Top 5 Best Ice Fishing Boots in 2021: Buying Guide and Reviews
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Fishing in cold weather is no easy task. To enjoy this sport, you have to be tough, and your gear has to be tougher. It is vital to have the right footwear, especially in the colder, winter months.
If you plan to spend hours waiting for the right catch, it is essential to be prepared with outfitting that will keep you warm and dry.
We have put together a list of the best ice fishing boots to make the search for the right pair a little bit easier. For each item, you can read a little about their features, the pros and cons, and what other ice fishers have to say
Top 5 Rated Model Comparison Table
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Best Ice Fishing Boots Review: Our Top 5 Picks
Ice Fishing is a sport that requires top of the line equipment. If your shoes or your protective clothing fails you, it can be disastrous.
The proper footwear for ice fishing is essential. The right pair will ensure that you do not have to deal with any significant problems while you are trekking through deep snow and treacherous conditions.
These companies below have designed products so you can have the optimal experience in any frozen terrain.
No matter where your adventures take you, you will feel protected with the Wolf boot from Baffin. This pair provides the right balance between warmth, protection, and grip. They are relatively lightweight, without sacrificing durability.
Features
The Wolf Boot from Baffin is 100% Timberwold leather and 900 double woven nylon.
There is a dual buckle system to add support and ensure that they stay free of ice and snow. Just in case those buckles are not enough to keep out the cold, there is a locking snow collar for dredging through deep snow.
A five-later inner boot system incorporates a cold-resistant EVA compound and Thermoplush for added warmth.
Pros
- Slip Resistant
- Durable
- Large buckles straps for easy tightening
- Warm in freezing conditions
- Insulation is easy to remove
- Not too heavy
Cons
- Toes may get cold
- Sizes run small
Customer Sentiments
These have proven themselves as incredibly durable, protective, and perfect for ice fishing.
Customers recommend buying a size up because these run small. Most reviewers that have bought their standard size say that their toes tend to get cold as they are pressed up against the front of these boots.
Features
The 5-millimeter neoprene is comfortable and provides waterproofing. This material is flexible, absorbs shocks, and provides protection against wear. The soles adjust to the shape of your foot to prevent blisters and chafing.
These are entirely waterproof, and the traction is suitable for slippery and uneven terrain.
Equipped with a 12-millimeter thermal foam underlay, these boots keep your feet extra warm.
Pros
- Built-in insulation
- Durable
- Comfortable and flexible
- Excellent waterproofing
- Traction for slippery terrain
Cons
- The material is slightly stiff
- Sizes may run large
Customer Sentiments
The insulation is built straight in, and there is no removable liner, which can make drying more difficult. Customers recommend a larger size because most like to use thicker socks in cold weather.
This coverage is tall, so they keep your calves warm and protected.
Ice fishing is a sport where you need waterproofing boots that will keep you warm and stable on slippery terrain.
Features
These are insulated, waterproof, and windproof. The drawstrings and hook-and-loops are there for adjusting the size and locking out the snow. There is a 13mm ThermoPlus felt inner lining equipped with Omni-Heat reflective coating.
The outsole is handcrafted waterproof vulcanized rubber with Sorel aero-trac non-loading. The boot shaft is 12 ¼ inches in height with a 17 ¼ inch circumference (based on size nine). These have a temperature rating of -100.
Pros
- These have a sleek design
- Warm
- Removable felt inner boot with Omni-heat lining
- Waterproof
Cons
- These boots run small
- Too warm to wear indoors
Customer Sentiments
Reviews report that these boots even keep feet warm in a -72 windchill. No matter how deep the snow may get, these will protect your legs. Customers claim that they are warm even when only wearing regular tube socks.
Try not to be fooled by the product name; these Giant Timber boots are not only recommended for hunting but also ice fishing and other winter sports that require heavy-duty footwear. If you are looking for durable, comfortable, and warm boots, these insulated boots will work for your ice-fishing endeavor.
Features
This pair offers a 1,400 gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation for trapping in the heat and ensuring warmth no matter how long you are waiting for the perfect catch.
The Waterproof HydroGuard membrane locks out snow and ice, even when trekking through deep snow or water. If your feet are so warm that they sweat, ScentMask helps keep out the odor. An EVA insole provides comfort and bounce.
The outer sole is oil-resistant, so provides top of the line traction even if you have worn them at work or in conditions other than snow or ice.
The inside of these boots provides security and insulation. The added tongue and collar protect your lower legs from abuse.
These boots work to keep your feet at the perfect temperature with a breathable wicking mesh lining.
