IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Dressing for ice fishing => Topic started by: CoachWalleye74 on Sep 23, 2016, 10:56 AM
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I'm looking to purchase new winter boots for ice fishing and snow removal. I've had some sorrels for about 10 years. They have done well, but are warn out. I would like a little warmer boot, since my feet do get cold when on the ice in the shack. The Baffin line seems nice, but the non-waterproof portion and reviews on overall size of the boot are concerns.
Suggestions for a very warm, waterproof, winter boot?
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Muck Arctic Sport or Muck Arctic Pros. I have the latter. They work great for me.
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Baffin Titans are all rubber. Run them here in Manitoba. -35 temps.
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Any opinions on the Baffin arctic boot?
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Coach-
Check this page out-
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?board=34.0 (http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?board=34.0)
There are MANY threads about boots and this post will likely get moved there any way.
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Thank you.
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I have a pair of Baffin Apex boots that I picked up from Cabelas. I always have cold feet and with these puppies I have always been comfortable snowmobiling/Icefishing at -40*C and lower.
Cheers!
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I'm going to give the Baffin Arctic's a shot. Found them at a good price.
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Cabela's Saskatchewan Pac Boots or their TransAlaskan III boots are arguably the warmest boot out there. I just bought the Saskatchewans to replace a pair of LaCrosse Hunting Pac 2000g.
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I have the Baffin Apex. Rated to 148 below zero. Never cold feet. No leaks ether but I did treat the uppers with snoseal. Also have a pair of black mickey boots. Warm feet in them also. They do get damp. My feet sweat. But it is a warm damp. Hope this helps.
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I got a pair of Cabela's Trans Alaska III boots a couple years ago, and they are by far the best boot I have ever had. Can sit outside all day and my feet are still warm! In my opinion, a lot of insulation underneath your foot is absolutely key when comparing boots!
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I have cabelas predator extreme have had them for 6 or 7 seasons now and they were great,I say were cause they started to leak last year they have the cabelas dry plus membrane that is similar to gortex.my self I will not buy a boot unless it is gortex or equal I have had just plain water proof boots but they seem to leak after a short time
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any of these boots come in a wide size? i need a boot that will fit my fat feet. i take a 4E shoe
Weight is also a concern.
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I still swear by the mickey mouse boots, but they aren't in the LW category.
W or XW mickeys will definitely fit a 4E foot, I have the same problem when buying boots and a R mickey fits my 4E stompers. Also, almost every boot/shoe I own is either 11 or 12W, the mickeys are 10R and fit perfectly.
Just an option, especially if width is a concern.
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Not a fan of the cabelas predator boots . The ones I have are 2,000 gram .
They are very stiff ( hard rubber ) around the ankle , super heavy and my feet always get cold ( not due to sweat ) so I end up putting heat packs down inside them .
I had a pair of 1,500 gram lacrosse boots that were light and very warm . I wore them out over about 10 years of heavy use and can not find them made any longer .
Currently , I still struggle with the predator boots
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I just wonder 1 thing how can 1 person say a boot is awesome and someone else says the same boots don't keep there feet warm etc. Is there inconsistencies with the production of some of these boots that make them have different results it seems very curious to me
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I just wonder 1 thing how can 1 person say a boot is awesome and someone else says the same boots don't keep there feet warm etc. Is there inconsistencies with the production of some of these boots that make them have different results it seems very curious to me
I think the biggest thing is blood circulation. I used to use rubber knee highs and feet were always cold. Switched to trans Alaskans and feet are warm. These boots have 3" between the ice and your feet. Need a little bit of airspace in the toe box too.
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I suppose whatever you choose make sure they fit properly. Maybe that's why some have had bad luck with one brand vs the other.
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Part of it is how people maintain their boots. I have a dual peet boot dryer and two sets of liners. Dried after every use. A lot of the cold feet people get is simply sweat from your feet left in your boots.
Imo, a 40 dollar peet boot dryer is the best investment anyone can make.
Beware of sno-seal as well. Will eat through the stitching. Obenaufs is one of the best products out there for waterproofing and conditioning boots.
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I wear a size 9 work boot . I Always buy a size 10 pac boot to leave airspace . I wear silk liners and 100% wool socks , my feet are not tight in the boot . Some reason they just don't keep my feet warm and I hate walking in them due to weight .
