IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Dressing for ice fishing => Topic started by: fhsww48 on Nov 19, 2005, 08:34 AM
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I was wandering thru Gander Mt last night. I found a display of Sorel felt pacs. Wow they really looked like junk and they was $70. Must be it dont get cold in China like it does where they used to make them in Canada. I'm glad I got my Icemans.
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just bought a pair of -100 lacrosses that are identical to my old sorel glaciers . paid 50!! cant go wrong with that. found em' in sportsmans guide.
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I got those -100's at sportmansguide too. I have gotten them down to -35 a few times with out even the slightest hint that it was cold. Now if they could make a face mask for -35 and beer that stayed liquid that temp, my life would be so easy.
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I got those -100's at sportmansguide too. I have gotten them down to -35 a few times with out even the slightest hint that it was cold. Now if they could make a face mask for -35 and beer that stayed liquid that temp, my life would be so easy.
Yeah, those Beercicles just don't feel the same, do they? ;)
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Columbia bought out Sorel, exporting the jobs and quality to China from Canada!!!! >:(
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Well, instead of just hammering Sorel, what about LaCrossse? As a certified cheesehead, you can imagine my dismay when I went to replace my American made Icemans (probably 12 or more yrs old) with a new pr. of Ice Kings, and turned them over to see made in China on the soles. Then I looked at the Sorels and thought, what the heck, rather feed Canucks... and there it was again....
If it was something that could have waited, I'd have found an American outfit that sold pacs, but it was an urgent thing, next time, the money stays home.
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Well, instead of just hammering Sorel, what about LaCrossse? As a certified cheesehead, you can imagine my dismay when I went to replace my American made Icemans (probably 12 or more yrs old) with a new pr. of Ice Kings, and turned them over to see made in China on the soles. Then I looked at the Sorels and thought, what the heck, rather feed Canucks... and there it was again....
If it was something that could have waited, I'd have found an American outfit that sold pacs, but it was an urgent thing, next time, the money stays home.
Thats what happens with globalization. Just think of the money these companies make now paying some kid 50 cents to $2 a day to make who knows how many pairs of hundred dolar boots. You aren't feeding the workers, most of them can't even afford food with what they make.
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i dont know whats going on with Sorel boots, I bought a pair for about $100 bucks when I was in Forestry School 13 years ago and I wore them untill two season ago they were warm, dry and comfortable. So I figured great boots... I will replace them with a new pair... paid $69 at campmor and they lasted 1 ice season, they are junk, they leak, the insulation is inferior. They were fantastic the first season! They just dont last like they used to :(
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sorel used to make a good boot but i wouldnt wear them even if they were freeeeeee
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I got those -100's at sportmansguide too. I have gotten them down to -35 a few times with out even the slightest hint that it was cold. Now if they could make a face mask for -35 and beer that stayed liquid that temp, my life would be so easy.
may i suggest a botle of cabo wabo anejo ?? it wont freeze!! its some of the best TEQUILA around! -moose
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may i suggest a botle of cabo wabo anejo ?? it wont freeze!! its some of the best TEQUILA around! -moose
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You don't play with that stuff... at 60$(cheap have payed 80$) for 750 ml and smooth as water.. it gets interesting! -moose
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ive been to cobo last year in july, went to sammys bar and drank some of the fresh stuff. SMOOOOOTH
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i liek the anejo red bottles :-)
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lacrosse were always better than Sorel :tipup:I know more than a few people who switched from sorel to lacrosse because there feet got cold or wet,and were glad they switched
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i know fist handed
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I have Mickey Mouse boots I was issued in the Air Force way back in 1986. I'm still wearing them and my feet still don't get cold. They are not as white as they used to be but they are in perfect shape otherwise. I also have my original parka but it's on it's last leg. I'll have to go to a military surplus store and get another one.
Initially I couldn't figure out why I never saw a deer when I went deer hunting in that parka. It was the Jet fuel fumes on it. ;D
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PATRON
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I switched out of necessity.I had a pair of Sorel Dominators and they were the best pac boot ever made.Had them for ten years feet never got cold or wet.
I have a pair of Ice Kings now.I'll let you know in ten years!
