I’m in the market for a pair of winter boots. The rubber on my old pair started to crack due to old age. I’m going to use these primarily for ice fishing. I usually stay out on the ice all day 6-8 hours on the ice and snow. Earlier in the season the ice had no snow and my feet got cold from standing on ice all day. It’s been years since I bought boots and thought I could use input from everyone. Thanks for your advice.

I’m looking at a pair of Baffin Impact boots. I’m wondering if these would be a wise choice for me? Here is the link... Baffin Boots

I'll be following this with interest. My very old Sorel boots have started to crack from use and age. Shoe-Goo patching is getting me by this year. My cousin recommends Mickey Mouse boots, but while super warm, they are not really boots for trekking. Also, I am about your age and was thinking "how much longer am I really going to need winter boots??"

I have the Baffin Crossfire which is only rated to -40. I've only worn them to -30 when camping. I was out all day in them and my feet were toasty warm. They're so comfortable, I tell my wife it's like stepping into a cloud.

Unless you plan on being out below -148, they should be warm enough.

My foot is a size 11 and my boots are a size 13. I don't recall the process of how I came to that but when I put the boot on, there is not much space in front of my toes. So, if you're ordering online, you might want to try to go big.

I used to get cold feet from spending all day on the ice. I bought the Baffin Impacts and I'm super satisfied. They aren't cheap but you won't regret the purchase. I can't recommend them highly enough.

bobbernumber3: "I'll be following this with interest. My very old Sorel boots have started to crack from use and age. Shoe-Goo patching is getting me by this year. My cousin recommends Mickey Mouse boots, but while super warm, they are not really boots for trekking. Also, I am about your age and was thinking "how much longer am I really going to need winter boots??""

Mickey Mouse boots was the first thing that popped into my head too. Warm, cheap, and good in wet conditions like around holes in the ice. Whether they are a good choice for you, it makes sense to think about why they are so warm. Mickey Mouse boots have nearly 1 full inch of wool felt insulation in the soles. A lot of heat is lost by the contact with the ice or cold ground. Whatever boot you decide on, think of sizing up so you can add extra wool felt insoles. I winter camp in Steger Mukluks, which I love but would not recommend for ice fishing because of their lack of waterproofness, but I always add one or two extra insoles and have definitely found them to be much warmer because of this.

I picked up a pair of the Impacts 4 years ago after researching here and ice fishing sites.
They are comfortable and warm. I really like that they do not have laces.
They are pretty big, I have yet to try trekking in snowshoes in them, use hiking boots for that.
I slip these on when I get to camp, and wear them out icefishing as well.

Not sure how deep of true water/ slush they could handle. Haven't tried testing them that far yet.
And the only minor gripe I have about them is that they are so big around at the top, that my bibs will not zip down around the calves. Too thick to tuck in with the boots padding.

I really like them though.
So comfy.
The ultimate pair of moon boots.
:)

I picked up a pair of these about 10 years ago as a back up pair for a mtn snowmobile trip.

Baffin Apex

I like them ok, but still prefer my 25 year old, made in USA Lacrosse Ice Kings. I'd have bought a second pair of those but the quality really went south when they started manufacturing over seas. I literally searched for weeks for a USA made pair but couldn't find anything domestic in anything lower than a -40 rating (those ratings are a joke BTW). I settled on the Baffins as a local surplus store sold them and the owner highly recommended them.

Side note.... They run very small, I'm normally a ten but got a 12 in the baffins.

I have these boots, and they are unparalleled in the cold. They are rated to -100°F.

They're heavy as heck but my feet have never been cold in them.
Glacier XT Boot

Looks like they come in men's as well.
Men's Glacier XT

No advocates for Muck Arctic Pros? I love mine, and as long as I take the liner out each night to dry, they are warm all dern day.

In 2007 I froze my feet going into basswood and it has long term effects you never really get back to normal. For years I couldn't keep my feet warm! Then I found baffin and it was a life changer for me personally, warm feet again . Unlike other pack boots ,these aren't affected by sweat. I can unload a trailer , hook up my dogteam and stand on the runners through snow and slush and I'm warm . I have different styles for different conditions. My 2 year just got her 1st pair.

Yup Baffins are good for fishing. I have had a pair for 15 years.

I use Steger Mukluks for winter camping though. Trekking miles in pack boots is no fun at all, and Stegers are no fun for ice fishing-too much water from drilling holes. Baffins would not be fun in snowshoes- they are really big boots. At least the ones I have just don't fit well in the bindings.

