Best amount of insulation

[EJDXT21]

Hey guys. I just started looking for my first pair of insulated boots. There are not any retail stores near me that carry some of the big names like Crispi, Kenetrek and others. I know some are only sold in their store or online.
Of the ones I have looked at, it seems there is very little insulation around the top and sides of the foot, which is where I would think you’d need more. Even some of the 600gram didn’t feel very insulated.
I may be misunderstanding what they mean by the different insulation amounts such as 200,400,600 etc.
My main question is, which boots actually have consistent insulation layers throughout the boot and actually keep your feet warm. I have no issue with ordering some and trying them on. I will be doing a second rifle OTC hunt in southern CO. Thanks.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Boots that are insulated only work for me in very niche static type hunts. Once I’m moving my feet heat up and will sweat in insulated boots.

For backpacking hunts I’ve gone to uninsulated for everything and have down booties for when static or at camp and feet get cold.

Yes it looks gay. Yes they work. They weigh next to nothing and live with my puffy pants and jacket in the pack.

The ones I use are a very old pair of Western Mountaneering Flash Down Booties.

 

[EJDXT21]

Boots that are insulated only work for me in very niche static type hunts. Once I’m moving my feet heat up and will sweat in insulated boots.

For backpacking hunts I’ve gone to uninsulated for everything and have down booties for when static or at camp and feet get cold.

Yes it looks gay. Yes they work. They weigh next to nothing and live with my puffy pants and jacket in the pack.

The ones I use are a very old pair of Western Mountaneering Flash Down Booties.

I’ve heard of that method too and hadn’t looked into it as much as I should. I will now. I currently have schnees beartooth 0g and the first time I went, standing still, walking through snow, my feet were freezing, even with the darn tough mountaineering thick socks and a liner sock. Walking was tolerable but once they get cold it’s hard to warm them up.
I feel like my feet do normally sweat when walking around, but tend to get cold fast when not moving. The booties are definitely something I will look into to. Thank you.

 

[EJDXT21]

I’ve heard of that method too and hadn’t looked into it as much as I should. I will now. I currently have schnees beartooth 0g and the first time I went, standing still, walking through snow, my feet were freezing, even with the darn tough mountaineering thick socks and a liner sock. Walking was tolerable but once they get cold it’s hard to warm them up.
I feel like my feet do normally sweat when walking around, but tend to get cold fast when not moving. The booties are definitely something I will look into to. Thank you.

Also follow up questions…did you have the type you have to take your boot off to put on, or did you have the over boot type where you can leave your boot on? And if you took your boots off, was there any issue putting on a cold boot once you got moving again? Thanks.

 

[K9kodi]

For the same reason you try to avoid water, I try to avoid sweating my feet out. Thick ass rubber heavy insulated boots for the stand, good breathable socks and boots that allow movement for when I’m moving

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Also follow up questions…did you have the type you have to take your boot off to put on, or did you have the over boot type where you can leave your boot on? And if you took your boots off, was there any issue putting on a cold boot once you got moving again? Thanks.

Leave boot on is the only way when glassing. Your boots can sit inside or outside the tent with the down boot on overnight as well and they won’t be quite as cold in the morning.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

For me, anything with over 200g of insulation is a winter boot.

 

[EJDXT21]

Leave boot on is the only way when glassing. Your boots can sit inside or outside the tent with the down boot on overnight as well and they won’t be quite as cold in the morning.

Just want to confirm this. You’re saying you can put the down bootie over your hiking boot? I’ve checked out several online and from what I’ve seen, they’re mainly meant to be used as a camp type bootie for either sleeping in or walking around camp with just your socks on.
But if you can fit them over your hiking boot, that is great! If so, any issues with snags or the hiking boot wearing or tearing the inside of the bootie? Thanks.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Just want to confirm this. You’re saying you can put the down bootie over your hiking boot? I’ve checked out several online and from what I’ve seen, they’re mainly meant to be used as a camp type bootie for either sleeping in or walking around camp with just your socks on.
But if you can fit them over your hiking boot, that is great! If so, any issues with snags or the hiking boot wearing or tearing the inside of the bootie? Thanks.

I wear boots that don’t have giant tread, large heels, etc. The largest size at the time when I bought the WM booties fit over my size 10 boots. WM purposely makes them a loose fit. They cover to just below the ankle.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Everybody has different preferences. I buy uninsulated or the lowest amount of insulation available. Chase warmth with socks

 

[EJDXT21]

I wear boots that don’t have giant tread, large heels, etc. The largest size at the time when I bought the WM booties fit over my size 10 boots. WM purposely makes them a loose fit. They cover to just below the ankle.

Awesome! Great to know. Thank you!