IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Nebraska => Ice Fishing Nebraska => Topic started by: teehjaeh57 on Jan 24, 2013, 05:26 PM
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Hey all:
I'm hoping to spark some dialogue regarding ice fishing boots. What have you tried, what did you love, what left you shivering on the ice for hours? I use Ice Armor boots - I'd rate them about an 7. My toes still get a tad frosty in temps under 15. I've heard good things about Cabelas Trans Alaska III boots - how about US Military Bunny Boots rated to -65? Sportsmen club has them for $40! What do you think?
Also - tell us about your sock theory. Do you go thin as possible to avoid sweat/moisture which can get feet freezing, or are you a thick sock or multilayer advocate?
Frankly, I still don't think I've really figured out the best combination for my feet. Unless it's 20+ I'm never really warm...hopefully can learn some things from eachother.
Thanks for your input in advance!
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I wear muck artic sports and they are much better than what I've ever worn in the past. My buddy has boggs which are pretty much the same. For a winter boot that's waterproof I'll never buy something that isn't an insulated rubber boot. In the past I've worn packboots that are rubber lowers and leather uppers. They aren't a bad boot for general use but they just aren't waterproof above the ankle making them a poor choice for icefishing or any activity that involves standing in slush or water.
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Great topic you posted here man.... I am also looking at picking up some new ice fishing boots either yet this year or for sure next. I am looking for something warm but not super big and bulky that will wear you out after walking in them after a long day on the ice..... What is everyone else using? I have been looking into an insulated rubber or muck boot of some sort..... Oops I better edit this post... I forgot to include my "korkers" ice cleats have to be able to fit around them....
Layne
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Good post started, you will get a lot of opinions here. I currently have a pair of mickey (military) boots. Have had them for over 10 years. My feet have never been cold in them. My feet do sweat some, but even though socks are damp feet stay warm I wear these when bitter cold or hole hoping. Other boots I have tried, once socks are damp, feet get cold. They are not the most comfortable to walk great distances in- that is my bigest complaint. Also have a pair of Mucks the highest insulated one in a camo pattern. These are also great boots and are more comfortable to walk in than the Mickeys. My feet have gotten cold in these once or twice but I like them for hunting and activities where I am moving. I have been looking at a new boot by the name of Korkers, they have removable and interchangeable soles. They also have a lace up system that is turn of a knob-done. Friend of mine has worn these since Christmas and loves them. They will probably be my next purchase. Google---- Korker Ice jack or snow jack. I believe they are only 600 and 300 gram insulated, so I don't know how warm they are. I'm going to check them out a little closer.
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I have a pair of the Cabela's Trans-Alaska III pac boots and love them! They are huge, I believe there is a solid 3 inches of insulation from ice to foot and they are difficult to find good cleats for, but I will take that any day of the week over cold feet. As for socks, I'm a huge fan of the Redhead socks. They are heavy duty wool socks, which are great for wicking moisture and have a lifetime warranty (hang on to your receipt!). Bass Pro usually sells these socks for $10/pair. I believe that you could get away with really light socks with these boots, but I'm not a fan of cold feet! I usually spend a few days in Devils Lake each year sitting in a 60 degree ice house and have never had a moisture problem. I would give these boots 10 stars!
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Mucks Artic pro...+ Redhead Marino wool socks = warm and dry....all day long
I've used everything under the sun during my ice fishing ventures and have never found anything better.
I'm sure there are plenty of opinions on boots but You can't go wrong with Mucks........
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I have worn several different boots over the years, but here is the last 3 pair, Rocky 1200 gram, my feet were always cold or seemed like it, 2nd I tried some Cabela's Inferno 2000's, for 1 day, that was enough for me, one word COLD. I now have had my Cabelas Trans Alaska III's out twice, one day high of 13 and 2nd day about a high of 10, starting out at 0-5 above, with just a pair of liner socks and all I can say is I was very impressed, jig fishing, sitting stationary for long periods and my feet only got cool, the fishing wasn't the hottest but my feet were very comfortable, 5 stars for the TA III's. Wished I would have bought these things years ago.
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Cabelas 1000gr. insulated boot, Gore-tex. Ice fishing tent w/ heater. Hot coffee and soup! ;)
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Ice, you're out of bounds with your additional comments. Replies should only be on topic: footwear.
Now, if you meant you place your feet in a bowl of stew/soup or pot of coffee, we can allow this submission. :)
We used to do brats on the ice...maybe some cheeseburgers. Wow, do those taste incredible on a super cold day or what? I think a stew, chowder or chili going all day would be good, too. Maybe we should try a separate thread for favorite "on the ice" meals?
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Cabela's 2,000 gram boots, liner sock, Fox River wool socks. Pretty basic, but works for me.
