One piece solid rubber boots for ice fishing etc...

[Hoffer]

Hey all-

I have been wanting to pick up some boots for ice fishing that would be 100% waterproof and of course warm. I have looked at these all rubber type boots that just slip on. They have like 1000grams of thinsulate insulation. I think these kind of boots are really made for walking through swamps for hunting etc...but wondered if they would be good for ice fishing too. They are also run pretty high up the leg to keep out snow etc...

If anyone has used these kind of boots and has any advice (mainly are they warm enough for ice fishing?) please advise...

Thanks!

[Steve Foss]

I've used Muckboots for several years. I don't like a rubber boot because my feet soon get soaked through with sweat, but I'd think if your feet don't sweat that hard, and you bought them big enough to fit on the three-sock combo (tight wicking layer, mid-weight wool and then heavyweight wool), your feet would stay pretty warm.

[Jameson]

sigh,.... I wore out my last pair of insulated rubber boots and hope to be able to afford a new pair soon.

For ice-fishing they worked very well. No worries about water from the auger spilling up onto the boots. With the extra height of the boot it is of little concern if the bottom of your pant leg gets wets and freezes. Not quite as warm as a true winter boot, but usually adequate.

For deer hunting they are also great.

Ya the sweat can build up in there, so plan accordingly. Walking to the stand/icehouse wear thinner socks. Once to the stand/icehouse increase sockage. Midday change socks. End of day put the boots on a boot dryer overnight.

[Surface Tension]

I use Muck Boots too. My Field Masters are good to around 30 degrees with zero activity.

Woody Max are rated for colder temps but haven't had a chance to test them out on the ice yet.

[Wavey Davey]

I have a basic inexpensive pair with felt liners that I use for many things. I only use them for ice fishing when the lakes are sloppy like late season when there's a lot of water or slush. They're not warm enough for real cold weather.

They also come in handy early and late open water season for launching the boat when the water is cold. Also great to wear with rain gear, pant cuff goes over boot, feet stay warm and dry.

[Mike Stark]

Mickey Mouse Boots...check it out online. they are military issue boots. very warm and 100% wateproof. not comfortable and heavy but no maintance. if you get water in them you can dump them out ring out your sock put the boot back on keep moving and your good to go. i use them for dogsledding/x-country skiing/winter camping.

[Surface Tension]

The USMC (Mickey Mouse) boots are very good boot for sitting on the ice. I got my first pair in the 70's.

They are made to be worn day after day in the field with zero maintenance. Rubber outer, felt for insulation and a rubber bladder inside. Because of that inner bladder your feet are going to sweat, but you will never lose insulating value from a wet liner. For walking they are heavy, that isn't a deal breaker there. Under certain snow conditions they for a better word "peel out". Any boot will do that but when you have the weight and the wider width it really takes a toll on long marches.

There aren't any boots that can get you by year round but the Mucks come close. They aren't meant for long periods of inactivity in sub 0 temps though.