understanding is that rating is for walking, not sitting still... So a -40 boot is only good for that temp if you're walking..
It would be nice if they had a sportsman rating, for ice fishing, duck hunting and such..
<°)))>{
I get that, but at the least, everybody's pace is different as well. A stand still rating instead of a marketing rating is what's needed.
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LaCross Ice Kings. I have had mine for about 10 yrs. and have never been cold or wet once. Just make sure you get them two sizes bigger that your normal shoe size.
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LaCross Ice Kings. I have had mine for about 10 yrs. and have never been cold or wet once. Just make sure you get them two sizes bigger that your normal shoe size.
Have the ice kings changed in the last 20 years? Because they were not waterproof when I started buying them.
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Have the ice kings changed in the last 20 years? Because they were not waterproof when I started buying them.
Excellent question! I don't know that they have changed over the years but where the lower rubber part meets the upper part is where any water can and will get in. The stitching is the culprit between the upper and lower parts. Every year I use Snow Seal and a hair dryer to seal the leather part to the rubber part so no leaks can get in. All the times when I fished if there was 5 inches of slush on top the snow seal made it through the day but the stitching is the weak part on all of these 2 part upper to lower boot styles if you are standing in cold water all day long. Mickeys rule those days if they work for you.
Gam
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Is that upper material waterproof?
Yep, you could stand in foot deep water in them if you wanted to.
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I bought a pair of Sorel's today at Scheels, my old pair is 15+ years and the liner is shot. Thought about buying the thermosoles today bit opted to spend the money on new boots. If I do not lile them Scheels will take them back no questions asked. Bought size 11, going to try them tomorrow am.
Had a hard time finding any new liners so figured I would try these
https://www.sorel.com/mens-glacier-xt-boot-1573891.html?cgid=men-boots&dwvar_1573891_variatio nColor=010
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Have the ice kings changed in the last 20 years? Because they were not waterproof when I started buying them.
Mine are pretty old and I have never gotten my feet wet while wearing them. Even while walking in some swampy terrain while deer hunting.
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I'm about to pull the trigger on Baffin Apex's - can anyone give me some sizing info? No place near me has any I can try on. I wear a 13 Nike sneaker, bounce between 12 and 13 in most other brands. 12 in LL Bean duck boots.
Should I order a size 14 Apex? Plan on wearing a thin sock and heavy smartwools. Only they only have 12's and 14's in-stock.
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I'm about to pull the trigger on Baffin Apex's - can anyone give me some sizing info? No place near me has any I can try on. I wear a 13 Nike sneaker, bounce between 12 and 13 in most other brands. 12 in LL Bean duck boots.
Should I order a size 14 Apex? Plan on wearing a thin sock and heavy smartwools. Only they only have 12's and 14's in-stock.
Don't know about the boots sizing but I can say your feet will be warmer if you just wear the Smart wool and not put another sock under them.
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Good to know - thanks Lefty
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I'm about to pull the trigger on Baffin Apex's - can anyone give me some sizing info? No place near me has any I can try on. I wear a 13 Nike sneaker, bounce between 12 and 13 in most other brands. 12 in LL Bean duck boots.
Should I order a size 14 Apex? Plan on wearing a thin sock and heavy smartwools. Only they only have 12's and 14's in-stock.
I would always go for the next size larger, 14 in your case. If too big you can always add an extra sock or a wool/felt insert to take up the extra room. Too tight and you are stuck.
Gam
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Thanks Gam! That's the kinda support my credit card wanted! haha
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Thanks Gam! That's the kinda support my credit card wanted! haha
Yes, absolutely 14s! I wear a shoe size 9 and bought the Shackletons in 10 and I'm having to stretch them to get them to feel comfortable. You will love the Apex though. They feel like slippers inside and they are insanely warm.
DN
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I wear the Cabela's Trans Alaskans and they have worked well for me.
