So you decided to try a new hobby in wintertime, ice fishing. You’ve got a pair of warm, insulated snow pants, a comfortable winter parka, insulated and wind proof gloves, but your snow shoes have seen better days.
You can’t step out onto the ice with holey boots that won’t keep you dry and warm. Now you’re on the prowl for the best ice fishing boots available, but not sure which pair to buy.
Should you get Baffins, Muckboots, or another brand? Well we’ve got a buyers guide to help you know what to look for and provide you with three ice boot reviews to give you an idea what’s out there.
Contents
Buyers guide
Finding boots that are waterproof will improve your icy experience, as you won’t have to contend with cold feet 2 hours into your first trip.
Ideally, rubber-based boots will provide ample water protection.
You’ll ideally want boots that extend up to the calf to keep ankles and lower leg toasty and protected against water.
Some styles offer a clasp or drawstring at the top of the boot to ensure a nice seal so slush or water doesn’t invade the inner boot.
Another option that many provide is a removable liner, which is nice if you plan on doing multiple trips in a short time.
Boots that are noted to handle low temperatures are ideal because when combined, wind, collected snow, and the air temperature can make it seem much colder than it actually is.
Many are rated to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and it’s better to have that extra security rating just in case.
Next, taking into account the fastening system the boot utilizes is important as well. You wouldn’t want to take your thick gloves off in 0 degree weather just to tie a lace.
Finding ones with buckles or zippers will be more convenient for you.
1.Kamik Men’s Greenbay 4 Cold-Weather Boot
It utilizes a Velcro strap fastening system, so you won’t have to remove your mittens or gloves in the freezing cold to adjust your uncomfortable foot.
The boot has a nylon shell, and a an internal 8 mm (.315 inch) thermal guard liner to protect and keep your feet toasty warm and ready for fishing.
At the top of the boot is a drawstring fastener that will help ward off slush and water from infecting the inside of the boot and contribute to providing a safe, warm environment.
Several Amazon reviewers note how warm, comfortable, and dry their feet stayed while using these boots.
These boots are not offered in half-sizes, and a few Amazon reviewers had issues with this.
What to like
• Warm and Comfortable: This product is rated for temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring feet stay warm even in extremely cold weather.
• Durable and Sturdy: Constructed with a waterproof nylon shell and thick treaded RubberHe outsole, it provides dependable traction on icy surfaces and long-lasting wear.
• Easy On/Off: The boots feature a slip-on style with a mid-foot adjustable Velcro closure strap and a lace-lock snow collar, making them convenient to put on and take off.
• Reasoning:
- For the first pro, “Warm and Comfortable,” the extract from the product description explicitly states the product is “rated to -40deg Fahrenheit.” This indicates that the boots are designed to keep feet warm in severely cold temperatures, which is a significant advantage for customers seeking winter boots for harsh conditions.
- The second pro, “Durable and Sturdy,” is based on multiple points made in the product description, which highlight the boot’s construction using “durable waterproof nylon shell” and “thick treaded rubber outsole for traction on slippery, icy surfaces.” Such materials suggest a high level of durability and sturdiness, designed to withstand harsh winter conditions and provide necessary stability.
Issues to keep in mind:
• Metal Strap Flaw: The metal loop that secures the adjustable strap can pop out and is prone to ripping the fabric, indicating a design flaw that impacts durability.
• Size Inconsistency: This product may have sizing issues with some customers finding it too narrow and others requiring to size up, leading to discomfort and potential inconvenience.
• Insufficient Traction: Despite being a winter boot, it fails to provide adequate grip on ice, resulting in falls and potentially causing injury.
• Questionable Warmth: Rated for -40 degrees Fahrenheit, it surprisingly left some wearers with cold feet, even in temperatures as high as the mid-20s, casting doubt on its insulation capabilities.
• Inner Liner Durability: The inner lining or felt of the product has been reported to deteriorate after just two seasons, which questions the long-term reliability of the product’s interior.
• Waterproofing Issues: Users experienced wet insides after exposure to snow, challenging the boot’s claim of being waterproof and rendering it unsuitable for dry-footed ventures in wet conditions.
2. Baffin Mens Arctic Winter Boot
Same as the Kamik, the Baffin ice fishing boot is rated at an insulation temperature of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so you’ll be able to withstand the worst of the worst in regards to arctic-like temperatures.
The boot has a rubber sole to ward off slush and water, so you won’t have to worry about water splashing up on the boot after you’ve removed the auger.
Baffin has a buckle style fastening system installed on the boot, so it’s easy and convenient to adjust and unclasp.
There is a drawstring fastener at the top of the boot to ensure a snug, tight seal to thwart water penetration.
Several Amazon reviewers remark how stable they are and how easy it is to walk in these boots.
What to like
• Warm Insulation: It features a foam-based inner boot system that provides enhanced warmth, making it suitable for extremely cold temperatures.
• Durable Construction: The soles and midsoles are molded to the base in one continuous process, combining several thermo-set polymers for lasting performance.
• Comfortable Fit: The boots offer a snug fit without being uncomfortable, thanks to the thick, squishy insulation and an easy on-off design that considers foot expansion with just one pair of socks.
Issues to keep in mind:
• Size Fit Issues: It seems that the boot sizing can be hit-or-miss, requiring some buyers to opt for a size larger than their normal fit according to several reviews, highlighting inconsistency and potential sizing issues.
• Leakage Problems: Despite claims of excellence for snowy conditions, the boot isn’t completely waterproof, with one buyer reporting leakage due to stitching issues after a year, which is quite a letdown for winter gear.
• Quality Consistency: There’s a mention of a quality control problem, with one pair having a left liner that was significantly smaller than the right, causing an uncomfortable fit and ultimately a return.
• Cumbersome Design: The boots are referred to as “clunky” and akin to “walking in ski boots” by a reviewer, indicating that they may not be the best for ease of movement or for wear during activities requiring a lot of walking.
• Tough Driving: One user indicated that due to the boot’s bulky design, driving could become a hazard, as the boots came close to simultaneously pressing both the brake and accelerator pedals.
• Warmth Overkill: As warm as these boots are designed to be, some have found them excessively so, making them less suitable for less extreme temperatures or for users with naturally warm feet.
3. Sorel Mens Conquest Boot
This is the same temperature rating as the Kamik and Baffin.
It has a seam-sealed waterproof leather design that will ensure no liquid slithers in and hampers your day.
Sorel remarks that it has an easy barrel-lock closure at the top of the boot as well. This will help prevent splashed water or snow from creeping down inside the boot.
A cool feature of this boot is what the manufacture calls an Achilles adjustment strap. Right about the ankle is a clasp that can be tightened to provide more stability and rigidity in uneven terrain.
Compared to the Baffin and Kamik, the Conquest’s are tied by laces, so they wouldn’t be very easy to loosen or tighten without taking off gloves or mittens.
One Amazon reviewer notes how it fits more like hiking boot than a snow boot.
Another Amazon reviewer noted they had no problems in minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit and survived a few trips in the Alaskan winter.
Whether you pick the Kamik, Baffin, Sorel, or another pair, these three boots provides a strong footing for deciding if they’re a good fit for being the best ice fishing boot for you.
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