Ice fishing boots

  • a-and-t
    By Rochester,MN
    Posts: 708
    #1303994

    Looking at improving my footwear for the upcoming ice season. My feet have always gotten cold easy. They sweat alot. Looking at the Baffin Apex series. The best one looks to going for $259 which is some coin ,but if they keep my feet warm and dry I will probably buy them. Anyone have a pair of these or somthing as good or better they be willing to give me review on? Here’s to -30 in the Falls

    James Holst
    Keymaster
    SE Minnesota
    Posts: 18926
    #1111387

    Getting to be that time, isn’t it?

    I haven’t tried the Baffins personally so I don’t have anything firsthand to offer but have heard good things. Last year I tried the Alpha Ice Kings and have been very pleased so far. They’re warm, dry and fairly light compared to the boots I was wearing previously.

    Here’s another thread on boots, started yesterday >>> Alpha Ice Kings

    blackbay
    Posts: 699
    #1111393

    First invest in some high quality socks that will wick moisture away from your feet. Second get a Peet boot dryer and put your boots on them every day after fishing. I have the same issue with my feet getting too warm and good socks and a boot dryer have gone a long way to keep me comfortable. The best boots on earth can only do so much if your feet are getting and staying wet.

    Rivergills
    Wisconsin
    Posts: 311
    #1111394

    I tried a pair of the baffin couple years ago ended up sending them back. They were to big once on up by the calf part of the leg making it hard to even zip up insulated bibs. Going to try the alfa ice kings this year I think.

    James Holst
    Keymaster
    SE Minnesota
    Posts: 18926
    #1111395

    Quote:


    First invest in some high quality socks that will wick moisture away from your feet. Second get a Peet boot dryer and put your boots on them every day after fishing. I have the same issue with my feet getting too warm and good socks and a boot dryer have gone a long way to keep me comfortable. The best boots on earth can only do so much if your feet are getting and staying wet.


    This is excellent advice. Most guys wear cotton socks and cotton is the worst material possible if you’re trying to stay warm. Wool or Polypropylene seems to work the best.

    And I don’t leave home in the winter without the boot drier.

    loren_keizer
    Posts: 113
    #1111402

    Quote:


    Quote:


    First invest in some high quality socks that will wick moisture away from your feet. Second get a Peet boot dryer and put your boots on them every day after fishing. I have the same issue with my feet getting too warm and good socks and a boot dryer have gone a long way to keep me comfortable. The best boots on earth can only do so much if your feet are getting and staying wet.


    This is excellent advice. Most guys wear cotton socks and cotton is the worst material possible if you’re trying to stay warm. Wool or Polypropylene seems to work the best.

    And I don’t leave home in the winter without the boot drier.


    Yes, I too will echo the advice of these guys as well. Good socks and a boot drier are just as important as a good set of boots. Personally I run Muck Boots, they are warm and light. I got turned on to them about 7 years ago and haven’t looked back.

    blackbay
    Posts: 699
    #1111413

    Muck Boots are on my Christmas list this year.

    shane123
    Anthon, Iowa
    Posts: 496
    #1111416

    I ended up getting some HJC Extreme boots. I doubt water will be able to get into them with their non-split tongue. Also, not too heavy, but rated very very warm (-68 degrees). I am hoping that the material is very durable. Will definately find out soon…

    biggill
    East Bethel, MN
    Posts: 11321
    #1111430

    Quote:


    Looking at improving my footwear for the upcoming ice season. My feet have always gotten cold easy. They sweat alot. Looking at the Baffin Apex series. The best one looks to going for $259 which is some coin ,but if they keep my feet warm and dry I will probably buy them. Anyone have a pair of these or somthing as good or better they be willing to give me review on? Here’s to -30 in the Falls


    I have owned a pair o Baffin pac boots for about 8 or 9 years now. The warmth is fantastic as long as you wear a sock liner and a med weight pair of wool socks. I prefer Smartwool.

    When I’m in the market for another ice boot, Baffin will top my list for sure. The durability has been awesome and have never had wet feet. I highly recommend these for anyone.

    I personally have poor circulation and always have cold feet and hands. Never when I’m ice fishing though.

    The only bad reviews I’ve heard about Baffin boots is that some didn’t like the arch support and would get sore feet when standing in them all day. I’ve never had this issue.

    dorancehefte
    Wisconsin
    Posts: 155
    #1111484

    The advice about socks is right-on. If you don’t want to hassle with the boot drier, get a pair of boots with removable liners. My Predator Extreme liners dry overnight in my basement without using any power. I considered buying a second pair of liners to have in reserve but haven’t needed to yet. I fished almost every day from 1st ice until last ice with walks from 1/4 mile to 2 miles each day so my boots got a lot of work last ice season.

    dorancehefte
    Wisconsin
    Posts: 155
    #1111527

    Another thought about sweaty feet. Don’t put on your warm boots until you get to the parking lot. My only cold feet 2 years ago was when I wore my boots for the 2 hour ride to the lake. The next long trip I wore loafers and changed to boot socks before I put on my boots – much colder temps but warm feet.

    sandmannd
    Posts: 928
    #1111575

    Cabela’s Inferno’s. Got them two years ago and love them. 2000 grams of thinsolate. But make sure you buy good wool socks to go with any boot you get.

    James Holst
    Keymaster
    SE Minnesota
    Posts: 18926
    #1111583

    Quote:


    Cabela’s Inferno’s. Got them two years ago and love them. 2000 grams of thinsolate. But make sure you buy good wool socks to go with any boot you get.


