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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: J. Cook on November 30, 2022, 09:53:26 AM
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I'm interested to hear what you guys wear when the mercury drops. What I'm interested in is eastern temps - I'm talking high single digits up to 30 degrees for long stand sits. I often sit dark to dark during peak rut times in a tree stand. What boots do you guys wear that fits that bill and keeps your feet comfortable?
The folks up north and parts of the Midwest that deal with sub-zero temps are a whole other level, not interested in that. I'm looking for something that I can still walk in, but will work for that long stand sit in those temps as described. Hoping to hear some good experience driven wisdom here!
Thanks!
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I wear pac boots like Sorrels or Muck boots in Woody Max or Arctic Pro. None are much good for a lot of walking, but they all keep the feet warm in those temperatures.
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I hunt PA. Our second season here can get into the teens and single digits at times. The older I've gotten the less tolerant of the cold I've become (I'm 50).
A few years ago my feet were getting cold so I decided to do some research and ask some opinions just like you're doing now. I wanted a pair of boots that would let me sit in those colder temps, allow me to walk comfortably to and from my spot(s). I should add that still hunting or sneak hunting in these boots wasn't a priority. It's been my experience that when It gets cold around here, the woods are nearly impossible to move quietly in, everything is pretty crunchy.
After my research and listening to opinions, I went with a pair of Muck Artic Pro boots. I've been VERY happy with their performance. They are waterproof, very warm and surprisingly comfortable to walk in. I've walked a few miles in them to and from my spot(s) with zero comfort issues. I was hesitant to buy Mucks as I wear them for work and always seem to poke a hole in the Neoprene. The Artic Pros are rubberized almost the whole way to the top so the neoprene isn't exposed. I actually wish they'd do this with all of their boots. I was able to try the boots on in a store and brought the wool socks I planned on wearing with them before I bought them. They fit true to size for me as well.
I'll attach a pic of the boots on my feet. I took this picture one of the first times I wore them. If I remember correctly, it was in the teens on this day and I was able to sit comfortably with warm feet.
I hope my review will help you and best of luck in your quest for warm feet!
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Cabelas rubber boots. 800 and 1200
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I wear uninsulated mucks down to 30, Lacrosse iceman pacs down to 15 and white bunny boots below that. I don't walk miles and miles so the pacs and bunny boots don't hinder me.
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Pac Boots
Sorrell style mine are LaCrosse I think and at least 30 years old
Synthetic liner
I prefer felt liners and still have some from my early Sorrell days
I do wear Filson wool sox - I have all of em light to heavy
I do like burning a heat tab mornings - I am usually up a tree
And if hunting all day I bring a fresh pair of sox for the afternoon
Piedmont NC rarely under 20 - 30 would be a cold morning
WVBZ often 20 to 30 very common November and colder December
GA down to 5 was no problem but that was unusual
I do wear white silks - black silk/wool blend over that - and 100% merrino wool over that under hunt clothes so my core is good
And my boots look new - I don't think I wear them more than 10 days during any year
Walking is fine - tied tight - no heat tab obviously when walking
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I used muck boots this year...set in sloppy wet snow and 30 degrees down to -2 and was plenty comfortable...u can always buy a bit big and wear 2 pairs of socks...plenty comfy to walk in...you can all so use boot blankets over just about any boot and be good in the Temps u mentioned :thumbsup:
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I bought a pair Hoffman pack boots a couple of years ago. Great boot and made in idaho
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I hunt much further south than you but the temps can still reach down to the high teens on occasion. I have for decades depended on the Lacross Burly boot with the 800 grams of thinsulate of insulation. It works great and is waterproof in the swamps.
If it’s really getting down there in the temps; I just stick a Hothands toe warmer on the tips of my socks.
Works for me and doesn’t cost a fortune.
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OR... you can just become a diabetic. Your feet go numb via neuropathy so they might be freezing cold, but you don't even know it. :biglaugh:
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Great answers so far - I was looking hard at the Muck Arctic Pro's so I'm glad to hear that one mentioned a few times. The other I was looking at was the Lacrosse Alphaburly Pro 1600's. Anyone have experience with those?
Keep the comments coming, this is exactly what I was hoping for.
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Try a Schnees they have a 400 gram liner that is sewn to a felt covering pretty warm and if it gets colder put toe warmers on but put them on top of your toes not under they will stay warmer .
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If I'm stand hunting only and the temperature drops really low below zero, I wear my Sorel Chieftains rated to -100 below zero.
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It's a good idea to have a variety of boots for different conditions and temperatures.