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Baffin Boots are probably the best going right now, very expensive though. My LaCrosse are also made in China, after reading this thread, I had to check >:(
I'll be surprised to see them last more than a couple of years.
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A friend of mine used to be a distributer for Sorel. It seems that the owner of the company retired and turned it over to his kid. It only took his kid 2 or 3 years to run it into the ground. A Chinese company bought all of their machinery, so they must be using inferior materials now. I agree that they are no longer any good. I was lucky enough to get advance warning and picked up 4 pair for my kids before the switch (at factory cost no less). He didn't have any of my size left, so I switched to Irish Setters (also made in China now). What's a man to do?
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Baffin Boots are probably the best going right now, very expensive though. My LaCrosse are also made in China, after reading this thread, I had to check >:(
I'll be surprised to see them last more than a couple of years.
I bought a pair of Baffins at Herb Philipsons a month or so ago...got them on closeout (last years boots), 40 bucks and they're great.....nice removable liner, heavy semi lug sole, and waterproof.......
I used to use Sorels when I was younger but like everyone else says, now they're junk and not worth wasting money on.....Esox
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Check out Sorrel's children's boots, they are a $50 embarrassment. They should be ashamed.
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Switched from Sorel to LaCrosse and it was a purchase well worth it.
Bought the Extreme PFT Boots and they keep the feet PLENTY warm and DRY all day long.
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My old La Crosse boots are American made, I will be interested to see the quality difference in the new ones. :-\
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I dont know how you could wear out sorels! lol I have 4 pair 2 with safetytoes and 2 really high ones I got then while in air force (mickymouse boots are were not really practical) and havent had to buy another boot since and that was back in 93! cant aford new ones anyway but cant wear em out!
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Just the insoles wear out...which you can buy for $25. Clicky, clicky http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722670265/page/1.html (http://www.zappos.com/n/es/d/722670265/page/1.html)
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The sole and the stitchin of the boot itself were flawed in my pair. The liners got replaced annually.
Still IMHO SOREL BOOTS SUCk :)
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Bummer. :( My sorel caribous have had 4 hard years of ice fishing and snowmobiling. Still in good shape...warm as long as my feet don't sweat too much.
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Yeah, those Beercicles just don't feel the same, do they? ;)
I actually like those beercicles. You drink all the unfrozen alcohol and toss the frozen water thus leaving more room for more beercicles.
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Gotta love the barley shots. ::) This year I think i'm going to make sure the beer is warm the night before. ;D
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Bought a pair of Caribou Sorel's a month ago and today felt something wet. Looked down and the d@#m sole delaminated about three inches long! Ice fishing with wet feet... Oh ya that's fun. :%$#!: Hope Sports Authority has a good return policy. Heck of a use of a post to go from Rookie to Regular. :woot:
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SORELS...Yup, have some.. 1 size to big.. feet cold...ah.... have another CANADIAN...NOT NO MORE.
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Does anyone sell the replacement liners for Sorel Dominators anymore?
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Does anyone sell the replacement liners for Sorel Dominators anymore?
Just buy the glacier liners and cut them down.
Jeremy
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got lucky military gave us a new pair each year plus extra liners Im set for life!
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I was wandering thru Gander Mt last night. I found a display of Sorel felt pacs. Wow they really looked like junk and they was $70. Must be it dont get cold in China like it does where they used to make them in Canada. I'm glad I got my Icemans.
Sorel got bought out by Columbia in 2000 and is no longer a Canajun Company :( :( That is when it seems that their manufacture got
outsourced to China, and the quality went down the toilet. Jobs lost, quality no longer exists. To save a few bucks on manufacture that have lost
countless customers.
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glad I got several pairs of the old ones
90's version
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I thought I read that Ice Kings were made in china now too. I looked at mine and they say USA still. I bought them in 2002.
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Baffin Boots are probably the best going right now, very expensive though.
Baffin boots are still made in Canada and rated for -40 Cel. or Far. Just checked a pair that I bought last spring and haven't worn yet as my old ones are still good(approx 5yrs.old).
The secret to having warm feet in these is to take the liners out every night and put them on a heat register to dry, you should also put the boots themselves upside down over a heat source to make sure there is no moisture trapped inside before you put the liners back in.
BTW- I agree with everyone-the new Sorels are junk now and they used to be great.
