Fishing in the ice is quite an adventurous sport, and if you’re visiting North America in the winter, you’ll surely want to enjoy it.
To be able to do that, you’ll need a sturdy pair of boots that’ll ensure a smooth fishing trip.
In this article, we’re going to discuss some of the best ice fishing boots on the market.
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Comparison of the Best Ice Fishing Boots
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Will Any Boots Work For Ice Fishing?
You can’t use any kind of boots for ice fishing due to several reasons. Those that are made specifically for ice fishing have certain features that make them special. For example, they are much thicker to provide better insulation, so your feet don’t freeze in the cold.
Another thing they are crucial for is their ability to help you stay upright instead of slipping on the ice. This is possible because of their sturdy soles and deep tracks.
They will also keep your feet dry in case you step into the water. All these characteristics need to be taken into account when going ice fishing. Therefore, you cannot just rely on any kind of boots.
How to Choose Ice Fishing Boots
If you want to make the right choice in purchasing a pair of excellent ice fishing boots, there are some factors you’ll need to keep in mind. These will help your boots last longer and ensure you got the best out of your money. So let’s get into them.
Boot Insulation
This is one of the most important characteristics. You’ll have to spend long hours in the cold when fishing, therefore, it is wise to keep your feet warm and, thus, your entire body warm.
Depending upon how harsh the weather is, different types have different layers of insulation. You’ll need a warmer pair for a much cooler environment.
Boot Stiffness
The more rigid your boots, the longer they will last. They’ll also keep pressure off of your body and function better on rough surfaces. Rubber options can be flimsy and bend easily, therefore, they won’t be handy for too long.
Material and Durability
You’ll need to check whether you need some made of synthetic materials, leather, or rubber. The material determines longevity. Leather will give you the best out of your money and will last the longest.
Whether They Are Waterproof
You want them to be comfortable. There’s always the risk of wetting your boots in ice, so you want to buy waterproof boots.
Size
Since you’ll be wearing socks underneath, you’ll need to size up. If you plan on getting thicker socks, order a size or two up.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
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Insulation: The type and weight of the insulation measured in grams (g) or millimeters (mm). Higher numbers indicate thicker and warmer insulation.
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Material: The materials of both the external portions of the boot and the inner liner.
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Waterproof: Whether the boot can prevent water from seeping through the outer materials.
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Temperature Rating °F: The lowest recommended temperature the boots are made to withstand while still protecting your feet.
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Height: How high the boot comes up on the leg. Can be measured in inches or indicated by where the boot ends, such as mid-calf or ankle.
Review of the Best Ice Fishing Boots
If you have finally decided to purchase these boots, congratulations! We will now move on to review the top-recommended options on the market.
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty details that will certainly help you out in making the best decision and eliminate any confusion that you may otherwise have.
Best Overall:Muck Boot Arctic Winter Boot
PROS
- Quite light weight and flexible
- Completely waterproof, making them ideal to use around the ice
- Can be used in temperatures as low as -40 to -60 degrees Fahrenheit
- Made with a 2 mm thermal foam for additional insulation and warmth
- Sole is made of rubber, giving you steady traction especially on slippery ice
CONS
- Size range is quite narrow
- Since they are made of rubber, their flexibility can reduce their longevity
What Recent Buyers Report
It would be an understatement to claim that users really like their Muck boots. They are quite comfortable and keep your feet warm for a long time. Their ruggedness increases their longevity and aptness for rough, icy surfaces. All in all, users highly recommend them and find it a great idea to give them as a present as well. Why it Stands Out to Us
The Muck boots have been here for a while and have made their name on the market. Users trust the brand for good reason. With a thick layer of foam-padded at the sole of the boot, you can be assured that your feet will stay warm in very low temperatures and for long time periods.
Who Will Use This Most
Since the shaft measures up to 14.5 inches, the boots can go up as high as your knees. This makes them suitable in deep snow or water, especially since they are 100% waterproof as well. They can also be used in temperatures as low as -40 to -60 degrees Fahrenheit, so they are a good option for ice fishing or hunting in the snow.
Bottom Line
Made to be rugged, durable, and warm, the Muck winter pair is rated the best for ice fishing. You wouldn’t need to worry about getting a new pair for a couple of years and practically do anything in the ice or snow for as long as you like!
Product Specs
Insulation:
2mm of thermal foam under footbed
Material:
Outer: Rubber & 5 mm Neoprene Inner: Fleece Lining
Waterproof?
