Our Selection Best Shoes For Winter Fishing
The first question that came to my mind when I found out that there are special boots for ice fishing is “Why do I need these boots at all? I am quite comfortable in my everyday winter shoes and I do not even freeze if my feet are dry.”
How wrong I was because specialized winter fishing shoes are just something. It keeps your feet from freezing even if you wet your socks, saves you from slipping on ice, rain and snow, and is very warm. In this article, we’ll show you the best ice fishing winter shoes to keep your feet safe. Let’s start!
Top 5 Ice Fishing Boots Review
As with any fishing equipment we’ve reviewed, there are thousands of different boots to suit every size and taste. We have selected for you 5 of the best versatile, reliable, and attractive prices.
1# Guide Gear Monolithic Waterproof Hunting Boots – Our Best Choice
One of the best options for ice fishing thanks to its anti-slip sole and incredible thermal insulation. These boots have an 8mm barrier over the outsole to keep you warm from the cold. Plus, they’re pretty tall by themselves, which gives you extra protection from the cold.
Outside, the boots are lined with rubber overlays, which makes them stronger and more durable. Inside, there is a heater over the entire surface, which even at -30 saved me from frost. The boots are perfectly protected from snow thanks to the dense and high lacing. At the same time, moisture from the inside evaporates quite well. The only negative is the rather flimsy iron loops between the laces. But so far, none of them came off, although I have been using these boots for the third year.
Last but not least, there are lugs on the sole that prevent me from sliding in these boots even on bare ice. The manufacturer claims they also work well on oily surfaces, but I’ve only tested them on ice.
2# Muck Boot Arctic Ice – Best Pick For Women
It is a great choice for women and men with feet size 11 or smaller. Their most important advantage is their large width. If you are constantly having difficulty finding boots that do not press on the sides of your leg, then this is probably your choice.
They are perfectly protected from water and do not get wet even if you step into a puddle up to the ankle. They also do a great job with snow. High lugs on the outsole keep you from gliding on ice and provide excellent traction.
They are very comfortable to put on, as the boots have a soft upper part. These are very warm shoes and you will feel comfortable at temperatures of -20 and -30. The only thing users complain about is that the boots chafe their shins. But this is an optional minus because my foot is not very sensitive and I am quite comfortable in these boots and I have not seen any rubbing. But if you have sensitive feet, we recommend wearing warm socks to make it more comfortable to wear boots.
3# Norfin Klondaik Fishing WInter Boots – Best Non-Slip Pick
If you frequently fall and slide on the ice, then this option is likely to be the best for you. Norfin is a Latvian manufacturer that makes excellent winter clothing and footwear. And these boots are no exception. Their main feature is that they have heels with removable spikes. With them, you can forget about sliding on ice or snow.
Besides, a high 10mm outsole and triple insole are integrated here, which together provide almost perfect thermal insulation. This is one of the warmest boots that I can wear even at -40 and not freeze. A polyester outer layer wicks moisture away from the insole and keeps your feet dry.
The only negative that many users complain about is the size mismatch. So we recommend ordering a model one size or one and a half larger so that the shoes fit well and do not put pressure on your foot.
4# Muck Boot Woody Max Rubber Boots – Best Versatile Pick
Another model from Muck Boot, but now for men and in a huge number of sizes from 5 to 15. This is perhaps one of the most versatile choices that are suitable for fishing, hunting, or regular walks in the woods. And not only in winter, but also in cold spring or autumn. It is not cold in boots at -20-25 and at the same time, it is not hot at higher temperatures.
The sole is elastic and fits well to the foot, but not too high, so if it weren’t for the fleece lining, the foot would be cold already at -30. But thanks to the lining, the boots perform well. They are almost entirely made of rubber on the outside, so you don’t have to worry about getting your feet wet at the most inopportune moment.
5# Muck Boot Arctic Pro Hunting Boot – Best Pick For Severe Frosts
This model is very similar to the previous one but designed for colder and harsher conditions. It has a higher sole and a thicker fleece lining. Because of this, the boots are quite heavy and I personally am not used to that weight. But on the other hand, this is offset by incredible warmth even at -50 degrees and excellent moisture removal.
The boots are fully insulated so you don’t have to worry about getting your foot wet in deep snow or a puddle. Also, there are more bulging lugs on the outsole that prevent the boots from sliding on the ice. If the previous version was universal and suitable for a standard winter at -20 and cold autumn, then these strictly winter boots.
How To Choose Best Boots For Ice Fishing – Buyer’s Guide
As I said, there are so many different fishing boots available on the market right now. And they are all different. Therefore, it is very important to select parameters by which you can determine how well the boots fit the conditions of ice fishing, and whether they do at all. Fortunately, I already did it for you, so now we just have to analyze each item separately.