Just adding a P.S. to this post...I found out Baffin also makes a boot rated to -70 Deg.(also higher than the -40 Deg. ones).
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Just to throw another name into the mix - I have boots (Voyageur Vortex) made by a Quebec company that I purchased more than 10 years ago. The company produces snowmobile clothing primarily. They are lightweight, and are rated to -100 (as are many boots). I can honestly say I have never suffered from cold feet in these - and I normally wear only a white cotton sock. And I have worn them in some pretty extreme weather. The boots retail for approximately $110.00 plus tax CDN. And they are made in Canada.
http://www.vortex-sport.com/English.php
Just another option for some, perhaps. :)
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Bought a pair of Sorel Dominators in college 20 years ago for $100. That was a lot of beer $ to give up. These boots have never failed me. Still wear them today with just a regular pair of socks.
One thing to remember is always take the liner out when your done for the day. Removing moisture is key!
Sorry to hear Sorel went to crap.
Like Lake George. I could use a back up liner in size 11. Anyone know where to get them?
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Bought a pair of Sorel Dominators in college 20 years ago for $100. That was a lot of beer $ to give up. These boots have never failed me. Still wear them today with just a regular pair of socks.
One thing to remember is always take the liner out when your done for the day. Removing moisture is key!
Sorry to hear Sorel went to crap.
Like Lake George. I could use a back up liner in size 11. Anyone know where to get them?
Try zappos.com or campmor.com
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I just purchased a pair of Rocky Blizzard Stalkers. I loked them over and sure as shooting, they are also made in China. You'll be hard pressed these days to find anything that isn't made in China.
Well after researching the boots and reading nothing but good reviews, I tried them on and bought them.
These are 1200 gram Thinsulate and rated for -135 F. They're very light for a Pac boot and comfy too.
We'll see how long they last.
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I stopped in Cabelas Saturday and picked up a pair of ice kings as I was walking by to see what they looked like and they said made in china on the bottom...**censored**? The boot looked cheap compared to mine and it makes me sick to see someone that never sees temperatures below 50 making a boot for us to wear at temps below 0...B@$T@rd$
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Sorry for getting off topic a bit, but I wantedto tell you something really f@#!ed uf. I was going to buy a new American flag a couple of years ago until I read the tag, and sure enough it was made in China. I couldn"t believe it. It's getting harder all the time to find products made in North America. I'm glad my Sorels are holding up after ten years.
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Sorry for getting off topic a bit, but I wantedto tell you something really f@#!ed uf. I was going to buy a new American flag a couple of years ago until I read the tag, and sure enough it was made in China. I couldn"t believe it. It's getting harder all the time to find products made in North America. I'm glad my Sorels are holding up after ten years.
Kingfissher, I was in WalMart the other day and there was a display of Sorels...I checked the label...and it was MADE IN VIETNAM. The pacs
were paper thin...bad stitching...brought tears to my eyes that Sorel sold to Columbia years ago, and that a great Canadian name is still being used.
BTW, it was -37 that day, and I don't think those boots would have kept my feet warm in the store, let alone outside.
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I've got a pair of Sorel's 15+ years old, that I use only for icefishing. I, can just make out Made in the U.S.A. on the bottom! Whys that? ???
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I've got a pair of Sorel's 15+ years old, that I use only for icefishing. I, can just make out Made in the U.S.A. on the bottom! Whys that? ???
Because they used to be USA/Canadian made. I think Batavia NY had a factory for them at one point....
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Thanks, esox slayer, for the answer to my first question. Next question! Should I keep wearing them, or put them in a glass case? :whistle:
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Thanks, esox slayer, for the answer to my first question. Next question! Should I keep wearing them, or put them in a glass case? :whistle:
List them under "valuable antiques" on eBay...they are worth their weight in gold!
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When I first bought mine, I wore them all the time in the winter. I used them for hunting, ice fishing, and for any other outdoor activities I did. Now I use mine exclusively for ice fishing. They are at least ten years old and are still in good shape. I will not buy another pair if they are not made here anymore. Let the Chinese wear their own boots, and deal with the poor quality of their products.
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When it comes time to buy a new pair of boots, what are you guys going to get?
It's pretty tough finding anything made in North America anymore. I know Baffin are made in Canada.
