Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Best boots for still/stand hunting?


Coach

Recommended Posts

I am looking for the warmest pair of boots people have found for stand hunting. My son has trouble with cold feet and I want to get him the best so that cold feet is not an issue anymore. Please let me know what you have found.

Thank you

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Toe warmers do wonders for kids toes! I buy relatively cheap boots ($50 range) and make sure he has good socks and toe warmers above and below on the coldest days.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

jbell, thanks but I should add that my son is 25 so I do not have to worry about him outgrowing his boots next year.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a pair of Lacrosse Alpha Icemans. Very warm boot, almost too warm. I spent 11+ hours in my stand last Friday and never got cold feet, they were toasty warm all day. If your son's feet sweat easily have him use anti-persperant on his feet and use moisture wicking socks. Don't lace up the boots real tight either. Tight boots can cause poor circulation which will cause cold feet too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a pair of Lacrosse knee high rubber boots that are 1200 gram, that keep my feet warm, when a lot of other boots wont. My only complaint is the they are not sometime you want to be walking around in, they are heavy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Muck Arctic Pro, best cold weather boots I have, I have tried boots with liners, 1200 Rocky's, 1400 gr. leather boots, nothing would keep the bottom of my feet warm, last year I went with a pair of the artic pro's and my feet have never been cold since. Ice fishing last winter, warm feet, hole hoping on Devils Lake for 6 hours on bare ice, warm feet.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I use the Cabelas Saskatchewan boots. I love them!

That being said I will start with whats inside the boot. For years I had cold feet. I finally figured out that my feet were always wet from sweating. My problem wasn't keeping warm. I'm always fairly warm, but my feet would sweat and I needed good socks to keep my feet dry and breathing. I found I stay warmer with a proper sock combo in lighter boots unless its super cold.

I would start by figuring out why his feet are cold. More insulation or heaters aren't always better if the cause is wetness. A good combo would include a base layer sock for wicking followed by an insulation layer sock. NO COTTON! Synthetics and wool are the best. FInd the right combination of insulation layers and you won't need a heavy pac boot until the temps truly require it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree with the quality sock statement very true. I HATE big clumsy boots period, I prefer to where a mid weight boot with a good sock combo and if it gets really cold i pull out the boot blankets and put them on when I get in the stand, with them you will never have cold feet again..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I could never get the right boots but I tried the Boot Blankets and they really did the trick for me. You cant walk in them, so you need to carry to and from stand but they sure worked well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The military surplus Mickey Mouse boots have always done the trick for me. The white ones are warmer than the black ones. Also make sure they say Beta on the bottom. Those are military issue and not knock-offs.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have the white Bunny Boats also and they are very warm but very heavy. I use them along with good socks (Filson heavyweight) for ice fishing. But they are so heavy that I bought Camuk Extremes (spendy but light and warm) and use the boot booties and toe warmers and I also sit in a heater body suit. I was not cold at all last week.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The military surplus Mickey Mouse boots have always done the trick for me. The white ones are warmer than the black ones. Also make sure they say Beta on the bottom. Those are military issue and not knock-offs.

Agree (but I got the black ones)! I've had my mickeys for almost 20 years and paid around $25 back then. Fleet Farm sells them for about $60 now. I'm going to purchase another pair once they have my size in as I finally put a hole in my old ones. They are heavy and have horrible grips but neither play a big factor from sitting in a stand all day. For ice fishing, you just need some cleats.

All-in-all, best boot for the money hands down!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a pair of Ice Mans that i wear when sitting on stand, a little heavy for walking but warm.

MFF has them on sale now for $69.00.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I used some LaCrosse 1200 gram rubber boots all past deer season for 8 days and my toes did not get cold, even with all day sits. I am sold on the activated handwarmers under my toes. I wear polyprop socks with good wool socks and make sure the boots go on a boot dryer every night. I was warm and mostly scent free to boot.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Check out the rechargeable lithium ion heated insoles from the C store.