Hoffmann Boots out of Idaho. I like the look over the Baffins and kept my toes toasty. As with everything proper dry socks!

zootownboarding: "Hoffmann Boots out of Idaho. I like the look over the Baffins and kept my toes toasty. As with everything proper dry socks!"

Hoffman boots are all quality

Well, I bought a pair of Baffin Impact Boots yesterday and went out ice fishing with them in the afternoon. My price was $199 from a local store.

The boots have a nice feel on the inside and are very comfortable. It was 30 degrees, so of course my feet kept warm. It will be fun to test at much colder temperatures and see how these boots perform.

I wanted to get a different model that was fully waterproof, but they were out of the next size so I went with the Impact. The uppers are only "water-resistant". And yes, the ice yesterday had water and slush on top. I did feel some moisture inside my boot.

I think I'll be okay with these boots. But if I find myself fishing in a lot of slush this year, I can justify a second waterproof pair, right?

The old Sorels are retired after 40? years of service.

bobbernumber3: "Well, I bought a pair of Baffin Impact Boots yesterday and went out ice fishing with them in the afternoon. My price was $199 from a local store.


The boots have a nice feel on the inside and are very comfortable. It was 30 degrees, so of course my feet kept warm. It will be fun to test at much colder temperatures and see how these boots perform.


I wanted to get a different model that was fully waterproof, but they were out of the next size so I went with the Impact. The uppers are only "water-resistant". And yes, the ice yesterday had water and slush on top. I did feel some moisture inside my boot.


I think I'll be okay with these boots. But if I find myself fishing in a lot of slush this year, I can justify a second waterproof pair, right?

The old Sorels are retired after 40? years of service."

I too liked Baffin until they fell apart. Just lucky I got out of the woods. They completely separated. There sewed seam and glue setup is really terrible on some models. But others have had good luck with them. I did like the waffle insert tho to wick moisture away.

OgimaaBines: "No advocates for Muck Arctic Pros? I love mine, and as long as I take the liner out each night to dry, they are warm all dern day."

My first pair of winter camping boot was Muck. Good boot. Fell apart after about two years from nearly daily use during the winters.

When I am not wearing my homemade mukluks, my replacement winter boots are Dryshod MXT. Great boot, solidly waterproof, and fit into my snowshoes just fine.
https://dryshodusa.com/product/legend-mxt/

Pinetree: "...I too liked Baffin until they fell apart. Just lucky I got out of the woods. They completely separated....."

What was the issue?? Age, workmanship, mis-use, other??

Hiked in the Porcupine Mountains with a buddy a few years back. His shoes fell apart. Well, after 40 years of no use they were just rotten!

bobbernumber3: "

Pinetree: "...I too liked Baffin until they fell apart. Just lucky I got out of the woods. They completely separated....."

What was the issue?? Age, workmanship, mis-use, other??


Hiked in the Porcupine Mountains with a buddy a few years back. His shoes fell apart. Well, after 40 years of no use they were just rotten!"

They were only about two years old and little used. Not abused at all.
The glue that held the upper and lower parts together just fell apart. Little if noticing between the lower and upper boot. Also, very little overlap between the two.

I have had and used sorrel boots and abused them and never had a problem.

I was extremely lucky it happened around home and not some winter camping trip 20 miles into Quetico which I used to do. That could have been life-threatening. Those Baffins did have a great sole system to keep the cold out.
It is tough to find the perfect winter cold weather boot.

Emailed Baffins and got very little response back. Yet many people up north love them.

Pinetree: "

bobbernumber3: "

Pinetree: "...I too liked Baffin until they fell apart. Just lucky I got out of the woods. They completely separated....."

What was the issue?? Age, workmanship, mis-use, other??



Hiked in the Porcupine Mountains with a buddy a few years back. His shoes fell apart. Well, after 40 years of no use they were just rotten!"

They were only about two years old and little used. Not abused at all.
The glue that held the upper and lower parts together just fell apart. Little if noticing between the lower and upper boot. Also, very little overlap between the two.


I have had and used sorrel boots and abused them and never had a problem.


I was extremely lucky it happened around home and not some winter camping trip 20 miles into Quetico which I used to do. That could have been life-threatening. Those Baffins did have a great sole system to keep the cold out.
It is tough to find the perfect winter cold weather boot.