I went to a pair of hermans survivors 1,500 gram . They are much lighter and warmer . I know they are a low end boot but they work well for hunting and sitting in a tree stand for hrs , not so much for ice fishing as they do take on water , even after using mink oil .
Today I dug all my shanties out and gave them the pre season go over and wore my old worn out lacrosse boots , they are shot for any winter conditions but sure are light and comfortable . Wish I could find another pair like those . I can't even read the tags but the metal speed lace on top says lacrosse
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As a grizzled old veteran of many a ice fishing seasons. I have yet to find warmer boots than the Mickey mouse boots. You can spend lots of money on boots trying to match their performance. As noted they are heavy. But my feet get cold easily and it really hampered my deer hunting and ice fishing. Cousin finally gave me his GI issue boots back in the 70's try. As his feet were same as nine wide long and got cold easy.
Over the years I have probably owned at least 6 pair. White ones, black ones with the air bladder and without. They have all kept my feet warm in the most bitter conditions. Since I am a bucket buzzard ( rarely use a shelter ) their performance is amazing. This with just normal socks on not even extra lined socks.
One last thing. They are the only boot that I have tried. That maintain warmth in your boot if you are unlucky to get a soaked foot while on the ice. I discovered this accidently when edge ice broke under me soaking foot and leg to my knee. Sat down on bucket wrung sock out. Put boot on and within 15 minutes foot was warm again.
After I discovered this little jewel . I used it to win a few breakfasts and dinners over the years. Fishing partners would be bragging bout their expensive boots. Toward end of trip I would challenge them to get foot wet on purpose same time as me. Then stand on ice after putting boot back on to see who would cry " uncle " first. Never had to buy someone else one meal. But I ate quite a few free ones.
Other than the heavy part. Ensure to use some type of cleat with the mickeys. They do not provide good traction on slick ice. I got a scar on my head that proves that.
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I just wonder 1 thing how can 1 person say a boot is awesome and someone else says the same boots don't keep there feet warm etc. Is there inconsistencies with the production of some of these boots that make them have different results it seems very curious to me
You are correct. Why? Lots of other variables other than just "what kind of boots are you running"? Here's my take:
When I was young I never used to but now my feet sweat. A lot... That means basically no rubber, gotta breathe. One tip for sweaty feet, give 'em a spritz of antiperspirant spray before you sock up. Makes a world of difference for me.
Next, it's been mentioned but give your feet plenty of room inside the boot for circulation purposes. For me (again) if I wear two pairs of heavy socks I'm much colder than if I wear one pair of good warm socks with room left to wiggle my toes. Gotta have circulation to be warm.
Lotsa good boots out there but you have to give them a chance to do their best in order to be happy. Cramped sweaty feet will never be a recipe for warmth. Toward that end, Mickeys are definitely out (for me). All that rubber and I'd be standing in a pool of my own sweat freezing into a block of bootie ice.
Remember: perspiration management and adequate space = warmth.
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Lacross boots are awesome
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Baffin Titans are all rubber. Run them here in Manitoba. -35 temps.
Alot of people on this forum swear by these boots. I just got some a month ago and I can't wait to try them.
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Ive been trying to buy new boots for years just cause i wanted to try something different but ive been rocking sorels for the last 6 years and they keep my feet warm. I think ill just save my coin for a new electric auger and i think my sorels will be good for another 10 years. My dad is going on 25 years with his sorels (replaced the insert once or twice).
