Thoughts on Insulated Hunting Boots

I've got a pair of insulated boots, and they're going to need replacement soon. They're an 8" lace-up, in the Wally World "Brahma" brand, made in China...not my first choice, but what I could afford at the time. They have Thinsulate insulation, but they're not made with Goodyear welt construction, and the sole is beginning to separate from the upper.

First...besides replacing them with a boot made with a Goodyear welt and [theoretically] replaceable sole...any advice on what else I should look for? While I've had no problem with the well-insulated uppers, my feet have had a tendancy to get cold from the sole up in these boots. Does ANYONE make a boot with insulation in the bottoms of the boots, or is that a stupid question to ask?

What boots have YOU had good luck with? I'm not interested in a rubber-footed boot, because every one of them I've tried have left my feet cold. I don't want those jobs with the thick felt liners either, because they just aren't comfortable to me. I primarily use mine during deer season, when the temps may get as warm as 60 degrees, or as cold as single digits. I like the Red Wing steel toes I have for work, but I bought Red Wing then because the company reimbursed 50% of the cost [up to a $200 boot].

Any advice will be appreciated.

Rocky BearClaws ,,1200 thinsulate , real agressive tread . I love mine,,use them pheasant season till late deer .

For years I tried to find a boot for deer hunting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There was usually snow (pre global warming), but the spot we liked was so swampy that you'd often find yourself standing in an inch or two of water.

I tried everything. Rubber boots (too sweaty). Felt pac boots with rubber bottoms (too sloppy to walk in). Guaranteed waterproof leather boots of various sorts (feet always got wet).

After 30 years, I hit on a recipe that I like. I wear wool socks, Cabelas thinsulate goretex socks, and Cabelas Ultra light insulated Goretex boots.

The key is the two layers of Goretex. One layer is never quite enough in water or wet snow, but two layers keeps the water away from the wool socks, and wool is warm even when wet, should my feet sweat.

The light boots fit well and make for pleasant walking. I do need to go up a half size to allow for the socks. I also use this recipe for elk hunting in rainy Western Oregon.

try
www.sportsmenguide.com

he has a lot of close outs and a no hassle return .

While they violate your terms, eg rubber base, as to all weather use for 60 or below Muck brand made a believer out of me. I had the same complaints you did until I noticed all the local dairymen wearing them. Now, after 3 years Im a believer. The thinsulate lining and breatheable uppers keep your feet dry and warm. Im so tight I squeak when I walk but they are well worth the 100 a pair.

Before I got them it seemed no matter what I wore my feet got wet and cold in the winter. Either from sweat or moisture. Sometimes it was slogging around on a feeding pad in cow juice, checking baby calves, or sitting on a dozer at 5 degrees. Now, I can honestly say my feet have never, ever been cold since I started wearing Muck boots.

I second the Muck boots...........

My Hoffman lineman boots have been the best I"ve own...by far. They make all sorts of boots. Try this link:
Boots

Don't by those boots from Walmart anymore. James had two pairs and the soles fell off on both pairs.

You can glue them back together with contact cement and that works real well, but they shouldn't come apart to begin with.

For insulation between your foot and the sole, you might consider buying a pair a size too large and putting a good insole in them. There are some really nice gel pads for about $10.00.

I also like the double thick socks. The extra cushion is good if you're on your feet a lot. I prefer the ones made by Dickies. They're a little expensive at about $5.00/pr, but very comfortable and last pretty well.

Yep, Muck boots are the way to go. Feet are never wet or cold now.

Sign me on as a Muck Boot supporter. Had the same pair for 6 years. Still don't leak, still as warm as the day I bought them.

I have Wolverine boots, with Gore-tex, pretty warm, but my feet will get cold in the 0 degree F weather. And they are super comfy.

I have a pair of Sorels from Canada, that I bought around 1980. I have worn them ever since, for hunting, construction, farming, snowmobiling etc. I believe that a few years ago I replaced the insulating inner soles that I had added, and I have probably replaced laces ten times or so. They are the pack type with the felt liner made right and very comfortable. They have cost me about a buck a year. I wore them yesterday and I expect I'll be wearing them at MacFadden's Sat if you want to see them.

I've been a hunter all my kife.Alway's had trouble keeping my warm.I guess i tried about everything out there at one time or another.All kinds of socks from wool to the battery powerd.Then about five years ago i bought a pair of Muck Artic Sport boots.They are the kind you roll the tops down when you pull them off.Well now i only wear one pair of cotton socks and my feet have not been cold since i purchased those boots.In fact at times they are a little too warm.If warm dry feet is what you want then Muck boots are the best i've found.

+1 on the Muck Boots. Warm, light, comfy, water proof. Don't get any better IMHO.

I have had good success with ordinary dairyman's boots - you know, the rubber slip-ons with the flap that buttons over at the top... I cut a couple of insoles out of thick shag carpeting, 2 per boot, and use a felt liner out of a set of snowmobile boots. A pair of wool socks - (hand knit from my own flock of shetland sheep) - over a pair of conventional cotton socks keeps me fairly comfortable in all but the worst of winter.

Military boots. Been around since Vietnam or before. Have air valves to blow up if really cold. Never had to put air. Have been known to make your feet sweat a little. Cost about 90 or 100 bucks. Mine lasted about 40 years. Need some more.

I use Rockys or Lacrosse boots.

I have a set of LaCrosse muck type hunting boots with 400 grams of thinsulate. They're pretty warm. I also use the LaCrosse hunting socks. Not cheap, but great boot socks. They never bunch up by your toes, don't make your feet sweat. Great sock. The LaCrosse boots are mad in China now, so not as good as before, but still alright. We tree stand hunt from October-dec and my feet never get cold.

I've had a pair of White's Pacs, made in Spokane, Wa for about 10 years. Never once ever had anything even close to cold feet. Walkin around in knee deep snow all day, no problem. They make you pay for em- $160 or there bouts I think, but they're rebuildable and should last a good many years.

Ben