The best shoes for winter hunting. Winter boots for hunting and fishing - rating of the best

One of the most important components of a successful hunt is properly selected equipment and clothing. Hunting boots will make you feel comfortable in any situation. They will protect you from cold and water and allow you to move comfortably across different terrain for a long time. In this article we will look at which men's boots for hunting to choose, taking into account all the features of the upcoming event.

Choosing boots for hunting in different weather conditions

We buy boots for hunting, taking into account the area in which you will be, as well as the weather conditions.

Forest hunting

For dry terrain, shoes should be chosen in which the hunter will be comfortable walking for a long time. For hunting in forests and steppes, shoes should not be heavy so that you can move easily without increased stress on your legs. Boots should not rub the foot, press on them, and should not be hot in them. Rubber or polyurethane shoes are perfect.

Boots for swampy areas and hunting in water bodies

On sale you can find a special version of hunting boots for use in swampy areas and hunting on water. These are waterproof rubber boots that cover the foot high, protecting against water getting inside. There are summer versions of such shoes, as well as autumn ones, insulated inside.

Which boots to choose for hunting in the fall

Autumn is a season of frequent rains and the first cold snaps. For autumn hunting, we choose boots that are waterproof and durable. You will find a large selection of rubber and leather extended options that are impregnated with water-repellent compounds. Rubber boots for hunting will allow you to move freely in bad weather and rainy weather.

Neoprene boots are an excellent choice for hunting in the fall months. In them the hunter will feel comfortable and completely protected from moisture. Neoprene shoes have a durable sole, which makes walking comfortable.

Shoes for comfortable winter hunting

In winter, your comfort and convenience will depend on how dry and warm your feet are. If your feet are cold, or if you get wet, you won’t be able to hunt for a long time. A hunter's winter boots should be high, warm, waterproof, and have good heat transfer properties.

Also, they should not be heavy, and the soles should not slip on the snow. Suitable for winter are neoprene boots, high leather ones with insulation inside, as well as felt boots.

Which material is better?

The properties of shoes depend on the materials from which they are made. There are five main types of materials that are used to make hunting boots.

1. Leather. Elastic, fits well on the leg. The fur lining will protect you in cold weather, and a special impregnation will make them waterproof.
2. Rubber. The best material for making waterproof shoes. Feet can quickly freeze in them, so you need to wear socks or stockings made of fur or wool.
3. Polyurethane. Shoes made from it are durable and lightweight. A comfortable temperature inside is ensured by an insulating lining. Winter boots made of polyurethane have anti-slip soles.
4. Neoprene. A modern unique material that has many useful properties: moisture protection, thermal insulation, elasticity. They are made with a powerful sole that protects against slipping.
5. Felt boots. An excellent option for winter hunting. When choosing felt boots, you need to constantly take care of special impregnation, preventing them from getting wet.

• Choose boots for hunting that are 1-2 sizes larger. This will allow you to easily put on warm socks.
• Don't buy heavy shoes. It will be very difficult to move in it.
• Buy warm boots with a natural fur lining. Avoid synthetic materials.
• High boots will protect not only from water, but also from snake bites and various insects.
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for care and proper storage.

The cold season in Russia can last six months, or more, if we talk about northern latitudes. Winter shoes for the domestic outdoor enthusiast are the first necessity. The Camouflage ru online store has taken care of a diverse range of winter shoes for hunting and fishing. Warm shoes for tourists, climbers, and enthusiastic fans of military-tactical games are also widely available for sale.

It won't freeze or get wet!

Among the warm shoes offered for sale by the Camouflage ru store, products made from EVA - ethylene vinyl acetate - occupy a special place. EVA is a lightweight, durable, wear-resistant polymer that does not harden even in severe frost. Warm shoes for winter fishing, made of EVA, allow you not to shy away from splashes and splashes. Even watery ice is not scary for a hunter, fisherman, or tourist wearing EVA boots!

In the Camouflage Ru store you can buy winter boots made of smooth and textured natural leather with wool fur.

The best EVA shoes for winter fishing, hunting and outdoor activities are equipped with natural fur liners. The design of the boots provides multi-layer thermal protection, ensuring that a comfortable temperature inside the shoes is maintained even when worn for a long time in severe frost.

Order waterproof warm winter shoes for hunting and fishing by calling 8-800-775-52-83 (calls from Russia are free of charge), and get the boots, shoe covers and boots you need in the shortest possible time!

Berts and boots for the cold season

It’s not easy to buy men’s winter shoes without fail: the design and properties of boots for climbing steep mountain slopes differ from boots designed for lowland hunting. A special approach requires the selection of shoes for military applied games in natural terrain and special artificial training grounds.

The frequent alternation of warm indoor air and damp cold outdoors creates conditions for the tops of boots to quickly get wet and freeze. Therefore, for military athletes, Camouflage ru has prepared several models of special shoes that are not afraid of extreme dynamic loads and constant changes in temperature and humidity.

The store's assortment includes winter military and trekking shoes from Russian and Belarusian manufacturers.

Felted winter shoes - a classic of the genre for hunting and ice fishing

Natural wool felted into thick felt is an excellent insulation material. Felt boots protected from getting wet are inexpensive and functional. By hugging the user’s leg, they quickly take on the most comfortable shape and serve their owner for years.

Traditional high boots - boots with a fur top and tops, made on a thick felt sole with an outer rubber layer - also receive numerous positive reviews. Fur high boots are still included in the authorized uniform equipment of flying combat personnel. According to many Russians, high boots are universal and comfortable men's shoes for winter hunting and fishing.

