Last year I wore my tried and true geen Lacrosse boots on a September trip. They were great, but this year's trip has me doing some longer portages. I remember reading in another thread about Muck boots, but I can't remember which ones were the preferred model of boots to purchase for later season trips. I love my lacrosse knee boots, but I had to wear extra socks to keep the blisters at bay last year:-(

Wet Lands. I used mine last October. My portages ranged from 10 rods to a mile in them. They worked great except on my last day I had developed a little rawness on top of my left toe

I had mine last September, they are the edgewater, i just wore a single pair of smartwool socks with them. We didn't do anything over 160 rd portage, im on the fence still with them, i like not getting my feet wet in colder weather, but sometimes i felt a little bit of discomfort because i wore them a lot around camp because of the rain, but nothing even close to a blister. I also don't feel as sure footed on portage rocks as i would with just a pair of sneakers. I would probably bring them again in May or September and later, but probably not in any other month.

Blatz: "Wet Lands. I used mine last October. My portages ranged from 10 rods to a mile in them. They worked great except on my last day I had developed a little rawness on top of my left toe"

This year I might be doing the Lake One to Snowbank loop on a solo adventure..and in there I know I've got some longer portages. Last year I swapped out to my hiking boots a couple times knowing I'd be making multiple trips back and forth. I even took my shoes off and aired out my feet...I joked with my sister (who was with me on that trip) that I felt more like I was backpacking than paddling, haha. I think the longest portage I have on this year's route might be 160ish rods? The Wetlands" model look like they would be an upgrade for me- they have more of a hiking boot footprint vs the old school footprint of my Lacrosse boots- more ankle stability, which is needed for sure for me on these portages coming up this year.

I do a lot of pheasant hunting in the Fall, I put miles on the Muck wetlands daily with no issues.

I think mine are the Fieldblazer model... I've had the same pair and been using them for May and Oct. trips for about 8 years. I've had a few longish days w/ 8-10 portages and I've done a few long portages like the 320 rod Morgan portage. No blister problems and I like them a lot. Around camp I like that I can roll down the neoprene for easy on/off.

Don't wear mine to the BW. But I have the Fieldblazer love them wear them all time from Oct-April. Very comfortable never had a problem with blisters or sore feet. Only time my feet got sore in them I was on concrete about 8-10 hours one day never again. In the field there great.

I also have the Woody Max boots too. Only wear them on the real cold days. A Very warm boot and comfortable

Sometimes if you pay attention to Cabelas they got the Fieldblazer on sale . paid $90 for mine normal they about $140-150 I think

PapaBear1975: "

Blatz: "Wet Lands. I used mine last October. My portages ranged from 10 rods to a mile in them. They worked great except on my last day I had developed a little rawness on top of my left toe"

This year I might be doing the Lake One to Snowbank loop on a solo adventure..and in there I know I've got some longer portages. Last year I swapped out to my hiking boots a couple times knowing I'd be making multiple trips back and forth. I even took my shoes off and aired out my feet...I joked with my sister (who was with me on that trip) that I felt more like I was backpacking than paddling, haha. I think the longest portage I have on this year's route might be 160ish rods? The Wetlands" model look like they would be an upgrade for me- they have more of a hiking boot footprint vs the old school footprint of my Lacrosse boots- more ankle stability, which is needed for sure for me on these portages coming up this year. "

Traction on the Wetlands is superb.

Muck Woody Max. I had my first pair for 14 years and finally broke down and bought a new pair just after Christmas from Cabela's. Maybe warmer than most want, but most of my trips have been in May, and I'd rather keep my feet too warm than too cold. And as I've said in other posts, they are as comfortable as my running shoes and I've never had a problem with them on portages ranging from 5 rods to 220 rods. They've earned my loyalty.

Per my daughter who has spent four years in remote field camps in Alaska doing wildlife research, the state shoe of Alaska is the Xtratuff. These have become a standard for the Duluth pack carrying, plaid shirt wearing hipsters in Portland and Seattle.

jwartman59: "Per my daughter who has spent four years in remote field camps in Alaska doing wildlife research, the state shoe of Alaska is the Xtratuff. These have become a standard for the Duluth pack carrying, plaid shirt wearing hipsters in Portland and Seattle.



"

Also known as the Alaskan sandal!

I'm a full believer in Xtra Tuffs as well! Bought a pair at the beginning of my summer in Alaska 2 years ago, I don't know if I'll ever own a different kind of rubber boot. I hit them with a swizzle stick, beat the hell out of them while doing trail maintenance, and they're so comfy. Did a 8 mile hike in them one day over rock scree fields, through a river, through thick brush, through muck and mud, zero blisters at the end of the day! I can't rave about them enough.

Most of our group has Muck Boots. . .most in Wetlands. I also have a pair of Woody Max for when it is really cold.

Our guys bring Muck boots and a pair of light weight hikers for in camp.

I have a pair of Muck wetlands I use in shoulder seasons. I wetfoot in sandals in the summer. Here are my thoughts:

I love the way you can roll them down in half or in thirds. I do this when paddling so that I don't sweat so much on the inside of the boots. Quick pull on the upper and it's an 18" waterproof boot for portage landings. This is the best feature of Muck Boots.

Excellent traction and stability in water or on trail.

3 years and they have yet to leak. At all. Don't overtop them and you'll be dry.

I just use wool socks inside. No blisters even on 2-mile portages (Angleworm, Rove-Rose). However, I walked the 9mi grand portage in 4 hrs and had unbelievable blisters. Read about it here. Perhaps mine are a half-size too big for me.

One of my most trusted friends is a large animal vet. He first recommended Muck boots to me. His daily job is to walk through $hit. So...portage trail mud is no problem. I will gladly buy another pair when these are worn.

I always have sandals or sanuk shoes to wear in camp. Boots are for the canoe only, or if it is a wet/rainy/cold day.

They are big and heavy if you ever have to pack/carry them. I never do- always wear 'em.

I use them also for hunting, and all the time around the house/yard.

jwartman59: "Per my daughter who has spent four years in remote field camps in Alaska doing wildlife research, the state shoe of Alaska is the Xtratuff. These have become a standard for the Duluth pack carrying, plaid shirt wearing hipsters in Portland and Seattle.



"

What a cool job your daughter has.

A few years ago I bought a knock off version of Muck boots at the local Farm & Fleet. They have worked very well once I found the rough spot in one of them and smoothed it out using a lighter. Great boots on October trips.

Agree with muddyfeet. I wear them all the time. But anything over 5 miles in one day is probably going to be detrimental on your feet/knees. I did the Grand Portage in them one year and the next I packed hiking boots. But 99% of ports in the BW/Q you will be fine.