IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: Nodie on Oct 07, 2009, 12:03 PM
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What are the best ice fishing boots out there? Mosty looking at insulted rubber ones as they are extremely useful on those rainy/slushy days on the ice
Thanks!
Nodie
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I have been using the military "bunny" (white) and "Mickey Mouse" (black) boots for years. They are rubberized, have air chambers for insulation and about the thickest soles around. You can find them for under $100 new and $50 used at army -navy surplus stores or on-line. I have never had cold or wet feet yet.
Good luck.
Norm
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I've have a pair of Sorel pack boots with leather uppers. Use them for deer hunting, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Have lasted me years and are good for walking. On the rare occasion my feet do get cold, it's at the end of an all day hunt toward the end of the season.
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I have been using the military "bunny" (white) and "Mickey Mouse" (black) boots for years. They are rubberized, have air chambers for insulation and about the thickest soles around. You can find them for under $100 new and $50 used at army -navy surplus stores or on-line. I have never had cold or wet feet yet.
Good luck.
Norm
Did you walk in 6-8 inches of water/slush?
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The boots are rubber all the way to the top so they do very well in that depth of slush.
Norm
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If you're going through that much, I would get some type of rubber boots. My Rocky's could definitely take it but if you're doing it regularly I would get rubber. It might hold up better.
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Did you walk in 6-8 inches of water/slush?
I also use Micky boots..(white) and yes, I can walk through 6+" of water / slush and still have dry, warm feet. Mine are 11" tall, so I would expect they would stay dry up to 11" But I've never tested that theory
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i have found that rocky makes some of the best boots out there to my opinion
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My quarterly post.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/boots.jpg)
Cabelas Trans Alaskas.
RG
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I have to say Baffen. They are warmer than my cat!
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg161/michianiafisherman/IMG_2703.jpg)
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MUCK BOOTS
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sorel glaciers at cabelas
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Been fishing with fellas that wear all the fancy named boots, expensive mail order etc.... nothing seems to work nearly as well as white mickeys!! Dry as a ducks ass. Other boots soak up the swet or if snow/water gets in them they are done!!! Mickeys you just dump out the water, wipe them down and they are dry ready to go again!!!!
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I agree with the Mickeys. I have stepped through the ice along shore in the shallows well over my boot and have it fill with water and just dump the water out and within a few minutes your foot and wet sock will be fine for the rest of the day.
.
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i have a pair of the mickeys also....... love them. not to hi-jack the subject but what type of creeper fits on theses things?
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I put HT's on them last year, but the hex head sheet metal screws kept falling out, there were worn, but i am sure i ran a 50 count box through them. I wish there were a high quality set that could be strapped to them that weren't a fortune, like the kind that you use to ice climb with, but i bet they are $250.00
http://media.rei.com/media/910817.jpg
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LaCrosse Ice Kings. A little on the heavy side, but keep my feet warm.
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I have to say Baffen. They are warmer than my cat!
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg161/michianiafisherman/IMG_2703.jpg)
Doesnt water go right through the material of those kind of boots?
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i used my forum snowboarding boots last year, probably not the smartest thing, but they are warm and waterproof so why not
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I haven't tried them all but I've have LaCrosse Ice Kings and they have taken care of my cold feet and are none the worse for wear with this being the start of the 4th season for them.. They have my recommendation.
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LeCrosse Ice Kings here....
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the cabelas inferno boots are awsome my brother has a pair, as for me can't beat rocky boots with goretex and at least 1400 grams of thinsulate
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I go along with RG on the Cabelas Trans Alaskas. They are the greatest. Studded like RG recommends - they are absolutely unbeatable.
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I have a pair of Field and Stream brand with Thinsulate that I bought at Dick's for $ 47, 4 years ago. I spray the uppers with Kiwi CAMP DRI silicone every season and have yet to get cold or wet feet even with slushy walking. They are very light also, an important feature for me. I think I can run a 9.8 second 100 meter getting to a flag with them.