Nezhdanov M.

Rocky Buck Stalker Light Rubber Zipper

In our market, these expensive shoes (photo 1) are a new product from a well-known overseas manufacturer with a 70-year history and a huge range of products. The model is positioned for hunters, but it is just as suitable for fishermen. True, at first glance you won’t understand why they are asking decent money. It seems like there's nothing to it - well, except for the fancy appearance: camouflage, cool sole, all sorts of zippers and straps. But there is no visible insertion, and the top of the boot does not clearly indicate that they can be suitable for winter. My friend also doubted it at first - and bought them more for autumn-spring fishing. But I took note of the application for minus up to the “twenty”, as well as the information that Thinsulate was integrated into the design, and with high density indicators, and, accordingly, thermal insulation. It’s still interesting, are the “enemies” writing the truth - or is this just another marketing “duck”?

And so the season began, and the boots began to go fishing. Once, twice, three times... And timid expectations were replaced with a gradual increase in frost by confidence in the quality of these shoes - and the correspondence of this quality to the price.

I do not know the technological intricacies of production and, naturally, I did not dissect these boots - it is too expensive an item to satisfy curiosity. But I can tell a story from my life, which allows me to believe in the cold-resistant properties of shoes that are declared by the manufacturer, and the actual presence of which is highly doubtful. Once, back in Soviet times, my father, beaming with happiness, brought rubber boots. They seem to be boots just like boots, without inserts, just a little thick. He says that I will now drive in severe frosts, when there will be a lot of water under the deep snow (well, just like in our past winters). And he started driving. The men first twisted their fingers at their temples. And you know he’s catching it. And he walks everywhere calmly, when others in their felt boots and wretched galoshes make their way along the well-trodden paths. Naturally, I didn’t freeze my feet either. What's the matter? And these were shoes from the polar explorers’ equipment. The boot seemed to consist of two, inserted into each other. And between them, in a kind of honeycomb, there is eiderdown filling. And this whole system made it possible to fish in these boots at minus fifteen to twenty with a regular toe. I think these Rockys have something similar.

Now let’s look at all the advantages according to the usual scheme.

1. The claim for greater cold resistance is confirmed. We have reliably found out that when using only one thin thermal sock, you can safely fish in frosts down to “ten” all day long with average activity, without any freezing of your feet during periods of long calm. If you additionally use fleece, then the lower limit (minus 20°C) is quite accessible when constant active fishing is expected.

2. The boots have very good soles (photo 2). The foot is comfortable, the last is comfortable, and there is no fatigue during long treks. The front of the foot and toes are not pinched from the sides, and at the same time the foot does not dangle. The heel optimally fixes the heel and Achilles - and provides additional reliable lateral support, the boot fits like a glove. Leaving it in sticky mud or a snowdrift is unrealistic. The sole has a tread that is moderately gliding on ice and clings well to the ground or snow with pronounced large studs - like boots (photo 3).

3. The material of the boot is soft and not affected by frost. Which is not surprising, because... This is dense neoprene, approximately 5 mm thick at the top of the boot. Thinsulate, as you understand, does not add rudeness either. This combination made it possible to achieve quite acceptable weight for such shoes - the boots are not heavy, i.e. . Light rubber(“light rubber”) in the name is pure truth.

4. Absorbency of the insides Buck Stalker- quite satisfactory for any one-day fishing. The microporous open back structure (the outer side of the boot is laminated) allows you to keep your feet sufficiently dry even at the end of an active fishing day with long treks, even with just one sock. If you use replaceable high-quality woolen socks that accumulate moisture well, you will have enough comfort for a couple of days of active fishing.

5. The manufacturer paid serious attention to the boot of this model. Not only is it wide in itself, but, as you can see in the photo, in addition to the belt drawstring (photo 4) on the outer side of the boot there is also a long zipper on the inside (photo 5). This allows people with any calf size to wear this model or tuck their pants inside without any effort. The zipper in no way affects the quality of water insulation - under it the boot has a thick rubber membrane that folds like a fan.

6. The height of the boot is greater than that of many analogues, which is sometimes important when overcoming water obstacles, especially at the end of the winter season.

But you can’t do without minuses.

1. There is no adjustable cuff at the top of the boot, because this design simply does not imply its presence. Therefore, when moving through deep snow, all hope is only for the quality of the fit.

2. Thorough drying of boots after fishing is required - a disadvantage of any shoes without liners

3. Well, the main disadvantage is that the Buck Stalker was created only for people with not particularly high mobility. This is immediately noticeable in photo 6. I don’t know why the manufacturers decided this, but what do we have... I won’t be able to wear these shoes, unless they are a couple of sizes larger. But do I need it?

Summary. Full compliance of the declared (“very warm and comfortable shoes”) and the actual. A worthy investment. An excellent choice for people with low or medium-high altitude, who prefer one- and two-day fishing trips, especially those involving active activity on the ice and long treks. Jerkers and spinners who love inland reservoirs, where in deep snow there is almost always a mess of water on the ice - this model is for you.

Muck Boot Tay Sport

Second model from Muck Boot in my review. And if the first one - Avon - is more of an off-season shoe, then Tay Sport (photo 7) is already a full-fledged winter boot. According to the general design principle, they are similar to Avon - a molded boot that turns into a neoprene boot, but specific solutions differ markedly.

The lower part of the boot has a sporty “physique”, but is very powerful, with a massive heel, with clearly visible areas of reinforcement of the material. If we look inside, we will see that the overall thickness of the boot is quite impressive, accordingly, at the bottom it is even steeper, and the underside surface is a layer of thick fleece (photo 8). It is clear that all this is designed for serious operating conditions.

