Looking for some advice on footwear to keep my tootsies warm. Had my Merrell walking boats on at the weekend with 3 pairs of socks and my twinkles were a tad chilly.
Any decent footwear out there that people are finding beneficial?
Any decent footwear out there that people are finding beneficial?
In reply to Post #1
Ski boot warmer between 2 pirs of socks.
Ski boot warmer between 2 pirs of socks.
There have been a lot of 'what boots?' threads recently, here is from a couple of weeks ago
what boots?
what boots?
In reply to Post #1
wearing multiple pairs of socks is detrimental to warm feet, so are walking boots if static.
I find weating a thinner breathable sock with a more insulated boot is more effective - see Baffin Trapper boots
Failing that or in addition get some feet warmer insoles .... these are game changers - see Amazon
wearing multiple pairs of socks is detrimental to warm feet, so are walking boots if static.
I find weating a thinner breathable sock with a more insulated boot is more effective - see Baffin Trapper boots
Failing that or in addition get some feet warmer insoles .... these are game changers - see Amazon
In reply to Post #1
I find that by having my boots a size or 1/2 a size bigger allows my toes to move thereby keeping my feet warmer. Tight fitting restricts the movement.
I find that by having my boots a size or 1/2 a size bigger allows my toes to move thereby keeping my feet warmer. Tight fitting restricts the movement.
In reply to Post #1
Heated socks.
Heated socks.
In reply to Post #4
No link? My toes froze the other day even with mid weight socks / decent boots - toss up between heated insoles and heated socks at the mo for an xmas pressie - which is best?
No link? My toes froze the other day even with mid weight socks / decent boots - toss up between heated insoles and heated socks at the mo for an xmas pressie - which is best?
In reply to Post #8
The shake single use ones are great.
The shake single use ones are great.
In reply to Post #1
Baffin Titan boots, Smartwool heavy crew socks. Job done.
Baffin Titan boots, Smartwool heavy crew socks. Job done.
In reply to Post #8
I suffer really badly with cold feet, i use rechargeable socks with Baffin Titans, the rest of me is fine, its just my bloody feet that freeze.
I suffer really badly with cold feet, i use rechargeable socks with Baffin Titans, the rest of me is fine, its just my bloody feet that freeze.
In reply to Post #11
Those titans are £200 or are they available cheaper in the UK ?
Those titans are £200 or are they available cheaper in the UK ?
In reply to Post #12
I'm unsure, got mine from abroad (Canada or U.S.?) for £160 about six years ago. I've mentioned them on here a number of times... Expensive, yes. Are they any good? Absolutely. The outside of the liners and honeycomb insole are damp with sweat after wearing, whilst the inner remains completely bone dry. BIG, heavy boots, designed for ice fishing, like a cuddle for feet, and do the job well, certainly miles better than anything else I've worn. A few mates have tried them on here and there, and the reaction is always the same “oooh, they're bloody great” and they don't want to take them off. 😁 If I had £200 spare and was serious about warm feet whilst winter fishing then I'd buy another pair in a heartbeat. Add those socks, Buffalo salopettes, a Montane smock and a woolly hat - I don't give a toss how cold it gets because I know I'm warm and the lake would have to freeze to send me home. Only put them and the socks on once set up, making sure feet are dry. And be sure to remove and dry the liners out after wearing (amazing how much damp is there!) I've found them seriously, seriously good boots for static winter fishing.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfusToE382I
I'm unsure, got mine from abroad (Canada or U.S.?) for £160 about six years ago. I've mentioned them on here a number of times... Expensive, yes. Are they any good? Absolutely. The outside of the liners and honeycomb insole are damp with sweat after wearing, whilst the inner remains completely bone dry. BIG, heavy boots, designed for ice fishing, like a cuddle for feet, and do the job well, certainly miles better than anything else I've worn. A few mates have tried them on here and there, and the reaction is always the same “oooh, they're bloody great” and they don't want to take them off. 😁 If I had £200 spare and was serious about warm feet whilst winter fishing then I'd buy another pair in a heartbeat. Add those socks, Buffalo salopettes, a Montane smock and a woolly hat - I don't give a toss how cold it gets because I know I'm warm and the lake would have to freeze to send me home. Only put them and the socks on once set up, making sure feet are dry. And be sure to remove and dry the liners out after wearing (amazing how much damp is there!) I've found them seriously, seriously good boots for static winter fishing.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfusToE382I
In reply to Post #13
Rather that start a "keeping hands warm" thread,are there any gloves, glove liners that might work for me? I have terrible trouble with my fingers going white with cold.
