Rubber boots?
 

I am going to be in the market for a pair of rubber boots this summer to use both during the early archery season and possibly later in the year. However, I have next to no experience with this type of footwear. My major concern is whether or not to get a pair with insulation. I am afraid if I get the uninsulated version then they will be too cold to use later in the year. If I get the insulated versions then they may be too warm to use during the early season plus I am not sure which level of insulation to get.

Also, what should I be looking for? Snug ankle fit? Adjustable calf buckle? What separates some of the less expensive ($30-$50) models from the $80-$90 models?

Thanks ahead of time.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

PA,

If you are going to hunt with them later in the year then I would recommend getting a pair of insulated and pair of uninsulated. I like the lacrosse boots because they fit tight around the ankle and don't try to slip off should you get in the mud with them. Also, the adjustable calf strap is a must have in my opinion becase without it, it is very hard to sneak. You will be amazed at how much quiter a pair of rubber boots will be after you cinch down the calf strap. The other models sort of "rattle" around your leg if you can't cinch them down. Your feat are going to sweat to death in early season with a pair of insulted boots though. Rubber is not a good insulator but my 1200 gram boots are extrmely warm due to the sheer amount of insulation. An uninsulated rubber boot on 30 degree day makes for a miserable hunt. I have had other types of rubber boots and I fret spending the money but i will be buying a new pair of uninsulateds this year. The new alpha burly is a neoprene boot with an out shell of rubber. It offers all the benefits of rubber with much less weight. I may go that route! I definetly don't think you can go wrong with the lacrosse.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I have had great experiences with the lacross 800's

We are hunting basically the same climates.

Rubbers to me are not near as comfortable as rockys but are much more pratical for every day hunting use.

The lacross I have are a bear to get off. Very snug ankle fit. But are very secure and super comfortable for a bubber boot.

My vote goes for an 800 gram boot for year around use, if you only plan to purchase 1 pair for the entire season.


Ditto on that. I am getting a new pair this year and am looking at the new neoprene lacrosss'. Looks to good to be true. All the benefits of rubber but light weight.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I guess if I had to pick a pair for all year I would just have to go with the 1200s. They 800s would probably be a better fir in most situations but I would freeze to death that other 15 days or so. I would rather sweat a lot than freeze. I nornally wear my uninsulateds until it gets into the mid 30s and then I just wear the big dogs. If your feet stay warm anyway the 800s may be the deal for you.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

From my experience, warmth is harder to find on cheaper models. Durability is no different. I really don’t think you want one set of rubbers for the whole season. What I would recommend is going with a high end insulated (in the 800g+ range) and a low-end un-insulated pair for early season.

We all like different attributes a different feel so I would say try before you buy. I have a pair of 1200gram Rocky rubbers that are warm as hell and awesome in the traction department. This came with a price as they are a bit heavy compared to some. I also have a cheap pair of “wolverines” (looks like lacrosse made them) that are un-insulated. I only paid like 30 bucks for these and the fit and feel are great!

RE: Rubber boots?
 

Thanks for the info so far guys. Please keep the comments coming. I was looking at the Alpha Burlys as being one of my choices. They are about a pound lighter than comparable all rubber boots.

Another question, when places list the boot weight as "4.6 lbs" is that per boot or as a combo of both?

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I typically use the 800's year-round. From 80+ to 30 and below. My feet sweat like hell in the early season, but I am fairly comfortable when it gets cold, I just add socks.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I use the rockys and LOVE them. They are 1200 grams and I wear them year around. I do not sweat in early season but keep warm in the late season , and comfortable. Wow:)

Go for the 1200 grams you will not regret it!!!!!!

RE: Rubber boots?
 

A buddy of mine has the Alpha Burly Sports(neoprene uppers with a rubber coating) and absolutely loves them. I may buy myself a pair this year on his recommendation. As for the wieght, they usually have boot wieght listed per pair not individually.

For what it's worth, I have a pair of uninsulated Lacrosse Burly's that I don't seem to get too cold in the late season.....proper socks are a must though. Wool blend liner with a heavy 100% wool sock over it always keeps my feet warm on the November rut hunts. After X-mas and such I just wear my Rocky's!

RE: Rubber boots?
 

