I'm sure footwear has a part to do with it, I've never really had much to invest in "good" ice fishing boots but I have a decent pair of waterproof insulated now. With some padding I should be good and someday I'll be able to get some good spendy winter boots.
You don’t need to spend a lot for good boots! I found these insulated rubber boots last season at Tractor Supply. They were marked $69 but on sale for $59. I wasn’t sure how warm they would be, but figured for that price they were worth a try. When I got to the register they rang up at $32!
I couldn’t believe it! Tried them that week and they were as warm as my old 1800 gram pack boots I was replacing. I went back the next day and bought a second pair. Went back 2 more times to get them for my buddies after telling them about the boots. Ended up selling my 2nd pair to a buddy after they sold out. The checkout ladie got a good laugh the 3rd time I went back............she asked me how many more pairs I was gonna buy!
Gonna see if they go on sale again this season, (for that price I will get a “backup” pair) but even at $59 or $69 they are WELL worth it!
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/itasca-mens-swampwalker-1000g-rubber-boot
