Question for those with Mickey Boots

[Candiru]

Hello all. I'm new to the forums but have learned much about this great sport from your various posts. 

I have a question about mickey boots. I just purchased and received mine from an army surplus shop on ebay. They were advertised as new Bata white boots. I just opened the box and found the pair of boots that don't look worn very much or probably at all but I found several cracks in the outside layer of rubber. These occur primarily on the tongue of the boot where the material folds and on the upper part of the boot between the ankle and calf. I'm assuming these cracks are the dry rot that I've read about. It's actually the smaller cracks that appear where the thinner portion of the top part of the boot meets the thicker portion where the air bladder begins above the ankle (about the second lace hole from the top). These cracks appear to be in the thinner outer layer of rubber and not all the way through.

Now I only paid 50 bucks with shipping, and I'm not sure if this is something that will affect the integrity of the boot. However, I'd expect not to have dry rot (if that's what these cracks are) in a pair of boots that I just purchased. I assume these cracks will only get bigger. Would anyone else agree with contacting the seller about this problem, or is this just a normal issue with mickey boots and something that I can fix without having to go down this road.

Incidentally, these boots do not say Bata on the bottom, and I thought I read a post somewhere that true bata boots had the name on the bottom. Anyone know this information, too?

Thanks and enjoy the hard water if you've got it!

[Mainehazmt]

return them!   they are at the best an ok boot  but is heavy   ever wonder why the military is getting rid of em?

[mmb]

Return them.  If the cracks get into the insulation, then the whole idea behind the boot is shot. 

Not the greatest boot if you are a run and gun fishermen as they are heavy, but some of the warmest boots I've ever had.

[GRIZZZ]

I'd keep them, for $50 bucks. They go as high as $100.
I've had mine for 30plus years, but only as a back up pair now.
Dont skimp on boots when it comes to your feet when icefishing 
Invest in a good pair of pac boots, if you really get into the sport of icefishing 

[hard_water]

i agree dont skimp on your feet, man if my feet get cold im done. and i also would return the boots, i dont want to spend money on something that is gonna last a year then be junk. just my .02 cents.


                                                                     water

[RLWagner]

I have had mickies for years. If they fit properly you wil not notice the weight at all. If you get dunked, just pour them out, wipe dry and your good to go for the rest of the day with new socks. Something that pac boots are no good for!! At least all the ones I have seen worn, and when wet have sent the fisherman home.

The dry rot can happen from the inside out if the air spout is left open and moisture gets inside, but it sounds like yours is a different issue. Normally these cost 129.00. On sale maybe 89.00. But at 50 including postage, I would assume they are clearing out a defective or rotting inventory

Many of my friends have tried the Cabelas Pac boot, Baffins etc... but are now wearing Mickies and are sorry they did not do so sooner.

[munchy71]

I have had mickies for years. If they fit properly you wil not notice the weight at all. If you get dunked, just pour them out, wipe dry and your good to go for the rest of the day with new socks. Something that pac boots are no good for!! At least all the ones I have seen worn, and when wet have sent the fisherman home.

The dry rot can happen from the inside out if the air spout is left open and moisture gets inside, but it sounds like yours is a different issue. Normally these cost 129.00. On sale maybe 89.00. But at 50 including postage, I would assume they are clearing out a defective or rotting inventory

Many of my friends have tried the Cabelas Pac boot, Baffins etc... but are now wearing Mickies and are sorry they did not do so sooner.

Couldn't have said it better myself.  I agree 100%....with all of it.

-Munchy

[Coldfinger007]

return them!   they are at the best an ok boot  but is heavy   ever wonder why the military is getting rid of em?

The USAF Arctic Survival School at Eielson AFB in Fairbanks still uses these mickey boots.  I did my arctic training a year ago, and loved them.  I went out and bought myself a pair at an Army Surplus Store.  Great Boots.

[Mainehazmt]

Interesting!  must be due to high turnover  then again they fell under ATC  lol    In late 80s Loring wasnt issuing them  went to surrells   prior to that yes we had the white mickeys and mucklucks  surrells at that time were the best on the market  plus they also had a safety toe  not so with the mickies

[Imissedem]

I have had mine over 20 plus years now and they had dry rot markings back then.I would say they just srarted leaking 2 years ago.They leak at the heel and at the first lace eye from wear and tear.I still wear them but definately getting another pair.As far as the weight not to bad but a good workout by the day`s end.KEEP THEM.

[Jack Magnum]

I've had them for about 30 years and still have my original pair plus just bought some white ones last year. Although heavy for me cause I have health issues they are very warm and waterproof. I have broken thru the ice a number of times thru the years and I just took them off and poured the water out and slipped them right back on and was warm. I have wanted to try the Muck boots due to their light weight a comfort but don't know anybody that uses them on the ice , Just hunting. Anyway, Can't go wrong with the Mickeys !