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I use cheap wal mart PAC boots. Cotton tube socks with reg wool socks. Ran around 15 sheet metal screws into them. I wear shoes to lake, so feet dont sweat. Topped with carhart bibs hoodie and coat. When water instantly turns to pearls on line jigging, ill use hut or call it. 14 last time out and comfortable.
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Neos overshoes with ice cleats. The most convenient, warmest, bestest thing ever invented by man.
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I use Muck Arctic Pro boots, they are extremely comfortable, warm, waterproof (especially helpful when drilling holes with a power auger) and slip on and off easily.
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Neos overshoes with ice cleats. The most convenient, warmest, bestest thing ever invented by man.
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THE best boots for ice fishing. I wear a decent pair of wool socks and a pair of old tennis shoes to the lake, then slip the Neos Stabilicers over my shoes when ready to fish. Can't remember a time when my feet ever were cold.
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For many many years, I used Mickey Mouse boots. 3 Years ago I went with Muck Arctic Sports. I cannot go back to the Mickey Mouse boots quick enough.
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Cabelas Predator Extremes
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Augergas has hit the nail right on the head. Forget about any other boot out there. If you are looking for something comfortable, warm, and all around just top notch, look no further than the Neos by Thorogood.
http://www.amazon.com/Thorogood-Explorer-Insulated-N-E-O-S-Boots/dp/B007RTBU8S
These boots slip on right over your shoes. When I ice fish, I wear one pair of thick wool socks in my tennis shoes, and then I throw these bad boys on once I get to the lake. They are a little wide which can pose issues with driving, but I find that I can use the pedals just fine in my truck without taking them off. I haven't found a pair of cleats that fit over them too well, but that could be for a lack of effort. I usually find it fairly easy to walk on ice with these.
I can't recall one day of ice fishing where my feet got cold. I would recommend these all day everyday. Another benefit I find, I can tuck my jeans and long underwear into the boot and then put my outerwear over the boot. This keeps any wind from hitting the ankles and calves.
If none of this sells you, these are the boots that our local postal worker wears. They are outside all day everyday, so you know they are using the best of the best.
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I was very skeptical of the Micky mouse boots but I decieded I would give them a try and let me tell you they are amazing. My feet don't sweat and they are never cold. I just got them this year and have worn them about 6 times. Water proof and warm and for the price you cant beat them. 50 to 70 bucks by the time they arrive on your door step. Again amazing
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I use rubber boots with foam insulation from tame actor supply and never have a problem. That being said, I usually never have a problem with cold feet in any situation.
I worked at a ski shop for years and cold feet was the number one thing people always complained about. In a lot of cases the boot is not the problem. The member one cause of cold feet is moister, and number two would be circulation. There are a few things you can do to help before you throw out a decent pair of boots for the next best thing.
-Make sure everything is 100% dry
-Don't drive to the lake in your boots, your feet will sweat on the way
-When u get to the lake, I change my socks and shoes, and use baby powder to dry my feet before putting on the fresh wool socks then my boots
-I don't like multiple socks, just a good wool sock
-make sure your boots are not too tight, lost circulation is a killer
-also, don't "preheat" your boots, it feels good for a min but your feet will sweat instantly
That's what I do and what I did for all my customers. Works for me.
Hope it helps.
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Sorry, that was supposed to be tractor supply.
Stupid auto correct
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Muck boots and wool socks can't be beat!
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I've had Mucks, Mousers, and now the Trans Alaskans. In Mucks your feet will sweat and then you'll be cold. I've had the same with mousers, although you can walk a bit in mousers and the sweat will heat back up and be toasty again. The Trans Alaskans are huge but if you want a pair just for icefishing I can't imagine what would be better. They are 4 lbs a pair. Take some breaking in. I would advise getting a half size large for mine were a little tight till I broke in the liner. Also I saw someone mention they are hard to find cleats for, due to the high profile. There is a place in valentine ne that molds golf cleats into the sole of the boots. So you can replace your cleats when they wear down. This is tough to beat for walking on ice. Golf cleats are relatively inexpensive and can be replaced one at a time if needed.
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Mickey Mouse boots cant be beat for the price.
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Yes the white military [ mickey mouse ] boots have kept my feet warm. I started using them when i was in the military in alaska. I have iced fished in alaska, minnesota.north dakota, montana and wyoming and have never had cold feet. I keep the vent valve closed,wear a liner sock and a heavy sock. They are pretty good on slick ice with out cleats. But with,there great. And those are hard to find. But with a little thinking any good cleats can be made to fit. I'm on my second pair since 1981. The current pair i got from sportsmens guide.
