Need some opinions on boots

[BHuij]

Hey all--

I just got a gift card from work for hitting productivity goals for December. I have $40 to spend, and I figured I would use it to knock out the majority of the price on a pair of boots for ice fishing.

I've narrowed it down to 2 pairs, and I wanted opinions to help me decide between them. I went ice fishing for the first time on Saturday, and couldn't find my wool socks. So I was in 2 pairs of synthetic socks and my regular shoes. They aren't waterproof, but I got lucky and there was no slush, so my feet didn't get wet. As a result, honestly I was pretty comfortable. After 3 hours, yeah my feet were cold, but it wasn't bothering me much. So I figure a nicer pair of boots and some wool socks outside the acrylic ones and I'll be warm and dry for many hours at a time.

Here are the options:

http://www.amazon.com/KINGSHOW-Waterproo...merReviews

http://www.amazon.com/Kamik-Mens-Hunter-...merReviews

The leather ones look nice because I could theoretically use them for hiking during the warmer months. The rubber ones look like they might be a bit more waterproof though.

Thoughts?
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[Flyfishinglover]

In my opinion if your going to get some boots for ice fishing make sure they are at thermal insulated so you can actually be warm. On slushy days make sure you wear at least 2 pairs of wool socks.

I got one of these and they do a pretty good job. Been in situation that I was ice fishing in 8" of water at fish lake last year.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-I...RRWidgetID
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[OldTroller]

It looks like either would work and FFLs recommendation would be an upgrade. You are not comparing apples to apples so I would say just go with the ones you'll get the most use and greatest comfort from.

Boots are like all the other gear. If you're going to use them once or twice a year get some cheap ones and get on the water/ice. If you're going to use them once or twice a month then get better ones and if you're going once or more a week then get the best money can buy.
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[fish_or_die]

Bite the bullet and get a pair of Sorel Caribou pacs and you'll be set for 20 years of cold weather. There are things that are ok to go cheap on, snow boots are not one of them.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Sorelreg-...l+Products
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[MightyMOE]

I just got a gift card from work for hitting productivity goals for December. I have $40 to spend, and I figured I would use it to knock out the majority of the price on a pair of boots for ice fishing.

I have tried, and spent a lot of $ money on boots for cold weather.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40...s&_sacat=0

I purchased a pair the Black ones two yrs ago and have been impressed on their performance.
the white ones are even better. Although the price has risen considerably this year, still cheaper than most of the boots out there rated for the temps we endure.
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[redfrog]

I'm going to second the mickey mouse boots or bunny boots.
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[Dakota_1]

I like my MUCK boots. I have the arctic sport series rated to -65. They are very warm and nice and tall to combat the slush monster.
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[Hawky]

Check out baffin boots. I love mine
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[wombat1947]

I think Smith and Edwards carrys the micky mouse boots . For not a bad price . You cant go wrong with them.
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[PIKEMAN99]

2x micky [cool]
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[LakeDrifter]

You cant beat the Mickey's!!! I've been wearing them for 15+ years!! don't recall the last time I've had cold feet on the ice![]
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[ChrisJacobson]

The prices for the Mickey Mouse boots at Smith and Edwards are around $59.99-$69.99 depending on color. I have heard they work great and talking to some of the guys that use them, there only complaint is their feet get to warm and sweat!
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[downed_Phly]

[quote fish_or_die]Bite the bullet and get a pair of Sorel Caribou pacs and you'll be set for 20 years of cold weather. There are things that are ok to go cheap on, snow boots are not one of them.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Sorelreg-...l+Products[/quote]

+1

I've had 2 pairs of Sorel boots in maybe 15 years. They're pricey, but I never have cold feet and they're built to last.
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[Fin-S-Fish]

I really like baffin boots the ones that go to slightly below the knees. They are not waterproof though so I use comfort trac muck boots from cabelas when there's wet slush. If there is tons of slush I put on full on waders. lol Between the two in the pick I would do the long one for sure……that other one is too short for real outdoors. It's good for going to the mall when it's snowing but when snow gets deep it will go in.
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[buckhunterhart]

+1 on Sorrel

A bit bulky and not any good for hiking but they are warm and more importantly waterproof.

The right socks make all the difference with staying warm in boots. It is important not to cut off the circulation to the toes. Wearing 2 pairs is good, but not if they are too tight. I like a nice thin synthetic that goes up over the calf with a thick wool/wool blend over top.
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[RonPaulFan]

Consider more options.

Though I generally agree with the consensus when it is specifically for low mobility with your feet warm while standing on ice, I also consider alternatives with gains in other features.

Waders -

The notorious slush monster was mentioned. Also, early and late ice fishing seasons might present situations like thin ice at the perimeter (sometimes people bring a board to span this). Here in our archives, I presented my appreciation for waders for some ice fishing situations:

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gfo...rs;#859981

Waterproof Breathable Hunting Boots with camouflage bibs for hunting or even blaze orange (the fish don't care, but it's multipurpose) -

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gfo...rs;#842127

Those two posts above pertain to your question the most, but this link is the search of all of my posts where I've mentioned waders:

http://www.bigfishtackle.com/cgi-bin/gfo...time&mh=25
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