Emailed Baffins and got very little response back. Yet many people up north love them.
"

I passed on Baffins last year after, didn't like some of the reviews I was seeing adn they are just so bulky, they dont even fit in my snowshoes or HOK skis. I got Oboz Bridger 10s instead and while they are certainly not as warm, I found that the sock is much more more important. With a heavyweight all wool expedition sock, I'm good down to -30 or so just standing around.

AlexanderSupertramp: "

Pinetree: "

bobbernumber3: "

Pinetree: "...I too liked Baffin until they fell apart. Just lucky I got out of the woods. They completely separated....."

What was the issue?? Age, workmanship, mis-use, other??



Hiked in the Porcupine Mountains with a buddy a few years back. His shoes fell apart. Well, after 40 years of no use they were just rotten!"

They were only about two years old and little used. Not abused at all.
The glue that held the upper and lower parts together just fell apart. Little if noticing between the lower and upper boot. Also, very little overlap between the two.



I have had and used sorrel boots and abused them and never had a problem.



I was extremely lucky it happened around home and not some winter camping trip 20 miles into Quetico which I used to do. That could have been life-threatening. Those Baffins did have a great sole system to keep the cold out.
It is tough to find the perfect winter cold weather boot.



Emailed Baffins and got very little response back. Yet many people up north love them.
"

I passed on Baffins last year after, didn't like some of the reviews I was seeing adn they are just so bulky, they dont even fit in my snowshoes or HOK skis. I got Oboz Bridger 10s instead and while they are certainly not as warm, I found that the sock is much more more important. With a heavyweight all wool expedition sock, I'm good down to -30 or so just standing around."

Much of the cold comes from the bottom up, so that is a feature also to look at.

I'm surprised no mention of Neos Overshoes. I use the Navigators paired with a Steger wool liner and Superfeet Merino insole as regular boots. They are warm, waterproof, light, packable, easy on/off, and liners/insoles easily removed to dry. One thing to mind is they do not breath, so either use VBL socks, or socks and liners need to be dried each night. I wear them with both snowshoes and my ski-shoes.

For winter camping the Neos are my favorite by far my favorite and I also own Bunny, Mickey, and Mukluks which I love all of them for other applications. Bunny and Mickey boots are great for snowmobiling and ice fishing, but very heavy/bulky. Mukluks are great for hunting and snowshoeing in 100% dry cold conditions, but the on/off and removing liners can be frustrating winter camping.
The Baffins are massively bulky and weigh the same as Mickey Boots, wouldn't be my choice for winter camping.

Some really great info can be found on the Howlin Bayfield website:

Neos Navigator is a unisex insulated overboot that can be worn over shoes, hiking boots or even sandals. We use them in our dog sledding tour guiding and they have been the warmest boots we have tried. They are superlight, less than half the weight of other boots, and have superior traction to any winter boot. Worn over shoes, they are comparable to -40 or -60 boots.

****To make them into the warmest boots on the planet, pair them with two of our wool felt liners and Superfeet insoles for arch support. Then they would then be warmer than -100 boots. To do this, take a liner your size and put it inside a liner 2 or 3 sizes larger. Size 8&10, sizes 10&12, sizes 11&14 are examples. The liners are all men’s sizes so add 1 or 2 to make women’s sizes. A single liner plus one of the 13mm insoles and Superfeet works, too.

Practical Use Guide from Wolfsong Adventures in Mushing (includes equivalent temperature ranges to what the winter boot industry claims for their boots, but they never actually try them a those temps or they would freeze their toes off) Temps are actual air temps in F, not wind chill.

Over Crocs w/heavy wool socks—good down to about -5 (industry equivalent -40 to -60) lots of room for toes to move around and good support.
Over running shoes—great for active down to about zero F (industry equivalent -40)
Over hiking boots—order a size larger, good down to about -10 or -15 (industry equivalent -60)
With one wool felt liner plus a 13mm insole and Superfeet insole—a little loose fitting and good to -15 or -20 (industry equivalent -60 or -100)
With two wool felt liners and Superfeet—the warmest boots ever made (industry standard -100) and half the weight of -100 pac boots.
A note about Superfeet - Our guides spend about 200 days/year in boots! Boots have very little arch support and to save our sore feet, we found that Superfeet insoles in just about every boot we have is the way to go. They fit in pac boots, knee boots, mukluks, xc ski boots, downhill ski boots, hiking boots, hunting boots, muck boots, rain boots and even running shoes.