Pros
- The tall shaft that provides bottom leg protection
- Plenty of room for wide feet inside of the boot
- Warm and thick insulation
- Affordable
- Lightweight when walking
Cons
- Restocking fee
Customer Sentiments
Customers say that these boots are perfect for when they have to walk through deep snow or stand outside for a long time, whether they are hunting or if they are ice fishing.
These Kamik Cold Weather boots are available in three colors: all-black, black with charcoal uppers, and all-charcoal. They are not very tall but are warm for standing in frigid temperatures for a long period.
Features
Kamik's cold weather boots are made in the USA. They come with a synthetic rubber sole and waterproof upper featuring.
These are equipped with a thick waterproof rubber outsole with a grippy tread. The lower part of the boots is also rubber. The shaft is 14.5 inches tall and made of water-resistant 600D nylon uppers. The inside of these boots has an 8mm thick thermal liner that you can remove with ease.
Pros
- Affordable so that you can spend money on other gear
- The liner is easy to dry
- They are easy to take on and off
- The outsole provides good traction
- Long-lasting quality
- The thermal guard liner increases warmth
Cons
- The pair of boots is stout and may not be suitable for hiking through deep snow
- The fit is large
- Restocking fee
- Water may leak into boots because of their height.
Customer Sentiments
Some reviewers have stated that these boots leak after long days of mucking through pools of water. Reviews say that they are not suitable for temperatures under -0 Fahrenheit.
Some customers note that these have served their purpose for ice fishing, while others recommend looking elsewhere.
These boots are practical and affordable but are not ideal for deep snow trekking, or wading through freezing water.
What to Look for in Ice Fishing Boots
Traction
Ice is slippery; one of the most important factors to consider when buying new ice-fishing boots is traction. Boots that lack grip may be the cause of injury.
If you find boots that are perfect in every way except for traction, you can find a simple solution in crampons. Applying and buying crampons can be a pain, and it is best to have boots that will keep you standing on ice. You want to have boots with excellent traction and grip.
Insulation
Whenever you are partaking in an outdoor activity in frigid temperatures, staying warm is critical. You need footwear that will keep you warm and dry. Ideally, boots for ice fishing will have insulation. Sometimes the inner layer is removable, which will extend the lifespan of your shoes.
We recommend warm insulation of anywhere from 200-400 grams.
Waterproofing/ Snow-proofing
No matter how insulated your boots may be, they won't work if a waterproof material does not protect them. Once your feet get wet, they could freeze, especially if you are walking long distances to your destination. The outer cover should extend over the top of your foot and up the lower part of your leg and be able to keep out deep snow.
Boots must keep out these elements so that your feet stay dry even if you step in the occasion puddle. If snow or icy water is penetrating flooding around your feet, you will not be comfortable and will put yourself at risk of getting frostbite.
Fitting
Most people who venture out into winter conditions will choose to wear thick socks, or maybe even two pairs. It is crucial to buy boots that are looser than tighter because when your toes will press against the front of the boot, they will be colder, and the blood will be restricted.
Durability
Ice-fishing boots are an investment, boots that only last for one season are not worth the price. You need a pair of boots that are rugged enough to stand the test of time, even in the harshest conditions. You want to choose high-quality boots made out of the right materials.
Big brand names offer some assurance as they typically only use top-of-the-line materials in production. Many brands also provide a warranty, which is always a good deal.
FAQs about Ice Fishing Boots
1. Why Do I Need Special Ice Fishing Boots? Can't I Wear My Regular Winter Boots?
While many people may try to get away with wearing standard snow boots, it is not a good idea. The results could be devastating and even fatal.
Anyone who fishes in any condition knows that you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. Ice-fishing is the same, and typically the wait is long and in frigid conditions.
Ice fishing boots need to be well insulated, waterproof, and weatherproof. They should also be well insulated to keep you warm for long periods. You need the right amount of traction to avoid injury.
2. Do I Need Crampons on My Ice-fishing Boots?
The answer to this depends on what kind of boots you have. To determine whether or not you need crampons, you should look at the sole of the shoes. Some ice fishing boots will have enough traction/grip and will eliminate the need for crampons.
Whether or not you need additional crampons depends on how serious of the terrain that you will be venturing into you. If you are going to be standing on very slippery ice, these could be a good investment.
3. Are Most Ice Fishing Boots Unisex, or Should I Buy Specifically Male or Female
Most of these boots include "Men's" in the title, but many reviewers are women and have stated that they work very well for their ice fishing purposes. You want boots that are wider anyway, to make room for thick or additional socks you may wear as an extra layer of warmth.
What Is the Verdict?
All factors considered, the number one best boot for ice fishing that we would recommend is the Sorel Men's Blizzard Xt-m Snow Boots. Not only do these stand up against a -72 degree windchill, but they are proven to lockout deep snow and penetrating water. We would trust these for a long day out on the ice.