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:biglaugh: Barry :biglaugh:
In these parts we can and do get some pretty cold winters....For me ... I prefer 18" all rubber boots , as this wolf loves crossing water . One fact most overlooked is "proper fit" for the season~~With the proper socks for the job. One size/pair of boots ain't gonna see you through an average Ohio season with long sets in such a wide varity of weather . For me , WOOL socks or blends matched with proper fitting boots "with the socks to be used "
Compression kills insulation values....so by using early season boots that fit proper with thin early season (warm weather) socks , and trying to make late season boots out of them compressing thick socks into thin useless insulators defeats the purpose of the thicker sock ;^)
LaCrosse or Cabela's used to be great quality. My brother purchased The Cabelas 2000's . Very well made and he loved them. I like my LaCrosse 1200(no longer made) , due to how well they have held up , it has been a lot of yrs since I had to shop for them ....so do your homework on quality and reviews like with everything else .I tried the Neoprene's early on....I didn't get 1 season out of them in ohio & they were not cheap. The one's like supernaut has would likely do better , but I walk through all types of stuff hunting deer~~~~rabbits here in ohio.So I only purchase high quality ALL rubber LaCrosse boots.
To sum it up for me....I prefer 18" Lacrosse Grange until I get into long hunts in freezing temps. Then the insulated all rubber Lacrosse in larger size for thicker socks. Thick wool or wool blend "tall" socks . Rubber a LATE SEASON boot I would likely look @ the Cabela's 2000 ! VERY WELL made late season boot .
" Best boot in the world will not protect proper if its to small and or you compress all the insulating fibers".
Best with your quest my friend !
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Up front, I cheat.
Over the last 30 years I have tried a couple dozen cold weather boots. Never found a pair that keep the feet warm in the temperatures I hunt. I used toe warmers for years, most quality insulated boots are tolerable when using them, on top of the toes.
Bought myself a pair of remote controlled, rechargeable, electric heated insoles and wear them in my muck boots. They last for 12-14 hours on the lower settings, good enough to to be on stand from before light until after dark during the rut in November. Honestly, They are turned off 75% of the time or the feet get too hot and sweat. Being able to regulate the temperature is the key to being comfortable. Walking in them isn’t bad, but I haven’t walked very far in them, my stands are no more then 1/2 mile from my vehicle. Used them while on stand a few weeks back when it was -15, the feet were comfortable.
Here is the link to the ones I bought:
Heated Insoles Rechargeable Foot Warmers Eletric Heating Insoles Remote Control (S) https://a.co/d/7QphLEw
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That's very intriguing Walt, would you mind sharing which ones you have?
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Walt, I have a set of the chargeable insoles, but have yet to use them. However, I rarely hunt anymore below 5 above. My hands just can't handle the extreme temps like they used to. Like Tim Finley, I have had a pair of Schnees since 93'. They work great with wool socks/foot warmers. I put them on when it gets below +20 and use Muck boots above those levels. Listen to the boys from places like Montana and North Dakota for cold weather boot advice.
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Y'all are crazy.
But I venture into crazy now and then. Unfortunately I tore a hole in my lacrosse pac boots a few years ago and haven't replaced them.
Great thread!
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I’ve got a pair of Muck boots and a pair of Lacrosse Alpha burly I think they are. Both are good down to about 30 or upper 20’s.
I’ve got a pair of pac style boots with 2000 gram insulation for colder weather. I’m not much for hunting when it’s really cold any more. I get cold too easy.
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Another vote for Hoffman's Pac boots. Made in Idaho, USA. Warm and easy to hike in.
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I changed it up this year as I went from a heavy pac boot to a tall schnees's 13 inch boot which has a lite liner. I have been using toe warmers on days it gets below 30. For the colder temps I use a hot hands chemical sole warmer. I also have over the calf wool socks which is helping in my opinion. So far so good, the boots are great for walking into stands.
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Roughly 20 degrees and up i wear my Lacrosse burly green boots. When it drops below about 35 i add the toe heat pads to the tops of my feet.
Then 20 degrees or colder i wear my 16" tall Schnees and add the toe warmers to the top of my feet.
I wear Darn tough Westerner sock year around as i like the simplicity of only having 1 sock thickness.
Totally honest i have less cold feet issues since going to an insulated(ASAT) bib for treestand sitting rather than when i use to wear my filson wool pants.
Edited.... My schnees are 20 years old now. Two years ago the bottoms need replaced and they were getting snug cause my foot changed and so Schnees was able to replace the rubber bottom with a size bigger and of course got a new correct size liner to fit.
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Love my 10” schnee pack boots. I also ordered the kentrek versions in 13” as they are on sale right now. Want a taller option is all and wanna compare the two.