Rather that start a "keeping hands warm" thread,are there any gloves, glove liners that might work for me? I have terrible trouble with my fingers going white with cold.
In reply to Post #12
Exactly what Darthmullet said, got mine delivered from either Canada or the USA, cant remember which, think i paid about £120.
As for gloves Sealskinz are pretty good but i also have a zippo hand warmer in each pocket when it gets cold, Woolpower thermals and Snugpac jacket and salopettes keeps the rst warm along with ones of those trapper hats.
Exactly what Darthmullet said, got mine delivered from either Canada or the USA, cant remember which, think i paid about £120.
As for gloves Sealskinz are pretty good but i also have a zippo hand warmer in each pocket when it gets cold, Woolpower thermals and Snugpac jacket and salopettes keeps the rst warm along with ones of those trapper hats.
In reply to Post #15
Some people have problem with blood circulation (I wear double merino socks in house as I write this) and no normal boots or socks will help. It is 2022 there is plenty of warming options there is no need to freeze your toes. You are not less of a men if you use some pads or similar...
Some people have problem with blood circulation (I wear double merino socks in house as I write this) and no normal boots or socks will help. It is 2022 there is plenty of warming options there is no need to freeze your toes. You are not less of a men if you use some pads or similar...
For years in Winter when I was bivvied up, I used to just sit and stand in the snow, ice, mud and wet wearing just a pair of Aldi's neoprene wading ankle boots and a pair of Aldi's wool fishing or walking socks and my feet would be toasty.
The only problem I found was it did not do my feet much good with the amount of heat and sweat that would build up and between my toes would go manky, so I stopped wearing them.
The only problem I found was it did not do my feet much good with the amount of heat and sweat that would build up and between my toes would go manky, so I stopped wearing them.
The most important thing I have learnt over the years
wear a half to a size bigger and to wear a decent pair of warm socks and your feet should have lots of room tight or snug fitting your feet tend to sweat and cant breath and that turns to getting cold
I use Bridgedales socks Tested at -25°C, Explorer Heavyweight Knee are the warmest Bridgedales in the range.
wear a half to a size bigger and to wear a decent pair of warm socks and your feet should have lots of room tight or snug fitting your feet tend to sweat and cant breath and that turns to getting cold
I use Bridgedales socks Tested at -25°C, Explorer Heavyweight Knee are the warmest Bridgedales in the range.
Take a look at the footwear worn by those who live/operate in subzero conditions around the world,Arctic,Alaska, Siberia, etc.
most are water resistant, able to breath, and will work at -50deg or colder no problem, but they ain't cheap.
https://www.adg.com/products/wearables/extreme-cold-weather-boot
but they won't kill ya if you fall asleep with 'em on, unlike some kinds of heat sources.
most are water resistant, able to breath, and will work at -50deg or colder no problem, but they ain't cheap.
https://www.adg.com/products/wearables/extreme-cold-weather-boot
but they won't kill ya if you fall asleep with 'em on, unlike some kinds of heat sources.
One of my feet feels the cold more than the other,this was because the dickhed charge hand where I worked before college dropped a 55lb strapped mature cheese on my foot,fair n square..
I know ,I know ,a cheese..lol..