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I have heard good things about Baffin. They just might have a new customer. I'm going to see how long my old Sorrels will last me though.
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I bought a pair of Baffins this year because they're Canadian made, none of that chinese junk for me....Esox
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Bafinn! Somebody, please fill me in on some INFO. ???
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Just do a search on the web for Baffin Boots and you'll get plenty of info.
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What year did dominators first come out? I bought my pair, I believe,over twenty-five years ago at the Fontana sporting goods store in Madison WI. Listen, I know you get many comments like this but I have to tell you that in my forty years of consumerism, I have never bought something that has lasted as long as my dominators. I am an avid sportsman and winter hiker and you would not believe all that these boots have endured. Just this year they are at a point where they are taking in water and no longer sealed. I've logged countless(thousands) of miles, hunted and ice fished thousands of hours: and over the last two years, wore these boots around the UW-Madison campus as I am a fifty year old returning college student. My boots are legendary amongst my four kids and my friends. I want you to know that all my life I have been low-income. It was so out of character for me to spend the money(I think $100) to buy your boots. I remember having to justify my purchase with my girlfriend at the time. Twenty-five years later I have had many relationships, went through my young adult years, raised four kids and still have my dominators. Not to sound corny, but I am very sad that my boots are falling apart and headed for boot heaven. As I type this I have the fondest of memories of me pulling my new-born son in a sled twenty-two years ago and the boots that have stayed on my feet over all these winters. Hundreds of sledding trips with my kids were facilitated by these boots. I know, I know, they're just boots you're saying but good quality and memories are hard to come by in this day and age.
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I agree. I have the Sorel Dominators and they are on their last leg also :'(
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I can't believe Kamik boots have not been mentioned. They are made in Quebec.
This is what I wear. They are rated to -100*F
http://kamik.com/GenfootWeb/servlet/webProductDisplay.webProductDisplaySrv?currentMode=DETAIL&curCatalog=2009&curSeason=WINTER2009&curRow=102 (http://kamik.com/GenfootWeb/servlet/webProductDisplay.webProductDisplaySrv?currentMode=DETAIL&curCatalog=2009&curSeason=WINTER2009&curRow=102)
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I can't believe Kamik boots have not been mentioned. They are made in Quebec.
This is what I wear. They are rated to -100*F
http://kamik.com/GenfootWeb/servlet/webProductDisplay.webProductDisplaySrv?currentMode=DETAIL&curCatalog=2009&curSeason=WINTER2009&curRow=102 (http://kamik.com/GenfootWeb/servlet/webProductDisplay.webProductDisplaySrv?currentMode=DETAIL&curCatalog=2009&curSeason=WINTER2009&curRow=102)
then add in discount lol good for summer wear! lol
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baffin apex is rated down to -148 degrees
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Okay... so as many have mentioned... the company is no longer, only the name remains.
Fast history... Sorel was made by the KAUFMAN RUBBER COMPANY... so they knew RUBBER.
All the current failings of the Chinese versions... are in fact the RUBBER. (Also the CARIBOU is no longer from REINDEER... it is cow!)
So moving on... you **CAN** still get GREAT Sorels... but you buy them USED. Search Ebay and search "Kaufman Sorel Boot"... then start surfing your size.
To spot the REAL ones... Canadian... Look for the "K" on the side of the boot, the K in the leaf on the sole bottom, and the "Kaufman" name on the heel.
If it says "WATERPROOF" on the heel, those are the fakes.
Also look at the inside label on the liner... "made in canada" in french... = real. Soles *can be* "made in USA"... as some were VIBRAM soles, rather than the Kaufman soles.
So... that is the trick!
NOW... keeping them good. First, pull the liners out, trace to base, and cut a thick felt or metallic mylar insulation base pad. Lay that inside the boot first.
Then with liners out... warm the boot and rub SNOWSEAL into the boots... use a hairdryer to warm and open the leather pores to suck in the SnowSeal. Now the leather is both conditioned to last another 20+ years, and waterproofed!!!
See these vids: (the first is me)
And see the "0.38" mark of this vid.... this is the classic Chinese fake!: &t=52s
Drop me a note if you want more tips!
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Thanks!!
Okay... so as many have mentioned... the company is no longer, only the name remains.