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I have been through a slug of boots trying to keep my hooves warm and for years I always ended up with cold feet when ice fishing, sometimes to the point it would cut my day short, have worn Muck Arctic pros, cabelas predator pac boots, sorels, a couple different kamiks and still cold feet all the time, went rounds with different socks and poly liners etc, most of the reason for cold feet is im very mobile until I find a good spot and then sit down, so im moving around and then get my feet sweating only to have them get cold when im inactive. Last year I bought a pair of Baffin endurances that were on sale for a very good price, loved them, a bit heavy but manageable. Nearly got rid of the cold feet problem, did have a couple long outings that by the end of the day my feet were getting chilly, the baffins are very comfy on your feet with the memory foam type liner, form right around your feet and feel great. Mid season I happened to run across a pair of Cabelas Saskatchewan pac boots in my size in the bargain cave, reg 249 and I think I got them for 89 bucks and im not sure they were ever worn, not quite as comfy as the baffins but a touch lighter, still very flexible, and through the rest of the season I never got cold feet again, best pac boot I have ever worn, use a poly liner and merino wool sock, the liner in the Cabelas Saskatchewan boot wicks moisture from your feet very well, I do notice my feet still get a bit damp in the Baffin endurances using the same sock combo but unless its very cold out and I have had a very long day I don't have an issue with them. Make sure to pull the liners when you get home and dry them, another big thing I learned is to not put them on warm, like straight off the heater vent, will get your feets sweating right away, and keep the floor heat off in your vehicle. Some guys say to put them on cold but circulation in my feet is just to poor for that, put em on room temp and good to go for the day.
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Lacrosse iceman when in permi. Nothing beats the mickeys when out on the ice. My feet have never got cold in them. My wife used to get cold feet in her kamiks. I bought her a pair of mickeys and she has never complained since. Wife tested and wife approved. Get the real ones with valve. No China copies. Steve
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What ever boots you use never wear them or your socks to your fishing spot.. Fresh socks and boots when you get to the ice..JMO...
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I wore mickey's for 10yrs+ and agree 100% with them being warm.....but the weight just got to be too much....
Bought a pair of Baffin Impacts and could not be happier...Light as a feather compared to mickey's, and just as warm!
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Artic sport mucks for me, plenty warm! And a lot more comfortable than a guy would think!
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Mickey Mouse boots for sure......never have cold feet while wearing them, no matter the temp or the length of the day ;)
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Alot of people on this forum swear by these boots. I just got some a month ago and I can't wait to try them.
x3, for Baffin Titans. I love mine. Comfortable and ridiculously warm.
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Muck Arctic Sport or Muck Arctic Pros. I have the latter. They work great for me.
I got the Arctic Pros last year and will never look back. Great boot.
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I got the Arctic Pros last year and will never look back. Great boot.
That's good to know, thanks for your reply....looking forward to trying these out this season. :thumbsup:
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The white Mickey Mouse boots are super warm, at times they're so warm I have to open the laces to let out some heat, and water proof. Granted they're a bit on the heavy side but you won't be disappointed with them.
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Mickeys are the only way to go..... you will NEVER have cold feet....and they won't break your bank account (got mine for $35 on E-Bay). Soles are plenty thick enough to accept Ice Spikes or Hex Head screws for traction (just DON'T wear them into your house... if you want to avoid divorce!!).
MAKE SURE YOU GET THE "BADA" BRAND !!!
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When I first started ice fishing I had Sorrell's pac with felt liner, what I found out that I had to keep them in the back of
my truck and put them on cold that way my feet didn't sweat, my walking out to my spot my body would warm them up
and keep my feet warm for hours, but by the end of the day they were cold! Then I bought Lacrosse Ice Kings, I did the same
thing, kept them in the back of my truck, my feet were cold all day! Then I kept them in my truck on the way to the lake
and they were warm all day, I wore them until the started to leak, about 10 years. Now I have Cabela's Predator Extremes
I put them on when I get to the lake and my feet have never been cold in them! It's all about keeping you feet dry!
IW
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MICKEY .....
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I also like mickeys or bunny boots.and havent had cold feet in years.but the heaviness of them are starting to bother me with arthritis in my hips.im might start looking for a light warm boot but will always have my bada boots just in case.
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x3, for Baffin Titans. I love mine. Comfortable and ridiculously warm.
X4.
They're made in Canada, eh? We know a thing or 2 about ice and cold! :laugh:
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best thing about Mickeys...that there are so many better options available now.
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The warmest winter footgear I've worn are traditional smoke tanned moosehide wrap-around moccasins made by Cree women. With several pairs of wool socks inside a full felt liner they are unbeatable in dry cold. I can say honestly in 55 years of wearing them my feet have never been cold. They're especially good for sweaty feet because they are highly breathable unlike those made from commercially tanned hides and rubber or plastic boots. They aren't made much anymore but occasionally an old timer can be seen wearing them, with short overshoes, on the ice pulling nets. They are also very light.
