Wyatt Tuzo Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 I have two back-to-back features that are going to require some rough overnights through the NY winter. Does anybody have recommendations for comfy, warm boots that are flexible enough to work in? I'm trying to make this a "no foot warmer" winter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ezekiel974 Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 I never tried this, but look great http://www.columbia.com/Electric/footwear-men-electric,default,sc.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olle Sjostrom Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 I think there's been heaps of these kinds of discussions, so you might wanna do a search to add some information to my post I've heard pretty good things about Sorel, from Tom Taylor here on the board, if I'm not mistaken Don't know if you can get them in the states, but a shoe called Ecco makes a very good light Gore Tex shoe.. These are probably an updated version of what I use: http://us.shop.ecco.com/ECCO-Mens-BIOM-Hike-1.2/811504,default,pd.html?dwvar_811504_color=52570&dwvar_811504_size=40#cgid=sport-men-experiencebiom-outdoor But the secret to staying warm is the SOCKS. You have to have woolen socks (or bamboo socks) that doesn't make the foot perspirate. Polyester and cotton gets wet from the sweat, and then the sweat gets cold. Our sports and "nature" shops sell thousands of these "function socks" that are made from either Merino wool or regular wool. Get a good pair of thin wool socks and a thick pair of like skiing socks. That does the trick for me. And also remember to breathe the feet, I.e taking the shoes off after some hours of use. The toes and most of the foot need to be free to move inside the shoe also, otherwise the circulation gets bad. Jackets, pants and boots are good, but the secret to STAYING warm is having lots and lots of layers of clothes. And not sweating under that.. challenging.. But I prefer working in the cold over working in extreme heat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJW Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 I have a pair of North face Chilkat II boots: www.thenorthface.com/catalog/sc-gear/mens-footwear-filter-category-boots/mens-chilkat-ii-boot.html A hundred of your finest US dollars would be very well spent. I have been working in deep mud over the past week and the warmth and dryness without undue weight has been a godsend. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olle Sjostrom Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 If money is not an object, and you want a boot that lasts for 30 years+, check this Swedish company out. They have a reseller in Vermont... http://lundhags.se/home-2/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neil Mc Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 Another vote here for Sorel. They are fantastic winter boots and not expensive for the level of quality. I've worn them in -30ish (Celcius) temperatures up here in Canada and been fine. They have the temperature ratings for their boots on the website so you can see what will suit you. They're are a few rated down to -75 Celcius if you really want to be toasty! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Gilchrist Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 If you'll be going in and out of heated spaces a lot, I'd take a look at Neos overshoes. Best regards, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boomboom Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 Also keep in mind that whatever boot you choose, you can take one size larger and add a ''felt'n'chrome'' sole at the bottom. The best upgrade you can do with something you already have also. The usual culprit with boots is cold coming from the ground. Otherwise: Sorel, some Keen winter boots, but you can't go wrong with Sorels...canajun sasquatches use'em since decades. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graham Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 Have you considered the neos? http://www.overshoesonline.com/n5p3/NEOS-Navigator-5-Overshoe.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyatt Tuzo Posted November 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 Thank's to all. I have been eyeing the Sorrels, so It's nice to get confirmation on those. I'll look into the "felt and chrome" suggestion. I have plenty of rain and winter gear (including Neo's), but I've never taken the plunge on seriously warm shoes/boots. I think this is looking like the season to do so. I'm looking forward to having warm toes, once and for all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Schuck Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 + 1 on the Sorrels. I've had my pair for 20 years and they still work great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philip Perkins Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 Poly sock liners. World of diff. philp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
André Boisvert Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 Yet another vote for the Sorels. I have these; http://www.sorel.com...default,pd.html Very resonably priced. I've spent some time in the Arctic with them. They're big and a bit clunky, so I don't drive with them on, but they'll keep your feet dry and warm all day. The felt liners really soak up the sweat, so remove them after each day to air dry them. As Pierre mentionned, the key is getting away from the cold ground, and the Sorels thick soles and liners do that very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Gilchrist Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 A big plus for Sorels is the ability to buy a spare set of liners for less than $50. Best regards, Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Max Hirtenstein Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 so glad I don't live in Chicago anymore. best of luck to all you cold weather denizens. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PLo128 Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 I'm a fan of these 5.11 Tactical boots that police wear: http://www.lapolicegear.com/footwear.html Very warm and comfortable--something like a tennis shoe and combat boot combined. Bought mine for around $90 from an army surplus store and use them as often as I do in the desert as I do in the city. Plus they come with a storage pocket designed for small pocket knives if you're into that sort of thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatthewFreedAudio Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 Sorel or Baffin boots are what I always wore in the cold Minnesota winters. Wool socks are a must. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Maier Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 I've got a set of Sorels and Keen delta winter boots. The Sorels are better for the -40 days but the Keens get the most day to day winter use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Paine Posted November 12, 2012 Report Share Posted November 12, 2012 I've spent many a night out in the snow and cold. Good boots is a good start. Sorels or Baffins are good. But the best money I've spent in keeping my feet warm are these: http://www.cabelas.com/mens-hunting-socks-cabelas-battery-heated-boot-socks-1.shtml They don't create intense amounts of heat, but just enough to keep your feet warm without getting too hot and creating a bigger problem by making your feet sweat. you go through a set of C cells a day, but well worth it. I keep toying with the idea of hooking them up to some NPF style batteries ! LOL. That would crank up the heat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staudio Posted November 13, 2012 Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 stay away from the columbia titanium series.....i bought of pair, and while they do keep my feet dry....even though they claim they are for cold weather, my feet freeze in them.....I've tried various types of socks and no improvement when it comes to warmth...and my columbia titanium jacket isn't so good either when it comes to warmth, even with the liner in... i now looking to get some Sorels.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack Norflus Posted November 13, 2012 Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 Sorels kick ass! Look no further. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wyatt Tuzo Posted November 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 Got me some Sorels and some fancy wool socks! Thank's for all the pointers, guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dfisk Posted November 13, 2012 Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 Sorels all the way for me...at least when I lived in Chicago and central illinois...and had to shovel our driveway a ton when I was in high school. Kept my feet warm and dry. Of course now that I'm out of the house my folks have a snow blower... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taylormadeaudio Posted November 13, 2012 Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 Yup, Sorel... had a pair of Caribous that lasted about 20 years... finally replaced them with Conquest (like 7 or 8 years ago?)... they'll probably last the rest of my life -- super warm, room for big socks. Living in the PacNW since '85, and most people I know swear by their Sorels. If I ever do get another pair -- Intrepids look nice. ~tt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taylormadeaudio Posted November 13, 2012 Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 Incidentally, a great trick I learned for keeping feet warm in below freezing (often sub-zero) EXT's... get those little hand warmers (NOT the foot warmers - they're too big) and put them in your boots ON TOP of your toes -- I know this seems counter-intuitive, but they work better (and they're more comfortable) when they're on top of your toes (between sock and boot)... and the hand-warmers seem to work better for this than the foot warmers. (I've done more NW Winter Night EXT's than I care to remember) ~tt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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