So I found wearing thin socks in neoprene shorty type muck stylee boots worked best for me ,I make sure I'm a size up ,so they can breathe ,and I take a spare pair to change into before bedchair time,as any moisture on those feet during the day will freeze yo ass off at night..
I'm currently looking at Bison ,brown neoprene bivvy boots ,they cheaper than muck boots and have a better grip apparently..
And yes....before any clever dicky says ,cheesy feet ill get that out of the way...lol 😂
Cheese is dangerous !!
I know ,I know ,a cheese..lol..
So I found wearing thin socks in neoprene shorty type muck stylee boots worked best for me ,I make sure I'm a size up ,so they can breathe ,and I take a spare pair to change into before bedchair time,as any moisture on those feet during the day will freeze yo ass off at night..
I'm currently looking at Bison ,brown neoprene bivvy boots ,they cheaper than muck boots and have a better grip apparently..
And yes....before any clever dicky says ,cheesy feet ill get that out of the way...lol 😂
Cheese is dangerous !!
In reply to Post #11
rechargeable sock
Really, not heard of those before, USB lol. OK for standing in the water?
rechargeable sock
Really, not heard of those before, USB lol. OK for standing in the water?
In reply to Post #20
Edam that must of hurt
sorry couldn't resist
Edam that must of hurt
sorry couldn't resist
In reply to Post #22
..
Tony ,could tell you about the Xmas party,too much to drink and an open vat, flavoured curds ,for next day production,but I won't,...lol...wasn't me either..
Think about it...!
..Tony ,could tell you about the Xmas party,too much to drink and an open vat, flavoured curds ,for next day production,but I won't,...lol...wasn't me either..
Think about it...!
My left foot always feels colder than the right for me.
Years ago I tore my ACL and damaged cartilage in my right knee. I had climbed over a gate and it moved leaving me standing hyperextended as I fell back onto my right leg.
I've had probably 3 or 4 pairs of cold weather boots over 30 years, Mukluks, Lineaeffe, and a couple of pairs of TFG.
The Mukluks lasted for probably 15 of them on their own!
Years ago I tore my ACL and damaged cartilage in my right knee. I had climbed over a gate and it moved leaving me standing hyperextended as I fell back onto my right leg.
I've had probably 3 or 4 pairs of cold weather boots over 30 years, Mukluks, Lineaeffe, and a couple of pairs of TFG.
The Mukluks lasted for probably 15 of them on their own!
In reply to Post #23
That sounds lovely
That sounds lovely
In reply to Post #1
I wear a pair of Prologic Polar boots with 200 gm Thinsulate insulation with 2 pairs of socks. The socks are a pair of Teko undersocks with a pair of ski socks over the top. The boots I bought ages ago. Very rarely get cold feet. A little walk around solves that. The sock combination I also wore in wellies in Antarctica so I'm confident it works.
I wear a pair of Prologic Polar boots with 200 gm Thinsulate insulation with 2 pairs of socks. The socks are a pair of Teko undersocks with a pair of ski socks over the top. The boots I bought ages ago. Very rarely get cold feet. A little walk around solves that. The sock combination I also wore in wellies in Antarctica so I'm confident it works.
In reply to Post #1
i bought some Sundridge Hot Foot boots to replace my old Skeetex. Not on;y are they warm, but I can actually walk in them compared to the old Skeetex
i bought some Sundridge Hot Foot boots to replace my old Skeetex. Not on;y are they warm, but I can actually walk in them compared to the old Skeetex
In reply to Post #27
The key i've found is keeping the inside / liners of any boots bone dry, if the insides or liners get damp, feet soon become cold and damp boots won't dry out in cold conditions on the bank..
I wear merino wool socks then oversize (not tight) neoprene socks over these, then snow type boots 2-3 sizes larger than my size. I want to avoid the breathable aspect as breathable means damp boot inners in my experience, I find the neoprene socks (the Aldi / Crane green ones are great when they have them in!) keep warmth and any moisture inside the neoprene sock, stopping any moisture reaching the liners and dampening them.