I like seeing this thread stay alive. Here's something some of you folks will probably be interested in if you haven't already seen it, Alaska Gear Company is bringing back their own iteration of the Bunny Boot and it looks phenomenal aside from maybe the big "bunny boot" label on the front, sort of tacky but I guess most of the time it might be covered up. Not yet available but its being tested now. Something to keep an eye on for later this year, looks to be a pretty serious piece of footwear and has some improvements over the original. No idea on cost, but they probably wont be cheap considering the cost of some of their other gear.

Bunny Boot

I just got a pair of Steger Arctic's but doesn't seem like I'll get to use them this winter...

Got a pair of caribou model, Sorrels, love them, and well made. Got one size up for extra socks etc.

JimLahey: "I'm surprised no mention of Neos Overshoes......"

This thread is now 3 years old and I'm guessing SavageVoyager has found something that works. It feels like this thread has broadened a bit, so I'll add a bit more than I did before.

AlexanderSupertramp brings up the new Bunny Boots from Alaska Gear Company. I've been following this with considerable interest. They are the makers of the famous Arctic Oven tents, which are an insulated hot tent commonly used in Alaska. For those who may not be familiar, Bunny Boots were the old US military cold weather boot and they stopped production something like 30 years ago, but many outdoor enthusiast have found them at surplus stores and loved them. It has become more difficult to find them, and many now being 30-40 years old are cracking. So Alaska Gear Company decided to try to re-invent them by keeping what was great and hopefully add some more. I think they look very interesting, and am eager to see what the test results are. The new Bunny Boots, like the old, still have all the insulation sealed inside rubber, and have a very large amount of insulation in the sole (this is a major thing most people don't get - in any boot don't wear extra sox - add an extra wool felt insole). I think I hear the price was going to be something like $350 or so - a lot more than some surplus Bunny Boot finds, but not crazy if proves to be an improvement on the old Bunny Boot.

jimLahey brings up that no one has mentioned Neos (stands for New England Overshoe Company). This is in my opinion a very high quality product at a very fair price with very poor marketing so they are not well known. I have a pair of the Neos Navigators and love them. They are very light weight and water proof, and add some 20-30º to whatever boot you are wearing under them. I sized mine so I could fit one of my two pair of Steger Mukluks inside of them, or I can just use them with a pair of wool felt liners from any boot. I did get a rip in mine rather easily, but it was just as easily repaired with a dab of ShoeGoo.

I go on winter solo trips to the BWCA for 7-10 days. I also work at a couple of dog sled races including the Beargrease where I regularly camp out at my checkpoint for 4-6 days whatever the temps. I have evolved to always bring my two pair so Steger Mukluks, and a pair of NEOS navigators, and I"ve never had cold feet even when temps hover below -30ºF. I also have a pair of LaCrosse Ice Man pac boots, that I wore a few times and now are lost in the bottom of a storage bin of the last 10 years. I doubt I'll ever wear them again.

Working around and watching long distance dog sled races has me always fascinated watching the gear mushers wear. The Beargrease mushers will spend 55-60 hours racing almost entirely out in the cold, and the Iditarod mushers 3-6 times that, and temps from +35º to -50ºF. So what are on their feet??

I'd say the most common boots I see are Neos over some other boot*, surplus Bunny Boots, or Cabela's TransAlaskans.

*Under the Neos I have seen mushers wear Steger Mukluks, just a felt liner, hiking boots, or even just running shoes toward the finish, but by far the most common boot I've seen in deep cold is a boot not yet mentioned on this threat - Lobbens!

Lobbens are a Norwegian boot made of wool felt, like the liner of a pac boot. They are meant for deep cold - not warm weather or ice fishing. They traditionally came in an old Norwegian style elf-like boot called the Polar , but were absolutely for serious cold. After seeing how many long distance musher wore them under Neos, they developed a version meant to be slipped in an overboot called the Femund, after the famous Norwegian dog sled race. They are not well know in the US outside of dogsledders, but all mushers know them well. I think a store in Ely carries them.

Thanks Jaywalker for that excellent review. I'll have to look into the Neos Overshoes for my homemade mukluks. It would be nice to bring only two pairs of boots on winter trips, one that works with the other and no matter the temperatures or precipitation.

Thank you for the wealth of information, jaywalker!