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Good read on keeping your tootsies warm...wearing a vest can help a lot ...
https://gearjunkie.com/how-to-keep-feet-warm
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Baffin Impact I like them so much I have bought my sons and there sons same boot and we all agree they work just like they say. That's not to say other brands don't work as well, but when I find something that works I stick with it.
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Cabelas trans Alaska can’t beat them.
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There is a lot of good information here but where I ended up was with the Baffin Snosport's. I have had them for a few years and very happy with them. The brand is great, but the reason I ended up with them was weight.... At this point of my life I have a cranky knee and it does make a big difference.
I am not sure if the company still does this but I did buy direct and they honored the the exchange rate which was about the same as it is now.
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I had a pair of LaCrosse Ice Kings and on the 9th year they developed a leak so the following year got some Kamik. The Ice Kings were great for keeping warm but like lead boats so I went with the Kamik's. Now my feet get cold even though I can walk much easier so that doesn't count.
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Well, we all now have a definitive answer on what the best ice boot is, Right?
There is a lot of great info in these threads and it is all based on the many varying opinions of each member who bothered to post his favorites.
I remain totally confused because I do have LaCross Ice Kings and they damn sure are heavy clogs but they do keep my feet warm and dry. The Baffin's sound like a great boot too but in searching the web site I see they might be maybe 6-8 ounces lighter per boot so not a big deal breaker given the cost. That and the other fact that a lot of guys have mentioned their favorite Baffin's but completely different style and name to go with them.
No offence to anyone here but I wish I could find a real and scientific test of all the various extreme cold boots where I could compare brand, style and weights against each of the best rated brands. I kind of doubt there are any out there that do it all, light weight, not big and cloggy and super warm and waterproof. That's like asking "What oil is best in your car or truck for winter"? My wife keeps her hair pretty long to about the middle of her back. I bet I could find at least 20 different shampoos and conditioners around here and some a basic store brands while others are stupid expensive "Designer" types. I can't tell a difference between any of them and doubt she can either. I have used Head & Shoulders for about 50 years and to be very honest I am still glad I have some hair.
Gam
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The best boots I ever had for ice fishing cost me a whoping 12 bucks back in the mid 80's they were called moon boots lol yup that's right the moon boots. They were the warmest boot I ever had ice fishing. But I too am in search of a good ice boot and picked Baffin Snow Monsters in there epic series. Called Baffin n talked to a rep for about 20 min, was looking at the kootenay (which my buddy has) and the rep actually said I might b a little better off going into the epic series boot.
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Well, we all now have a definitive answer on what the best ice boot is, Right?
There is a lot of great info in these threads and it is all based on the many varying opinions of each member who bothered to post his favorites.
I remain totally confused because I do have LaCross Ice Kings and they damn sure are heavy clogs but they do keep my feet warm and dry. The Baffin's sound like a great boot too but in searching the web site I see they might be maybe 6-8 ounces lighter per boot so not a big deal breaker given the cost. That and the other fact that a lot of guys have mentioned their favorite Baffin's but completely different style and name to go with them.
No offence to anyone here but I wish I could find a real and scientific test of all the various extreme cold boots where I could compare brand, style and weights against each of the best rated brands. I kind of doubt there are any out there that do it all, light weight, not big and cloggy and super warm and waterproof. That's like asking "What oil is best in your car or truck for winter"? My wife keeps her hair pretty long to about the middle of her back. I bet I could find at least 20 different shampoos and conditioners around here and some a basic store brands while others are stupid expensive "Designer" types. I can't tell a difference between any of them and doubt she can either. I have used Head & Shoulders for about 50 years and to be very honest I am still glad I have some hair.
Gam
This issue is how everyone's individual body reacts to the boot. The "scientific" test is what gives the boots their rating. Believe me, I'm no boot expert, but I assume they probably just put the boot in an extreme temperature with some sort of heat element inside and measure heat loss and whatever other sciency nonsense. I'm sure they are field tested as well, but again, that doesn't prove much more as everyone is different. The problem is some people have better circulation than others, some sweat more than others, people move/fish different than others, while there may actually be a scientific answer for the best type of oil, I don't think it's possible with boots. I'm in the military, so I literally stand around with hundreds of other people wearing the exact same boots, clothes, socks, etc. and there are so many different comfort levels in temperature extremes.
