Looking for a well insulated boot, especially in the toe area

lswoody · 11-30-2003, 01:52 PM

I live in central Alabama where in gets pretty cold especially when the wind blows but not like further up north. My toes get very cold even when it' s in the mid 30-mid 40s. I guess I have bad circulation in my toes? I currently have a pair of rubber boots that have 800 grams thinsulate insulation that I wear when it is 40 or less. I like the rubber boots but they puncture easily and offer no ankle support. I ordered a pair of leather boots from Sportsmans guide with 2000 grams of thinsulate and a waterproof membrane in it. I got them yesterday, but it doesn' t seem like there is any insulation in the toe area. You can tell it is everywhere else but you can' t feel any in the toe area. I looked in cabelas and found some black rock boots with with 2000 gram thinsulate and a waterproof membrane and called an asked if insulation was in the toe, they said it was. Any one have these boots? I read another post on the forum and most everyone suggest the rubber boots. I need a super warm, waterproof, leather, and a comfortable walking boot. Either 11*1/2 wide or 12 wide. Preferably in the $100 range. I would rather not have to use boot blankets or heat paks. Thanks, Scott Woody

kevin1 · 12-01-2003, 05:34 AM

Scott ,
you may be lacing them too tightly . Any boot with that much insulation will work , but only if your blood is circulating to provide the heat . Insulation only reduces heat loss . Try rubbing your feet well before putting them on , and lace them just enough to keep them on . I live in Southern Indiana , and the heaviest boot I own is 1,000 gram Thinsulate . Wool socks layered over a wicking poly sock may also help .

biglmbass · 12-01-2003, 11:19 AM

Good advice above. Liner sock first and then a heavyweight wool sock. This past Saturday morning it started out at 28 degrees in Lowndes county Alabama. My feet stayed reasonably warm but not toasty. Over the years I' ve found that sometimes no matter what I do, my feet are going to get cold. I too think it' s poor blood circulation in my feet. Hereditary I suppose.

Brampton Mike · 12-02-2003, 04:14 AM

Good lord when the temps are that warn here in Canada we just wear our running shoes!!!!!!!!!

I have a pair of Irish Setters 1000grams of thinsulate & sat on my stand on Sunday for app. 8 hours in -0 F weather!! [8D] Brampton Mike

biglmbass · 12-03-2003, 08:25 AM

Brampton Mike,

I can assure you that with our humidity being what it is, our 28 degrees is darn cold in the south. I've never traveled as far as you are north, but have been as far as Detroit, MI and I can tell you that there are simply different kinds of cold.

kevin1 · 12-03-2003, 08:50 AM

He has a good point Mike ,
I once spent the month of October in the Barent Sea and the temps never got over -40 degrees , add 30 knots of wind to that and I've never been so cold . Here in Southern Indiana we have humidity about as high as his , and it gets to you .

Iswoody ,
another thing you can do is keep your feet off the ground as much as possible , and shield them from the wind with something . If you're hunting from a tree stand try taking a sleeping bag to cuddle up in .

losthwy · 12-04-2003, 08:15 PM

You must be wearing thin/cotton socks or your boots are too tight. Buy boots that are large enough for a thick layer of socks and allow circulation of the blood to bring warmth to your toes. I am from the south and believe me it NEVER doesn't get as cold as a duck blind in Colorado in December when the lakes are all frozen over and the river is running slush. My feet are always warm with 400 grams of thinsulite. But, I also add that they are loose fitting to allow for a couple of layers of socks. And if your feet are cold wear warm HEAD gear. Avoid cotton like rabies.