Cold feet

[CharlieTN]

I inherited cold feet from my dad and it’s been an ongoing struggle for me. I’m currently wearing some Rocky 400gr thinsulate boots, think wool blend socks, then when I’m in stand and it’s cold I put on a pair of the Arctic Shield blood blankets with one of the Hothands brand Adhesive Body Warmers stuck above the toe in both. My feet can still get a bit chilled but not to the point of hurting at all. It’s been a hunt saver for me. And I do use them with a Silent Approach Ring of Steps and they work fine. They’re a bit tricky to get on in the tree, especially when wearing my bigs and other cold weather clothes.

Between those and hand warmer muffs it’s certainly made me able to hunt in cold weather better.

 

[ImThere]

And my insoles only cost $10...worth every penny.

Do you have a Link for the alpaca insoles?


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[raisins]

I inherited cold feet from my dad and it’s been an ongoing struggle for me. I’m currently wearing some Rocky 400gr thinsulate boots, think wool blend socks, then when I’m in stand and it’s cold I put on a pair of the Arctic Shield blood blankets with one of the Hothands brand Adhesive Body Warmers stuck above the toe in both. My feet can still get a bit chilled but not to the point of hurting at all. It’s been a hunt saver for me. And I do use them with a Silent Approach Ring of Steps and they work fine. They’re a bit tricky to get on in the tree, especially when wearing my bigs and other cold weather clothes.

Between those and hand warmer muffs it’s certainly made me able to hunt in cold weather better.

I also have the Arctic Shield boot blankets and used to use the Hot Hands adhesive warmers. I did any experiment and the Hot Hands Super Warmers work significantly better but do not stay in place. I just ordered 4"x5" zippered mesh sacks from Amazon and I will sew those into the correct location for the warmers. Also, I can't believe Arctic Shield has not yet correct their sizing or shape. I wear size 12 wides and I have to wear the largest size they make and I have a puffy end, like they designed them for pointy cowboy boots.

 

[CharlieTN]

I also have the Arctic Shield boot blankets and used to use the Hot Hands adhesive warmers. I did any experiment and the Hot Hands Super Warmers work significantly better but do not stay in place. I just ordered 4"x5" zippered mesh sacks from Amazon and I will sew those into the correct location for the warmers. Also, I can't believe Arctic Shield has not yet correct their sizing or shape. I wear size 12 wides and I have to wear the largest size they make and I have a puffy end, like they designed them for pointy cowboy boots.

I’ve thought that it would be great if they had a zip up pocket to hold the warmers instead of having to mess with the stick on warmers. do you have a link to what your ordered? Might have to do that myself.

 

[raisins]

I’ve thought that it would be great if they had a zip up pocket to hold the warmers instead of having to mess with the stick on warmers. do you have a link to what your ordered? Might have to do that myself.

Amazon.com

In case Amazon link is weird, search for

Patu Mini Zipper Mesh Bags, 4" x 5", Size S / A7, 5 Pieces, Beauty Makeup Lipstick Cosmetic Accessories Organizer, Small Travel Kit Storage Pouch, Black

The Hot Hands Super Warmers are 4x5, so that is why I got this size.

I just emailed arctic shield and told them that a bunch of people think their boot shape is off. I wear a 12 wide and have to wear 2XL boot covers to fit (largest size they make). Maybe if more people tell them that then they will change. Right now, they are the only thin boot cover on the market, so they are getting steady business despite this issue. If another company came up with a proper fit in a thin cover, then I'd buy those in a heartbeat. Once I get a sewing machine with more clearance, I have plans to make a set out of utility cloth sandwiched between two layers of fleece with a nonskid bottom. The design will be based upon commercial grade shoe covers and will have an elastic gather up top with a cord lock to tighten and loosen them. I tried to put my layers on the ones at the link below, but the bottom material does not have a weave to it and the sewing machine sawed it in half (the opposite of ripstop). Maybe this is something @DanO could make given his fleece sewing resources.

MyShoeCovers® Black Premium Reusable Washable Shoe and Boot Covers

Durable, Reusable, Machine Washable, Water Resistant and Slip Resistant black booties shoe covers. Designed to fit easy over Contractor's shoes or boots. Best reusable shoe covers on the market. Heavy-duty and sturdy shoe and boot covers.

www.myshoecovers.com

The largest size of the above fits my boot well enough that I could have sewed one layer of fleece inside and one out and then put in my zipper pouch and then 2 layers of fleece inside on the bottom. If I had known that the bottom would break, then I would've just glued the bottom fleece.

The owner of the company gave me the boot covers for free to research this for him and I promptly ruined the first one!