If fishing overnight / few days, I regularly change the merino socks base layer but use the same neoprene ones throughout the trip, sometimes they are a little damp inside, in which case I turn them inside out and put at bottom of sleeping bag overnight and they are dry again by morning.
It seems some people don't have this dampening issue, suppose if depends on each individual. I've always struggled with it, but some mates can wear the Skeetex with fluffy liners for days and they stay dry for them..
Defo try the neoprene sock layer if you are struggling to keep your boot liners dry. ;-)
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The key i've found is keeping the inside / liners of any boots bone dry, if the insides or liners get damp, feet soon become cold and damp boots won't dry out in cold conditions on the bank..
I wear merino wool socks then oversize (not tight) neoprene socks over these, then snow type boots 2-3 sizes larger than my size. I want to avoid the breathable aspect as breathable means damp boot inners in my experience, I find the neoprene socks (the Aldi / Crane green ones are great when they have them in!) keep warmth and any moisture inside the neoprene sock, stopping any moisture reaching the liners and dampening them.
If fishing overnight / few days, I regularly change the merino socks base layer but use the same neoprene ones throughout the trip, sometimes they are a little damp inside, in which case I turn them inside out and put at bottom of sleeping bag overnight and they are dry again by morning.
It seems some people don't have this dampening issue, suppose if depends on each individual. I've always struggled with it, but some mates can wear the Skeetex with fluffy liners for days and they stay dry for them..
Defo try the neoprene sock layer if you are struggling to keep your boot liners dry. ;-)
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In reply to Post #28
so you prefer wet, damp feet than damp liners?
so you prefer wet, damp feet than damp liners?
In reply to Post #29
Merino wool socks insulate whether dry or wet. The wool is one of the few items that behave that way.
A damp liner gets cold
Merino wool socks insulate whether dry or wet. The wool is one of the few items that behave that way.
A damp liner gets cold
In reply to Post #30
Sorry Nick, thanks for mansplaining that for me.
I was referring to the neoprene liners
Sorry Nick, thanks for mansplaining that for me.
I was referring to the neoprene liners
My feel are normall cold in winter so got some sealskinz extream cold socks, i have a thin cotton pair on undrr them too, vass winter boots, made a heck of a difference and it was -4 yesterdsy
In reply to Post #32
Cotton is retains moisture and is a poor insulator.
Cotton is retains moisture and is a poor insulator.
In reply to Post #1
Been highly impressed in the few weeks I've had them, with a pair of The Mountain Warehouse Snow Boots, rated to -20c and around £60 at the moment.
I know two others who have them also, I've suffered for years winter Piking and Feeder Fishing on the River, sat in Snow drifts and on frozen solid banks- no matter what footwear I've worn.
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/arctic-mens-snowboots-p20623.aspx/brown/
Been highly impressed in the few weeks I've had them, with a pair of The Mountain Warehouse Snow Boots, rated to -20c and around £60 at the moment.
I know two others who have them also, I've suffered for years winter Piking and Feeder Fishing on the River, sat in Snow drifts and on frozen solid banks- no matter what footwear I've worn.
https://www.mountainwarehouse.com/arctic-mens-snowboots-p20623.aspx/brown/
In reply to Post #1
I have always used Skeetex wellies over the winter to keep my feet warm. I must have had my pair 20 years and just changed the liners once. Not very 'agile' being a wellie but they have always done the job for me
I have always used Skeetex wellies over the winter to keep my feet warm. I must have had my pair 20 years and just changed the liners once. Not very 'agile' being a wellie but they have always done the job for me
In reply to Post #7
There's the answer right there. You guys are all barking up the wrong tree. It's so simple to keep your feet and hands warm - just buy some HotHands sachets. You can even get them in Tesco. I have seen them on clubcard offer recently. I fish in the boat a lot in winter for pike and nothing has ever kept my feet warm all day. The biggest problem is you can't walk around much to get the blood flowing and warm up your feet. Put a sachet in each boot (skeetex) and your feet are warm all day. Just brilliant. Works the same when wearing waders on the bank in winter, again, pike fishing (a real man's sport). LOL. Oh, I use the handwarmers as well, just tuck one under your glove so it rests on the palm of your hand. No cold hands, ever. I buy the hand and foot warmers in bulk during black Friday week - do it every year. Don't bother pissing around with this and that glove or boot, just get some sachets. Job done.