Usage Tay Sport showed that the claim for a temperature of minus 15 - 20°C (depending on what socks to wear) is close to the truth. Fishing in these boots at “ten” (albeit quite active - fishing) with just one light thermal sock - is completely comfortable, no signs of freezing during the whole day. When an additional thin fleece sock was put on, then minus 13°C - with the same positive emotions. It’s easy to guess that if you insulate yourself “like an adult” - thick thermal socks and thick fleece or thinsulate socks, then it will be even better. Surely the “twenty” is not scary. But still - when moving.

They also performed well during pre-winter fishing, at temperatures plus or minus zero. A whole day in Tay Sport in a boat, absolutely no movement, on one sock - and your feet are dry and warm throughout the entire fishing trip.

What are the advantages?

1. A thick sole with a special profile (photo 9) with an integrated layer of foam material provides both good thermal insulation and excellent lateral support.

2. The dinosaur-like heel (photo 10), in addition to the convenience of removing boots without using your hands, provides 100% mechanical protection for the heel area and allows you to easily pierce a fairly thick ice crust with your boot into a hole.

3. The height of the boots is very good and increased, practically the maximum for average height, which in combination with a thick sole further improves the “all-terrain ability”.

4. The absorbency of the inner layers is increased. A whole day of active fishing in one sock does not lead to dampness. With woolen socks you can catch fish for two days. But still it is very individual. Sweating is a fickle thing, it’s different for everyone and sometimes differs significantly.

5. High rise. Suitable for people with any feet.

6. A narrow, but soft and very elastic boot, into which you can tuck your trouser legs, having first rolled it down. At the same time, there is no need to be afraid of pinching, with legs of normal fatness. The advantage of this is the following. Dressed this way, i.e. boot over the pants, we ensure complete isolation of the legs from the external environment - neither snow nor water gets there. If your pants are also waterproof, then you can dive up to your waist.

There was such a case this year on the first ice. At the exit from the lake, in the coastal reeds, my friend suddenly sank to about the point where it was caused. When I got out, the “strict commission” discovered that literally three drops got inside the boots. He was wearing a Sea Fox float.

What about the cons?

1. The last of these boots is not without problems: some complain of fatigue of the lower leg muscles when walking for a long time. If you are familiar with skating, then you know how your feet can ache. A similar effect is likely to occur here.

2. The tread of the boots performs a weak anti-slip function on ice. Looking at it (photo 11), it is clear that in principle this is how it should be.

Summary. Tay Sport- a successful shoe model for most specific situations faced by all-season anglers. If there is a chance of falling through the shore on the first or last ice. Or if there are “living” cracks and gullies on the reservoir already in the midst of winter. When there is a lot of water, snow or both on the ice. When boat fishing in early spring or late autumn. For all this, you should consider these boots as one of the main options. A great addition to a float suit. But not for long journeys.

Lemigo brand boots

Similar models are sold under the brand Wellington. Boots from this Polish manufacturer that fit our parameters (high and warm) can be considered without special division into models, because the differences are not so significant that each should be given a separate chapter - it is enough to indicate the main features.

All models, and this is Greenlander (photo 12), Worker And Arctic Thermo, made of EVA material, foamed in a special way, with a smooth hydrophobic surface (photo 13) on both sides. The air content in the structure is very high. This has both its pros and cons. Boots differ in their liners, the thickness of the sole and its rigidity, as well as in what kind of feet they are best suited to.

Greenlander and Worker- the models are more demi-season than winter - their inserts are single-layer and rather thin, with low absorbency (photo 14). Real temperature maximums are minus 7°C for sedentary fishing and minus 15°C for active fishing methods. If it’s “twenty” outside, then you have to run without stopping; stopping in place for longer than 15 minutes leads to freezing. But this is if you use boots with one thick thermal sock (or a pair of thin ones). Accordingly, with additional serious insulation, the lower limit will shift by 3 - 4 degrees.

Worker (photo 15) - these, as the name implies, are work boots, and they, as befits such shoes, are reinforced in the toe and on the sole with special rigid elements to protect against impacts and punctures (and the heel is more sophisticated). This option is very important when driving on hummocks. But you will have to pay thousands more for it. Greenlander will not protect your legs in any way in this situation.

Arctic Thermo(photo 16) - the boots are already much warmer. They have a thick, double liner (photo 17), and the boot itself is more serious. The same sole, for example, is much more massive, which means better thermal insulation and mechanical protection. In addition, unlike the other two models, they have a wide, tightening cuff along the top to prevent snow from getting in - these boots are designed specifically for full winter use. Their actual temperature range is down to minus 15°C with little fishing activity. And up to minus 25°C with movement typical of spinners or girdle fish.

All models differ in lift height. Arctic Thermo, for example, can be worn by anyone with any type of foot. Worker - on the contrary, only for those who have a low rise. I tried wearing a boot two sizes too big, but with a simple toe it was too tight for me. Greenlander is somewhere in the middle in terms of this indicator, and is, in principle, suitable for most. In any case, only trying on will show which boots and what size you should take.

Having examined the main differences between the models that interest us, we can now, according to the usual scheme, highlight the main advantages and disadvantages. So, the pros.

1. The heavily foamed material of the boots, in addition to a large amount of inert air in the structure, which provides excellent thermal insulation, also has minimal weight - the boots weigh nothing. According to this indicator, Lemigo is absolutely unrivaled.

