Let's talk insulated boots

[Jon_G]

Just got some insulated boots and I have some concerns. My feet run cold but I have always been under the assumption that if my feet hot because of the insulation, that my feet will actually become even more cold because of the sweat. Am I completely lost and wrong on the subject? Haha

Do you guys usually just buy thicker socks or is that even worse? I will only use them when it's cold out so maybe I don't even have to worry. What are your thoughts? Have you had issues with insulated boots that you didn't see coming?

For reference, I got some Crispi Guides with their 200g of insulation.

 

[Schmoops]

My feet sweat no matter what I’m wearing, so to me the moisture management is kind of a lost cause. Wool socks are the move, of course, and I’m very happy with my Darn Tough boot socks. I’ve had folks recommend a liner sock under the regular one, I haven’t given it a whirl yet though. I digress.

I find my insulated boots much more comfortable than my non-insulated. Blisters have always been an issue for me, and I don’t get them nearly as bad when I’m wearing the warm boots. Keep in mind, sitting and glassing/not moving in general, your feet will get cold, that’s just a given. But moving, and it’s much much more comfortable with insulated boots.

I don’t know if that directly answered your question, and I hope some of it is helpful!

 

[MTtrout]

My feet run cold too. I still use uninsulated boots with normal hiking socks in fridged temps. If I’m more stationary like ice fishing or sitting in a blind is when I go with the insulated pack boots. Check out the insulated Kenetrek mountain extremes, they had my eye for years. I think they would be a good compromise.

 

[ianpadron]

I made a drastic change to my footwear approach this season after reading up a bunch on the subject, and have definitely seen the light.

I see no reason to ever change from the following setup:

Uninsulated, non membrane leather boots.

Yak, camel, or bison wool socks.

Gaiters.

Your choice of puffy/insulated boot covers for glassing intensive hunts. I use Icebreakers; they are comically gigantic, but I hunt late into November, often from one glassing perch all day with minimal movement after hiking in, and they are worth it.

 

[livingandlearning]

I made a drastic change to my footwear approach this season after reading up a bunch on the subject, and have definitely seen the light.

I see no reason to ever change from the following setup:

Uninsulated, non membrane leather boots.

Yak, camel, or bison wool socks.

Gaiters.

Your choice of puffy/insulated boot covers for glassing intensive hunts. I use Icebreakers; they are comically gigantic, but I hunt late into November, often from one glassing perch all day with minimal movement after hiking in, and they are worth it.

I’ve been considering the same. Specifically, which boots are you using?

 

[chancey]

Sweat Block wipes work great for managing sweaty feet. I use them even if it’s not cold to keep feet dry. Wet feet when it’s cold sucks because your feet get cold. Wet feet when it’s hot sucks because it’s easier to get a blister.

 

[ianpadron]

I’ve been considering the same. Specifically, which boots are you using?

Vivobarefoot Forest Trackers, love em.

 

[NMNomad]

I picked up a pair of Crispi Shimek. They are still in the box, waiting to be tested when the cold weather sets in. I am going to run the Lapponia Lites until its frigid. We will see how she goes. I don't run anything heavier than a midweight sock because I like my boots to be fitted and not too big.

 

[Choupique]

Uninsulated boots, wool socks, good core temp management have served me well on cold hunts. Insulated boots are for short walks and long sits IMO.

As long as you core temp and circulation are good, your feet not exposed, they shouldnt get very cold

 

[Jon_G]

My feet sweat no matter what I’m wearing, so to me the moisture management is kind of a lost cause. Wool socks are the move, of course, and I’m very happy with my Darn Tough boot socks. I’ve had folks recommend a liner sock under the regular one, I haven’t given it a whirl yet though. I digress.

I find my insulated boots much more comfortable than my non-insulated. Blisters have always been an issue for me, and I don’t get them nearly as bad when I’m wearing the warm boots. Keep in mind, sitting and glassing/not moving in general, your feet will get cold, that’s just a given. But moving, and it’s much much more comfortable with insulated boots.

I don’t know if that directly answered your question, and I hope some of it is helpful!

I feel like I'm the one the typed this up I too get sweaty feet as well as blisters. I wear those sticky blister pads on the back of my heel on my right foot, and two under my feet on my left foot lol. That's where I get blisters on each foot for some odd reason. I've tried different boots and they all give me a blister in the same places. I almost think it has to do with the way I walk lol.

I almost never stand still I walk a lot so hopefully these boots don't work out for me. I won't know until I try lol