Need Some Advice From Our Colder Climate Pards

[Calamity Kris]

I learned the importance of good, sturdy, waterproof boots while shoveling my driveway this afternoon. I also learned the ones I had purchased didn't fit that prescription.

 

Since I'm new to this sort of requirement, I'm looking to my esteemed pards for recommendations. I am all about function, warm feet and traction. Most of the ladies I know are all about the latest fashion.

 

My cold wet feet will appreciate any suggestions you can give.

 

Thanks,

CK

[Ellie Mae Mohr]

Muck Boots!

[Dusty Balz, SASS#46599]

Sorrells.

[Grizzly Dave]

Sorrells.

 

Yup. Back when I used to hunt I started out with leather boots, and when they got wet I was miserable, bought a pair of sorrels and never had cold feet again. I just wish they still fit me, strange thing about getting older, your feet get bigger...

[Loophole LaRue, SASS #51438]

LL Bean Guide Boots; plain or Thinsulate; rubber shoe, leather uppers; absolutely waterproof; comfortable, flexible, and guaranteed for life.

 

LL

[Apache Hawk 60642]

Kris…I had to work outdoors in the rain and snow all winter long in the - 40 and -50 weather.

 

The best boots that will keep you're feet warm AND dry is Sorrell boots.

 

You will pay a good price for them but they will last a very long time and will keep you're feet warm and dry.

 

Take it from someone who had to work outside all the time with diabetes and had to watch his feet closely.

[Utah Bob #35998]

Also consider some steel claw crampons for ice.

[Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172]

Sorrells.

+1

 

Cabela's has a sale on boots right now. Most folks will have an After Christmas sale to reduce inventory.

[Knarley Bob]

Sorrells is a top end brand of "Pac-boot". They be real good, but on the spendy side. A Generic pac boot will serve you well. I know you'll love this............. do some shopping.

[DocWard]

I would echo the L.L. Bean Maine Hunting Boot. You can get them in shearling, and they do well. Also, "Bean boots" are made in Maine. Sorel's in China, if that matters to you.

[ShadowCatcher]

I learned the importance of good, sturdy, waterproof boots while shoveling my driveway this afternoon. I also learned the ones I had purchased didn't fit that prescription.

 

Since I'm new to this sort of requirement, I'm looking to my esteemed pards for recommendations. I am all about function, warm feet and traction. Most of the ladies I know are all about the latest fashion.

 

My cold wet feet will appreciate any suggestions you can give.

 

Thanks,

CK

try these as well... http://www.wellywarehouse.co.uk/le-chameau-m-12.html?filter_id=134&filter_type=brand

 

SC

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

I bought a pair of Sorels in the late 70s. Great boots. In the early 90s I bought a new pair of liners for them. In the early 2000s Columbia bought out the company. My cat had decided that the liners made great nesting material so I needed some new liners, could not get any so I bought a new pair of (Columbia made) Sorels. They now have a hole in them, some kind of rot. I am wearing them because I don't walk in 4 inch deep water but they just are not as good as the boots made by Sorel.

[South Platte]

I agree with the others that recommend Sorrels. But a less expensive alternative is TSC brand (Tractor Supply Co.) high rubber boots. They are something like Muck boots. I've used a pair for four years now to take the dogs out when it's wet in warm weather to shoveling snow in the winter. I bought mine a size larger and put on an extra pair of thick socks for cold weather use. Best $20 I ever spent.

[Capt. R. Hugh Kidnme]

Sorrels are Canadian, and LL Bean are from Maine. Two climes where they know a bit about keeping feet warm and dry in winter. Which is 9.5 months long on either side of the border in those 2 places.

[Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984]

The Sorel brand is Canadian but it was bought by Columbia Sportswear in 2000 and now the products are made in China or Vietnam.

[Iron Pony]

Kris I'll add another vote for Sorrel's. Pulled mine out yesterday and wore them to work what with the predicted weather and all. They only come out once in a while but its nice to have the "ultimate weapon" on hand when needed. For general purpose use I'm on my second set of Columbia brand pull ons that live right inside the front door.

[Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172]

I bought a pair of Cabela's knockoff Sorels a few years ago. If my feet get cold in those, I had best stay home by the fire.

 

Because something more impotent will get frost bit.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

Whatever became of galoshes or overshoes? I used them for years, actually until I graduated from high school when they became uncool.

[Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172]

They went back to Hungary, Forty Rod.

 

Now we have Hungarian Goulashs.

[Guest Maker-Wright]

Kris,

 

I'd echo the Sorel boots, BUT something else that is truly key to keeping your feet warm is to keep your head warm, which helps immensely to keep your core and extremities warm.

 

I know ladies don't like to muss their hair by wearing a hat, but a $10 *wind-proof polar fleece beanie will do absolute wonders in maintaining a person's temperature and comfort.

 

*To see if a fabric is windproof, put your lips tight against the fabric, and exhale (you may get some looks, but it won't kill ya). If it's hard to breathe through, then it'll keep the breeze from drawing the warmth from your body. If your breath passes through the fabric like wind through a screen door, put the item back on the shelf.

[Calamity Kris]

WOW!! Thanks for the great info. I have a pair of Sorels on order. I was looking for something a little bit lighter poundage wise to go from the parking lot to the office, about a quarter mile hike. Now that I read your posts and watch the weather, lighter may not be better.

 

P.S. Thanks for the tips on hats. I'm all over warm, not fashion.

[Calamity Kris]

They went back to Hungary, Forty Rod.

 

Now we have Hungarian Goulashs.

 

LOL LOL LOL :lol: :lol:

[Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172]

Kris, just a hint. St. Louis does not get a lot of cold weather. Most of the garment sold locally are for a more temperate climate.

BUT, and there is always that pesky BUT, sometimes it do get cold in ole St. Louie.

 

Look to the Chicago and other northern cities for cold weather wear. Mail order could be your friend.

 

On year I went to Minneapolis on business, from Seattle. It was January. The temp got down to -19 below

while I was there. I wore a trench coat with a lining, that I got locally in Seattle. I was warm, but not overly so.

 

Went in to call on a customer. Hung the coat in a common area.
When I came out the only treach coat was an unlined coat and ripped up the back.

I purchased a new one locally in Minneapolis with a good liner. I figured the guy that

took the coat needed one more than I did, from the looks of his leave behind. My new

coat kept me warmer in the long run. Now I can dress up like a WW II spy with a trench

coat and my Charter Arms Bulldog .44 special tucked in my pocket.

 

Mover over Sean Connery.

[Chantry]

I'm a big fan of Gore-Tex liners for both boots and jackets, it keeps the water and the wind out.

[Four-Eyed Buck,SASS #14795]

At our ages, warmth and comfort will trump style, hands down. If your feet are cold, you're cold all over

[pinto pat]

I worked construction in the Chicago area for forty one years.Many of those years was outside in the winter.Sorrels was a good choise when I did not have to have steel toed boots on.When spending long hours outside in the cold keeping your feet dry is important.One of the problems with warm boots is keeping your feet from sweting.when your feet swet, they will get cold.Gold bond powder on your feet in your socks will be a great help in preventing this from happening.Some guys would put plastic bags over socks before putting sorrels on and change socks at brake times.

[Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172]

I worked construction in the Chicago area for forty one years.Many of those years was outside in the winter.Sorrels was a good choise when I did not have to have steel toed boots on.When spending long hours outside in the cold keeping your feet dry is important.One of the problems with warm boots is keeping your feet from sweting.when your feet swet, they will get cold.Gold bond powder on your feet in your socks will be a great help in preventing this from happening.Some guys would put plastic bags over socks before putting sorrels on and change socks at brake times.

Good advice. You might want to look into some good wicking wool socks. Wool will retain warmth even when wet, and a good cushion is not a bad idea either. Keep moisture away from the skin and you will stay warmer longer. Best bet is to get a second pair so you can change out. Never tried the Gold Bond Powder, but it sounds like a Bully idea.

[Forty Rod SASS 3935]

They went back to Hungary, Forty Rod.