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Augergas has hit the nail right on the head. Forget about any other boot out there. If you are looking for something comfortable, warm, and all around just top notch, look no further than the Neos by Thorogood.
http://www.amazon.com/Thorogood-Explorer-Insulated-N-E-O-S-Boots/dp/B007RTBU8S
These boots slip on right over your shoes. When I ice fish, I wear one pair of thick wool socks in my tennis shoes, and then I throw these bad boys on once I get to the lake. They are a little wide which can pose issues with driving, but I find that I can use the pedals just fine in my truck without taking them off. I haven't found a pair of cleats that fit over them too well, but that could be for a lack of effort. I usually find it fairly easy to walk on ice with these.
I can't recall one day of ice fishing where my feet got cold. I would recommend these all day everyday. Another benefit I find, I can tuck my jeans and long underwear into the boot and then put my outerwear over the boot. This keeps any wind from hitting the ankles and calves.
If none of this sells you, these are the boots that our local postal worker wears. They are outside all day everyday, so you know they are using the best of the best.
Get teh Stabilicer model and you can use them anytime it's icy and snowy out for hunting or fishing.
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I have a bad hip.And I can't even bend down to tie my boots.I remove all the laces on my bunny boots and where nylons and they slide on and off like butta.The only downfall is they make your feet smell like hell! good luck
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Lacross Ice King Boots. Never been cold. I wear a thin wool sock with a heavier wool blend sock over it. Every night the liners come out and the boots go on the boot drier as well as the liner when the boots are dry.
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One thing I have learned about clothing and gear, you can spend too little and buy yourself halfway to what is really needed. I have learned that good gear performs well and will last a long time. We snowmobile in the mountains standing up riding bushwacking through the trees in minus 25 below wind and stay warm and laugh at the cold, so we test our gear out while using it. As for ice fishing, I purchased a pair of Ice Bug brand boots in the Sorix design. These were supposably developed in Sweden where they know what icebox conditions are. They have retractable carbide cleats built in to the sole and retract somewhat on hard floors. These worked ok on clear ice but did not grab quite as well if there was a layer of snow. I am more comfortable with my 1/2 inch cleats when there is a snow layer. The boots seemed comfortable and warm and they are waterproof, but I have not wore them much yet this season. I purchased them from Red Rock Store of Ely, Mn. I bought them online along with a Striker brand Hardwater Ice fishing Coat and Bibs that float and are made in St. Paul, Mn. I talked to Joe the owner, who was very knowledgeable about his products and definately knows ice fishing gear. Their prices and shipping are good also. Happy ice trails, D Hutt
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Sorel Glaciers for me, http://www.sorel.com/Men%27s-Glacier%E2%84%A2-Boot/NM1042,default,pd.html (http://www.sorel.com/Men%27s-Glacier%E2%84%A2-Boot/NM1042,default,pd.html).
I wear a couple pairs of good quality boot socks inside the boots.
To avoid sweating, I never put the boots on until I am at the lake, getting ready to walk out on the ice, then I put the boot socks and boots on and go to it!
My $0.02-worth,
Daryl B.
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I know this is an old post, but I'm in the market for very good, warm, and waterproof boots for ice fishing all day sometimes standing in slush with temps hovering between -15°C and -30°C. I'm considering the Muck Arctic Pro unless someone can convince me otherwise...
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I bought a pair of Cabela's Inferno boots last year. Fished all winter without a shack in temps from - 20 to 30 degrees and my feet were warm and dry all winter. Couldn't be happier with them. Whatever you buy, get then a size bigger than you normally wear. The number one reason for cold feet is because people buy bits that are too small. Packed insulation doesn't work very well at all.
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http://www.cabelas.com/product/footwear/men-s-footwear/men-s-pac-winter-boots%7C/pc/104797980/c/104747580/sc/103959180/cabela-s-trans-alaska-8482-iii-pac-boot/749505.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fmens-pac-winter-boots%2F_%2FN-1107989%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_103959180
Best boot out there IMO.
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I'll also give a vote for the black mickey mouse boot, if you really want to get serious buy the white bunny boot.
The white bunny boot seems to be harder to find, but they are even warmer than the mickeys, also heavier!
They tend to run large, so it's best if you can find a place to try them on first. I wear a 10R MM boot, every other boot I own is either an 11 or 12 W.
For what you are describing I would try to find the white ones that have the air valve and are marked BETA on the sole, warmest boot I have ever owned!