Yes
Temperature Rating °F:
-40 °F to 40 °F
Height:
High above the ankle
Runner-up:Baffin Men’s All-Weather Boot
PROS
- Come with excellent traction and grip
- Quite lightweight, soft, and comfortable
- Removable liners and hooks make it easy to pull them out
- Made with 100% leather for increased durability and a good look
- Sole is made with advanced thermo-set polymers for added warmth and comfort
CONS
- Some people find these too expensive
- Usually, run a size small so you might want to size up when purchasing
What Recent Buyers Report
One of the most durable products anyone has used, these all-weather boots are popular among many users. Many buyers have reported that they have been using them in rugged conditions for more than five years and couldn’t be happier. They highly recommend these for their longevity and ability to withstand low temperatures.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These are surprisingly made with the latest technology. They are made of fabric and leather, and the sole is foam-based, which increases its warmth threefold. The sole is quite rigid to prevent slippage, but at the same time, it is soft and comfortable. They truly give you exceptional grip and warmth, all together.
Who Will Use This Most
Made with new technology, these are rugged enough to withstand temperatures as low as -94 Fahrenheit. They also reach up to your knees so you can get into the deep layers of snow with them. Unlike many snow boots, there is a wide range of sizes available in these.
Bottom Line
Featuring top-notch leather and fabric, these boast a sleek look while providing ultimate comfort. If you can’t find your size in other options, these are a great fit. They’ll not only last you a long time but will also help you stay warm in the coolest temperatures.
Product Specs
Insulation:
800g insulation
Material:
Outer: Hardy Timberwolf leather and Diamond-Lite insulated nylon upperInner: PolyWool polyester wool blend
Waterproof?
Yes
Temperature Rating °F:
-94°F
Height:
12.5″
Best for the Money:Silentcare Men’s Snow Boots
PROS
- Lined with artificial fur to keep your feet warm
- Completely water-resistant, which adds to the durability
- A reflective stripe at the back enables them to be used in the dark as well
- Zipper on the sides instead of laces, so they are quicker and easier to put on
- Toe cap has protection so that your toe is not hurt (for example, when you kick a rock)
CONS
- Quite stiff and not flexible
- Zipper breaks with a few uses
What Recent Buyers Report
Being one of the cheapest options, these are a popular choice among buyers. They not only look fashionable, but the fur inside makes them extremely warm and comfortable. Also, they are made of tough material to last for several months.
Why it Stands Out to Us
These may look cute but are quite rugged. They are water-resistant to help keep your feet dry, have zippers on the side for your ease, and toe protection so that your toe does not get injured if you hit something. With everything you need for ice fishing, these boots are a steal at such a low price.
Who Will Use This Most
If you’re bad at tying laces or are always in a hurry, these are a good choice for you. Since they are ankle boots, they are best used on ice and not necessarily in deep snow. Plus, being water-resistant makes them suitable on watery surfaces.
Bottom Line
All in all, if you’re just looking for a pair of boots for a vacation or don’t want to invest a great deal of money into them, then these are a good option. They’ll keep you warm and help you fish in the ice without you having to break the bank!
Product Specs
Insulation:
Fully Fur lined
Material:
Outer: Rubber Inner: Fur lined
Waterproof?
Yes
Height:
Ankle
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Warmest Ice Fishing Boots:Baffin Men’s Impact Insulated Boot
PROS
- Come in two different colors/designs
- A snow collar to prevent snow from gathering inside
- Features an 8-layer inner boot system with Thermaplush
- Made to be quite durable and can last for more than 20 years
- Can keep you warm in temperatures as low as -148 degrees Fahrenheit
CONS
- Top part of the boot is not waterproof
- Built to be a size down so you’ll need to size up when purchasing
What Recent Buyers Report
These boots have exceeded buyers’ expectations. Many users found the whole purchasing experience quite joyful. They say it is easy to order them, and everything from the packaging to customer service was great. Users also love that they last a long time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Baffin has built these boots to absolute perfection. The 8 layers of Thermaplush insulation make them ultra-comfortable and give the ability to be worn in extremely low temperatures.
When it comes to the sole, it is the only part of the boot that is waterproof. The G-flex midsole is made with flexible rubber while the outsole increases the boot’s traction and grip. All of this makes this the perfect boot for ice fishing.
Who Will Use This Most
If you’re going to, say, Alaska in the winter, you’d definitely be facing very low temperatures, and for that, you would need durable boots. Without a doubt, this is one of the warmest pairs you can get that’ll keep your feet insulated as low as -148 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bottom Line
To sum up, if you’re looking for a product that’ll last you a long while and you wouldn’t need to invest in another pair for at least two more decades, you need to invest in these. Trust us when we tell you that they are the warmest, most comfortable ones on the market!
