Cabela’s Predator extreme pac boots have been awesome for me for a few years now. I really like the removable liner concept; allows me to dry the boots thoroughly after each use (even a quick dry on the dashboard). Dry feet stay warmer, longer. I even use them for deer hunting and late season bow hunting…. but they are not really a “walk-around-all-day-in-the-woods boot, but I’ve not seen a better option. My entire family owns them, as do some friends. At a balmy -10 yesterday, my son mentioned that of all his gear the Cabela’s Predator boots have been the best purchase, and he has a penchant for high end expensive gear (ex Sitka).
My previous boots, La Crosse Iceman and Sorel Pac’s are not as warm. I suffered greatly from plantar-facia in those boots too, the Cabelas give me more arch support.
The cons: Price (they go on sale), feel huge and stiff…. but all ice fishing boots will be? They run small- buy a size or two up. Also, the Cabelas removable liners are no longer available. I am using a liner of thinsulate and cambrelle from ‘The Felt Store- Amazon’ and they work great as spare.
I’m not familiar with the Baffin’s. If I were looking for the best boot out there for ice fishing/ cold-boat-open-water fishing, I’d start with removable pac-liners inside an insulated boot (especially the footbed) as basic criteria. I think an insulated footbed is critical, as are roomy toes.
Good luck with your choices.