There's the answer right there. You guys are all barking up the wrong tree. It's so simple to keep your feet and hands warm - just buy some HotHands sachets. You can even get them in Tesco. I have seen them on clubcard offer recently. I fish in the boat a lot in winter for pike and nothing has ever kept my feet warm all day. The biggest problem is you can't walk around much to get the blood flowing and warm up your feet. Put a sachet in each boot (skeetex) and your feet are warm all day. Just brilliant. Works the same when wearing waders on the bank in winter, again, pike fishing (a real man's sport). LOL. Oh, I use the handwarmers as well, just tuck one under your glove so it rests on the palm of your hand. No cold hands, ever. I buy the hand and foot warmers in bulk during black Friday week - do it every year. Don't bother pissing around with this and that glove or boot, just get some sachets. Job done.
In reply to Post #36
Not sure that is always the best way.
For years the Sami, Inuit and other tribal people have managed without Hot Foot Hand warmers.
To me walking with anything in my boot is uncomfortable, even the smallest stone is irritating even with 2 pairs of socks in a boot.
The best way as pointed out is a decent wool sock, possibly with a neoprene oversock and decent boots.
I've done days in a boat pike fishing or on the beach in midwinter with snow around, and the lessons learned of having dry feet and decent socks before putting your boots on have always kept me comfortable.
The other thing is that we don't always need to be wearing boots, at least I hope you aren't wearing them in your sleeping bag at night if you do do nights midwinter. You aren't going to be able to stick in a Hand warmer just to get your boots on for a run, or a pee. This is where clean dry socks just before you get in the bag.
Hiking or walking style boots designed for cold weather if you are a mobile angler, and strangely googling them both 'cold weather hiking boots', or cold weather fishing boots', bring up common names, Salomon, Haix, or Quechea.
Field boots for hunting or shooting may bring them and a few more.
Forget in many cases the big name tackle brands.
Not sure that is always the best way.
For years the Sami, Inuit and other tribal people have managed without Hot Foot Hand warmers.
To me walking with anything in my boot is uncomfortable, even the smallest stone is irritating even with 2 pairs of socks in a boot.
The best way as pointed out is a decent wool sock, possibly with a neoprene oversock and decent boots.
I've done days in a boat pike fishing or on the beach in midwinter with snow around, and the lessons learned of having dry feet and decent socks before putting your boots on have always kept me comfortable.
The other thing is that we don't always need to be wearing boots, at least I hope you aren't wearing them in your sleeping bag at night if you do do nights midwinter. You aren't going to be able to stick in a Hand warmer just to get your boots on for a run, or a pee. This is where clean dry socks just before you get in the bag.
Hiking or walking style boots designed for cold weather if you are a mobile angler, and strangely googling them both 'cold weather hiking boots', or cold weather fishing boots', bring up common names, Salomon, Haix, or Quechea.
Field boots for hunting or shooting may bring them and a few more.
Forget in many cases the big name tackle brands.
I have some Skeetex wellies with the warm liners in and those are great.
However, a while back I used to go to Finland quite a bit, and I had a pair or Sorel Caribou snow boots, which are literally the best thing... They are so so good, no way you'll ever get cold feet with those!
However, a while back I used to go to Finland quite a bit, and I had a pair or Sorel Caribou snow boots, which are literally the best thing... They are so so good, no way you'll ever get cold feet with those!