Product Specs
Insulation:
Double B-Tek
Material:
Outer: NylonInner: PolyWool polyester wool blend
Waterproof?
Yes
Temperature Rating °F:
-148ºF
Height:
15″
Best Women’s Ice Fishing Boots:Columbia Women’s Ice Maiden II
PROS
- Lightweight as well as water-resistant
- Made with high-quality leather and rubber
- Features 200 grams of insulation for maximum warmth
- Promises advanced traction with their signature Omni-GRIP
- Has a soft faux fur collar so that snow does not get inside
CONS
- Design is not the best for unisex use
- Some users have complained that they aren’t waterproof
What Recent Buyers Report
Women, in particular, are quite happy that there is a pair of ice fishing boots designed especially for them. Unlike other choices, these ones aren’t too heavy, so you won’t feel like you’re carrying a cast around. The best part is that they look good with any outfit!
Why it Stands Out to Us
These are quite versatile, but that’s not the only thing we love about them. Columbia’s exquisite Omni-GRIP technology uses a multi-zone tread pattern to assure the right grip for any kind of surface, no matter how rough or rugged. This technology makes these boots perfect for icy and snowy surfaces and ensures no slipping!
Who Will Use This Most
The style and design is targeted at women. These are very comfortable and durable. If you’re planning on visiting a place with uneven ice or going inside a glacier, these are perfect for you as they have the best traction.
Bottom Line
These are some of the best, and we particularly love how they perform in rugged terrains. They are warm, water-resistant, and comfortable, so there isn’t much else you’d want in a cold-weather boot. So don’t sleep on these, and get them today!
Product Specs
Insulation:
200g insulation
Material:
Outer: Leather & TextileInner: Microfleece & faux-fur ruff
Waterproof?
Yes
Temperature Rating °F:
-25ºF
Height:
Mid-calf
Best Baffin Ice Fishing Boots:Baffin Men’s Wolf Snow Boot
PROS
- Made with 100% Nylon and leather
- Come with 7 layers of inner boot insulation
- Provides excellent grip and is quite durable and efficient
- A snow collar with a drawstring so they can be closed off
- Lined with velvet-smooth Thermaplush for added warmth
CONS
- Some people find that water does seep inside these
- Many users have complained about their customer service
What Recent Buyers Report
At this price, users are extremely impressed with these boots. Lightweight and comfortable, they do exactly what they’re meant for. Most importantly, they last for years so you wouldn’t need to invest in a new pair any time soon. Buyers highly recommend these.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We have listed 3 Baffin products in this article for a reason – they never disappoint. With the Wolf Snow Boot, Baffin has chosen leather and Nylon for ultimate protection and design.
These have excellent traction and are quite rugged. They have a snow collar with a drawstring, so you needn’t worry about snow seeping into your feet.
Who Will Use This Most
Baffin’s Wolf Snow Boots can tolerate temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. They are great for ice fishing but are multi-purpose and can be used on any snowy or icy surfaces. They cover your leg almost up to the knee, as well as their shaft measures about 11 inches from the arch.
Bottom Line
These are Baffin’s finest boots. This brand is a reliable one, and this product, in particular, is at the top with a very impressive build. With velvet-smooth Thermaplush and 7 layers of inner boot insulation, you’re guaranteed maximum warmth and comfort. At such a reasonable price, these are definitely worth purchasing.
Product Specs
Insulation:
B-Tek Heat lightweight, 4-channel hollow-fibre insulation
Material:
Outer: 900 Denier nylon & leather Inner: PolyWool lining
Waterproof?
Yes
Temperature Rating °F:
-40ºF
Height:
13″
Best Muck Ice Fishing Boots:Muck Boot Men’s Arctic Pro Hunting Boot
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PROS
- Heavy-duty boots, best for -50°C to -1°C
- Made of 8mm neoprene (thermoset plastic)
- Height of 17 inches and additional rear pull loops
- Durable fleece lining and extra thermal foaming inside
- Extremely lightweight and contain EVA midsole cushioning
CONS
- Not available in half sizes in larger ranges
What Recent Buyers Report
Customers are highly satisfied with the product due to its lightweight and flexible manufacturing. According to many ice hunters, the boots are very soft and comfortable and also provide good warmth due to the two-millimeter thermal foam inside. Moreover, many people used them during ice shoveling as well and loved how they kept the feet warm.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Muck ice fishing boots stand out to us because of their extraordinary design and features. They are 17 inches long and waterproof and have heat retention and shock-proof properties that make them even more worthy of buying.