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Oh boy, there's plenty of you guys who like the mickey boots huh? You can keep em. I hate them things, WAAY to heavy, and it reminds me of days gone by when I was in the Guard, freezing my ass off with the crappy cold weather gear we used to have.
I bought the cheapest boot I could find that was a little oversized and rated for at least -100 when active, I think I spent 50 bucks. Great boots, not so heavy I have trouble walking in snow, I think they are Ranger Boots, I've had them for 6 years now. I think I might need new thinsulate liners though, they are about worn out.
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I go along with RG on the Cabelas Trans Alaskas. They are the greatest. Studded like RG recommends - they are absolutely unbeatable.
ditto!
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So far I've come to the conclusion that you really need 2 pairs of ice fishing boots. (this is what I tell my wife anyways):
One for cold "dry" days.
One for wet warmer days.
I currently have a pair of Cabelas Trans Alaska Camo boots for the cold dry days, if there's alot of dry snow or plain ice. Extremely warm and feel like a rock star Gene Simmons style as they are quite big. There is plenty of space between the bottom of your foot and the ice. Down fall is it's hard to find creepers for them. I have ice stablicers but XXL for a size 10 boot. Another flaw is even though they are gore-tex...they will leak. This is my 3rd year with them and the bottom sole glue is coming undone.
Overall I'm happy with them in cold dry conditions.
For wet weather, I have a pair of 1000 gram lacrosse Alphaburly Sport 1000G Hunting Boots and they are warm, tall for deep water, and comfortable. Downfall: this is my 3rd year and they are cracking, where just this weekend I had to put a rubber patch on a split. So far so good though. My first split so that's not too bad. Right at a flex point. My wife has the 1500 gram boot and loves them as well. (of course they haven't leaked yet either).
Overall I'm happy with these boots in wet warmer conditions.
So that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
JIGGIN.
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I have a pair of lacrosse pac boots, but for those rainey slushy spring days, I have a pair of Rocky Buckstalkers. They are a knee high rubber boot with super grippy soles, 600 or 1000 gram thinsulate, and a flexable ankle. I dont like pack boots for spring time fishing because they are WAY too warm, they weigh too much, and they dont keep the slush off my pants. When you are drilling in standing water, knee boots keep you dry. I bought 600 gram, and if the weather is warm enough for sloppy ice, my feet are never cold.
http://www.rockyboots.com/products/PopUpImage.aspx?picArray=http://72.32.151.174/ProductImages/rocky/large/7740.jpg (http://www.rockyboots.com/products/PopUpImage.aspx?picArray=http://72.32.151.174/ProductImages/rocky/large/7740.jpg)
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I like having two pair of boots for the ice too. Call me a wuss, but I've got a nice pair of LLBean boots. Dunno the make and model. :P They feel like a sneaker and they're planty warm. They're not the greatest during the spring meltdown though. I've got a pair of Sorels for those days. They are a little heavy but no conditions are uncomfortable. I've had both pair for around seven years. Alternating what I wear and when has helped them last for sure. Both are as good as new.
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I bought a pair of Cabela's Predator Extreme last season. I've been very happy with them as my feet never got even a bit chilly. Whether it was a cold lake, deer stand or a day of fox hunting. They were a bit different to walk in due to their size, but after a couple times out they settled in and walking is not a problem at all.
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Mickey mouse boots with Stabilicers work well for me.
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I'll get back on my soapbox. The right boot all depends on how you fish. There's one boot for a guy that is walking and moving a lot and there is another boot for a guy that sits still. I have a pair of Lacrosse Ice Kings that are probably the warmest boot I've ever owned, but I wouldn't want to walk very far in them. Heavy, bulky and no ankle support to speak of. I also have a pair of Rocky Blizzards. Fantastic boots to keep you warm and easy to walk in.
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I'll get back on my soapbox. The right boot all depends on how you fish. There's one boot for a guy that is walking and moving a lot and there is another boot for a guy that sits still. I have a pair of Lacrosse Ice Kings that are probably the warmest boot I've ever owned, but I wouldn't want to walk very far in them. Heavy, bulky and no ankle support to speak of. I also have a pair of Rocky Blizzards. Fantastic boots to keep you warm and easy to walk in.