 

Now we have Hungarian Goulashs.

As if I were going to eat either one. (Philistine!!! )

[Virgil Ray Hality, SASS# 37355]

Sorrells.

 

+1 for Sorrells. My first experience was going Elk hunting in Colo years back and I had to pick up boots in Devner. The recommendation was very much to go with Sorrells (Caribou model) for the hunt. I was really pleased! I still have them too!

[Dusty Hill, sass # 49256]

Another vote for Sorrells. I grew up hunting and ice fishing in Michigan, Sometimes we went ice fishing when it was -10 to -20 below, never found anything that was better then Sorrells. If your out all day in the cold it is good to have 2 sets of liners, you can change then out about midday and let the 1st pair dry out and you have a fresh dry pair on your feet, really helps alot.

[Utah Bob #35998]

WOW!! Thanks for the great info. I have a pair of Sorels on order. I was looking for something a little bit lighter poundage wise to go from the parking lot to the office, about a quarter mile hike. Now that I read your posts and watch the weather, lighter may not be better.

 

P.S. Thanks for the tips on hats. I'm all over warm, not fashion.

I have a pair of Rocky's that are very lightweight with lots of insulation and waterproof. Got frostbit feet when I was in Germany as a lad and I heve to keep the puppies warm or I'm misearble. I also order a case of Toasty Toes foot warmers at the start of the cold season each year.

[Chili Ron]

Howdy,

WET?

I thought you wanted advise about Cold weather.

Heabouts they aint no water don't come outta the tap.

Ive got boots I don't put on until everthing is froze solid.

If I wear em in warmer weather its like my feet are on fire.

The secret to warm feet is to wear a thin wicking sock and a thick

heavy insulating sock over the thin one. Then boots that FIT over the socks.

Insulated boots for real cold, rubber boots for wet cold.

I don't know what a Sorrell is but they sound interestin.

Best

CR

[Calamity Kris]

Kris, just a hint. St. Louis does not get a lot of cold weather. Most of the garment sold locally are for a more temperate climate.

BUT, and there is always that pesky BUT, sometimes it do get cold in ole St. Louie.

 

 

Look to the Chicago and other northern cities for cold weather wear. Mail order could be your friend.

 

Thanks Badge. Uno would tell you I have L.L.Bean and Lands End on speed dial. They have lots of my money. I tried to get away with not purchasing a parka this year but that didn't last too long. I also purchased a pair of Gortex,Thinsulate gloves. I should be ready to rock now. {I did check out the sales at Cabela's yesterday. That's a dangerous place for me...... Good thing it's a bit out of the way.}

 

I love your attitude about the person who "acquired" your coat. That's a beautiful way to look at bad situations like that.

[Brother King, SASS #69031]

Like so many things there are good better and best. I've been fortunate to make my living doing what most consider a hobby for almost 40 years. So I get around the industry quite a bit....not just at the SHOT show but literally out where it happens and timely resupply may not be an option. And the Rockies have been my home from Jackson Hole/ farming in Colorado to the Black Hills SD and all the wilderness in between since 1980.

 

That said, these are the best.... KENETREK... www.kennetrek.com/products.asp?dept=1 they're made here. I know you said you have some Sorels on order- I'd send them back these are that much better. Plus, they make a cowboy style that is cool enough for any SASS shoot. The "BOBCAT" style is perfect for walking to the office, plowing snow in the yard, etc. Get an extra liner or boot dryer so you're always putting on a dry boot in the beginning. I like the chain sole for around the house because it tracks less snow/mud. But, then shoveling I like the K-talon lug sole.

 

Finally, your feet are controlled by your kidneys. When your kidneys get cold they shut off your feet which then become miserable, especially if they're wet whether from the inside or the outside. WOOL SOCKS!!!!! and buy them so they're loose not tight. Adjust the fit with an orthodic, a foot bed and a WOOL SOCK!

[Badger Mountain Charlie SASS #43172]

Just stay warm and dry, darlin'.

 

This spring/summer, if you get a chance, make the trip to ole Ft. de Chartres.