Rubber/Muck boots for ice fishing

[MaxGoldman]

I've never had a pair of rubber boots and would like one for ice fishing and bow hunting. I've got it down to the Muck Arctic Pro 8mm, Lacrosse Aerohead 7mm, or Lacrosse Alpha Burly Pro 1600G. I'm just really skeptical since my feet get cold pretty easily and every time I've tried on a pair of rubber boots, I just don't see how they are so warm. I've got 400G Ice Kings right now and my feet will get cold in those with multiple socks on really cold days. I understand they're only 400G but they're just so dang big and thick it doesn't help with me being skeptical about rubber boots ha.

A question I have for those with experience and willing to help me out is how the 7 and 8mm would differ from the 1600G boots as far as warmth or wear, if at all? I know the ratings are for down to -60 F, but like I said, my feet get cold easily so I guess I just wanna hear from people who have experience with them, how warm are these things really??

Also feel free to suggest another pair, however, I'm only interested in rubber/muck boots for now. Thanks.

[picksbigwagon]

I went to the muck Arctic pro's this winter, they are almost too warm. We fish inside a portable with a heater and I don't think I have worn anything thicker than a medium weight thermal sock all winter. They are the warmest boots i have ever owned......If i was to do it again, i might step down to the arcitc sport model, the pro's are really that warm

[PerchPounder]

I bought a pair of arctic pros late in the season last year and so far i'm pretty happy with them. I'm used to wearing heavier rubber boots and they seem lighter than the Cabela's rubber boots I've have been wearing. I'm getting them broke in better every trip and liking them even more.

[hunter292]

I bought a pair of artic pro's before this season and I've wore them every time out and have yet to have a day with cold feet. I can wear just a regular sock with them and my feet will always be warm.

[Hawg]

I was the guy that bought new boots almost every year to try getting good ones but since they are just about all made in China most are junk regardless of price. When Mucks first came around I got a pair and since then I have never bought another boot. Great for standing on the ice and walking thru the woods. Very comfortable too, my foot fits in them like a tennis shoe fit.

[Lawrence Luoma]

All I have worn the last five years was Alpha Burly 1200 Rubbers and now this year went to the Clam Sub Zero boots. Feet can't be warmer and cool part is they never get wet from the outside. They've work for me up to -35 degrees while fishing outside the whole time. Trick is to only wear one thick Merino Wool sock and nothing else. Also, you must dry you boots with a dryer after every outing. Don't follow those two rules and you'll have cold feet.

[ozzie]

I am also a big believer in Muck boots...I have the Woody Max that are now 4 years old and I have not had cold feet since buying this boot. I wear a pair of socks depending on what I am doing that day. The only thing is that sometimes you can get too warm in these boots and that is why I match the thickness of my sock to the activity...also a boot dryer is essential!!! I love Muck boots so much that I have a pair of camp boots that I wear all winter as an everyday to and from work/play shoe. the only thing with the camp boot is the traction gets dicey at times but the Woody Max boot has a very aggresive sole and keeps footing really well. I have owned other rubber boots and nothing compares to the Mucks!!! I am just an everyday joe and have no affiliation with any company...

[morepower02]

Another vote for the Muck Arctic Pro boots. They are warm with just normal socks on and comfortable.

[JbuZZo]

Own the Artic Pro, love em'

[bbfenatic]

Own the Artic Pro, love em'

Looking at these too. Did you get regular shoe size or a size bigger? I tried on my shoe size seem just right with normal socks on but wondering about thicker wool socks....might be too snug...just wondering what you did? They are very nice, well made!

[Hawg]

I would try them on with thicker socks. I have wide, EEEE, and they do get snug with thick socks but in most cases I just wear thin wool socks and I'm fine, even on the ice in normal cold weather. I did try toe warmers for deer hunting but they got pretty warm.

[MaxGoldman]

Thanks for the replies, you guys have pretty much sold me on getting a pair. I think the new aeroheads are at the top for me though, it sounds like the 8mm is too warm at times so I think the 7mm aeroheads should be pretty good as well. Big thing is the $195 vs $140, I feel more comfortable not going all out until I have my own experiences with this style boot. Trying some on will be the final test.

Great info everyone!

[Hawg]

I tried the ones by another major manufacturer (Irish Setter) and they were horrible, too tight, hard to get on and off, just poor boots so be careful. The story goes is that Muck was started by one of the original designers of Nike tennis shoes, their fit and comfort is their claim to fame. There are 100's of impersonators out there. I have a lot of friends that would never buy another neoprene boot, but they started with the other brands. They're all the same is their speech, but look how many people come on to say good things about Muck brand.

PS- I'm not an employee of Muck either.

[walleye44]

Just received my Lacrosse Aerohead 7mm, cannot wait to try them.

[benbosh]

Another vote for the Muck Arctic Pro's... Love em!

[centralmnguy]

Just a FYI~IceArmor Sub Zero Rubber Boots are on sale at FF for $99.99

[Iceboy]

I brought home Arctic Sport's and Cabela's Predator Extremes earlier this year to try out - kept the Predator Extremes. Bulkier for sure, but way warmer and your feet never get sweaty due to the fancy liner. Couldn't get past that with the Sport's - plus, I hated looking like Santa and they rubbed my calves raw if I didn't tuck in my pants.

[AndRo]

I can vouch for the Arctic Pro's. Great boots! Light weight, extremely warm and they don't seem to hinder movement at all. I don't mind driving with them on either.

[MaxGoldman]

Well originally more concerned about the price, which I found out I had wrong (arctic pros in brown are 160 not 195), I tried on a pair of arctic pros yesterday and those things just feel right. I ordered a pair this morning that has a high chance of being delivered on Friday which I would not complain about. Thanks for helping me spend some extra money everyone

[centralmnguy]

Have any of you tried the clam ice armor sub zero boots? I am on the fence between them

or some muck arctic sports. FF has the sub zeros on sale for $100 vs $140 for the arctic sports.