Mee toooo! If I walk too much in my Lacrosse, my hips get sore as hell from walking funny. I have size 14 feet, the outside of these boots is more like size 35! It is like wearing snow shoes. A guy has gotta have a pair, but I ain't wearing mine unless it is dang cold!
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My LaCrosse Ice Kings are great if I am going to be mostly stationary tip up fishing for the day because of the weight. I also use a pair of Cabelas 2000 gram waterproof boots and they have been working out - light weight and warm for a fun day of run and gun. I would like to get a pair of the Mickeys to add to my collection, but haven't found a decent pair yet.
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Go to Fleet farm for the Mickeys. I got a brand new pair of bata micky boots for like 40 bucks last fall.
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sorels definately. mine keep my feet comfortably warm even when they are wet, and when they are dry i sometimes have to take them off to keep from overheating. ;D
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Doesnt water go right through the material of those kind of boots?
No!
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Boots? You don't need no stinkin' boots. I just strap some sneakers onto the stump of where my foot used to be, before the frostbite.
But if you gotta have the best, Sorels. I used to own a pair before I had kids.
Now, I can't afford the best so I wear Columbia Bugabootres, light and warm.
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Boots? You don't need no stinkin' boots. I just strap some sneakers onto the stump of where my foot used to be, before the frostbite.
Now that's funny ;D ;D ;D
What I have learned on all the post about boots is, most men haven't even saw a good boot! They find a pair of boots when they need too and buy the first one they can afford. The mickey mouse boots are readily available so this seams to be the choice of most. As far a technology is concerned, there are far better boots out there if a person is willing too look. Of course you can't find the good boots everywhere because of the price. Most stores only carry the inexpensive type, so that's what most are familiar with. I have fished for thirty five years, and during that time I have only used four different boots. It takes awhile too wear out a pair of boots. Think about how old your mickeys are? All I'm saying is, check into the more modern materials before you stick your foot into an antique boot. Even if it is only a stump! ::)
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I use these if it's not below about 10 (early ice), or if I know I will be doing a lot of walking (not too often). Otherwise it's the Cabelas Transalaskans
High-quality thinsulate hiking boots with Stabilicer over-boots. Works great, comfortable, warm and no-slip easy walking.
(http://myslu.stlawu.edu/~ptri/images/icefishing/boot1.jpg)(http://myslu.stlawu.edu/~ptri/images/icefishing/boot2.jpg)
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baffin impact boots. -150f rated!
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Now that's funny ;D ;D ;D
What I have learned on all the post about boots is, most men haven't even saw a good boot! They find a pair of boots when they need too and buy the first one they can afford. The mickey mouse boots are readily available so this seams to be the choice of most. As far a technology is concerned, there are far better boots out there if a person is willing too look. Of course you can't find the good boots everywhere because of the price. Most stores only carry the inexpensive type, so that's what most are familiar with. I have fished for thirty five years, and during that time I have only used four different boots. It takes awhile too wear out a pair of boots. Think about how old your mickeys are? All I'm saying is, check into the more modern materials before you stick your foot into an antique boot. Even if it is only a stump! ::)
I agree with you on that.. and If I lived futher north where there is ice for more then a cpl months it might be to my benifit to go out and spend a couple hundred $$ on a pair of "good" boots. But here in NW Pa we don't have the extreme temperatures that some of you do and our season is short. I purchased a pair of "antique" Mickeys for around $40.00. This will be the third season for them and my feet have never been cold or wet. Yes, they are bulky and I'm sure there are much better boots But IMO you can't beat mickeys for the price. They keep my feet dry and warm and thats all I need them to do.
