Winter Boots

[JTMcC]

We are supposed to get 8-10" here today, already have 6". At the risk of sounding like a musical, I have a pair of Ugg Butte boots that have been my goto snow boots for the last 5 years. They were expensive ($250ish?), but they are going on their 6th winter and show no signs of needing replacement. If I can't wear those, Muck Arctic Pros and Merino Wool socks. Although not very urban.

I've worked with quite a few Pipeliners in Montana, Wyoming & N Dakota who absolutely swear by the Arctic Mucks. They love those things.

And a smaller sample size who really like the White's Elk Guide Pacs.

[SD]

Interesting information about soles and materials that enhance hold down for better footing. https://youtu.be/H7arcyry6Xc

[Glenn E. Meyer]

So, I bought:


REDHEAD MENS TRACKER 8" LTHR GTX
Item: 819694 | SIZE: 10 1 2 | WIDTH: WIDE | COLOR: TRUE TIMBER HT


Versatile hunting boots with a focus on comfort
Tough and rugged leather uppers
GORE-TEX waterproof-membrane technology
400-gram 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation
Patented RedHead rubber lug outsoles

They came in wide, needed for me and were on sale ($89 from $149).
They seem to fit well and the price was right. Are they optimal? I will see as the blizzards pile it on.

[SD]

So, I bought:


REDHEAD MENS TRACKER 8" LTHR GTX
Item: 819694 | SIZE: 10 1 2 | WIDTH: WIDE | COLOR: TRUE TIMBER HT


Versatile hunting boots with a focus on comfort
Tough and rugged leather uppers
GORE-TEX waterproof-membrane technology
400-gram 3M Thinsulate Ultra Insulation
Patented RedHead rubber lug outsoles

They came in wide, needed for me and were on sale ($89 from $149).
They seem to fit well and the price was right. Are they optimal? I will see as the blizzards pile it on.

Can you say "Lake Effect Snow"

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Lived in it before for years, now I'm back. Just bought a more significant winter coat for down to -40, and Duluth lined pants. Snow tires on the Forester. Funny, Tamara just had an article on winter carry and suggested her SW432PD in an outer pocket. That will work for me, with mine.

[Shawn Dodson]

I like L.L. Bean boots. They're offered in wide sizes.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

I had problems with LLBeans falling apart spontaneous with just the passage of a few years. A pair of insulated chukka types had the soles fall off. They weren't worn that much. Just sitting around in the house. Then a pair of light weight hikers. I was going to a class - and walking to the line and the soles fell off both. They were about 5 years old and worn maybe three or four times a year. Luckily, I packed a pair of low Danners and got them out of the car (didn't leave them in the hotel).

Lesson, check soles. Have extras with you. Don't buy LLBean boots.

[ST911]

I had problems with LLBeans falling apart spontaneous with just the passage of a few years. A pair of insulated chukka types had the soles fall off. They weren't worn that much. Just sitting around in the house. Then a pair of light weight hikers. I was going to a class - and walking to the line and the soles fell off both. They were about 5 years old and worn maybe three or four times a year. Luckily, I packed a pair of low Danners and got them out of the car (didn't leave them in the hotel). Lesson, check soles. Have extras with you. Don't buy LLBean boots.

I have experienced this on some shoes from other brands. I have a theory that stored-much, used-little shoes with glued soles experience a drying/rot/breakdown of the glue if left to sit. Shoes that are worn more regularly have that glue worked/flexed so that it doesn't dry and fail. Or they simply wear out before the glue dies.

[Glenn E. Meyer]

Same thing happened with a pair of New Balance sneakers. Kept them in the closet till another pair wore out. Took out these new ones that promptly fell apart.

[Shawn Dodson]

Well then, I have a pair of 8" all leather Goretex Danners I bought in 1985 that are still going strong. Just some saddle soap and neutral Kiwi wax every now and then and they just keep truckin' along. Also have a pair of 10" all leather black Goretex Danners I bought in 1994, when I was an M1A1 tank commander in the Washington Army National Guard, that are still in great shape too. But I wear L.L. Bean duck shoes around the yard in the late fall and winter.