Recommendations for Insulated boots for rifle hunt

Luked

WKR
Joined
Apr 3, 2014
Messages
1,209
Location
Sullivan, MO.
Planning a 2nd rifle hunt in CO for 2025. Thinking I am going to possibly need insulated boots.
Don't want a high insulated rate like 600.
What are some good lower insulated boots you would recommended

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Joined
May 22, 2014
Messages
1,372
Unless your feet just naturally get cold I don’t know that you’d need insulated boots. I’ve been Colorado with 2’ of snow on the ground and also no snow but down to 5° and don’t use insulated boots, just good quality socks and been fine. You may find that insulated boots make your feet sweat and then you’ll get cold.
 

sndmn11

"DADDY"
Joined
Mar 28, 2017
Messages
10,501
Location
Morrison, Colorado
If you desire boot insulation, get some pac boots. A tiny bit of insulation isn't going to help when stationary, and will accelerate cold feet when active.
 

bergie

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jul 15, 2023
Messages
221
I have notoriously cold feet but sweat when active, the worst combination. I now use 200 gram insulated boots when its cold and pack in the Arctic shield boot covers to put on when I am stationary glassing. Dunno exact weight buy they are light. Toss in a hand warmer in each and I can sit all day with toasty warm feet no matter the temp. And they are super cheap.
 
Joined
Jan 3, 2023
Messages
40
Grew up whitetail hunting in northern Minnesota in my younger years and used Sorels. I have been in northern Illinois of almost 40 years and still use Sorels, and just recently switched to LaCrosse Ice Kings.
 
Joined
Dec 27, 2015
Messages
976
I just bought Zamberlan 1005 insulated boots.
Zamberlan does not post a standard Thinsulate rating like others but they say they're somewhere above 400 gram-equivalent.
They're built on a wide last, which I need.
Very happy with fit and workmanship so far and it's my second pair of Zams.
 

Savage99

WKR
Joined
Jan 26, 2017
Messages
436
Location
CO
I have both insulated and non-insulated Hoffman Explorers. I have cold feet and hands always. I don’t find a ton of difference between the 2 in the later rifle seasons.

I think I agree with the above bit about feet sweating while active and then colder once stopped. I now try and loosen up the laces when I can get away with it and go with a lighter sock and liner sock sometimes. This is both for better circulation and a layer of air once stopped.

From time to time I’ve also employed toe warmers. I have some boot blankets but I’m never motivated enough to pack them in or day hunt with them.

I’d like to try some of the Hoffman pac boots for super late season.


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hiker270

WKR
Joined
Nov 5, 2022
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537
I hunt Colorado 2nd season and last week Montana for elk. Colorado 2nd season can be warm or cold with snow. Montana is usually very cold. I find it cumbersome to hike long distances in insulated boots with high gram insulation. I usually prefer uninsulated or 200 gram boots with a good pair of gaiters. If I am going to be stationary for any length of time I also use Arctic Shield Boot Insulators with Hot Hands Handwarmers inside boot insulators.
 

Jwlovie

FNG
Joined
Dec 1, 2024
Messages
10
Planning a 2nd rifle hunt in CO for 2025. Thinking I am going to possibly need insulated boots.
Don't want a high insulated rate like 600.
What are some good lower insulated boots you would recommended

Sent from my SM-G990U2 using Tapatalk
Following
Planning a 2nd rifle hunt in CO for 2025. Thinking I am going to possibly need insulated boots.
Don't want a high insulated rate like 600.
What are some good lower insulated boots you would recommended

Sent from my SM-G990U2 using Tapatalk
 

hiker270

WKR
Joined
Nov 5, 2022
Messages
537
Crispi Guide boots have been good for me but everyone's feet are different so they may not fit you at all. Good quality Merino Wool socks like Darn Tough are just as important. If its not real cold I wear Scarpa hiking boots with gaiters and merino socks. I have tried Kennetrek Grizzly 10" pac boots with 400 gr. insulation and for me they are just not comfortable enough to walk long distances in.
 

Jethro

WKR
Joined
Mar 2, 2014
Messages
1,399
Location
Pennsylvania
400g tops is my preference and have a pair along that has no insulation. Meindl perfekt is what I have in 400, now called comfort fit. Have hunted 2nd rifle where some insulation was nice and other times never even considered wearing the insulated.
 

Halky010

FNG
Joined
Jun 15, 2024
Messages
12
Never owned Kenetrek, but I have a pair of Danner Sierra and can't imagine a better, more comfortable boot. The Danner Sierra, Elk Hunter, Trophy and maybe others are made in the USA and come waterproof and insulated. Mine are 200 g insulted and I wear them all hunting season, unless the snow it over a foot and below zero temps, otherwise, they are plenty warm for me.
 

Randy2117

FNG
Joined
Mar 7, 2016
Messages
7
Good leather boot that fits right. Max of 400 gram insulation. Sock liner and good pair of wool socks. Take an extra pair of wool socks to rotate. I wear Meindl boots, but there are several good choices available.
 
Joined
Aug 20, 2019
Messages
1,103
I've never needed insulated boots for 2nd season OTC in Colorado but everyone's feet are different. Last week one day it was -14 in Montana and my 400s were almost too much.
If you did need a lightly insulated hunted boot these would be my reccomendation:
 
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