New boots

[Ryan_S]

I'm looking for a new pair of boots and have narrowed my choices down to either a pair of Baffin boots or some bunny boots. I've got terrible circulation in my feet and they are hard to keep warm. Does anybody have a comparison or preference between the two? I do use a mat to keep my feet off the ice, but it just doesn't cut it.

[Greg Clusiau]

I picked up a pair of Ranger "Glacier Bay" boots last year and they are working out very well. Rubberized knee-boots, that have a double liner, rated for -80º below zero. Bought them mainly to keep my feet dry when drilling holes but used them all last deer season too. A little heavy but the price is right, around $65-70.

Ranger Glacier Bay Boot A22917” Forest Green double insulated pac

- All-rubber, 100% waterproof, ozone-resistant, hand-made upper

- Trac Tread™ outsole

- Built-in 3/8” polymeric foam insulation in foot and ankle

- Removable liner of polymeric foam wrap (total foam thickness ¾”)

- Built-in 9mm felt midsole for additional warmth underfoot

- Drawcord closure, woven nylon top cuff

- Heel kick-off

- Steel shank

- Comfort Zone to -80 F

[Walleye Guy]

I have a pair of Baffin Boots and they are the best pack boots I have ever owned. I have not used Bunny boats. I have heard good things about them. I do know that they are very heavy. The Baffin's I have are much lighter and are very comfortable.

[caseymcq]

I know you said you wanted to go with either Baffin or bunnies but I figured I would mention Cabela's Predator Extremes anyways. I have a pair and they keep my feet very warm. I have stood out on the ice in -30 temps and my feet have been warm with these boots. I would highly recommend them.

[Sorgy]

For Ice fishing I would Second the Preditor Extremes boots as well. They are very warm.

Steve

[NCLaker]

No comments on Baffin or Bunnys, but ...

I just purchased Cabela's Inferno 2000 gram Thinsulate Pac Boots. Got them on sale - very good price for this class of boot. I have yet to try them, but reviews are good. Went with these over other Pac boots because the have a smaller profile, so it won't be difficult to drive with them on, light weight, and easy to walk in.

[EJ]

+3 Predator Extreme

[ducker]

Kamik Goliaths. Got mine at b____ pr_ sh__s. Great for ice fishing and warm and cheap.

[JoeKer]

Check these out: Cabela's Glacier Point Pac Boot

[looneyducer]

I have used both. I like bunny boots, but I have had cold feet while wearing them. That is not the case with Baffins (can't even imagine cold feet in those), but they were large for me and impossible to drive in.

I'm running LaCross Icemans now, and I wouldn't trade them for bunnies or Baffins.

[RJMOEN]

Go with one of the new insulated rubber hunting boots, lacrosse alpha sst 2000grm, itasca swampwalker 2400grm, or c-store/g-store make their own brand. I have 200$ Rocky deerstalkers 1400 gram, warm as heck, they were waterproof when I bought them, lasted about 6 mnths. I have a C-store brand boot thats pretty much the same thing, was waterproof, eventually the seams leak. Still my best, lightest hiking/hunting boots but if Im gettin wet or on ice, my rubber Itascas are amazing, theyve lasted 2yrs of standing in water. You wont be sorry, and for half the price and size of rubber baffins. Good luck!

[CoorsCaptain]

Muck snowsports. Waterproff and warm.

[JSK76]

+4 on the Predator Extremes. Just got mine this week and will fish with them for the first time this weekend, but so far very impressed.

[caseymcq]

I will say, like others have said about different boots, the Predators are a real bugger to drive in. I usually have to have a different pair of shoes or boots with otherwise I may be pressing on the gas and brake at the same time with one foot and not intentionally.

[Northlander]

My next boots will be the Cabelas Trans Alaskans. Pricey but well worth it. Only issue I may have is they only go to a size 13 and I need a 14 or bigger in them. Anyone with BIG feet have a pair of these?

[Steve Foss]

I rely on a 2-boot system, because there's no "perfect" ice fishing boot.

For cold conditions and up to semi-wet conditions, it's the Steger Mukluks. Best, warmest, lightest winter footwear on the market. Mine weigh 1.2 pounds apiece. They are not technically waterproof, but I silicone spray the heck out of mine and you don't get seepage unless you're standing in slush/water. They are just right for people with poor circulation because the foot is lightweight and flexible, allowing for plenty of foot movement, which translates into improved circulation. Gotta get them 2 sizes over your foot size to allow for a solid 3-sock plan (light polypro liner sock, medium wool/blend mid sock, heavy wool outer sock). I'm out in temps to -40 fishing or doing photography work, and my feet don't get cold in these.