In reply to Post #37
I dont walk with the footwarmers mate.
Even in winter, as it's a bit of.push round the far.lake. I set up
In joggers, thin.socks, brasher hills, tshirt and fleece. By the time I'm setting up
That fleece is.off. So, for.me, super warm boots are just.one more thing to carry.
Along with my lined crocs, heavyweight bridgedales , merino base.
Thermal.bib.and.snugpak softie.
Mostly, I'm comfortable with the lined crocs once setup. But having the footwarmers
In the bag means if my toes ever do get cold. Or.more.likely.a.fellow.angler
They are a saviour.
They weigh nothing, take up.no.space. dry stuff as well as heat. And 100%
Do exactly what you want. Carting around a 200 quid pair of Baffins
For about 1 hours use a day when only my toes occasionally need it isn't practical.
I dont walk with the footwarmers mate.
Even in winter, as it's a bit of.push round the far.lake. I set up
In joggers, thin.socks, brasher hills, tshirt and fleece. By the time I'm setting up
That fleece is.off. So, for.me, super warm boots are just.one more thing to carry.
Along with my lined crocs, heavyweight bridgedales , merino base.
Thermal.bib.and.snugpak softie.
Mostly, I'm comfortable with the lined crocs once setup. But having the footwarmers
In the bag means if my toes ever do get cold. Or.more.likely.a.fellow.angler
They are a saviour.
They weigh nothing, take up.no.space. dry stuff as well as heat. And 100%
Do exactly what you want. Carting around a 200 quid pair of Baffins
For about 1 hours use a day when only my toes occasionally need it isn't practical.
In reply to Post #37
I have sealskins - is there any use in wearing an inner sock for warmth and the sealskin for dryness?
Cheers
I have sealskins - is there any use in wearing an inner sock for warmth and the sealskin for dryness?
Cheers
In reply to Post #40
Just put these on the xmas list - will test in comparison to the foot warmer pads also purchased!
Expensive but hopefully warm socks
Just put these on the xmas list - will test in comparison to the foot warmer pads also purchased!
Expensive but hopefully warm socks
In reply to Post #39
And if you run out of handwarmers you are snookered, cold and miserable.
I'd much rather have the gear to be able to cope, even if it means my warm boots stay under the bedchair or in the car.
And if you run out of handwarmers you are snookered, cold and miserable.
I'd much rather have the gear to be able to cope, even if it means my warm boots stay under the bedchair or in the car.
In reply to Post #42
Boffin Muskox boots.
Rated to -40.
Boffin Muskox boots.
Rated to -40.
I see a few places are doing "slight seconds" of the Fortis Elements boots for £60. Supposedly rated down to -60. No experience of them myself, but might take a look if my local shop has any left.
In reply to Post #44
I got a pair of these last year,just started using them again. They are good but when you are static for a few hours and the temperature is below zero you will start to feel it even with decent socks.
Good boots though 👍
I got a pair of these last year,just started using them again. They are good but when you are static for a few hours and the temperature is below zero you will start to feel it even with decent socks.
Good boots though 👍
to offer a few views on this point:
Cold feet are caused by:
- Lack of insulation
- Being in contact with cold ground surfaces
- Moisture in socks/boots either from sweat or leaking boots
- Poor circulation
So, starting with moisture:
If your boots leak or you have a build up of sweat then your feet may get cold. Previous posts in this thread mention lined crocs and sorel caribou boots. the lined crocs will actually breath really well through their vents, so with some good socks plus the liner you achieve good insulation and low moisture - winner until you run outside in the rain, but as long as you keep them dry then its likely all good.
The sorel caribous are indeed an excellent boot, waterproof with a thick wool felt liner. So score well on insulation and keeping moisture out which is why they are popular in cold places where there is a risk of a bit of water (slush, ice fishing etc). The sorels will serve really well for a day or 24 hours. after then you will need to pull the liners out and dry them out. When I have been in really cold places I have two liners so I can wear one and dry one. Overkill for fishing in the UK, if you were really bothered though you could whip the liners out and wear them in your sleeping bag to force out any moisture.