2. This material is very soft and elastic. It bends easily and does not form any hard edges when radically changing shape, which could cause discomfort or chafe somewhere.

3. Drying of the inside occurs very quickly.

4. Comfortable last, sufficient toe width and tight coverage of the heel and Achilles. A long walk (and just spending time in Lemigo) will be pleasant and easy.

5. All models can be easily removed without using your hands (photo 18).

6. The supply of spare inserts for all models has been established. A very important option.

7. The price of all shoes from Lemigo is budget. Excellent price/quality ratio.

There are also plenty of disadvantages.

1. Foam material has low mechanical strength. Boots can easily be damaged by knives, twigs, and thorns.

2. If you don’t take the Worker, then your feet are poorly protected from external influences - stones, snags, protruding ice floes.

3. Insufficient volume of the boots. Considering that this is not neoprene or lacing, and, therefore, the circumference of the boot is unchanged, we encounter a problem with a slightly increased size of the calf muscles, when the suit pants need to be tucked inward. And with highly developed calves, nothing will fit in the thermal underwear except the leg itself.

4. The tread is mediocre (Greenlander sole in photo 19). And on ice with a film of water it’s slippery and doesn’t really cling to the surface. True, it holds up surprisingly well on dry ice, even smooth ice.

5. The problem area is equipping boots with liners of the optimal size. Often you try it on - the total supply is still large, but when you put on the insert, it feels a little tight. But this is not a sock that will stretch where it needs to. And it turns out that the boot is both small and large. Annoys. After all, you will have to buy additional inserts for the boots, for a larger size.

Summary. A good choice for those who do not want to spend a lot of money on purchasing special shoes and only go out for winter fishing periodically. But who at the same time needs warm high boots for general purpose, i.e. for those who spend a lot of time outside the city. As fishing shoes, thanks to the removable liners, they will be useful for multi-day trips, especially with a large volume of movement. Naturally, with a margin for temperature conditions.

Now, as I promised in the first part, let's talk a little about shoes that are not completely waterproof boots with a high solid top. These are models designed for normal winters, with a standard amount of precipitation.

Rocky Jasper Traс

Boots (or boots - that's what anyone calls such shoes) of a familiar design to many for a variety of country pastimes. Sometimes you can’t do without them in the city. Rubber bottom, lace-up leather upper, removable liner.

Such models are produced by many companies and differ only in the combination of materials and the degree of insulation. My friends and I had a lot of different things from this category - convenient and not so, high-quality and crappy, but all those products have long been discontinued, and, therefore, there will be no talk about them. A Jasper Traс is currently being shipped to Russia and is actively sold in stores, so it’s worth talking about it in detail.

These are quite budget shoes (more than one and a half times cheaper than those described above Buck Stalker Light Rubber Zipper same company) for medium frosts, designed for the most active movement. This winter they have already found use in fishing (photo 20). And, undoubtedly, they will come in handy closer to spring, after the end of the worst cold weather, since they have surpassed all the wildest expectations in their working qualities. Based on the results of several trips to reservoirs and use in general, we can already say the following. The cold statement (at least on the website of the Russian representative) is down to minus 10°C, but one can reasonably argue that it is seriously underestimated, especially if active fishing is carried out. We even rode in these boots at minus 24°C - and it was no big deal. The freezing of my feet began only after being stuck on one “distributing” hole for 40 minutes, but the rest of the day passed without problems. When the frost reaches “twenty”, you don’t remember the cold in the lower extremities at all. And this is all (attention!) - with one thin thermal sock. When taking additional measures for thermal insulation - a warm insole and a second, but already thick, moisture-wicking sock - any frosts that are reasonable for fishing become acceptable in relation to the Jasper Trac, especially when trolling perch or fishing with girders.

Well, let's look at the pros.

1. The lower part is made so that the leg is very comfortable. Galoshes take into account all the features of the anatomy of a standard foot. Nothing will be pressed or rubbed anywhere.

2. Lace-up suede upper and plump liner provide ankle and ankle comfort. Walk for pleasure as much as you like.

3. Compared to some analogues from other companies, the galosh is thoroughly reinforced at the front (photo 21) and at the back (photo 22) with various elements that provide mechanical protection against impacts.

4. The liner is very well made. Not only is it soft and pleasant on the foot, it is also sewn correctly for people, although a more complex cut is used, complicating the manufacturing technology. On the front there is a continuous cut from the middle of the instep (photo 23). Sometimes this can be a disadvantage when the liner is rough, but in this case it can be considered an advantage. You can easily tuck all the lower layers of insulation into it, and even the legs of your suit, then lace up your boots - and you won’t experience any distracting sensations while walking. Heat conservation will only benefit from this, because the ankle joints will be maximally protected from the cold, and this will automatically affect your feet.

5. Weight is minimal. There's simply nothing to weigh here. Rubber is a minimum, suede is light, the insulation of the boot itself is insignificant, the liner is airy almost everywhere.

6. Drying the insert takes very little time.

The disadvantages are as follows.

1. The lacing pitch at the bottom is too big. When the upper material is rough and thick, it's not scary. But here it is soft suede, and this complicates the process of putting on shoes correctly, or more precisely, tightening the laces.

2. The sole (photo 24), although stated as special anti-slip, is actually not that good. On smooth lake ice it is very mediocre - you won’t be particularly relaxed - it’s better to wear spikes. But the tread already holds up well on snow and dirt.