I was looking at them in the Late Season Hunting catalog last night. Seemed like they might be a decent option to buying new boots. Not that they're cheap, but maybe cheaper than a top of the line new pair of boots. And for the price, I'm thinking they're probably made well.

I'm considering giving them a try.

Oh yeah, they come with a remote for off/med/hi heat. Can last 6 hours on high. Is another remote a good thing for a guy?? wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just about any large pack boot with room for toe warmers will do the trick, mickey mouse boots another good option and finally boot blankets with toe warmers will keep anyone warm.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

I was in the same boat a couple years ago and, after much research I went with a pair of Cabela's Inferno boots. 2000 grams of thinsulate, light and very comfortable.

I dropped a pair of thinsulate thermal insoles in them too...Not because they needed them, it just added a nice layer of cushion. Most days it's just a pair of Smartwool socks, nothing else. Other days a pair of regular old sweat socks is just fine.

Have never needed toe warmers or anything else. In all the conditions you can imagine, my feet haven't been cold in 2 two years.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have poor circulation in my legs and get cold feet, here is what I have found to work for me...I wear ice armor liner socks, ice armor wool socks on top of that and trekker 2000 gram boots I got at cabelas. I have heard good things about the infernos, ice armor boots and the white mickeys. Good socks is key and changing them half way through the day if possible. Also try a dry powder in boots before putting them on.

Good luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...

My feet seem to get cold no matter what - or did - with the best boot, sock, tricks/tips combos mentioned. And it is all good advice. My insurance policy, though, is a pair of boot blankets. I slip them on over my boots when in stand or blind, throw in a hand warmer or two inside the blankets that are over the boots, and I am good all day.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Besides good boots one thing I am considering for this fall is to modify my climbing stand a little.  I was thinking of attaching some sort of thin foam material to the base platform.  Boots sitting on cold metal will lose heat quicker than if you have some sort of extra separation/insulation.

I was thinking something like a foam yoga mat or something thicker if I can find it.  It might also help make my stand base less slippery if it snows or rains and it should help make it quieter when moving my feet around or when I inevitably drop something on it while up in the tree. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Your point about resting your boots on an open metal platform is very valid. Any piece of closed cell foam will do the trick. The cheapest way I've found is the old fashioned closed cell blue foam sleeping pads. They cost about $10 and you can cut them into whatever pieces you want or stack them up for more foam. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

my feet freeze easily, i have some 800 gram irish setters and if its in the 40's and i'm stand hunting they will get cold; so i pack my Mickey boots along, best boots to keep you warm. Socks have never helped me, i can wear cotton socks in mickey boots and be fine. I tried smart wool's in my irish setters and they were useless

Edited by Jmnhunter
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought a pair of Wolverine's this past winter 1000 gram's.  Very light boot since I walk 1/4 mile to my stand each morning but I did put a toe warmer in the tip and my feet never got cold this year when it was in the 20s.  See how ice fishing goes.  Best part was the boots were only 80 bucks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have poor circulation and always cold feet. Several years ago I bought Cammuks extremes by steiger and all my cold issues stopped. There are a camo mukluk. Most comfortable warm footwear I have ever used for deer hunting or ice fishing. I will never be without a pair.

Mwal

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I had same problem as your son for years until I bought Irish Setters. Use 'em for hunting and ice fishing. A bit clumsy if you're walking a ton, but I have only had cold toes when the weather's been well below zero and toe warmers have solved that. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

I also really like my Irish Setters, I have 1000 gram ones. Always had Rockys before but the last pair I had really fell apart fast. The only thing I don't like about the Setters is the soles really pack with mud and snow and are a pain to clear out.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Kettle
      Walked today and yesterday, flushed 9, shot at two and got two. Hopefully next year I'll have a dog to hunt with. Still warm up here, skim of ice on ponds. Weather has been nice. Hopefully walk a bit more the next few weeks. Been pretty cautious walking for birds to not interfere with deer hunters. There sure are not the deer hunters there used to be 
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.