When I know conditions are going to be really slushy/wet, I put on my Muckboot Woody Max boots. Completely waterproof, warm enough to do the job.

Also, no matter what boots you have, the dry chemical foot warmers that you can insert into the boot are excellent!

[Rebeleye]

Rocky Blizzard Stalkers are on their 4th year now. I spray them before every winter. I know some folks will argue that you shouldn't have to spray your boots if they are "good" boots.

Some boots don't need it. Seems to work well with the Blizzard Stalkers however. Dick's had them for $50 a few weeks ago. I had to ask 3 people working at the store if the price was legit.

[quijibo]

I wear Sorel Dominators with my everyday military wool socks(1 pair) and I have never even thought about my feet when ice fishing. I have done multiple day trips on slushy lakes with no shelter in -20 without a hint of being cold. My wife had the chinese Baffins rated at -140 and she couldn't make it through a day. I've heard that the newer, chinese Sorels, LaCrosse' and Baffins just don't perform like the old ones do.

Adam

[Northlander]

Steve with that many socks on any boot will do.

I have found too many socks to defeat the purpose and make movement of the foot/toes harder. That can cause cold feet. You need that circulation and blood flowin. If I had that many socks on my feet would sweat terribly and wet feet arent good in the cold.

I use a thin wicking sock and a pair of medium or heavyweight Smartwool socks and that combo seems to work best for ME and gives my feet the ability to move around in my boots.

As Steve said get your boots at least 1 size bigger. My Ice Kings are a size 15 and I usually wear a 13 or 14 shoe depending on style.

Everyones feet needs as well as hands needs are different. What one guy can wear for boot/socks/gloves another may not.

If you have really cold feet and hands dont drink booze or caffiene on the ice. A decaf Hot cocoa or tea works great as does plain old water wich is always good for you. Also eat well before and during being on the ice. Get up and move around outside the house every so often. This also gives your body a dose of fresh air away from that propane burning stove your heating with. Keep your head warm with a hat of some sort and I find a nice vest to keep my core/kidneys warm works great too.

Staying dry is key so stay away from cotton and materials that dont wick moisture or stay warm when wet like wool blends. Do all of these steps and you should notice your body is toasty all over.

Good luck and please post back and tel us how it went and what seemed to work for you. A lot of folks out there have the same issues.

[Bullwinkled]

I have Rocky 1000gm thinsulate, added 3M thinsulate foot pads, and I add stick on toe warmers when I spend 10 hours on ice. Also have 3/8 sheet metal screws (6) in lugs which is the only way to go never slip on ice.

[Walleyehunter38]

Muck - Artic Pro. .....anyone?

[Steve Foss]

I have found too many socks to defeat the purpose and make movement of the foot/toes harder.

Correct, if your boots aren't big enough. I buy any winter boot sized right to fit those three socks in and still have room for good toe/foot movement. For me that's usually 2 sizes over my foot size. I consider a good winter boot and the aforementioned 3-sock plan to simply be Ice Fishing 101.

It's surprising how many people don't know that. If your toes can't move freely, you have too many socks/too small boots.

And there are tons of guys who wear nothing but a pair or two of sweatsocks. If your feet stay warm that way, great, but most folks don't. My 3-sock plan calls for a Thermax or Polypro inner liner (pulls moisture away), and the medium weight wool or wool blend, as well as the heavier outer sock, are all designed to keep you warm even if they become moist. Cotton socks, as mentioned many times, hold moisture against your feet, and that makes them cold. If your feet are cold and you are wearing sweatsocks, switch over to the synthetic/wool plan. If your current boots aren't big enough for the 3 socks, go with the two lighter ones.

I adopt the same attitude for underwear. No cotton ever touches my skin when I'm out in the winter elements. Polypro, Thermax, wool blend, silk. Those are the only fabrics for the innermost layer. For that, Under Armor or Helly Hansen are my two all-time faves.

Honestly, if you adopt the tips you've gotten here and from Northlander, there's no reason your feet should ever be cold again.

[TravP]

I tried on some cabelas trans alaskans yesterday in size 12. Seamed like really nice boots and i would have bought them(on sale for $127) but they were way to clumsy. I have mickey boots and I thought those were bad, not even close to the trans alaskans.

[gatorslayer]

If you are looking to keep your feet warm LaCrosse "iceman

', I also have a pair of Kamiks...love em

[leech~~]

Northlander, good advise.

If you have really cold feet and hands dont drink booze or caffiene on the ice. A decaf Hot cocoa or tea works great as does plain old water wich is always good for you.

But can you imagine how empty lakes like Mil Lacs, Red & LOW would be if everyone followed it!