Post By: hammer174 Posted: 10/15/2012 5:37:57 PM Points: 198
Ok, It's time for new ice fishing boots and looking for recommendations. My toes always seem to get cold no matter what I wear. I don't mind paying for quality on boots that will last for many years. Thanks
Love my Irish Setters. The only problem is the threads. Great for uplanded game and waterfowl hunting, but the threads are horrible on the ice. Luckily ice cleats are fairly cheap.
Reply by: IceFishingFool Posted: 10/16/2012 4:46:34 AM Points: 4357
Me and my Sorel 1964 Premium style go a long way back, But now days they are made in where else but China. If I were to go shopping for new ones think I would be after the Sorel Caribou wool.
Reply by: skiman Posted: 10/16/2012 5:12:48 AM Points: 512
hammer- Checkk out the Sportsmans Guide website. They have several styles of boots with 1,000 t0 2,400 grams of Thinsulate that are waterproof, and come in both lace-up and slip-on style. While I agree the Sorels are the top of the line, I'd rather not have to pay the "premium price" for the brand name. I have a pair of lace-up Guide Gear boots that have an agressive sole, 1,400 grams of Thinsulate, yet still accept ice-cleats rather easily. I wore them all last ice season and never got cold feet. They even carry the "Mickey Mouse" military-style cold weather boot. Good Fishing! Ski
Reply by: Lefty2053 Posted: 10/16/2012 6:24:31 AM Points: 906
That price on the Sorels is a good one.I have Some i the Brown color.
As far as feet getting cold it could be you are wearing too many socks or the boots are just too tight. If I wear gloves my fingers get cold if they fit tight. I think anytime you have tight clothing on you are going to get cold faster then wearing loose clothing. I vote for the Sorel Caribu.
Yeah, I know it's his feet --- but most of heat that your body loses is lost through your head ... thus the old saying ' if your feet are cold put on your hat',,,, :-) Try it sometime --- it does work.
Check out Baffin boots at sportsmans. I really like mine, warmest boot I've ever owned. Whatever boot you decide to buy just make sure you waterproof them really good. Two-three coats.
I gotta side with Ark Angler on this one. You can have all the insulation available out there in boots...BUT, if you buy them too snug/tight.....you won't have any room for circulation of the blood. Consider buying a pair of boots (whatever brand), a half size larger to allow for circulation and accomodation for possibly thicker socks like wool, or wool/blend--'wicking' type.
Reply by: Milehighfishing Posted: 10/17/2012 8:39:39 AM Points: 140
I have to agree with pbs, allowing blood circulation is a must as well as keeping them DRY!! a 100% waterproof boot is key... the highest level of insulation in the world isn't going to keep them warm if your boots are leaking.
I use them for both ice fishing and snowmobiling. They are rated to -100 degrees too. Had mine for 10 years and the only issue is if you have to walk a long distance they are kinda heavy, but you feet will stay dry and warm with just a thin pair of cotton socks.
Reply by: stowe Posted: 10/19/2012 11:30:34 AM Points: 88
This may be a bit more low tech than what you are looking for but, when I was stationed up by Fairbanks Alaska they issued us those "bunny boots". We'd be out in insanely cold temps and they did a good job. They are also the boot of choice for most of the people who live up there. You might hit up a surplus store and check them out.
I got a pair of high end Baffins (Doug Stoup Polar) a few years ago and have never had a problem with cold toes since. Used to have issues with mid-priced Sorels with my feet still getting cold. I've been extremely happy with these boots. They are bulky, but keep you toasty!
Once in awhile I see a pair of Baffins (similar style) on clearance at REI. I bought mine through REI b/c if they didn't work and keep your feet warm, you can return them.
I got a pair of 700g insulated redwing hunting boots from Gander Mntn for about $100 and they work great ice fishing. Here is a tip though, any 600g+ rated boots will work but the key is a really high quality pair of rated socks. Most of the time I wear my $20 wading boots with rated socks and I stay toasty. Be careful with 1000g+ rated boots... you'll fry if it gets above freezing and swamp foot is no fun. Also, costo box of toe warmers are good. I've had my shoes full of ice water but the toe warmers heat the water so kept me from frost bite till I got some dry socks.
Here's the trick. Don't put your boots on till you hit the ice. Driving to the lake in them will make your feet perspire, which will turn them cold, once you stop moving. In extreme temp differences, your boots will get condensation inside, and moisture equals chilling when you stop moving around. Also, switch to lighter shoes when you're in a hut.
A HUGE, HUGE(the biggest) tip is to leave your tops of your pac boots untied and very loose, like a funky youngster's tennis shoes. You'll allow excess heat to escape when needed, keeping you from perspiring, reducing condensation, yet allowing the insulation to do it's work. THIS IS A HUGE KEY. It absolutely works. I learned this from a buddy 24 years ago, and my feet have never gotten cold since. They used to freeze every time. I haven't tied a pac boot tight since.
And of course, quality wool socks, with a wicking thin sock layer against the skin.
Use those little ski-foot-warmer pads, don't squeeze your feet, wear thick wool socks, don't get them wet, even on the outside, and move every so often to keep circulation going. If you do all of that, you are better off no matter the boot.