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One thing with the mickeys is that you dont want to buy them two sizes big, and make sure they are not dry rotted when you buy them. I have friends who have purchased a "bad" pair, make sure that you look at them before buying . They are bulky ,but most people probably don't need a wide either. I wear an 11.5" W in a tennis shoe and my mickey's are 11R, just big enough to be able to wear one good pair of Cabelas merino wool/hybrid socks and my feet don't slide around in them, even when not tied. I am sure there are other great boots out there that are probably better, and i usually buy top notch gear for fishing and hunting, but have yet to be let down with mine.
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Anyone esle wear Georgia Boot Ice Treckers? They're made from boar hide so they are super tough. Not clunky at all so if you need to walk a ways to your spots it's no problem. We regularly walk out 2 miles or more on Lake Erie. I can walk in the slush all day and not get wet or cold. They have spikes that screw right into the bottom so no need for extra cleats. I've had mine for 9 years and will probably have them for 9 more.
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I go along with RG on the Cabelas Trans Alaskas. They are the greatest. Studded like RG recommends - they are absolutely unbeatable.
I'm on my 6th season with these boots. They show no sign of wear. They're waterproof and so warm you forget about your feet....period. The sole is a perfect design for walking. They're light and easy on / off. They are well designed and backed by Cabelas no worry's policy. At $179, they're a deal.
RG
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With the MM boots, I go with light cotton socks. Military OD (olive drab) green cotten socks work. Don't wear thick wool socks - this is overkill and your arch supports will kill you. Also, tuck your pants legs into the MM tops (in the military terms, "blouse" your pant legs) to prevent the rubber cuffs from rubbing on your shin bones.
I've served in extended harsh arctic military conditions with the above setup and can personally vouch for this. I've also ice fished in the lower 48 and have never had cold feet.
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I'm on my 6th season with these boots. They show no sign of wear. They're waterproof and so warm you forget about your feet....period. The sole is a perfect design for walking. They're light and easy on / off. They are well designed and backed by Cabelas no worry's policy. At $179, they're a deal.
RG
Still wearing same Trans Alaskans I bought in the late 90's. Good dousing of bee's wax a couple of times a season ensures waterproofing. My feet have thanked me ever since.
dc
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My quarterly post.....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v15/brfixit/boots.jpg)
Cabelas Trans Alaskas.
RG
Trans Alaskans are hard to beat...
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I laugh at the ratings they put on boots. I wish I could of had all the boots mentioned in this thread to test last January. I got to fish in -49 temps. I had some cabelas 2000 gram thinsulite boots but they were way too cold on my feet in these temps. I pulled out my old Mickey Mouse boots and feet warmed right away. They are however alot heavier than most boots but I wasn't hole bustin and hopping like I usually do. My buddy had on a rubber boot with thick insole that had a rating of -135........he gave it a rating of -25. Had to throw in hot shots to keep from freezing.
I realize most don't fish at these temps :blink:
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So for those that put studs i their boots,,,,im assuming that from that point on they are dedicated ice fishing boots?
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So for those that put studs i their boots,,,,im assuming that from that point on they are dedicated ice fishing boots?
Pretty much - but then, I don't know of any other purpose my Cabelas Transalaskas could serve, that the studs would interfere with. Big thing is I don't where them anywhere but out of doors; i.e. no driving, no restaurants, bait shops, etc. I like a nice comfy moccasin for that anyways. :)
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my boots are baffin made in canada
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The best ones I ever had were like the Mickeys but were called the Bristol Boot.
Rubber inside and out and not as "fat" as the Mickeys.
Think Polypropylene and wool no matter what boot you wear and don't pinch your feet!
gd
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Ive benn on the ice for 35 years + and I always used the Micky Mouse white / black boots . They are water proof and very warm ! I dont even half to blow them up , they are warm enough without the air!
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Ive benn on the ice for 35 years + and I always used the Micky Mouse white / black boots . They are water proof and very warm ! I dont even half to blow them up , they are warm enough without the air!
The air isn't to keep your feet warm,the valves are to release air pressure for when jumping out of planes.
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The air isn't to keep your feet warm,the valves are to release air pressure for when jumping out of planes.
Keep the valve closed. no need for it on the ice and you don't want to chance getting water in there..