 

[Gator]

Ive worn several quality brands of merino for many years. I'm totally convinced that alpaca are warmer. They feel drier too when they come out of the washer. Does that equate to a sweaty foot feeling drier? I think so. I've used the laundry test on my base layers for years...if it comes out of the washer already feeling dry, then it passes my requirement for a base layer. Some fabrics are CALLED a base layer but if it feels cold and damp coming out of the washer, then I will only choose it in more moderate temps.
Alpaca feel dry right out of the washing machine.
And my insoles only cost $10...worth every penny.

I'd love a link to the alpaca insoles please...

Edit: I ended up finding some for $10 with free shipping. Worth trying to me.

Felted Alpaca Insoles - Etsy

This Gender-Neutral Adult Shoes item by RoaringAcresAlpacas has 988 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Suffield, CT. Listed on Mar 22, 2024

www.etsy.com

 

[Gator]

Thought I'd dig this up and let you know I ended up getting a pair of heated socks from a company called 'Ororo'. They're a small (very small) company out of Nevada that makes heated socks, a jacket or two, and a vest. Very high quality, comfortable, and pretty good pricing for what you get. Durability/longevity is yet to be determined but these socks are very well made and very comfortable. I can't compliment them enough.

I think I spent $105 for the socks which includes a dual charger and 2 batteries, and a backup set of batteries. Not bad considering the decent Amazon socks are around 70 with iffy reviews.

I wouldnt be suprised if these last several years

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Where do the batteries go? Top of sock?

 

[Allegheny Tom]

Do you have a Link for the alpaca insoles?


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I don't have a link for the exact ones that I bought because I got 1 pair at a craft show and the other pair from a small feed store. But I googled it and a bunch of hits came up. These show up on Etsy and I swear that mine had this exact same tag on them so maybe these are identical to what I bought?

Felted Alpaca Insoles - Etsy

This Gender-Neutral Adult Shoes item by RoaringAcresAlpacas has 988 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Suffield, CT. Listed on Mar 22, 2024

www.etsy.com

 

[peteherbst]

I also have the Arctic Shield boot blankets and used to use the Hot Hands adhesive warmers. I did any experiment and the Hot Hands Super Warmers work significantly better but do not stay in place. I just ordered 4"x5" zippered mesh sacks from Amazon and I will sew those into the correct location for the warmers. Also, I can't believe Arctic Shield has not yet correct their sizing or shape. I wear size 12 wides and I have to wear the largest size they make and I have a puffy end, like they designed them for pointy cowboy boots.

I have size 10 and just use the XXL because some of my boots are bulky.

 

[sokraski]

I have always had a problem with cold feet. I have tried the heated insoles and various sock combinations over the years. Even when feet are fully dry, after a couple hours of not moving they start to get cold. This year I switched to alpaca socks and they have made a huge difference. Heaters in arctic shield boot covers helps. The problem I have with them is that they are noisy on Ridge Runner because of texture on it. My new favorite is Wiggy's mukluks. The first time I tried them hunting, it was in 20s with wind chill in teens wearing light alpaca socks and 400g boots (no heaters). They worked so well that after an hour in them, my feet started sweating, but even with sweaty feet, they were the warmest body part on me. The hard sole on them did not make any noise on RR like the arctic shield ones did.

 

[SaddleUpPartner!]

I know this sacrifices a little movement but I do calf raises on my ring of steps. Gets blood flowing to my feet. Also the foot warmers work better if you put them on the top of your toes instead of the bottom. I wear Mickey Mouse boots if it gets really cold. They’re very warm with good wool socks.

 

[Allegheny Tom]

I know this sacrifices a little movement but I do calf raises on my ring of steps. Gets blood flowing to my feet. Also the foot warmers work better if you put them on the top of your toes instead of the bottom. I wear Mickey Mouse boots if it gets really cold. They’re very warm with good wool socks.

I swear that my feet stay warmer in a saddle than they did before saddles. Maybe I have better blood flow to my feet when hanging in a saddle than when sitting on a lock-on seat?

 

[MN Slick]

I did an experiment with my artic shield's this fall. I dropped one and was too lazy to climb down it get so I figured I'd go one foot with a boot cover and one without. After 2 hours at 27 degrees in my uninsulated hikers there was ZERO perceptible difference. Both were chilly but acceptable. On positive note, I no longer have carry my artic shield's.

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[raisins]

I have always had a problem with cold feet. I have tried the heated insoles and various sock combinations over the years. Even when feet are fully dry, after a couple hours of not moving they start to get cold. This year I switched to alpaca socks and they have made a huge difference. Heaters in arctic shield boot covers helps. The problem I have with them is that they are noisy on Ridge Runner because of texture on it. My new favorite is Wiggy's mukluks. The first time I tried them hunting, it was in 20s with wind chill in teens wearing light alpaca socks and 400g boots (no heaters). They worked so well that after an hour in them, my feet started sweating, but even with sweaty feet, they were the warmest body part on me. The hard sole on them did not make any noise on RR like the arctic shield ones did.

