Been working outdoors in the sub zero temps the last couple days and its looking like its going to be worse tomorrow. Kind of wondering what everyone else has been using. I'm required to have safety toes. I'm going to run into town and check these out tonight if they look and feel good I'll probably purchase them. Anyone have positive feedback on some they've been using?
I had a pair of those when I was in Mountain Iron Minnesota 200i9-2010ish and temps were record breaking there that winter, -36to -40 daily temps without wind chill, with windchill it was -69 the one morning my truck wouldn't start. Anyways, I bought those boots up there since my normal steel toed boots weren't up to the cold task... my feet froze in those rocky's.. but I also had two pair of carharts on and was niceand toasty everywhere except my fingers and toes. Since then, For cold weather, and I've only had them to -10 to -15 is the muck brand artic steel toes. they aren't cheap though... your feet will sweat bad wearing them in remotely warm weather... above 50-60 degrees, forget about it, but for 10 degrees and below, they are perfect. I wear the non insulated muck steel toes down to the 10 degree range and my feet stay pretty warm. That rubber/neoprene works well, still breaths and is water proof. http://www.gearcor.com/aspstl/Arctic-Sport-Steel-Toe-Work-Boots.htm
I have something similar w/o steel toe I think they have 1700 grams of thinsulate in them. I think the key is to wear them with a good sock wool, smart wool NOT cotton.
I have different boots with different amous of thinsulate for different conditions.The more thinsulate the better.They look good.It is the **** steel toe that affects heat loss though.
http://www.dunlopboots.com/en/product/purofort-thermo-full-safety/c662933 or http://www.bekina.be/en/boots?f[0]=field_product_toepassingen:117 I like the Bekina's better than the Dunlops. Fit better and are 1/2 the price. Oh and add a pair of WigWam wool socks.
used to make all J M Herman's insoles for all the shoes and boots. that is until Stride Rite shut down domestic production in the '80s. in the old days their insulated boots consisted of a 5 iron texon insole, layers of 1/8" felt,1/8" ensolite, 3/16" latex foam, with either a leather or synthetic wrapper. Lasting allowance 1/2 to 1 full size for the uppers. in later years the felt was replaced with "Thinsulate" I'm willing to bet there are still some of those boots on feet today. this thread just jogged a memory, have a day
What wool socks do you wear? I've been using smart wool for the past few years, and the socks have not stood up to my abuse.
Try "Darn Tough" brand, they are wicked good, made in Vermont and a lifetime guarantee. And I third the Muck brand artic boots, good stuff.
honestly I buy whatever I can get on clearance the end of winter the previous year. I like the smart wool but really socks are a wear item...they wear out. If your that hard on things, they give out.
I should clarify. My heavy Smartwool socks have held up well. It's the mid-weight that have not stood the test of time. I completely agree that "socks are a wear item...they wear out." However; the timeframe I am referring to is much shorter than I would expect. Honestly, it's only one pair. Mainly I am looking for mid-weight wool socks that any of you wear on a daily basis. Jason from RI
I have new old stock when the were made in Wisconsin called Lacrosse Ice Man now they are all made in China.Rubbers are not any good on the new boots.The old boots were made better and came with wool inserts.I found a store that had a going out of business sale 20 dollars a pair.I got 2 pair and my son got 2 pair.We wear 100% wool socks,hats,glove its getting harder to find.you can also get the wool felts inserts and put in the bottom of the boot.Ice fish all day not have cold feet.
I my experience loose knit (think what granny would knit for you) wool socks are the best with a layer of something under them to keep your feet from itchin (preferably not cotton). My feet sweat if I'm not careful.
