Thread: Winter boots

Originally Posted by Logistics

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So, my question is, do any of you have a boot you would recommend for winter work boots, preferably waterproof and keep your feet rather warm?

More than anything shop for quality socks. Good socks and waterproofing
(Silicone Boot dressig) make most any sturdy well fit work boot warm.
Changing socks half way through the day in the dead of winter or heat of
the summer always helped. Tight fitting boots are cold so are sloppy fitting boots.

In my Wyoming winters inexpensive "packs" were a must for serious
cold and ice fishing. Slush and spring mud was so much colder than 40 below.
Redwings worked well for me.... llbean.com and cabela.com have always
had some decent hunting boots. Check and see if they have a year end sale....

Safety toe?

What do folks around you wear. The little cowtowns
in AZ, CO and WY always had what I needed when the
city did not.

I won't spend time in the cold without my plastic boots. You can't beat double plastics for warmth and stability (at least not when you're on a budget). When the temps really plummet, don't forget the overboots or supergaiters as well.

My boots are Lowa Civettas. They took a while to get used to the stiffness when hiking, but it's worth it. My feet have never been cold, and the stiff platform saves your calves when the going gets steep. These boots kick some serious ice.

Here they are in action, paired with my friend's Darts (I was giving my spikes a break).


Probably a bit overkill for general work, though.

Personally, I would not wear mountaineering boots on a job site. The best work boots I have had (and still have) are a pair of Redwings Pecos.

Originally Posted by AnarchoPhil

Personally, I would not wear mountaineering boots on a job site. The best work boots I have had (and still have) are a pair of Redwings Pecos.

I agree. It's all about the right tool for the job.

I have a friend who's been a surveyor most of his life. Until recently, his outdoor clothing consisted of Carhartts, Filson oil cloth, and leather work boots. Since he started climbing, he quickly learned that his work clothes don't cut it in the mountains (too stiff, heavy, and stifling). What's really funny, is that now you are more likely to see him surveying in his Arc'teryx softshell and his Alsolo or Koflach boots than his old work clothing. The simple reason being that these modern layers are more comfortable to wear. He still keeps his old stuff on hand for times he doesn't want to trash his good clothing, of course.

Thanks for all the replies. It appears I will be trying on some boots here soon to see what feels best.

I actually work in the foothills for satellite company/TV origination and I spend a good deal of time outside in the elements during inclement weather.

I am just looking for boots that will be rugged, warm and waterproof. In some areas of my work we have concrete pads for the antennas that have bolts fixed in it for future use thus having the steel or reinforced toe is key for when walking in the deep snow when you cant see them. I already have all my waterproof gear needed including knee high gators. It's just these boots I have are falling apart and I need something better.

Again, thank you for all your replies.

Originally Posted by Logistics

Thanks for all the replies. It appears I will be trying on some boots here soon to see what feels best.

I actually work in the foothills for satellite company/TV origination and I spend a good deal of time outside in the elements during inclement weather.

I am just looking for boots that will be rugged, warm and waterproof. In some areas of my work we have concrete pads for the antennas that have bolts fixed in it for future use thus having the steel or reinforced toe is key for when walking in the deep snow when you cant see them. I already have all my waterproof gear needed including knee high gators. It's just these boots I have are falling apart and I need something better.

Again, thank you for all your replies.

Cabelas has boots that would fit your useage. Cabelas.com

I just bought some winter boots along with a Columbia 3 system jacket ( shell, liner, and down) I got a pair of oiled leather Clarks, there not hardcore but for winter in NJ, they work great, I oiled them down even further with a heavy coating of mink oil to waterproof naturally.

Clarks are extremely extremely comfortable shoes.

I don't hike too often but my inlaws do in the Whites (NH)


cheers
David

I had been wearing a pair of black Doc Marten boots for years, but after exposing the soles to grease or something, they began to crack and eventually split right at the point where they naturally bend during a step.

I could have had them repaired, but instead I garbaged them, 'cause my mom bought me a like-new pair of the original 'Made in England' boots at a second-hand store. I say "like-new," but aside from them not having the original box, these things are new, as far as I can tell. No wear whatsoever. Price? Four dollars! Also, the leather in these is more comfortable than any pair of Docs I've ever owned. Canada has some of the worst winters out there, so believe me when I say they're more than adequate.

L.L. Bean out of Freeport, ME. They make a great product with a great guarantee. If you don't feel you've gotten your money's worth they'll replace them -- no matter how long you've had them. As an amusing aside, out of the first 100 boots old man Bean sold, 99 were replaced. They've improved considerably since then.