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Wearing THem now fir are gun season :)
I bought these one size big for stand hunting and kinda wanted a taller pair at my regular size for humping the big woods late season cold
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When below 20 I wear muck artic pros with merino wool socks only 1 pair. Above that I have pair of redhead 1000 gram cordura boots and 1 pair of merino wool socks. My feet stay warm.
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Taking the innersoles out of your boots and replacing them with wool innersoles helps immensely . I got some from Bemidji woolen mills that are great you trace your foot on them and cut out your own size .
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Check out Hoffman Boots in Kellogg Idaho. Top notch customer service.
https://www.hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-winter-pacs-winter-hunting-pacs
I like their Hoffman's Double Insulated Guide. When it is below 25 change out the liner and put in their 400 gram Thinsulate Liner. You can also add a pair of felted wool insoles from Two Tracks Outdoors.
I think you will like them.
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I never even considered the wool insoles... that's a great idea. I may try that on some of my existing boots to see how much difference it makes. Anyone use the Muck Woody Max? They are supposed to be a colder weather boot too, but maybe not as extreme as the Arctic Pro's.
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I've been thinking about the Woody Max....
I don't buy boots without trying them on first and can't seem to find them anywhere.
I'll be watching!!!
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If I'm just going to sit, I have an old but still like new Red Ball -65 Boundary Pacs that I'll carry with me and put on when I get to where I'm going. I also have an old pair of Boot Blankets to go over them but the only place that I ever used them was stand hunting in Saskatchewan.
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Cold Weather-Maine Hunting Style style boots
Colder Weather- Muck boots. They have served me well, if I wanted something better I’d try to get the White Military Mickey Mouse boots, Mukluks.
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Make sure you order a size bigger than normal at least. That has been the big thing for me up here in Alberta! Make sure you can put on another pair of good thick socks.
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Sorel PAC Boots with the felt liners, sized to fit with nice warm socks and not be too tight. Work in Iowa nicely and have had them for over 20 years. Still work great and are water proof as well. Leather upper rubber type bottom like others are showing.
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I have been using LaCrosse 1600 insulated rubber boots this season. So far they have been very good. The real test for here in NC will be stand hunting in December when we get down into the low 20s and teens.
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I did get a chuckle out of Barry’s answer. Mine isn’t from diabetes but 9 months of chemo did it for me. Feet never get cold, i joke about it with my son all the time. I’m here to joke about it,better than the alternative.
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I have the Muck Woody Max boots, they're pretty good with a toe warmer in them, but I saw somewhere a guy says to carry a pair of short socks that will slip over the boot toe and when you get it the stand, slip them on with a big handwarmer on top of boot.
I'm cheap so I may try that ... :biglaugh:
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If you want warm, quiet AND light weight, I don’t think you can beat Steger Mukluks. Handmade in USA too.
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I just tried this last week with my lacrosse boots that was suggested on the other site. Put Artic shield covers over my boot with a hand warmer inside the Artic Shield cover on top of my boot. Stayed nice and comfortable and didn't sweat.
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Irish Setter Elk Trackers for me. I hunt Ohio and Pennsylvania. I also like Lacrosse Burly air grips if I’m going to be moving a lot.
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For really cold below 20 Lacross Iceman with Fox River socks they are the warmest and most comfortable sock you can buy. They are very thick 80% wool and the rest nylon . Its not very smart to wear Smartwool socks they dont keep your feet warm.
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Sorrel glacier xts when it's 10 or under. Whites or hiking boots depending.
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I posted my schnee pac boots already but been using Kenetrek grizzlies late season and so far they seem as nice. I’d recommend either! These are 13” which I wanted for late season snow
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For me when it gets below -15 or so it is bunny boots hands down. I usually plan on being out most of the day down to -25 or -30 on my trapline but sometimes its -50 which I dress for. Any colder depends on what I doing.. Before that its 6oo gram hiking boots and if we're into warm at about 20 then its just my 200 gram. I usually wear two pair of socks with my boots.
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I used to use Cabela's rated (if I remember correctly) to -40 degrees. In recent years my diabetes has advanced to the point that my feet get cold no matter what I wear, so I just don't hunt in really cold weather.
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I always “underboot” and use hand warmers/toe warmers and arctic shield boot covers over the top. Served me well and I’m a wussy when it comes to cold feet. Game changer. And/or lithium boot warmer inserts.
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Thick wool socks and foot warmers.
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The Muck Artic Pro one half size bigger than normal for a thick sock and you are good to go and fully waterproof as well.
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Later in the season I wear the Lacrosse 1600s. They work pretty good down to 0, when it gets colder I wear the Baffins. They aren't fun to walk in but they keep my feet pretty warm.