Summary. Boots for fishing and outdoor activities with little snow. In most temperature conditions, excluding severe thaws and particularly severe frosts, they will cope with protecting your feet from the cold. Long passages and active fishing in all respects in Jasper Traс will be pleasant and comfortable. Decent shoes for reasonable money. The price/quality ratio is one of the best. In addition, they can be used in urban conditions as boots for bad weather - slush or severe frost.

Boots with a combined upper from Baffin with straps

The company has always produced a wide range of similar shoes and in a variety of designs. Anyone could choose what they needed - both in terms of use and in price. Shoes Squamish(photo 25), designed for severe frosts, I also purchased three years ago. This was inspired by the experience of my friends using these shoes. And the main thing here was that excellent frost protection is combined with good “breathing” properties. Using this model as an example, you can evaluate all the advantages and disadvantages of shoes of a similar design.

What are Squamish people like? The bottom is a fairly high shoe made of thick soft rubber with a good tread. The upper is a combination of leather elements and dense, with additional insulation on the inner surface, windproof nylon fabric. Inside there is a thermal insert. The boots are fixed on the leg with the help of two straps - one, with Velcro, covers the leg above the instep - it does the main fixation (photo 26), and the second, with a clasp, compresses the boot somewhere in the middle of the shin. The system is convenient and practical.

My boots claim frost resistance down to minus sixty. But, as is customary “in the civilized world,” in reality you need to divide by two, if you mean fishing specifically. And the boots can easily cope with frost down to -thirty, even with just one thermal sock. At least last year I spent the whole day ice fishing for trout (when there was a big run on Vuoksi) with a minimum of movement, i.e. they came, got drilled, stayed in place until the evening, and the legs were in perfect order, only the hands and the butt were frozen from the cold box. And the frost all day was minus 25 - 27°C.

What are the advantages of such models?

1. Thanks to their fixation system on the leg and loose overshoes, these boots are suitable for people with any type of foot. Both the width of the foot and the height of the instep are completely unimportant - anyone can fit in and tighten the straps so that it will be as comfortable as possible when moving.

2. Low weight. The earbuds weigh almost nothing, and so do the nylon parts. There is little left for the rest - rubber and leather.

3. High-quality thermal insulation. High-tech multi-layer liners Baffin(photo 27) are already good in themselves, plus on your sole there is additional help in the form of a serious layer of inert air, because Thick perforated honeycomb insoles are used (photo 28).

4. The nylon top “breathes” perfectly, releasing excess steam out with virtually no resistance. In the lower part, especially from the soles of the feet, excess moisture goes, if not up, then down - into the emptiness of the air pockets of the insoles.

5. A fairly comfortable last, softness and good anti-slip properties of the complex design of the sole make transitions very pleasant. At least 15 - 20 km per day is nothing. And any movements during fishing don’t bother you at all - you just don’t feel these shoes.

6. The sole area (photo 29) is significantly larger than that of many winter shoe models. These are like small snowshoes - they won’t save you on loose fresh snow, but on compacted and crusty snow they can noticeably reduce the “fallability”.

7. Drying the liners takes a minimum of time.

But there are also disadvantages, and one very serious one. These shoes are absolutely not designed for the conditions that we had in past winters: their moisture resistance is practically zero. If there is a centimeter-thick layer of water on the ice, then no matter what, the splashes are not so bad, although the top gradually gets wet. But if the water is higher than the galoshes, then immediately “alles kaput”. You will feel the water washing your feet in streams.

And second: nylon is a rather delicate material for shoes designed for extreme sports. For example, this is not so important to me, I am careful. But there are people who have talent: sometimes they run into a twig, sometimes they run into the knives of an ice drill. In this case, this is a sure repair.

Summary. Boots like this are undoubtedly a very good thing when used correctly. They are suitable for any fishing, both the most active and almost stationary. Ideal for those who travel far and long distances to fish in winter. For example, to Karelia for a week. In this case, you will not have to worry about the daily dryness of your shoes. And you won’t remember about tired legs. Foot type is not important. The main thing is important - under no circumstances use such boots when there is a noticeable amount of water on the ice. Frost - yes, water - no!

Rocky Ridge Top Hiker

The company has Rocky and here is such an interesting model (photo 30). And especially because it is on Gore-Tex. But let’s call it conditionally suitable for winter fishing. And then you will understand why.

Externally, these are the usual sports-tourist shoes, very comfortable, warm and waterproof. Most companies working in the outdoor industry have similar models, and, in principle, all of them can be considered structurally suitable for winter fishing in some conditions. There are either classic boots with a lower part in the form of a waterproof rubber shoe (Columbia, for example), or shoes with a membrane (Merrell and other companies). There is no need, nor is it even possible, to consider them all in this article, but using the example of this particular, very successful model - Ridge Top Hiker- you can get some idea about the advantages, disadvantages and specific scope of such shoes.

1. Being completely leather, the shoes, however, “breathe” very well. Not as much, of course, as textile-based models, but Gore-Tex still plays its role in the design. The usual test to make sure is to put disposable hospital shoe covers over your shoes and stay in it for a while at home - a decent amount of condensation will accumulate in the shoe covers. This means dry feet in all conditions. Under any load.

2. Really complete waterproofness. At least until the boots are worn to death. Thick skin only helps this, making them generally indestructible. This will not last forever, of course, over time any membrane dies, but for a couple of years it will remain in perfect order - with proper care, of course.

3. Very comfortable last, sufficient internal volume, low weight - comfortable condition of the foot for any duration of walking. A particularly soft and elastic heel, similar to the air or gel cushions used in sneakers, makes walking for many hours, even on asphalt, bare ice and rocks, completely tireless.