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The most comfortable boots I have ever owned were Keen Summit County boots. They were not very warm and not very water proof. I owned a pair of Sorels many years ago, and wore those boots out. They were good but not great. They were good enough that last year I bought a pair of Sorel Glaciers. They were very comfortable and very warm, but the problem I had is a common problem with the Glaciers...the liner for whatever reason causes one's socks to fall down and after about 50 paces they are bunched up under your foot. I researched and tried all of the recommendations to prevent this from happening, but I just kept finding myself repeatedly having to take my boots off in order to pull my socks back up. This year I bought the Cabela's Inferno 2000 Pac boots, and am hopeful they will be better. I have learned that for me, the most comfortable boot is a lace up boot (not a one-pull lace or slip-on boot like a Muck) and does not have a liner (like the Glaciers). I like my Kahtoola microspikes, and could not get them on a size 13 pair of Trans-Alaskas, but could just barely get them on the Infernos. So, for me the Cabela's Infernos seem to be just right. They came highly rated, so I am hopeful my experience on the ice with them will be positive.
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Save yourself $200.00+ and get Military Cold Weather (Mickey Mouse) boots. Black Color for most winter applications or White Color for extremes. Also buy a little bigger than normal to upgrade breath-able socks. You can buy and FIT these at most Army Surplus Stores. I even had friends FIT them at local store then go online then buy them. I am sure EVERYBODY likes to save $200.00+ or spend $200.00+ on other needs :) Bless
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LaCrosse Ice Kings. I think I could fish barefoot and never get cold feet. I have had a pair going on 15 years and no cracks or leaks. The only downside is finding cleats wide enough to fit them. I did get a pair of cleats from Cabelas years ago that slap on with Velcro and have golf cleats on the bottom, have mended them a couple time but they still work for these wide boots. Checked with Kahtoola about cleats to fit these but no one could tell me whether they would fit.
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Muck artic pros with merino wool socks....
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LaCrosse Ice Kings. I think I could fish barefoot and never get cold feet. I have had a pair going on 15 years and no cracks or leaks. The only downside is finding cleats wide enough to fit them. I did get a pair of cleats from Cabelas years ago that slap on with Velcro and have golf cleats on the bottom, have mended them a couple time but they still work for these wide boots. Checked with Kahtoola about cleats to fit these but no one could tell me whether they would fit.
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Ive got a pair of ice kings and use kahtoola cleats. They are a great combo. I also tried a pair of stabilicers and got sick of fighting with the velcro straps. The kahtoolas are a tight fit, but they work great.
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Ive tried most the big brands, the alaskans, the predator pacs and my feet were always cold. On all my Canadian trips I saw the locals always had baffins. I bought a pair last year and that was the end of cold feet, paired with some kahtoola ice cleats, the best combo ive ever seen.
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I have a pair of Gorgia Giant boots I bought for work 1000 gram. Use one pair of wool socks. Don!t put them on till I hit the lakes. Keep warm under some very cold conditions. No matter what brand you by make sure they are not too tight in the toe area. Pinched toes less blood flow.
Keep it safe! JDL
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Muck Artic Pro
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black mousers . 45 bucks on ebay
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Hello, all:
I ended up buying a pair of Baffin Titans in Spring 2013. Feet were warm and dry throughout last season, my only gripe is that the top of the boot is so dang wide I can't fit the legs of my favorite bibs over the boots! That's ok, just provided an excuse to upgrade to some new rain bibs. For $130 I hope the Baffins continue to provide many seasons of service.
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Hello Tj, funny seeing you here! Bunny boots are the way to go, 25$ a piece.
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Sorel boots. Dry feet. Don't wear your boots while driving. I wear my slippers. Feet will sweat in the truck. Take an extra pair of socks.
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I've not found any boot that will keep my feet warm if I sweat in them while sitting on the ice after dark. I do all of my walking, setting up, hole drilling, etc with a cheap pair of rubber boots and regular socks. After I get the hard work done I start fishing until my toes start to get nippy then switch to a fresh pair of wool socks and dry pack boots. (1600 gram I think?) I don't put on the dry pack boots until my feet start to chill so I can ensure my feet are done sweating and I don't lace them very tight. Also, I put my boots on my boot dryer after every outing to be sure they're dry. Before I had my dryer I noticed that sometimes my boots would retain moisture after repeated outings and never get fully dry.
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I have Baffin Impact boots and Sorel Conquest boots. Baffins are the warmest ice fishing boots i've ever tried, so i use them only in special occasions. Those really seal the warm. Sorel boots are more comfortable and have gorgeous looks, but i would not wear them in Alaska or Canada. They have -60 F guarantee, vs Impact's -148 F. I did research before purchasing, and this article - http://ice-fishing-gear.com/best-ice-fishing-boots/ has some good points and list of best ice fishing boots right now.
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I found a pair of Sorel Glaciers on eBay and have been somewhat impressed. Haven't had them out all day in super cold weather but have been out for several hours in 10-15 degrees.