    While everyone’s experiences with products are valid I cannot state more strongly how poorly those Cabelas Inferno boots held up for me. I got 2 months on my last pair. Joel Nelson made it 3. There’s much better boots out there for less money in my opinion.

    Just my 2-cents.

    trekr200
    Red Wing, MN
    Posts: 260
    #1111613

    I purchased a pair of Irish Setter Snow Trackers last year and they really kept my feet warm.

    Joel Nelson
    Moderator
    Southeast MN
    Posts: 3137
    #1111628

    Quote:


    Quote:


    Cabela’s Inferno’s. Got them two years ago and love them. 2000 grams of thinsolate. But make sure you buy good wool socks to go with any boot you get.


    While everyone’s experiences with products are valid I cannot state more strongly how poorly those Cabelas Inferno boots held up for me. I got 2 months on my last pair. Joel Nelson made it 3. There’s much better boots out there for less money in my opinion.

    Just my 2-cents.


    I ended up replacing two pairs because of leaks and eventually giving up on them. Not a bad boot when they didn’t leak. Unfortunately, that wasn’t long for me.

    Rockin’ the Alpha Kings now, but am always on the lookout for anything that works well!

    Joel

    Chris Raymond
    Keweenaw Peninsula, MI
    Posts: 514
    #1111647

    Speaking of Cabelas’ boots, has anybody try their Trans Alaskans? They look like they might be as big as Herman Munster’s boots but the grapevine would seem to indicate folks like them.

    walter2347
    Posts: 3
    #1111654

    Quote:


    Speaking of Cabelas’ boots, has anybody try their Trans Alaskans? They look like they might be as big as Herman Munster’s boots but the grapevine would seem to indicate folks like them.


    I was just going to suggest the Trans Alaskans(Jeff King boots). They are kinda big and bulky but they are very warm. Lots of mushers use them. The best way to keep your liners dry from sweat is to use a VBL. Vapor barrier liner. An old grocery bag would work but a heavier plastic bag will last longer. I am looking at getting a pair of the Trans Alaskans this winter.

    The military issued “Mickey Mouse” boots are great too. You don’t have worry about wet liners. The insulation is sealed inside so it never gets wet.

    fishinfreaks
    Rogers, MN
    Posts: 1156
    #1115835

    Quote:


    I ended up replacing two pairs because of leaks and eventually giving up on them. Not a bad boot when they didn’t leak. Unfortunately, that wasn’t long for me.

    Rockin’ the Alpha Kings now, but am always on the lookout for anything that works well!

    Joel


    Joel and James, did you guys have any problems with the eyelets ripping out? I’m seeing that issue on several reviews of these boots. I think these are the boots I want, but I’m a little apprehensive about those reviews.

    Also, what makes them waterproof? They don’t seem to have Gore Tex.

    DAN J
    Posts: 127
    #1115840

    Went with the Muck A.P. can not believe how good they feel.
    Don’t know how warm they will be yet.Rated for -65,we will see.The right socks and a Peet dryer do make a big differance.

    Eyecatcher01
    Posts: 9
    #1115876

    I got a pair of Irish Setter snow claw xt’s with the zipper for this year…obviously haven’t got to put em to the test yet but appear to very nice boots. I have a pair muck artic pros but they don’t keep my feet warm when gets in the single digits.

    Joef421
    SW Wisconsin
    Posts: 215
    #1116021

    I was in the boot market last year and was narrowed down to either the La Crosse Alpha Ice Kings or just original Ice king. I ended up going with the original Ice king because they were on sale for $80 or $90. I absolutely love them, they are extremely warm and comfortable. I was plagued with cold feet for the last 10 years ice fishing and I finally found the right boot. I believe the alpha kings are just as warm but lighter, which would be a plus as the ice kings are a little on the heavy side, but in my opinion if they don’t have some heft to them, you are not going to stay warm and dry.

    slipbobber84
    ND
    Posts: 27
    #1116025

    I’m on the ice as much as anyone I know and have been wearing my arctic mucks for the last 5 years. I have nicks and cuts from the ice auger blade and they still work great! I had inferno 2000’s but everytime you drill a hole the leather gets wet, that turns to ice and makes for a cold boot. My mucks shed water!

    suzuki
    Woodbury, Mn
    Posts: 18715
    #1116030

    I got the LaCrosse Pine Top Black Leather 400G Pac Boots last year and immediately replaced the foam boot liner with good ole felt. Very good boots but havent wore them a ton since there’s still a couple threads left in my old Sorels so I keep wearing them.

    bsully23
    Pittsville, WI
    Posts: 68
    #1116078

    I purchased a pair of Baffin Impact boots a few years back from Gander Mountain along with a pair of Gander Mountain insulated moisture-wicking socks & I must say these are the best boots I have ever worn. My feet never get cold in these boots & the socks & boots do a great job of absorbing moisture if you do a lot of walking or if pull your portable. When I am traveling to the lake I through my boots in the bed of my truck & wear either shoes, moccasins, or very light boots depending on the snow depth. I get there put my boots on & they warm up instantly & keep me warm through the rest of the day, my feet have never been cold in these boots, I absolutely recommend them. These boots do have a fairly large circumference all the way up, so make sure your coveralls/snow pants fit over them. I wear a Frabill Snosuit & it zips around these boots with ease, they really are great boots.

    – Hope the ice makes it throught the weekend, Good luck fishing

    Corey Rhymer
    Roberts, WI
    Posts: 763
    #1116544

    Just ordered my Alpha Ice Kings from Amazon for $119( I know they retail around $180) and got free shipping! Heck of a deal!

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