Cold Weather Hunting Boots

Jud96

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 30, 2013
Messages
3,609
Location
Michigan
Hey guys, I've decided I want to get a nice pair of cold weather boots for Michigan hunting season next year. I have a pair of cheap Sportsman's Guide boots now that are warm, but they're not that comfortable and very bulky. I do some walking (2 miles or less) when hunting and travel some mild terrain with mostly flat ground and some little hills. For the most part I'm still hunting for morning and evening hunts but I'd still like them to be comfortable enough to walk some distance and cover some hills. Temperatures are usually around 20-40 degrees for deer season here so nothing extremely cold or warm. I have a pair of Thorogood lace up Mac toe boots now that are waterproof and are awesome for walking even in deer season. They're just not insulated so wouldn't be a good choice for sitting hours at a time.

I have my eyes on a few boots, but I'm debating how much insulation I'll need, and which of these some of you may have experience with. I haven't tried any of these boots on, but I've been looking at Schnee Hunter II and their Extreme Pac boots, Rocky Elk Stalkers, and Danner Trophy or Canadians. All of these are 1000g of insulation, except the Schnee Hunters which are 400g. My feet don't seem to get that cold, so I'm not sure if I'll actually need 1000gr of insulation, but I don't want to spend the money and get something with not enough insulation and get cold feet. These are also all USA made and that matters to me. I want a quality pair of boots that will last many seasons that are comfortable and keep me warm and dry. Having said all of that, what are your opinions and are there any other boots I should look into? These are all in the $350-380 range except the Rocky's which are $250-275. Thanks!
 
I'm a fan of the Crispi boots and they are on sale for a few more days. My boots are not insulated and with a decent pair of wool socks I have been in weather in the high teens and low 20s a few times and I was fine. The one time I was in single digit temps with wet boots (stream crossing) my feet got cold. They were dry because the boots held out water but they were pretty much an ice cube. I don't do much in temps down in the single digits so I don't feel I need anything more.

Crispi does have insulated boots too
 
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Everyones cold tolerance is gonna be different. Mine are cold all the time so I'd go with the 1000g and I do a lot of stand and blind hunting for hours at a time. I don't own any specifically on your list but Danner makes good boots. Try them all on and pick the best fit.
 
Hoffman Lineman felt-pac boot, not bad for walking, great in a hunting stand, a very comfortable warm boot... it's not a hiking boot. Hoffman does have other great hunting boots that hike well.
My second pick would be White boots, I have a pair of White Smokejumper boots...best leather I've ever used to hunt/hike in the mountains with.
Good luck... Cheers



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Hey guys, I've decided I want to get a nice pair of cold weather boots for Michigan hunting season next year. I have a pair of cheap Sportsman's Guide boots now that are warm, but they're not that comfortable and very bulky. I do some walking (2 miles or less) when hunting and travel some mild terrain with mostly flat ground and some little hills. For the most part I'm still hunting for morning and evening hunts but I'd still like them to be comfortable enough to walk some distance and cover some hills. Temperatures are usually around 20-40 degrees for deer season here so nothing extremely cold or warm. I have a pair of Thorogood lace up Mac toe boots now that are waterproof and are awesome for walking even in deer season. They're just not insulated so wouldn't be a good choice for sitting hours at a time.

I have my eyes on a few boots, but I'm debating how much insulation I'll need, and which of these some of you may have experience with. I haven't tried any of these boots on, but I've been looking at Schnee Hunter II and their Extreme Pac boots, Rocky Elk Stalkers, and Danner Trophy or Canadians. All of these are 1000g of insulation, except the Schnee Hunters which are 400g. My feet don't seem to get that cold, so I'm not sure if I'll actually need 1000gr of insulation, but I don't want to spend the money and get something with not enough insulation and get cold feet. These are also all USA made and that matters to me. I want a quality pair of boots that will last many seasons that are comfortable and keep me warm and dry. Having said all of that, what are your opinions and are there any other boots I should look into? These are all in the $350-380 range except the Rocky's which are $250-275. Thanks!
I got a pair of Hoffman 12" cowboy pack boots. All I can say is Incredible!!!!!! I ordered a half size down as lady suggested, I'm 9.5 ordered 9. Fit absolutely perfect. Now I've only worn them twice which is about 7 miles up and down steep hills, creeks and only about 15-20* temps. My favorite thing is the soles don't freeze up on them still nice and pliable and they don't squeak or squeak on hard pack frosted snow. I'm very impressed with the quality. I ordered rush build on them and they arrived 5pm the evening before opening day. They literally feel like I've been wearing them for years.
 
My feet don't tend to get cold, so I use non insulated boots. I have Kenetrek Mountain Extreme. I adjust socks to the temperature rather than insulated boots. My feet sweat too much with insulated boots and then get cold.

Keeping my feet dry is key. I use lighter socks in warmer temps and go with a sock liner and mid to heavy merino wool in cold temps.

Just something to consider.
 
Even Made in USA models?
Best try them on. They ain't what they used to be. You'll notice that the soles are not as wide as the boot. Hard to walk on, especially out west. I got some Golden Retrievers that have done well out west, 1000grams.
 
Upgrade socks first before boots.
80% merino blend.

Insulated boots are fine if you sit in a tree stand or blind, etc but any pack hunting they get sweaty and they hold the moisture, and if you over night, they will freeze by the morning.

I keep breathable trail runners year round because that's how I hunt, but even when snow gets deeper or for mountaineering, I use Salomon Quest to keep feet dry. They're light and breathe ok considering the gortex, and don't freeze as bad at night. All while still working with crampons, and snow shoes when need be.

I usually throw a hand warmer in them while I'm rolling up my **** and have the coffee going.
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Hoffman makes a mountain boot like kenetreks that are 800gram insulation. Should be a good comfortable supportive boot.
 
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