[GRIZZZ]

Micky's are a good boot, you dont even need socks with them...
But they have nothing, nothing on a good pair of pack boots...
I rather run around in a pair Lacrossa's then a pair of space boots - My
                                                                                       

[captain54]

I bought a new pair at sports show in Pitt. about 12 years ago for 70 bucks,they are without a doubt the warmest boots you can get,had a couple pairs of dry rot boots and they still will keep your feet warm.I prefer pac boots(lighter,better tread) with shanty's and heaters no need for my Mickey's.

[chumster]

If you have a fishtrap, then mickey's are the boot to use. No floor, so my feet are always on the ice. The mickeys keep my feet warm all day regardless of them being on the ice. Have mine for 5 years now.

[blufloyd]

I got a pair of Muck Artics. I ain't sat on ice with them yet and I think moisture build up will be an issue but wearing them barefoot on ice and snow in yard has not been a cold experience.  Light as feather compared to my mickey's too.

On cracks in Mickey's. Definitely a no go send back. If inside felt gets wet you are done.

[Imissedem]

I got a pair of Muck Artics. I ain't sat on ice with them yet and I think moisture build up will be an issue but wearing them barefoot on ice and snow in yard has not been a cold experience.  Light as feather compared to my mickey's too.

On cracks in Mickey's. Definitely a no go send back. If inside felt gets wet you are done.

There is no felt inside a pair of Mickeys.

[rgfixit]

If you're tired of 1950's technology, let Minnie have your Micky's and step up to the last boot you'll ever need to buy. I'm going on 6 years with mine. 12 hours on the ice/ slush/ water.....no problem. Dry, breathable warmth in an easy walking boot. The soles are a rocker design. very easy on the feet and legs. I studded mine with #8 x 3/8 tech screws. Don't need any cleats.

RG

[beeverfishing]

There is no felt inside a pair of Mickeys.

Really?? 

"These are the original Military issue "Mickey" boots, not the imitation boots now flooding the market from China. The multiple layers of wool felt provide an insulation to protect your feet in subzero temperatures, and the waterproof rubber exterior keeps your feet dry and warm. Bought straight from the government, ". 

and from another site...."World renowned "Mickey Boots" are 100% rubber, with thick wool insulation all around. Add in an insulating air pocket, all sandwiched between the layers of rubber."

[mmb]

The felt is in a sandwich of rubber outer, felt, rubber inner layer.

The felt is in the watertight pocket between the layers of rubber, holding heat even if water gets inside the boot. 

There isn't a felt bootie as found in pak boots.

[munchy71]

(Image removed from quote.)
If you're tired of 1950's technology, let Minnie have your Micky's and step up to the last boot you'll ever need to buy. I'm going on 6 years with mine. 12 hours on the ice/ slush/ water.....no problem. Dry, breathable warmth in an easy walking boot. The soles are a rocker design. very easy on the feet and legs. I studded mine with #8 x 3/8 tech screws. Don't need any cleats.

RG

Really.....and at what cost?  I notice you didn't tell us the price.  Bet they're not cheap.

My Mickeys keep my feet warm for 12 hours straight too...in ice,slush, snow and water......I can wear them into the house because there are no screws in the bottom...AND they set me back a whopping 40 bucks!

-Munchy

[Jack Magnum]

I got a pair of Muck Artics. I ain't sat on ice with them yet and I think moisture build up will be an issue but wearing them barefoot on ice and snow in yard has not been a cold experience.  Light as feather compared to my mickey's too.

On cracks in Mickey's. Definitely a no go send back. If inside felt gets wet you are done.

I would be interested in knowing how they work out on the ice. I like the light weight and the way they feel but didn't want to spend the money if they weren't warm.

[RLWagner]

(Image removed from quote.)
If you're tired of 1950's technology, let Minnie have your Micky's and step up to the last boot you'll ever need to buy. I'm going on 6 years with mine. 12 hours on the ice/ slush/ water.....no problem. Dry, breathable warmth in an easy walking boot. The soles are a rocker design. very easy on the feet and legs. I studded mine with #8 x 3/8 tech screws. Don't need any cleats.

RG

Too bad you could not just wipe these out and put them back on with a fresh pair of socks and be all set for the remainder of the day like you can with Mickeys!! These look lioke they have liners that would get quite wet and require drying before the next use. Mickies sure can save the day if your leg takes an unexpected plunge in a shanty hole, thin ice or deep slush. I have waded across rivers trcking deer, had the Mickies fill up with water, finish tracking, pour out water, wipe dry and put back on for the rest of the days events. Can these pac boots be used like that? or is there a liner??

[walkonwater1]

The lacrosse Alpha Burly knee high 1500g thinsulate at around 120$ is a great all around boot.
A pair of white socks underneath and comfortable all day.