4. The protector (photo 31) bites to death into the slippery surface. It is difficult to find competitors in terms of clutch quality.

5. Long lacing will allow you to adjust these boots to any foot, with any instep.

6. Very high quality metal fittings for laces.

7. Appearance - very decent. The Ridge Top Hiker may well be considered as a city shoe, especially during problematic periods when there is a lot of water, heavy ice and other nasty things.

Well, the disadvantages.

1. The claim for frost resistance is very small - only minus five. Which is not surprising: the insulation layer (photo 32) is insignificant. But a membrane in combination with a good thick thermal sock will still allow you to fish in minimal frosts, and even more so during a thaw or in the off-season.

2. The low height of these boots - just above the ankle joints - will not allow the use of these shoes in deep snow, a solid layer of water on ice or when a strong downwind is blowing - penetration of all sorts of unpleasant sensations into the ankle area is guaranteed.

Summary. In itself, this is already a very good, extremely versatile and modern shoe at temperatures around zero degrees. With the widest scope of application. In our latitudes, the period of its active wearing can be up to four, or even five (as this year) months.

If we take fishing, then, definitely, these are boat trips in the cool season. And also fishing from ice at a time when high temperatures for winter are combined with perfectly smooth or almost clear ice without much snow or water on it, but access to the ice itself is not complicated by widespread banks. Such conditions are not so rare, especially in the spring or in the first time after freeze-up. The Ridge Top Hiker will be especially good at the height of spring, when morning frosts give way to real daytime warmth - and your feet begin to cook in frost-resistant boots. In moderate frosts, these shoes can be used for the road to the reservoir and many kilometers of walking on ice to the place, followed by changing into warm, dry boots.

Rocky Sport Utility Pro Max

An interesting model of warm leather shoes, which I became the owner of last year. As you can see (photo 33), these are typical trekking boots, but very plump, even massive. Which is no wonder, since this plumpness comes from powerful insulation.

These shoes are designed for use in fairly cold conditions. The claim for these bots is minus twenty, and I must say that this is the honest truth. I took it Utility Pro Max(Max means “long”), counting not only on fishing, but also as shoes for urban conditions, when frosts hit below thirty. And as you can see, they hit and didn’t go away, no matter how long the autumn was this year.

Have Rocky still simple Utility Pro, with a shorter shaft, but I took those that are noticeably higher. Still, longer boots are definitely better if the main purpose is fishing or hunting.

In addition to insulation with Thinsulate (photo 34), complete water repellency technology was also used. And while the boots are fairly new, there are no complaints about dry feet. Overall, I'm very pleased. And they cost quite reasonable money.

What are their main advantages?

1. Good frost protection. With one thermal sock at minus ten, you don’t even remember about your feet. If you add a woolen or fleece sock, then the application is completed without problems, especially if you move at least a little and do not sit at one point until the evening after a many-kilometer trek. This is also facilitated by the thick sole, which perfectly insulates the foot from the cold, and the additional insole made of foam material, and the very warm, tight-fitting tops, closed to the very top, directly warming your ankles (I have never experienced such sensations in any shoe before ). And when they are hot, it is easier to keep the feet themselves warm.

2. Water resistance is sufficient to constantly walk on snow, under which there are several centimeters of water slurry. The whole day I ran around the lake (photo 35), where there was from a centimeter to ten centimeters of water, I kept waiting for a little more and it would start to get damp. No, I didn't wait. But this is a normal phenomenon for leather shoes: if they are made correctly, then there is nothing supernatural here.

3. The most reliable fixation of the ankle, virtually eliminating twisting or dislocation when getting into an unpleasant position. The boot itself is quite rigid (photo 36), especially in the upper part. If you lace it tightly, the initial sensations are somewhat reminiscent of hockey skates or ski (snowboard) boots. You can walk everywhere. And the thickness and density of all parts is such that you don’t have to think about possible impact injuries.

4. The block is designed for long active movements and does not interfere at all with any other actions. Comfort is also facilitated by the aforementioned warm insole of a special sports profile, and the ultra-comfortable position of the foot in the boot - the foot is completely free (nothing is pinched anywhere, neither from the sides nor from above), but it does not dangle either. The very first fishing with long movements surprised me. Having accumulated three hours of just walking at a fast pace during the day, and periodically in the snow, at the end of the fishing I discovered that almost everything about me was tired, except for the feet themselves. Although the boots are not fluffy, powerful leather shoes a priori cannot be light.

5. I was also surprised by the moisture capacity. The inner layers of the boot (photo 37) absorb a very decent amount of sweat. A whole day of fishing with the most active movement does not lead to dampness, even if you are wearing only a thermal sock. There is no desire to change your shoes on the way home.

6. The sole with a soft rubber tread (photo 38) holds on ice quite well, unless it is clogged with sticky snow or frozen “porridge” (photo 39). The tread itself grips well to difficult surfaces when walking over rough terrain. I had to climb the slopes once in the winter forest behind Vuoksa - nothing, my foot never slipped.

7. Since this is a trekking shoe with full lacing, it is suitable for people with any foot parameters. With the help of laces, you can easily adjust these shoes to any height, to any ankle, to any volume of calf muscles.

But there are also disadvantages.

1. Periodically, serious and rather long drying is required. If you manage to catch them for a couple of days without any problems, then on longer fishing trips discomfort will set in, and drying such shoes on a hot radiator or stove, you understand, is not good - roughening of the skin cannot be avoided.