Those look expensive but amazing.

I am interested in these

Overboots

Manufacturer of the finest sleeping bags and outdoor gear in the world. Nothing keeps you you warm & dry in cold, wet conditions like Wiggy's!

www.wiggys.com

because of the rear entry looks easier in a saddle at height.

What size shoe do you wear and what size Mukluk are you wearing? Do you put the mukluk on right over your other boot?

 

[raisins]

I did an experiment with my artic shield's this fall. I dropped one and was too lazy to climb down it get so I figured I'd go one foot with a boot cover and one without. After 2 hours at 27 degrees in my uninsulated hikers there was ZERO perceptible difference. Both were chilly but acceptable. On positive note, I no longer have carry my artic shield's.

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Did you have a chemical warmer inside your boot cover?

 

[MN Slick]

Did you have a chemical warmer inside your boot cover?

Negative.

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[raisins]

Negative.

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That's the trick. They are basically there to hold a chemical warmer, trap some of the heat, and keep the wind from freezing out the chemical warmer. Maybe try them again with a Hot Hands Super Warmer, you might be surprised. I get a lot of extra warmth.

Arctic Shield doesn't advertise that that is all they do (might make them seem less technological and worth the price). I tried just putting a chemical warmer right on top of the boot with tape, following a youtube video, and it didn't work for me at all at 25 degrees with a moderate wind.

 

[mspaci]

If it gets into the 30`s I'm in an IWOM, I stay warm down under 0. That's why I don't use a saddle much. Usually in a climber. I don't even have to do any special socks or boots. Just rubber boots, cotton socks. Just a wool pull over on top. I just cant stand to be cold anymore. If its really cold just drop a hot hands body pad in the bottom. Mike

 

[sokraski]

Those look expensive but amazing.

I am interested in these

Overboots

Manufacturer of the finest sleeping bags and outdoor gear in the world. Nothing keeps you you warm & dry in cold, wet conditions like Wiggy's!

www.wiggys.com

because of the rear entry looks easier in a saddle at height.

What size shoe do you wear and what size Mukluk are you wearing? Do you put the mukluk on right over your other boot?

Boot size is 11, Mukluk is Large. Seem to run true to sizes they have listed. They go right over your boot that you are wearing. Even my Muck Arctic Pro boots fit in them, although I don't used them with these boots. I thought about the overboots, but since I already had the arctic shield boot covers I decided to get the mukluks since they are warmer. I have pictures posted here if you would like to see them. Rolled up and compressed for packing, they are not too much larger than the arctic shield's. Personaly I find them easier to put on than the arctic shield covers that zip up the back just like those overboots. Don't need to reach down to zip up after putting them on. Just slide your whole foot/boot in and pull the string if you want them tighter.

I spent the money on these as I was looking to get away from battery powered devices (not to mention that I had more money in the battery powered items than what these cost). No batteries to charge, extras to carry/swap out while using, spares to purchase and never have to worry about the batteries running out before I am done as I have experienced all of these. I just wanted something that was simple and reliable. These were one of my best purchases I have made as far as staying comfortable during the cold.

 

[DMTJAGER]

I have literally $450+ in ultra-heavy wool/polypro/spandex blend socks for extreme cold weather and these are BY FAR the warmest socks I have ever used:

Cabela's Deluxe Cold-Weather Wool Boot Socks for Men | Cabela's

www.cabelas.com

I have used them for 3 seasons and can not say enough good about them for keeping mine and my sons feet warm.

As far as boots for extreme cold if you can still find them genuine made by Bates USGI Black Mickey Mouse Boots are very difficult to beat. The White MMB boots can not be beat.
I hunt all year long and high heat or extreme rain (talking monsoon) are the only two weather conditions that will keep me from deer hunting. I have NO BS hunted in below zero temps many many times and never have let cold stop me from hunting. Yes early in my hunting career (early 1980's) extreme cold and cold feet cut my hunts short then I first bought Lacrosse Ice King pack boots and invested in the best wool/polypro/spandex socks I could find and quickly learned if stand hunting in temps below 20* do 2 things: #1-bring a spare pair of socks and change just before climbing the tree and #2-If wearing boots with a removable liner change to a new dry one. About 5-6 years ago bought some black and white USGI MMB and let me tell you if you wear those boots you can probably freeze to death and your feet will still be warm.

My friends all sware by LaCrosse 1600 gram thinsalte boots but they are expensive for made in China boots but if you have normal sized feet (I most certainly DO NOT) you can find them on sale for under $130 this time of year or after deer season closes across most of America.
Lastly give Baffin Titan boots a look. My friends in Alaska say they are as good as white USGI MMB for extreme cold weather. I just picked up a pair at Ebay for $50 TMD new with no box they normally retail for 2-3x that much.