How do you choose a winter boot?

[magic_minnow]

I'm confused by all the 100-1000gram insulation and stuff. Can someone clarify this for me? Thanks!

[dan z]

A winter boot=

A 3-5 MM insert

A rubber outsole

A leather upper

A logo that says LACROSSE

A comfort level that you can walk around in

two years ago I purchased the boots that I explained above and I will never NEVER buy another boot other than these

LACROSSE ALPHA ICEMANS best $100 I have ever spent on boots

[dan z]

I'm confused by all the 100-1000gram insulation and stuff. Can someone clarify this for me? Thanks!

100 is for very light weather 30-40 degree's

400 is for moderate 20-30 degree's

800-1000 is for cold temperatures 0 -20

1000-1600 is over kill IMO but I am young yet

thats how I would rate the numbers I'm sure there are ratings on the websites or even at the outdoor sports store of your choice

[Chode2235]

Remember grams are a measurement of mass (weight) and the more insulation the heavier they will be.

I just ordered a new pair of Ice Kings, my previous lacrosse pac boots lasted me 24 years.

[TallPaull]

What metro area retailers sell Lacrosse boots? I am in need of a pair of boots and would like to check them out.

[BD110]

My guess would be that Mills, Gander or any other sports related retailer would carry a line of LaCrosse boots.

[OnAFly]

I'm looking for a pair for my girlfriend so she'll come ice fishing with me more often (hopefully) I'm pretty much going after the most insulation I can find. Obviously comfort has a part in it too, so we'll be taking a trip to the big C in Rogers to check some out.

I guess for that case I'm going off of insulation. If I were looking for boots for myself, I would go off of comfort more, since I would be doing a lot of walking with them.

[Northlander]

Check out some other posts on boots but good wool blend socks like smartwools and a wicker lining are a must. Get the boots at least 1 size bigger to help with circulation. Tight boots = cold feet.

[splakeshaker]

Check out Baffin boots. Warm and comfy!! I just bought a pair a month ago and they are incredible. You pay ($150 Impact boot)for them but I have no doubt I'll get 20 plus years out of them. That's only $7.50 a year for warm feet!!

[magic_minnow]

I would never of imagined selecting a boot would be this difficult! I burnt a hole through my hand-me-downs last ice season.

Now i'm hearing talk of neccessary socks and liners. Can you please elaborate? Thank you.

[desert_bulls]

I have lacrosse 1000gram insulation, worked great last weekend on the rainy river. I had my 1000gram insulation rocky's on the first day, didn't keep my feet as warm as my lacrosse. The liner helps if your feet sweat, wicks away the moisture from your feet. That is were a wool sock comes in handy because I believe that wool socks can absorb about 40% of it weight with moisture and continue to produce heat. You usually have 3 types of liners one for warm weather, medium and cold weather. Biggest thing is if that's what you are planning to wear, make sure you try the liners and socks on when you try on your boots. If it too tight in there, you will get a negative effect, and your feet will get colder a lot quicker.

[crappiekid]

i have commented before on this site on this topic. At mills FF you will find a military surplus section. Most stores carry Mickey Mouse (Bunny Boots) $40.00 and you will NEVER have cold or wet feet on the ice again. They are rubber which means you can stand in 6" of water and stay dry. They also last for ever.

[Ed Carlson]

I bought the Trans Alaskan III boots from Cabela's last winter, my old Mickey boots finally gave in..(May they rest in peace)...but man oh man that was the smartest buy I have made in years. Love them boots!

Extra thick soles keep you far from the ice, both boots weigh less than 1 Mickey boot does, and they are rated for -140....but my feet never sweet in them..courtesy of GORE-TEX...so they are waterproof and highly breathable. And they wear and feel as well as a good pair of sneakers, very comfortable. Not cheap....yet worth every penny I think.

I can stand on ice all day and night and not even feel a hint of cold. Designed for use on a dog sled they are light and easy to dry. They also will take heat packs, but I have yet to need to test that feature.

I highly recommend them for hardcore winter sportsman and sportswomen. They run $169.00, and $179.00 for the Saskatchewan model in Camo.

[nate18]

I second the Military Mickey Mouse boots. One year on Mille Lacs, I stood in about 6" of water for 6 hours and my feet never got cold once. You do not need any special inserts, socks, etc. a regular white sock, that you would wear with sneakers, is all you need. I have had mine for 8 years and they still look brand new. It has been said before, they are heavier than other boots, but I walk around in them all day hole hoping with no problem. Good luck!

Nate