The boots can provide warmth even in extreme temperatures of about -50°C to -1°C. They also come with an extra thermal foam of a two-millimeter that helps in the provision of extra warmth.
These ice fishing boots are manufactured with a stretch-fit comfortable body that can fit in anyone’s feet and has a good flexible nature due to the eight-millimeter of neoprene. It also has a super tough and durable bob-tracker outsole.
Bottom Line
To summarize, these Muck ice fishing boots are worth the money as you can use them comfortably during ice hunting. The boots are known for their durability feature, with the fleece lining also being highly durable.
Product Specs
Insulation:
2 mm thermal foam under the footbed
Material:
Outer: 8mm Neoprene Inner: Flece lining
Waterproof?
Yes
Temperature Rating °F:
-60 °F to 30 °F
Height:
17″
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Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Ice fish hunting is the coldest sport of all. Such sports need extra protection and comfort. Some potential aspects that a person should consider before buying a convenient pair of boots for this sport are;
Insulation
The primary aspect to consider is good insulation. Ice fishing involves extreme frigid weather, and for that, every part of your body should be well-insulated. Insulated boots keep your feet warm and dry regardless of how low the temperature drops.
Waterproof
It is necessary to ensure that your feet stay dry. For that, it’s important for the boots to be waterproof, and the water shouldn’t seep inside. Dry feet would help you to comfortably complete the fishing expedition.
Height and Weight
You have to walk or stand for several hours, so the boots should be lightweight and comfortable. Similarly, the boots should be long enough to reach your calf, especially if you are heading for dense snow.
Material
The material of the boots also has great importance. You should purchase boots that last for long and are made of durable material, like neoprene rubber, synthetic fabric, or leather.
What Materials Are Ice Fishing Boots Made of?
The boots’ material is of particular significance, and it can have a great impact on how your fishing trip goes. The boots should be well-insulated, soft from the inside, comfortable, lightweight, and spacious enough for socks. Below are some materials used to manufacture good ice fishing boots.
Neoprene
Neoprene boots belong to the synthetic plastic family. This material is used in combination with fabric for better fitting and comfort. It is considered great in terms of waterproof, heat-retaining qualities, and it makes the boots flexible.
Rubber
Rubber is well-known for its water-resistant properties and flexibility. Boots made from rubber outsole are considered ideal for icy areas because of their excellent grip and fine traction design. The inner linen might be a concern with this material, so you need to be mindful of that.
Synthetics
This category includes nylon and polyester boots that are lighter than their rubber and leather counterparts. Synthetic materials often tend to be lighter and more flexible, which adds to the ease of wearing.
Leather
Some buyers also prefer leather boots because they give protection, stiffness, rigidity, and a fine look all at the same time. Leather is also considered a warm material and provides good waterproof properties as well.
Types of Boots for Ice Fishing
Ice fishing boots are of different kinds. The most common ones that you’ll come across are:
Pac Boots
For ice anglers, this type of boot is pretty common. Pac boots have a waterproof base while leather, nylon, or other fabrics are added to the rubber outsole to keep feet dry. Laces, buckles, zippers, or a mixture of these locking devices are used for the fastening structures.
There are also interchangeable liners in Pac boots, a convenient design that will speed up drying and an advantage if you tend to go on multi-day journeys.
Insulated Rubber Boots
As the name suggests, these boots are entirely made of rubber, making them extremely waterproof. They also have excellent insulation, which provides considerable warmth. In addition, they have deep tractions for a better grip on snow.
However, the breathability of insulated rubber boots is not so good, and you might end up with more perspiration and sweaty feet. Despite that, they are more affordable as compared to other types, which is why every angler can benefit from having a pair.
Insulated Hunting Boots
This type is well-known for its extraordinary features and functions. The lacing systems, support manufacture, and comfortable fitting make hunting boots exceptionally suitable for anglers who do a lot of walking. You’ll embrace the comfy, protected fit of hunting boots if you drill hundreds of holes and hole-hop for most of the day.
For superior moisture management and protection from precipitation to keep feet dry, strong hunting boots feature waterproof, durable fabrics, like Gore-Tex. Hunting boots come in varying heights; eight-inch boots can be considered a baseline for ice fishing purposes, but 15-inches or higher would have better insulation and protection in thick snow.
Ice Fishing Boots Comparison
Among various varieties of ice fishing boots, some are compared below to help you out in finding the best one for yourself.
Sorel Caribou vs Muck Boots Ice Fishing
The major difference between both the boots is their flexibility. Muck boots are made of eight-millimeter neoprene, while Sorel Caribou is made of leather and fabric, making the former more flexible. However, both of them have a rubber sole.