There is also a new pair of Burleys on my list as well. Those boots look VERY nice.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I have a pair of Burly 800's and a pair of Rocky 500 (don't remember which model) in MOBU cost about $100 and would recommend the rocky's they are great boots.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I hunt all season in a pair of lacrosse burly 800's. Yea a little warm in the early part, but they keep my feet warm in the end. The cheaper uninsulated idea is a good one. My boots are fairly comfortable for my walk in and while standing in my spot. However I have had some instances where real long walks and/or drags really put a strain on my lower leg comfort level while in those boots.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

Look at the Lacrosse Alpha line. I got a pair of these last year and used them all season. They're the most comfortable pair of rubber boots I've ever had. They dont make any contact above the ankle unless you wear thick socks. Last year during bow season, I would wear ankle socks with them and never got any blisters or anything.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

Thank you for all of the suggestions/tips guys. I am going to print a copy of this thread and use it when I head to "belas" this summer to pick up a pair.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I'll never buy LaCrosse boots again, and I hope all of you follow suit. They say "made in America" but that is a lie. They shut down their factory in LaCrosse, Wisconsin putting about 800 employees out of work and moved to Mexico claiming "lower production costs will lower retail costs for consumers" I have only seen the price of their boots go up in the five years that they have been in Mexico. That means one thing and one thing only. The owners put 800 americans out of work so that they could put more money in their own bank accounts.
Boycott LaCrosse Boots!

RE: Rubber boots?
 

have a set of lacross burly sports,, uninsulated,, wear them in the early season,, can't say enough about them,, comfortable, light weight, snug fit,
going to buy another set of them this year, insulated for late season hunting.. MOney well spent.. by the way i have found that if your feet sweat, spray them with unscented anti perspirant before putting on your socks,, really helps with cold feet..

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I've only had one pair of boots and they were uninsulated Lacrosse Burleys. They were the only brand I could find that were wide enough for my feet. I really liked them at first as they were comfortable and warm in the late season with the right socks. This year they sprung a thousand leaks though and are pretty much useless to me now. I only got 1 1/2 years out of them so I'm a bit disappointed. The rubber cracked at the flex points and the seams started to come apart. [:@]

I wrote to Lacrosse and they said send them back for consideration on a new pair, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. They reiterated their return policy and said I may get a partial refund.

Frank, maybe if your sale is contigent upon how they treat my situation I'll get a new pair! I think I'll add that to the letter when I send back the boots........:D

RE: Rubber boots?
 

Only one boot. LACROSSE ALPHA BURLY OR SPORT. Felt lining will keep your feet warm on colder days yet its amazingly cool and comfortable on hot days. I used mine for the first time this year from Sept. (upper 80's)
through January (upper 20's). They worked great and are very lightweight.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

You guys disappoint me.
Their name should be changed to:
Las Botas de Mexico.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I have a few pairs of rubber boots (all Lacrosse, which are the best in my opinion). I find that I use the 1200's more then the others, but then again, it's pretty cold most of the time where I hunt. Most of the season is 20-40 degrees and I'm sitting in a treestand for much of it. I don't sweat much, while sitting in that temp.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I have a pair of 2000's and a pair of non-insulated for early season...buying two pairs solves the problem for a few extra bucks.

Just my two cents.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

PA... I bought a pair of the Alphas last fall. They're really great. I also own a pair of the 800s but didn't wear them the first time last year. I wore the Alphas almost everyday. That pound lighter seems like a lot more than a pound. These things are great. They also have a great lining in them that seems to make your feet sweat less than other rubber boots. I think the neophrene helps there. They can be folded down to help in removal and putting them on(although I don't do that). Len does. I bought them big enough to put on a pair of liners and a good pair of smart wool socks. I really didn't get cold. I do put a set of those insoles with the pocket for the hand warmers in on real fridgid days which kept the chill off and I'm a guy that has a perpetual cold left foot(bad veins... well really they were stripped out 3 years ago). You won't be disappointed with the Alphas over any other rubber boot. Remember though, they are rubber and not like wearing a pair of real support or hiking boots. I'd buy another pair tomorrow.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I use a 600 gram boot and wear it all year. I also have two pairs if gortex insulated and uninsulated sox that I wear with them. With rubber boots the moisture cannot excape therby makeing your feet wet and the inside of the boot wet. It's a bear trying to get rubber boots back on if there wet on the lineing. The gortex sox eliminate this and keep your feet dry and add warmth with the insulated pair

RE: Rubber boots?
 

I just can't believe Lacrosse Boots has moved MFG to Mexico. Are you guys sure about this?? I have been buying their boots for 25 years. My reasoning was their product is expensive but made in the USA and quality.

I also can't believe the price of their new Alpha Burly Sport Rubber knee high boot is $90.00 dollars. Ouch! What are things coming to anyway...... Whats their execuse for moving to Mexico competition, unions, or just unbelievable greed.

RE: Rubber boots?
 

ALL of the hunting Lacrosses I looked at last year were "MADE IN CHINA".
I figured if I was gonna be cornered into buying made in china crap I might as well save some money and go with the bass-pro brand.
I like em plenty.

One word of caution- my older ankle fit all green Lacrosses lost their scent free quality after at least 5 years of use. I scrub them with watered down baking soda right before each season but it didn't seam to matter, they still smelled rubbery. I watched an 8 point come out of his skin when he crossed my entry path.
I went out and bought some Scent lock wolverines boots directly thereafter.