Neoprene socks, such as sealskinz, are good but they will trap moisture next to your feet. They are good if you boots have got wet and you have some dry socks. In which case stick the sealskinz over a normal pair of wool socks, put your boots back on and your feet will start to dry out your boots. They aren't a solution for warming feet in anything but a short term basis.
For insulation, decent insoles, wool felt are very good and a couple of pairs of decent wool socks. Not cheap ones off the market, buy bridgedales or army surplus white arctic socks with the red band round the top. Two pairs of these and you should be fine. For the UK you really should be fine with a decent goretex lined walking boot, Lowa, Brasher, Meindl or scarpa are all good. Buy a size up so you can wear 2 pairs of socks.
The other point on insulation is what you put your feet on, if you slept on the floor directly you'd get really cold because the ground sucks heat away from you, faster if you are wet (back to the wet feet bit above) so put your feet, in your boots, on something insulting; cardboard, a nice neoprene bivvy mat, some astro turf, a log etc. Keep them off the cold ground and they will stay warmer longer.
In the UK two pairs of thick wool socks and decent walking boots should do you fine, if you really suffer, maybe because of poor circulation or bad luck, then the sorel caribous or skeetex field boots or their lined wellies called 'original' boots are just the ticket.
Hopefully that's some use, I have spent time in cold places so my comments are based on real life experience.
Stay warm and have fun!
Cold feet are caused by:
- Lack of insulation
- Being in contact with cold ground surfaces
- Moisture in socks/boots either from sweat or leaking boots
- Poor circulation
So, starting with moisture:
If your boots leak or you have a build up of sweat then your feet may get cold. Previous posts in this thread mention lined crocs and sorel caribou boots. the lined crocs will actually breath really well through their vents, so with some good socks plus the liner you achieve good insulation and low moisture - winner until you run outside in the rain, but as long as you keep them dry then its likely all good.
The sorel caribous are indeed an excellent boot, waterproof with a thick wool felt liner. So score well on insulation and keeping moisture out which is why they are popular in cold places where there is a risk of a bit of water (slush, ice fishing etc). The sorels will serve really well for a day or 24 hours. after then you will need to pull the liners out and dry them out. When I have been in really cold places I have two liners so I can wear one and dry one. Overkill for fishing in the UK, if you were really bothered though you could whip the liners out and wear them in your sleeping bag to force out any moisture.
Neoprene socks, such as sealskinz, are good but they will trap moisture next to your feet. They are good if you boots have got wet and you have some dry socks. In which case stick the sealskinz over a normal pair of wool socks, put your boots back on and your feet will start to dry out your boots. They aren't a solution for warming feet in anything but a short term basis.
For insulation, decent insoles, wool felt are very good and a couple of pairs of decent wool socks. Not cheap ones off the market, buy bridgedales or army surplus white arctic socks with the red band round the top. Two pairs of these and you should be fine. For the UK you really should be fine with a decent goretex lined walking boot, Lowa, Brasher, Meindl or scarpa are all good. Buy a size up so you can wear 2 pairs of socks.
The other point on insulation is what you put your feet on, if you slept on the floor directly you'd get really cold because the ground sucks heat away from you, faster if you are wet (back to the wet feet bit above) so put your feet, in your boots, on something insulting; cardboard, a nice neoprene bivvy mat, some astro turf, a log etc. Keep them off the cold ground and they will stay warmer longer.
In the UK two pairs of thick wool socks and decent walking boots should do you fine, if you really suffer, maybe because of poor circulation or bad luck, then the sorel caribous or skeetex field boots or their lined wellies called 'original' boots are just the ticket.
Hopefully that's some use, I have spent time in cold places so my comments are based on real life experience.
Stay warm and have fun!
