Cold-weather footwear?

[jazzwannabe]

Any suggestions for what kind of shoes, socks or boots to wear while fishing in the winter months? Whatever is good to stay warm, dry and comfortable?

[Greg_Cornish]

I bought VB or Bunny Boots. They'll float and I promise you'll never ever get cold in California. I wore them in 1967 in January at the base of mount McKinley at Fort Greely, AK and the Wind Chill was estimated at -140 degrees. They even have a valve on the side to allow you to suck out cold air and blow in warm. I doubt you'll get anyone to suck your boots though.

http://www.us-elitegear.com/catalog/us- ... -boots.htm

Maybe overkill

[acm95301]

1. Don't wear anything cotton, it wicks moisture too you and makes you colder.

2. wool socks are an option, but scratchy. I wear both wool socks and hat.

3. I wear close toed sandles for drainage and traction, like Teva's.

[DanO]

I went to Gore Tex Socks a few years ago, put cotton socks under them for warmth, and I can wear my tennis shoes all winter, no problems.

Hate clunky boots in the boat.

DanO

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templ ... tid=179005

[civicrr]

I bought a pair of lightweight Merril Goretex hikers. Feel like a slightly heavy pair of tennis shoes. I wear midweight hiking socks.
I had no issues with warmth or staying dry all last year.

Guidewear parka & Pro Qualifier bibs completed the outfit.

[dtacker]

I bought the Seal Skinz socks in the uninsulated version about 2 years ago. I wear them with regular athletic socks and tennis shoes and my feet stay dry and warm in the coldest and wetest conditions. Strongly recommend them.

[jazzwannabe]

I bought the Seal Skinz socks in the uninsulated version about 2 years ago. I wear them with regular athletic socks and tennis shoes and my feet stay dry and warm in the coldest and wetest conditions. Strongly recommend them.

So you shoes get soaked in the rain, but your feet stay dry?

[tunaman]

A couple of years ago I researched this and ended up getting some good Gortex Redhead boots from BPS, some heavy Redhead socks, and some Under Armour socks to layer below... feet haven't been cold since!

I wear those layers for the coldest days, and remove a layer for the 'not so cold' days.

Works for me!

Roger

[Andy Giannini]

I wear seal skinz when it rains with my regular X train athetic type shoes.

Feet stay dry/warm enough but there is a better reason.

I can run the troller easier than wearing big rubber boots, or big waterproof ones.

Also it just easier to get around in the boat, less clumsy and less noise.

.02 A.G.

[DanO]

I tested my Gore Tex socks by filling the tub and standing in it. Not one drop of water got through.

Although my wife looked at me like I was crazy

Haven't had a wet or cold day since, and I get to wear tennis shoes.

DanO

[WishinIwerFishin]

It depends how cold it gets, I'll either wear my gore-tex hiking boots with wool socks or my red head hunting boots with 1400gram thinsulate and regular socks.

[adman]

Sperry Top-Sider Men's Cold Weather Fathom Boot

[Sacto John]

Seal Skinz socks are the bomb. I now have two pair, uninsulated for fall and spring insulated for winter. I ware them with my Crocs, feet stay warm and dry all day long, and my feet don't hurt. I have fished in NASTY weather this way and have never had cold feet.

[cib11b]

After being an Infantrymen in Ft Lewis Washington and being deployed in Mosul Iraq for OIF I and II. It gets freezing cold at nights when we have to sit stationary. (It snows in Iraq!)And in Washington it rains about 364 days out of the year and I was constantly in the field getting wet.. I learned the ways..


Seal Skinz are great if your feet do not sweat.. If they do your feet are wet. Best way to keep your feet warm is some good waterproof/Gortex boots and some whool socks. I use red head hunting socks I got at BPS for about $10 they are awesome. They keep my feet warm and they have a lifetime garranty.

I would not recomend waterproof socks because of the sweating issue... it keeps moisture in as well as out. So your feet cannot breath.

Overall the best way to keep your feet warm is to MOVE them. Keep wiggling your toes and moving your feet if you can. .Keep the blood flowing. Water proof boots/Gortex and some good hunting socks. Follow those tips and I PROMISE your feet will be warm.

[Jason Milligan]

I wear Gortex Danner boots or Ariats. The aggressive hiking style. Warm feet and always dry.

Crocs.... LOL

[Bayou Boy]

Not worried as much about cold as wet (rain) here in South Louisiana. Been looking at gettin' me some "Sealskinz" to wear with my tennis shoes. But having never seen 'em; how accurate do the sizes run for fit, since the come in S-M-L-XL? I wear a size 11 shoe. Do they fit tight or bunch up inside your t-shoes?[/code]

[Andy Giannini]

The sizes are on the box, you put them on carefully, theres a little bit of technique to it.. They feel weird for about five minutes or so after you get your shoes on. Never noticed them bunching up.

Also, when your althetic shoes get wet they seem to get bigger anyway. Plenty of room for skins.

[Gimmii]

For winter fishing, I’d go with insulated, waterproof boots like Muck Boots or Bogs to make sure your feet stay warm and dry, especially if you’re going to be standing around in the cold or near water. I usually layer up with merino wool socks they’re amazing for keeping warmth in and wicking away moisture. I’ll sometimes add a liner sock underneath for extra warmth and to help prevent blisters.

If you’re going to be out for hours, thermal insoles are a game changer too. They help keep your feet comfortable even in freezing temps. I actually picked up some gear last season, and The combo of good boots and proper socks has kept me warm on all my cold weather fishing trips.