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This issue is how everyone's individual body reacts to the boot. The "scientific" test is what gives the boots their rating. Believe me, I'm no boot expert, but I assume they probably just put the boot in an extreme temperature with some sort of heat element inside and measure heat loss and whatever other sciency nonsense. I'm sure they are field tested as well, but again, that doesn't prove much more as everyone is different. The problem is some people have better circulation than others, some sweat more than others, people move/fish different than others, while there may actually be a scientific answer for the best type of oil, I don't think it's possible with boots. I'm in the military, so I literally stand around with hundreds of other people wearing the exact same boots, clothes, socks, etc. and there are so many different comfort levels in temperature extremes.
That was my exact point! I was born with cold feet and just because a pal says his boots are the greatest is meaningless to me. We all be different! My best friend swears by his Mickey's and always has. I can't stand them and end up with wet socks every time I wore them. I do pretty well in the pack boots with felt/wool liners and use antiperspirant spray that does help. Just sitting here right now in house slipper and my feet are sweating. I guess when the design a boot with a forced air ventilation system I might find my best boots. One thing I know for sure is once my feet get bitter cold I am done for the day and it sux.
Gam
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what kind of socks are you wearing?
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what kind of socks are you wearing?
Thin Polypropolene first and then good wool over them. Over the many years I have learned to put the socks and boots on when I get to the lake so feet don't sweat on the way. Hard to drive in LaCross Ice Kings any way.
Gam
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All I wear is a pair of Wigwam. https://www.wigwam.com/products/p-40-below-socks.aspx?productid=2288
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Maybe a lighter waterproof boot,many to chose from,and those socks with. The adjustable heat.to try to regulate the heat better,don't know .
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Some guys get cold feet and some guys don't.
Some guys sit in one spot all day and some guys move around.
Some guys will give up some insulation and except a bit of cold to get a less bulky boot and some guys want their feet to be warm at the expense of weight and bulk.
They can put a -140°F or a -15°F on the box but it doesn't mean a whole lot until you are actually wearing them. One guy might be fine if the air temp is -20°F in a boot rated for -10°F but the next guy might like a boot rated for -50°F in the same weather conditions.
Then you have socks. Right or wrong one guy might like cotton socks and another might wear polypro liners topped with wool socks.
Too many variables to allow you to compare boot to boot and have the data work for everyone.
I do not get cold feet very easily. That is changing as I age. In my Ice Kings I am good no matter what. I can not drive with them on very well. They are a bit bulky for hiking. With wool socks in frigid temps and with cotton or what ever socks in warmer temps I am good to go.
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Remember that it's the air that provides insulation. So if your socks are so tight that the air squeezes out, there goes the insulation.
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I have went through the ice and had the predetors had water in them and fish for the rest of day .mickeys are heavy but most ice fishing boots are.mickeys don't breath and have **** for traction but can be had cheap.i don't care for the mucks didn't keep my feet warm.i have heard allot f good about the trans Alaskan but not own one
I looked up the trans Alaskan and thee seems to be two different styls now...one has real thick soles and the other looks a lot thinner...
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I highly advise against cotton on the ice.there really is no benefit other than if you like being damp
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I looked up the trans Alaskan and thee seems to be two different styls now...one has real thick soles and the other looks a lot thinner...
I don’t see that. The “Real McCoy’s” are 15” tall, and weigh about 5.8lbs. a pair. That’s all I see on the Cabelas site. Their selection is down to a few sizes left, right now. My trans Alaskans have kept me out when others are packing it in.
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I looked up the trans Alaskan and thee seems to be two different styls now...one has real thick soles and the other looks a lot thinner...
Never heard of that either.
Please post links so we can see what you are talking about.
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Cabelas predator extremes are the warmest boot I’ve ever owned. I used to get cold feet all the time but not with these.