2. The lacing system is not the best. The elements, however, are reliable, but they are placed in such a way that they create the strongest friction when tightening the shoes. If it’s not scary when dressing warmly, then re-tightening frozen shoelaces with frozen hands, if anything, is not very pleasant and easy. And the laces themselves are somewhat under-laced and a little thin for such shoes, but this issue is not at all critical - you can change them if you wish in five minutes, which is what I did.

3. A large amount of “body kit” on the front of the boots (accessories with laces) when moving in frosty conditions through snow and water is subject to the inevitable formation of hard-to-remove ice in the form of large lumps. Although this is not critical, it is a little annoying when the weight of the boot begins to increase.

Summary. Excellent shoes for short fishing trips with any physical activity and with any distance and complexity of movement to the place, especially when there are a lot of hummocks, stones, and fallen trees. Fishing on snowmobiles. The optimal temperature regime is medium frost. They are perfect for baitfish and spinners, and smelt fish too. They are also not afraid of water. And you can wear them in the city, which is what I did in the severe frosts of early February.

When planning winter fishing, the closest attention should be paid to the selection of specialized equipment. Sports stores offer a wide range of footwear designed exclusively for fishing in winter - from traditional felt boots with galoshes to modern boots and winter boots.

Price range for winter shoes

Good shoes for fishing in winter should not only be comfortable and warm, but also functional. It should provide your feet with protection from low temperatures and moisture, and also have a dense sole with a deep tread, allowing you to feel confident on a slippery surface.

The stores stock winter shoes for fishing in various price categories. The cost can vary from several hundred rubles to ten thousand and more. Approximately the entire range can be divided into three classes.

From 300 to 1500 rubles

This class includes shoes from domestic and Chinese manufacturers. Among Russian-made products you can find shoes of fairly high quality, but you need to approach their choice extremely carefully.

First of all, you should pay special attention to the appearance of the shoes. They should not give the impression of being worn. The surface should be carefully inspected. Even small cracks should not be noticeable on it, stains of dried glue and burrs. After this, you need to check the quality of the seams. If there are no protruding thread ends, you can try choosing these boots.

It happens in different ways: among domestic shoes you may come across boots that can last for decades, but there are also those that will become unusable after the first fishing trip. The most common disadvantage of cheap Russian shoes is that they are quite heavy.

You should under no circumstances buy cheap shoes made in China: high-quality products are very rare among them.

From 1500 to 3500 rubles

Among the entire range of shoes for hunting and fishing in winter, which fall into the middle price range, shoes made in Poland from the Lemigo company are pleasantly surprising. They are lightweight, excellent in appearance, retain heat well, and your feet hardly sweat in them. But they also have one significant drawback - high fragility. When packing these boots into your backpack, you need to be careful not to bend the tops. Most often, creases obtained in this way cannot be straightened.

Domestic-made shoes are also found in this price category. Their main disadvantages are the same as those of more affordable ones - you can never be sure of their service life. True, among boots that are quite expensive for a Russian manufacturer, high-quality ones can be found much more often than among cheaper ones.

Over 3500 rubles

Well-known manufacturing companies offer their customers high-quality shoes made from modern materials. The advantages of fishing shoes from such famous brands in the upper price segment as Baffin, Irish Setter or Kamik are beyond doubt.

In the boots of these manufacturers yours your feet will always be warm and dry. Such a thing will not become unusable due to the slightest change in weather. These comfortable and lightweight boots can be used not only for winter fishing, but also for simple forest walks. Their cost, of course, is significantly higher than that of shoes from Polish and Russian manufacturers. But for your money you will get universal boots that will last for many years without any complaints.

Requirements for boots for winter fishing

Basic requirements for winter fishing shoes:

• Light weight. In winter, it is extremely difficult to walk through snowdrifts and deep snow to the place of future fishing with a backpack full of equipment. Therefore, despite the increased thickness of the sole and the presence of multi-layer insulation, such shoes should be light.
• Good grip on any surface. The sole should have a pronounced deep tread or a special stud that will not allow the shoe to slide on ice.
• Improved thermal insulation. High-quality, modern and properly selected insulation material should ensure heat retention during long periods of immobility.

When choosing and purchasing winter boots, be sure to You should pay attention to the following:

Product selection criteria

In order to adequately choose the right pair of shoes for winter fishing, you should take into account factors such as the intensity of the load and the distinctive features of weather conditions in the region of winter fishing.

Based on these indicators, Shoes for low temperatures are divided into the following types:

Review of popular models

The modern market provides a huge selection of winter fishing boots from various manufacturing companies. The most important parameters of purchased winter boots for fishing and hunting are durability, ease of use, and ease of maintenance. The design of the model also plays an important role.

Yeti

EVA boots. They have good shock-absorbing properties and do not lose elasticity at low temperatures. Capable of maintaining heat for a long period of time in the range of minus 60 degrees. Their advantages include: modern design, ease of wearing, increased wear resistance and low weight. Disadvantage - average grip on slippery surfaces.

The design of the boots guarantees protection from getting wet and sweating. The cuff on the boot is made of a special hydrophobic fabric. The material used in production is resistant to various solvents. The price of these boots is in the average range.

Torvi

High quality and comfortable boots made of ethylene vinyl acetate. The sole has a pronounced deep tread and a raised toe, which perfectly grips any slippery surface. The cellular structure of the sole removes excess moisture well.

The high and wide shaft ensures comfortable wear and functionality. The boots have a waterproof lace-up cuff.

The liner is made of heat-resistant multilayer material. It has a height slightly greater than the boot, which protects the foot from chafing. This liner should not be washed. Boots do not withstand exposure to high temperatures and the use of aggressive shoe care products.