Moreover, Muck boots are made of 2000g Thinsulate while Sorel caribou is made of 400g Thinsulate, so the former provides more insulation.
Lastly, Sorel Caribou are heavy due to their material, while Muck boots are far lighter and easier to carry.
Muck Arctic Ice vs Arctic Pro
Arctic Pro is an advanced version of the Arctic Ice. The latter is manufactured with a five-millimeter CR flex-foam bootie, including four-way stretch nylon, while Arctic Pro has the same definition, but CR flex-foam is of eight-millimeter.
Both pairs come with a claim of 100% waterproof material, are lightweight, and have outstanding flexibility. They are best in the range of -40°F to -60°F and provide excellent warmth in these extreme temperatures.
How to Clean Ice Fishing Boot Liners
Ice fishing boots provide good warmth and look great, but after just one fishing trip, they’ll get extremely dirty, which can decrease their lifespan. Therefore, you need to clean them frequently to maintain their look and quality.
For ice boots liners, dryers and washers are not suitable, and direct heat sources are also not appropriate as they can affect their quality. To dry the inner linings of the boots, you can use boot dryers.
If the liners are not removable;
- Use a piece of newspaper, make a ball and stuff it inside the boot to absorb all the moisture from the liners.
- The liners with multiple layers should only be cleaned with a damp cloth and then with a boot dryer.
- After that, place the boots in a cool and dark place for the next use. If you store them in boxes, they would end up smelly because of a lack of ventilation.
For the removable liners:
- Take out the liners gently from the boot shell.
- Wash them with cold soapy water or with any mild detergent.
- Wash them with clean cold water and let them dry outside.
- Warm water may deform your liner so avoid that. Also, avoid drying liners under direct sunlight or with regular dryers.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Pair of Ice Fishing Boots
You may still be thinking about why you should invest in a pair of ice fishing boots. Well, here are some reasons.
Warmth
You’ll be spending many hours fishing, and that means being exposed to the cold. A quality pair of boots will keep your feet warm at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius. And if your feet are warm, your body will remain warm as well.
Plus, since they have multiple layers of insulation, they will keep your feet warm and save you from getting frostbite.
Also, they are usually lined with Thermaplush and layers of insulation to ensure your feet and body are at a normal temperature.
Stability
The soles on these products are made stronger, and they have better traction so you can be stable on ice surfaces without slipping.
Keep You Dry
In case you step into the water, they will prevent your feet from getting too wet and your socks from being soggy.
A good product will last you a long time, hence they are definitely a worthy investment.
Conclusion
All that’s left now is for you to make your decision and choose the perfect ice fishing boots. We have enlisted the top picks on the market, each of them has its own unique quality, and there’s a price range that can fit any budget. We hope you find one that can do the task perfectly. Happy shopping!
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People Also Ask
In case you have certain queries, we have rounded up some of the most frequently asked questions and tried to respond to them as thoroughly as we can. We hope this article is detailed enough to help clear up any doubts you have.
Types of Socks to Wear Under Ice Fishing Boots
Socks are an essential part when it comes to wearing a boot. Some of the major types of socks that could keep you warm and comfortable are;
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Waterproof Socks: Works best in wet outdoor expeditions.
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Heated Socks: Good for extremely cold temperatures.
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Thermal Socks: Ideal for wet conditions and also keep your feet warm. They also have extra padding for exact fitting.
Do Boots Go Under Waders or Over?
You first have to wear the fishing waders properly, and then the boots come over them.
What Gram Thinsulate Boot for Ice Fishing?
There are different figures recommended according to the purpose of usage and how low the temperature is. For extreme weather, 1000+ grams is considered best, while for ice fishing boots, around 2000-gram Thinsulate is ideal as it is lightweight and provides warmth as well.
Are Muck Boots Good For Ice Fishing?
Muck Boots are the ideal choice for ice fishing since they are made of rubber. They are flexible, comfortable, and can cover icy, snowy, and even muddy surfaces, making them some of the most versatile options. The rubber soles help with better traction and grip on ice, and that’s why we have added them in our top recommendations.
How Do I Keep My Feet Warm When Ice Fishing?
You can start by investing in a good quality pair of cold weather boots. We have given several reasons as to why this is a good idea, the main one being that they are often lined with Thermaplush or warm material to insulate your feet. You must also wear thick socks that’ll further help out.
How Do You Keep Your Feet Dry in Boots?
Most cold weather boots are water-resistant since they are made of materials such as rubber. They prevent any water from seeping inside. Some also have a snow collar, maybe even a drawstring, so that snow does not enter. You could also cover your boots in plastic bags to keep your feet dry.
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