Fast history... Sorel was made by the KAUFMAN RUBBER COMPANY... so they knew RUBBER.
All the current failings of the Chinese versions... are in fact the RUBBER. (Also the CARIBOU is no longer from REINDEER... it is cow!)
So moving on... you **CAN** still get GREAT Sorels... but you buy them USED. Search Ebay and search "Kaufman Sorel Boot"... then start surfing your size.
To spot the REAL ones... Canadian... Look for the "K" on the side of the boot, the K in the leaf on the sole bottom, and the "Kaufman" name on the heel.
If it says "WATERPROOF" on the heel, those are the fakes.
Also look at the inside label on the liner... "made in canada" in french... = real. Soles *can be* "made in USA"... as some were VIBRAM soles, rather than the Kaufman soles.
So... that is the trick!
NOW... keeping them good. First, pull the liners out, trace to base, and cut a thick felt or metallic mylar insulation base pad. Lay that inside the boot first.
Then with liners out... warm the boot and rub SNOWSEAL into the boots... use a hairdryer to warm and open the leather pores to suck in the SnowSeal. Now the leather is both conditioned to last another 20+ years, and waterproofed!!!
See these vids: (the first is me)
And see the "0.38" mark of this vid.... this is the classic Chinese fake!: &t=52s
Drop me a note if you want more tips!
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Well, instead of just hammering Sorel, what about LaCrossse? As a certified cheesehead, you can imagine my dismay when I went to replace my American made Icemans (probably 12 or more yrs old) with a new pr. of Ice Kings, and turned them over to see made in China on the soles. Then I looked at the Sorels and thought, what the heck, rather feed Canucks... and there it was again....
If it was something that could have waited, I'd have found an American outfit that sold pacs, but it was an urgent thing, next time, the money stays home.
If you're looking for made in USA packs that are good quality check out Schnee's, they're not cheap but they're made in USA and are rebuildable. I bought a pair of them about 15 years ago and they're the best pack boot I've ever owned and no more cold feet.
https://schnees.com/schnees-boots/
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Thats what happens with globalization. Just think of the money these companies make now paying some kid 50 cents to $2 a day to make who knows how many pairs of hundred dolar boots. You aren't feeding the workers, most of them can't even afford food with what they make.
I hear you but you can't completely blame a company for doing it. Once a competitor does it it's hard to compete with them. Pretty soon they are all doing it to stay competitive.
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I've been wearing the same pair of Sorels since 1984 and i haven't got plans to get new boots.
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I still have a pair of my sorel glaciers and they are working great with about 15 years of service. they don't get worked hard in Pa but except for being heavy they do a great job
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I have a pair of Sorels that I bought in 1997. Over the years, I have replaced the felt liner. But over the years, my feet have grown. When I bought them I wore a size 9 street shoe, so I bought a size 10. To make a long story short, my feet measure size 10 and I wear a size 10.5 shoe. Because of the generous toe, I can still wear my Sorels, but not with a heavy sock. I have worn them on the ice with a pair of mid weight Moreno wool socks and toe warmers, but they are not ideal. So, I need to look for new boots. A local store carries Mucks, so I will look at them.
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Also had a pair of sorels for many years and really liked them . Last year bought a pair for the wife and the stitching came apart definitely not the same anymore
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I can't believe Kamik boots have not been mentioned. They are made in Quebec.
This is what I wear. They are rated to -100*F
http://kamik.com/GenfootWeb/servlet/webProductDisplay.webProductDisplaySrv?currentMode=DETAIL&curCatalog=2009&curSeason=WINTER2009&curRow=102 (http://kamik.com/GenfootWeb/servlet/webProductDisplay.webProductDisplaySrv?currentMode=DETAIL&curCatalog=2009&curSeason=WINTER2009&curRow=102)
I checked out their website and couldn't find a temperature rating for any of their boots.
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Sorel Glacier XT rated for -100.
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Sorel Glacier XT rated for -100.
What does "rated for -100" mean?
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Means it's good for 100 degrees below zero. But probably only good for 1/2 that in all actuality.
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So even at -50 below does the rating mean I can stand outside at -50 and my feet stay warm, even if the rest of me freezes solid??
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Is this some kind of record for the oldest, yet still active thread?