The model belongs to the middle price range.

Norfin

Insulated, highly elastic winter boots for hunting and fishing for the temperature range from minus 30 to minus 50. The outsole is made of durable rubber, which provides increased protection from mechanical damage. The presence of a pronounced tread improves traction on slippery surfaces.

The cuff with a high rise and a comfortable boot last contribute to additional comfort when wearing these boots and do not impede blood circulation during prolonged high loads.

A high degree of thermal insulation is provided by removable three-layer inserts, the main components of which are foil and polyester.

A distinctive feature of these winter boots for fishing and hunting is an ergonomic push-button lock on the top of the boot and a protrusion on the heel, which makes it easy to remove the boots without using your hands.

These boots are in the mid-price category.

Hunting clothing, first of all, should be comfortable and practical. If you are going on a hunt where you will be walking a lot, you should take care of warm clothes that will keep you warm when stopping.

Also remember that silence when moving is important to you. After all, the slightest rustle can have a bad effect on the final result of the hunt. Therefore, most manufacturers sew clothes from elastic fabric that does not interfere or make a lot of noise when walking.

Pay attention to the presence of enough pockets so that you can take all the necessary things with you. Also choose a suitable camouflage color option. If it's winter, then you, of course, need white-gray or even pure white hunting clothing. Because in most cases you will need to get as close to the prey as possible, and this is only possible when you are well camouflaged.

Modern clothing for winter hunting is made mostly from synthetic materials with the addition of flax, cotton, wool, or coconut fibers.

This makes it quite durable. Sometimes it makes sense to think about clothes with special impregnations or membranes that will allow your body to breathe freely and protect from precipitation and insects.

Choosing shoes

Young hunters often choose the wrong winter boots. And her choice can directly affect the outcome of the hunt. After all, if your feet get cold or you feel very hot in your boots, it will distract your attention. And sometimes a split second is enough to miss the only opportunity to make a shot. Or, for example, if you put on boots with low tops, and the thaw begins and your feet get wet. This threatens not just the failure of the hunting campaign, but also a long-term illness. Therefore, before leaving the house, you need to pay attention to the selection of appropriate shoes.

It is better to take winter boots for hunting one or even two sizes larger. This will allow you to place a thick insole made of felt that retains heat well, and will also allow you to wear wool socks. Also make sure that the instep of the boot is the same as in everyday shoes. Then there will be no problems with removing wet boots, blood circulation will be as natural as possible, and your legs will not become numb. If you plan to hunt on foot, choose shoes made from lightweight materials that will allow you to walk long distances without getting tired.

Tarpaulin or cowhide boots

In mild frosts, cowhide or tarpaulin boots work well. They are worn with foot wraps and thick, warm insoles. That is why winter shoes for hunting are usually bought one or two sizes larger. It is also a common practice for the toes of boots to be impregnated with special shoe ointments or castor oil.

Modern models of winter boots are often made of thermoplastic elastomer. This material can withstand very low temperatures - down to -70 °C. In the area of ​​the boot, water-repellent fabric is sewn onto these boots for additional protection.

Winter hunting shoes should be quite high - about 40 cm. Modern models are often equipped with special multi-layer stockings. They are designed in such a way that their upper part is able to retain heat and absorb moisture, and inside there is special protection on the toes and heels that prevents chafing. The sole is made in a spike-shaped form, which prevents the foot from slipping on ice or dense crust.

Choosing felt boots

In general, felt boots are considered a classic in severe frosts. They are selected so that they do not rub your feet and do not restrict movement - strictly in size. Just in case, they go hunting in already worn shoes, in order to be sure to avoid chafing and to feel more comfortable.

Under no circumstances wear black felt boots when hunting in winter - they will unmask you against the background of the surrounding white snow.

Also, do not wear too high warm shoes - this will make movement difficult and make hunting more difficult. To protect yourself from snow getting inside your felt boots, you can pull your trousers over the top. If a thaw is expected, a piece of felt cut to the size of the foot is sewn onto the sole. The space between it and the felt boots can be filled with a leather or rubber insole.

The national shoes of the northern peoples - high boots, ichigi, and torbaza - performed well during winter hunting. But in any case, when choosing winter shoes, you should focus on the climatic features of the area.

Special hunting shoes

Shoes made specifically for winter hunting have much better properties and characteristics compared to ordinary warm shoes. Models have been developed that can withstand even 60-degree frost. Modern shoes include several layers, are combined from different materials, and are protected with evasive inserts and insulating structures. This is a technically complex and rather expensive product.

Typically, the top layer is leather that has undergone special treatment, microporous or foam rubber, or other advanced waterproof materials. The tops are often reinforced with durable inserts to support the ankle when moving in the mountains or over rough terrain.

The most difficult thing is developing a functional sole. It can combine layers of rubber, plastic, rubber, leather, metal, thermal insulation material, etc. The trend in recent years has been the placement of air-filled structures in the sole that retain heat and are well cushioned.

To prevent slipping, the outer layer of the sole of modern shoes is composed of rubber of various textures and densities. Also, sometimes spikes or replaceable attachments are used for reliable adhesion to any surface: snow, ice, crust, sand, mud, swamp, etc. To reduce slip, plasticizers and soot additives are used.

Insoles with linings also play a big role. They are designed to insulate, wick away moisture and allow your feet to breathe. An important factor in the development of winter hunting equipment is the feeling when worn. Shoes should be light, comfortable and durable so that you can walk in them for a long time.

If you want the hunt to be successful, choose your clothes and shoes very carefully. This could be the key to the success of your hunting campaign.