I find that no matter what I do the soles of my boots hold the cold for a very long time, even when out of the elements and/or soles no longer in direct contact with the cold ground. This, in turn radiates through the boot through my layered socks, etc. making my feet cold. The rest of my body is warm, but feel at times always waiting for my boot soles to warm up.

I am a cold person in general and may be not buying or using the right boot. Any ideas if there are different types of soles on boots I should be looking for to help with this problem? I know all about insoles and sock layers, so I am thinking it is more a boot problem or better yet just a personal cold sensitivity problem.

Any thoughts?

I have a older pair of Sorrels with the felt insert and a additional foil bubble type insert along with a plastic waffled like grid in it that sets at the bottom of it all. I can wear these boots all day on ice and not get cold feet. In addition I wear a wick dry sock with a regular sock. For hiking I wear regular hiking boots with the same socks and at camp I switch to the Sorrels. Some times a simple plastic bread bag will do the trick, just keep experimenting.

I like my Steger mukluks. They have a soft rubber sole that flexes as you walk. When your foot moves and flexes it keeps the blood flowing better than a stiff soled pack boot thus keeping your feet warmer. Since you have problems with cold feet, I would go with the extra wides so you can wear more insulation inside them. I have always believed that if your feet are warm, the rest of your body will be warm.

Mukluks, with added insoles and arch support, and high quality liners are the absolute best thing for winter camping, if you're moving every day. Hiking a lot, and not getting into slush.

Make sure you treat them with a good waterproofing, cause Slush ruins more camping trips than anything else.

High quality Sorel like boots, made by Lacrosse, and Shnees, etc. Are the best if you have to sit, if it's slushy, if you're going to snowshoe a lot, or are planning on kicking anything hard.

Above all, the most IMPORTANT things are removable high quality liners, water proofing, and good socks.

No footwear will keep your feet warm if you have to stay still and it's colder than 20 below.

The reason most boots are cold is because they are made with a steel shank imbedded into the sole for ridgidity. Once the shank gets cold it sucks the heat right out of you and is hard to keep warm in the winter. Only wear them if your moving or active. Otherwise mukluk style is the best way to help you stay warm.

Another word of advice is if your feet are cold, change your socks and put on your hat. But that is outside of your question.

Daytime and moving I like a good pair of hiking type boots like sorels or whatever.

Around camp and less active times, Steger Muckluks are the only thing I have found to keep my feet warm. The downside of muckluks during the day is my feet get too hot and I don't like getting them real wet.

Check out the Empire canvas mukluks,very nice. Also check out Dan Cookes mukluks for around camp etc.

CB

I have some Sorel knockoffs with removable liners. Keep my feet warm and good for hiking... but they sure are a bear to get on in the morning when they are stiff. I put the liners in the sleeping bag with me to keep them from freezing up.

Also have some TNF down boots (Nupste.. or something like that) for around camp. Comfy and warm... but not all that sturdy. And I have some down booties that I sleep in (basically a down slipper with a closed cell foam sole).

not that ill ever do winter camping but, i remembered seeing these years ago. finally found them tonight. how do you think these would work for around camp? (sedentary) Jan

They would probably work fine.

Goofy looking though.

oh crap...i forgot about the "fashion statement" oath. im sorry.

kanoes

You cant see them anyway because of the camo.

CB

I have a pair of those Jan; I use them ice fishing and they work great. And I think they make a bold fashion statement.

Dan

I use them deer hunting. I would not suggest walking around much with them as they can be very slippery.

kanoes - Those are the old " Boot Blankets " they marketed years ago. They work well if you are sitting still. I don't think they are designed to walk with them on. My buddy has a pair he uses for deer hunting. He says they are warm. Izzy

Just bought a pair of the Empire canvas Mukluks at half off the reg. price. They still have some left to clear out.

Boundary Boy -- Where did you buy them from?

Troutslayer,
Go to empire boot and click on clearance items. I think they only had size 9 left but you can call them if you need a different size because they get demos back at this time of year that they discount as well.

I have been looking at those. What is your opinion of the quality? Would you have paid full price and still been happy.

I think I was size 9 in Kindergarten.

I looked at those last winter when in Duluth. The frost river store in fitgers carries empire gear. They looked like really well made.
CB

Does anyone own Schnees? Looking to replace my old LaCrosse packs. What do you think of them? Look great for wet slush etc.
CB

BigZig, I got the Empire mukluks over the weekend and I think the quality looks really good and they feel comfortable. The one thing I really like is how light weight they feel compared to my Sorels. I can't say if I would pay full price until I actually give them a work out. I'll try to remember to up date this in the dead of winter.

cutting out some closed cell foam and gluing to the inside sole will increase warmth dramatically

I have a pair of Schnees.

They are the best of that kind of boot, period.

Expensive, but worth it.

Looked at them down here in "612er" land ,as you say, look like they are very heavey duty. I like the heavey leather uppers and bob sole. Good prices at Sportsmans Warehouse in Woodbury, well below retail.
Are they good for snow shoeing, I assume they would be?
CB

Yea, the are plenty stiff to stick in the bindings.

Try
Do you have the Hunter model or the Extreme model?
CB

Hunter, they're my primary winter footwear. I wear them to work, to play, and to bed.

I found a pair of military mukluks in St. Cloud, MN for $20.00 at an army surplus store, also seen them on Ebay for the same plus shipping. I spent a weekend last year in BWCA in -20 temps and my feet have never been warmer.

fallsy
Where in StCloud?
cedarboy

Cedarboy
I bought them last year at unclaimed freight. I guess that is in Sauk Rapids actually. I haven't checked to see if they are carrying them this year. Good Luck
Fallsy

fallsy
Thanks I will give them a call.
cedarboy

Picked up a pair of Schnees 13in this past month at Sportmans Warehouse in Maplewood, only dealer I know of in MN. Broke them in during deer season. Am very impressed with them so far. Cant wait to get a pair of snowshoes on them this winter. Very warm and supportive, great traction. Will be getting an extra pair of liners to rotate.
CB

If your feet get cold in the CCS Mukluks, you are doing something wrong...

troutslayer

I recommend two pairs of boots like Bogwalker. One pair for activities and another pair for around camp. Boots like clothing need to be changed regardless of how well they wick away moisture. I highly recommend the Baffin Impact Boot. I saw them at Gander Mountain last month for around $140.00. Our group of 8 have worn Sorels, Rockies, LaCrosse, Military Bata Bunny Boot(air filled)and all have converted to Baffin's. Baffin Impact Boots

buy some chemical heat warmers,,there air activated,they sell some called toe warmers,they are half moon shaped with an adhesive backing,put one on your toes and one on your heel,,your feet will never be cold again

Simple: Steger mukluks

One "improvement" I have made with the Stegers is to ditch the felt liner and use Wiggy's "Sunwalkers" lamilite booties, (sized -1 from the mukluk which I plus up one size from my shoe size). They are very warm, light, and can be removed and worn in the sleeping bag at night as they do not retain moisture like the felt liners (I do use a felt insole with the Wiggy's)-Higly recommended.

BUMP