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I would look into good socks and change them often. Your feet when sweaty will be cold no matter the boot rating is. I wear tennis shoes when driving to the lake just so my feet don't sweat.
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Darn tough socks are great. Made in Vermont they are expensive but lifetime replacement by sending them in. Warm and super comfortable.
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Though they are heavy the Mickey Mouse boots are best in my opinion. If it's too cold for them then you should probably not be outside LOL
Budget friendly as well
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Arctic Ice Mucks for up here in Alaska. 40 years here and by far the best ever.
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x5 titans are crazy warm and comfortable...punching holes all day not having to worry about ice water or slush covering the boots..keeps you fishing instead of freezing.here in Saskatchewan i wouldn't use anything else.
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I would look into good socks and change them often. Your feet when sweaty will be cold no matter the boot rating is. I wear tennis shoes when driving to the lake just so my feet don't sweat.
x2. Boots are more of a shell than anything else IMO. Get a few pair of merino wool. the higher the % of merino wool the better
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I just wonder 1 thing how can 1 person say a boot is awesome and someone else says the same boots don't keep there feet warm etc. Is there inconsistencies with the production of some of these boots that make them have different results it seems very curious to me
No... there are inconsistencies with human beings. 😎
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Getting ready to order the Baffin Titans... ...for those that have them I wear a 11 wide boot, should I order the size 12 ?
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I wear size 11 as well. When I tried on the Baffin Titans at a store, I ended up getting size 12 so that I had room for wool socks and for wiggling toes. There's no sense in getting toes too snug since warmth and comfort are all about having a bit of airspace in the boot. The boots fit just right. My feet don't slide around in the boots and my toes aren't cramped. I'm happy with my purchase.
Getting ready to order the Baffin Titans... ...for those that have them I wear a 11 wide boot, should I order the size 12 ?
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thanks tooner, hate to buy boots without trying them on but no place around here has them so.... mail order it is ..
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The thing with Baffin boots are to get them in your true size. They conform to your feet. Do not let anyone else wear them. Great very warm boots.
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The one thing with Mickeys that I have not seen anyone bring up in boot conversations is how hard it is to put them on and take them off.
You basically have to be seated in order to force them on and then have to tie the laces. Taking them off is a bit of a pain also. And when you're layered up with bibs and all, it's not as easy as bending over and lacing up a pair of tennis shoes in the summer.
With other type of Pac boots, you can just slip your feet in while standing, same with taking them off.
I have both Mickeys and a pair of Baffins. The Mickeys are warm, but the Baffins are total luxury, unbelievably comfortable. I wear the Mickeys when it's on the warmer side and the Baffins when it's below 15 degrees or so.
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Arctic Ice Mucks for up here in Alaska. 40 years here and by far the best ever.
x2, so warm and easy
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I've seen competitors in the Iditarod wearing Cabelas Trans Alaskan lll's, but never white mickeys. Must be the weight?
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I've seen competitors in the Iditarod wearing Cabelas Trans Alaskan lll's, but never white mickeys. Must be the weight?
Trans Alaskans are pretty light weight. I love them.
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The white mickey's have their place in history no doubt. I have a pair I can't bring myself to trash. Unless you have long underwear or tuck pants into the gussets on the mickey's, they'll chew your calf raw (mine at least) with any kind of walking. Got the baffin apex for those cold days and the hunters if it's 25°F +. I'll never fault anyone for wearing mickey's, they still are one of the warmest boots out there.
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https://www.overshoesneos.com/Neos_Overshoes_Navigator_5_Stabilicer.html (https://www.overshoesneos.com/Neos_Overshoes_Navigator_5_Stabilicer.html)
I bought these Neos Overshoes last year. They are the cats ... They also have screws in the bottom of the boots to act as ice cleats. You just slip them over your tennis shoes, hiking shoes, or whatever shoes you drove to the lake with. Easy on, easy off. I love 'em.
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TA IIIs came in the post today. I've been away from pac-style boots for a while but I'm not gettin' any younger and my tootsies get a little cool these days. Don't spend much shack time so I'm standin' on the ice outside. Figure it's time to make an investment in my comfort.
