Cold Weather Boots

[2BuckBizCT]

So I have 3 pairs of hunting boots for locally. 

• Danner Vital Trail lightweight/hiking type boots for warm weather
• 20+ year old Sorel's with the soft/furry liners for 20-40 degrees
• Cabelas Pac Boots (2000gr, Infernos) for sub zero to 20 degree temps - these are like moon boots, but warm

I need to replace my regular/main cold weather boot. The Sorel's basically have no traction left. I want something warm (I hate the cold), but also I can hike in since my spots require steep terrain and the aforementioned pac boots aren't the greatest for that. I been googling around. Anyone have the lacrosse cold snap boots? I see they come in 1200 or 2000gr. I see Kenetrek looks good too, but not sure the $550 price tag is worth it?

Also, Danner appears to have some 1200 grain ones- pronghorn?

Edited November 4 by 2BuckBizCT

[mowin]

I'm no help.  There's not a boot made that will keep my feet warm when the temps are below 30°. 

I've got the same Cabela's 2000g, and after about 1.5 hrs, my toes are starting to get bad. 

Edited November 4 by mowin

[IM Hooked]

Try the toe warmers you put in your boots, that’s what I use and my toes never get cold.

[escpen]

Not sure if they would work for you, but I pair arctic shield boot insulators with my Danner Pronghorn 400G for similar situations.  The 400G is light enough to make hiking in to spots with somewhat challenging terrain fairly easy without making my feet sweat (sweat is not good for keeping your feet warm).  Throw a chemical handwarmer in those boot insulators and you should be good for an all day sit.  Has worked well for me.

[Splitear]

Most of it isn't that your feet are cold, but that your core is cold and not moving. Lack of circulation coupled with your body pulling blood flow from extremities to warm your core. There's not a boot or socks that will combat that. When all else fails, use toe warmers, they will provide the warmth that lack of blood flow isn't. 

[Chromeslayer]

Heated socks.... buy once cry once get some Lenz

[The Back 40]

Lack of blood flow accounts for a lot of that. Most people buy a boot that fits snugly when they wear heavy socks. This restricts the blood flow especially when you are sitting still. You may want to try and go with a boot that is a size larger and wider than you would normally wear. this gives you some space for air (acts as insulation) and room to wiggle your toes which helps with the blood flow. There also some better heated socks out there than there were 20 years ago.

I have had good luck with my Irish Setter boots. They are 1000 gram insulated, and the waterproofing has held up well. I have heard good things about some of the arctic muck boots and Dryshod boots. Most "Temperature Ratings" are based on you actively walking so, if you are going to be sitting in a stand, go for a colder rated boot than the actual temperature.

[mowin]

The issue with the toe warmers is if I put them in before the walk in, my feet get too hot.  If I wait, it's only been light for around a hr or so, and I don't relish the idea of taking off my boots making my already cold toes even worse.  Had a pair of the thermacell heated insoles, which worked ok, but the majority of the heating element wasn't on my toes. Bought a couple pairs of heated socks, and those only lasted a few times before the wires broke inside them from putting them on and off.  

[2BuckBizCT]

Thanks all. Ordered the Danner Pronghorn - Realtree Edge Insulated 1200G. 

Lock it up mods

[Splitear]

Still a good discussion

[escpen]

1 hour ago, Chromeslayer said:

Heated socks.... buy once cry once get some Lenz

You ain't kiddin'!  Definitely pricey!

[Moho81]

1 hour ago, mowin said:

The issue with the toe warmers is if I put them in before the walk in, my feet get too hot.   

Dang near gave myself 2nd degree burns Sunday afternoon on the walk to the stand. The toe warmers got so hot the first thing I did when I got up the tree was strip my boots off and rip those dang warmers out. I ended up sitting for a good 15 min without boots on trying to get my feet to cool off. LOL 

[Larry]

My boots have 2400 grams of thinsulate and I will still put toastie toes on my socks I don't mind cold hands but hate cold feet 

[yfki1983]

I'm late to the party but bought Mickey boots a few years ago very cheap and I like them better than anything else I've worn. They look and feel like they wouldn't be warm, but get the job done 

[Versatile Hunter]

I tried to like Danner for far too long. Bought many pairs. The reality is that they're built to be a disposable boot. If you get 1 season consider yourself lucky. I switched to Schnees mountain boots (Beartooth) and haven't looked back. Liked them so much I bought a 2nd insulated pair.