Water Protection
Wet feet in freezing temperatures will not allow you to sit by the water even for a couple of hours. Therefore, one of the most important parameters in ice fishing boots is waterproof. We recommend that you choose boots from a material that is 100% waterproof. Most often, it is rubber or neoprene. If you often go into puddles or deep snow, then choose boots that have a layer of rubber or neoprene that is high enough or even fills the entire height of the boot.
Warmth
Even if you have completely waterproof boots, but they are very thin, you will freeze even with completely dry feet. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the shoes are warm enough inside. Boots with Thinsulate are a classic and very warm choice, but if your boots are lined with fleece or neoprene, then you will feel quite warm too.
Ground Grip
Ice and snow are rather slippery, and in winter, almost everything on the reservoir is covered with a thick layer of ice. Therefore, the boots have to withstand the slippery ice well and grip the surface well. It’s good if your boots have at least mm lugs on the outsole that provide good traction on the ground and prevent you from slipping and falling on bare ice. It’s even better if the heel is equipped with studs, which will give you extra support. Then you will not slip almost 100%.
Height
The height of the boot, and in particular the sole, is also very important. The further your foot is from the cold ground, the warmer it remains. It is important to choose boots for winter fishing with a fairly high sole of at least 1cm and 1-2 linings. The height of the boot itself is also important. Since the taller boot will protect you from snow and slush when you step on them. But on the other hand, it will be more difficult for you to move in them through the snowdrifts. So everything here is purely individual.
Weight
In most cases, the better the boot is protected from the cold, the heavier it is. Since the manufacturer equips the boot with rubber, a large number of linings, a thick and heavy sole to protect it from the cold. If you have a long and hard day of walking through the snowdrifts to get to the reservoir, then it is better to choose high, but lightweight boots. And bring a pair of warmer, heavier boots with you so that your feet don’t get too tired as you get to the water. And if you get by car directly to the lake and after 5 minutes are already sitting by the hole, then you can take the heavier version.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Fishing Boots
Many people often have questions about the necessity and advisability of buying and wearing special shoes for winter fishing. So we decided to collect all these questions in one section and answer all of them at once. You will find them below.
Summing Up
A good pair of boots will keep you comfortable, warm, and healthy, even on the coldest winter fishing trip.
Dress warmly enough to go fishing and spend several hours by the water. Also, do not forget about gloves, a scarf, and other equipment that you will need for ice fishing.
Have a nice fishing!
Tags: #best ice fishing boots / #best boots for ice fishing / #best ice fishing boots for winter fishing / #best winter boots for ice fishing / #best women’s ice fishing boots / #best ice fishing boots forum
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
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Great article! I’ve been ice fishing for years and it’s so important to have the right gear, especially when it comes to boots. You really don’t want your feet to get cold and wet out on the ice. What should I look for in a good pair of ice fishing boots?
When shopping for ice fishing boots, consider the following features:
I love the suggestion to look for boots with insulation and a waterproof membrane. Those two features alone can make a huge difference in your comfort level while ice fishing. Are insulated boots necessary for ice fishing?
Insulated boots can be helpful in keeping your feet warm, but they may not be necessary for all situations. If you’ll be fishing in extremely cold temperatures or if you tend to get cold easily, insulated boots may be a good choice. However, if you’ll be fishing in milder conditions or if you prefer less bulky footwear, non-insulated boots may be sufficient.
I also agree that it’s a good idea to try on multiple pairs and find the one that fits you the best. Everyone’s feet are different, so it’s worth taking the time to find a pair of boots that feel good and provide the right level of support. How should I care for my ice fishing boots?
Proper care of your ice fishing boots can help them last longer and perform better. Here are some tips for caring for your boots:
This is a helpful and informative article for anyone looking to upgrade their ice fishing boots. Thanks for sharing!
Great article! It was very helpful in finding the best ice fishing boots for my needs. Can I wear my regular winter boots for ice fishing?
While regular winter boots may provide some protection from the cold and wet conditions of ice fishing, they may not have all the features specifically designed for ice fishing. For example, they may not have the same level of insulation or traction as ice fishing boots. If you plan on ice fishing, it may be worth investing in a pair of dedicated ice fishing boots for the best performance and comfort.
I appreciate the thorough reviews and comparisons of different brands and models. It made it much easier to make a decision.
The tips on features to look for when purchasing ice fishing boots were also very useful. I will definitely keep them in mind when shopping for my next pair.
It’s clear that the author has a lot of experience with ice fishing and knows what to look for in a good pair of boots. I feel confident in the purchase I made based on the recommendations in this article.
I love how the article included options for both insulated and non-insulated boots. It’s important to have options for different weather conditions and personal preferences.