First impressions:
Big boots, taller than I'm used to and look heavy but not particularly. Hey, now I am 6 foot.... ::)
Typical Chinese stuff, we'll see.
I like that the liner comes out to dry even though the construction includes "Dry-Plus" which has worked well for me in other Cablelas products.
The lace arrangement is different but seems easier up front. We'll see...
So, I'll have to give 'em a work out this season and form my own opinion. Got a smokin' deal, $150 + tax/S/H so the whole works out the door for < $170. I thought that was a pretty good deal.
Some of the comments here steered me but I'll never blame anyone but myself if they don't meet expectations.
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My DRC threes came in the mail today also. I don't know what they are, but man are they nice!
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Have a question? Has any one wore klim snowmobile boots on the ice ?? Just bought pair for riding the snowmobile. They are very warm. I don't think they would be too comfortable for long walks on the ice. However if you rode snowmobile to fishing spot and had limited walking I feel they would keep you nice in warm.. Just want to know if any one has wore them in the ice??
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TA IIIs came in the post today. I've been away from pac-style boots for a while but I'm not gettin' any younger and my tootsies get a little cool these days. Don't spend much shack time so I'm standin' on the ice outside. Figure it's time to make an investment in my comfort.
First impressions:
Big boots, taller than I'm used to and look heavy but not particularly. Hey, now I am 6 foot.... ::)
Typical Chinese stuff, we'll see.
I like that the liner comes out to dry even though the construction includes "Dry-Plus" which has worked well for me in other Cablelas products.
The lace arrangement is different but seems easier up front. We'll see...
So, I'll have to give 'em a work out this season and form my own opinion. Got a smokin' deal, $150 + tax/S/H so the whole works out the door for < $170. I thought that was a pretty good deal.
Some of the comments here steered me but I'll never blame anyone but myself if they don't meet expectations.
You will like them. They will keep your feet warm and are not heavy compared to other winter boots. The distance from bottom of foot to ice is what sets them apart. That's a big part to keeping your feet warm.
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I have been a Mickey boot wearer for the last 8 years, and although they have served me well, my feet get cold on sub-20 degree days after a few hours. This might be because I am getting older, but I have tried numerous sock combinations and the fact that the Mickeys are quite heavy, I have started looking at new boots.
I have been Amazon spying on a pair of black Baffin Impact boots waiting for the price to drop for my size. I missed the good price back in early November, but was finally able to order them last Friday. They arrived yesterday, and here are my first impressions:
(http://www.littleyank.com/img/baffin-impact.jpg)
* Build quality: very good, triple stitching, removable liner and removable sole liners too
* Materials: very good; appear just as tough as my Mickeys
* Laces: none, uses buckles. I really like this since who wants to retie laces with gloves on or when its cold out.
* Outer sole: looks to be decent traction on regular ground, but no boot sole matters on smooth ice. always gonna put on Katoolah's micro spikes
* Size: They are big; like wearing Herman Munster shoes. But much lighter than Mickeys (but what boots aren't?)
* Fit: previous owners are spot on; get a size larger than your normal foot size. I wear an 11, and got a 12. Allows room for a thicker sock.
* Performance: did a quick test outside, and they are very very warm. probably won't need a wool sock, but just a liner sock. Unfortunately, I won't be able to get on the ice for another 3 weeks.
Overall: I am very very impressed. Previous owners on this forum were not exaggerating about the Baffin Impacts. Those Canadians make a damn good boot. :)
Mickeys will get retired to the closet for friends to use if needed.
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I've spent alot of time on Cold Ice up in Maine and am a big LL Bean Boot fan....HOWEVER... Nothing goes on my feet for outdoor winter cold weather except my Baffin Hunters. They are 16 years old and keep my feet PLENTY warm. These boots and an extra pair of liners cost about $100 these days but it is so worth the investement. Add a poly thin sock and a wool sock, warm all day even when standing around.
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Overall: I am very very impressed. Previous owners on this forum were not exaggerating about the Baffin Impacts. Those Canadians make a damn good boot. :)
see---told 'ya!! If we don't know how to dress for the cold by now there is no hope for us!! ;Dj
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Military Mickey Mouse boots... extremely warm , water proof ! Not great for walking long distances . But I added a pair of quality Dr sholzs type soles the helped tremendously!