In reply to Post #46
Quick question do merino socks under sealskins help or not?
I see you say it's a temporary fix but don't understand why matey?
Quick question do merino socks under sealskins help or not?
I see you say it's a temporary fix but don't understand why matey?
In reply to Post #37
Blimey, I wasn't expecting war and peace. I put the sachets in my boots when I'm fishing, not walking to the water from the car park. God knows what you're on about, but people who live in cold environments adapt to it. Not sure you understand that, but in this country isn't in the artic circle. The hand and feet warmers are the most effective solution, combined with a waterproof boot and a knee length winter sock. Too simple for some I suppose... I was out in the boat last weekend before the snow went. It was -6c when I got to the reservoir and it never got above 3c. I slipped the foot warmers into the Skeetex just before I loaded the boat and the hand warmers were tucked into the palms of a pair of cheap wool fingerless gloves. I was casting all day, not once did I get cold feet or hands for that matter.
As to wearing foot warmers in a sleeping bag? When did I even mention night fishing? I don't do any night fishing in winter as I'm pike fishing. I'll leave it there. Painful
Blimey, I wasn't expecting war and peace. I put the sachets in my boots when I'm fishing, not walking to the water from the car park. God knows what you're on about, but people who live in cold environments adapt to it. Not sure you understand that, but in this country isn't in the artic circle. The hand and feet warmers are the most effective solution, combined with a waterproof boot and a knee length winter sock. Too simple for some I suppose... I was out in the boat last weekend before the snow went. It was -6c when I got to the reservoir and it never got above 3c. I slipped the foot warmers into the Skeetex just before I loaded the boat and the hand warmers were tucked into the palms of a pair of cheap wool fingerless gloves. I was casting all day, not once did I get cold feet or hands for that matter.
As to wearing foot warmers in a sleeping bag? When did I even mention night fishing? I don't do any night fishing in winter as I'm pike fishing. I'll leave it there. Painful
In reply to Post #48
Having been down the rabbit warren of spending loads and trying various combinations over the years .... i tend to agree, people like to over complicate this, and believe me im as guilty as the next guy ..... but the truth is it is very diffcult to keep feet warm when static, regardless of how many layers, how few layers, Skeetex, Baffins, Sundridge Hot Foot, Grubs, Walking boots, insulated boots, 4season socks, thin socks, single socks, multiple socks etc etc .... and yes, ive tried them all!! ...... and by far the game changer is the heat sachets ... paired with any kind of boot (i currently like the ultra lightweight EVA boots at £25) and my feet are at last warm, dry and comfortble
Having been down the rabbit warren of spending loads and trying various combinations over the years .... i tend to agree, people like to over complicate this, and believe me im as guilty as the next guy ..... but the truth is it is very diffcult to keep feet warm when static, regardless of how many layers, how few layers, Skeetex, Baffins, Sundridge Hot Foot, Grubs, Walking boots, insulated boots, 4season socks, thin socks, single socks, multiple socks etc etc .... and yes, ive tried them all!! ...... and by far the game changer is the heat sachets ... paired with any kind of boot (i currently like the ultra lightweight EVA boots at £25) and my feet are at last warm, dry and comfortble
In reply to Post #47
Reply to post 47. Merino or Wool socks (same thing really) are best as wool still provides warmth when damp.
As for why is this only temporary when wearing sealskinz? because Sealskins dont really breath and sweat will build up. sweaty feet = damp feet and damp = cold when you aren't moving about.
Reply to post 47. Merino or Wool socks (same thing really) are best as wool still provides warmth when damp.
As for why is this only temporary when wearing sealskinz? because Sealskins dont really breath and sweat will build up. sweaty feet = damp feet and damp = cold when you aren't moving about.
In reply to Post #50
Thank you - so really if you have waterproof boots then merino socks on thier own will be better as they will have room to breathe and nothing over them trapping in moisture? Cheers
Thank you - so really if you have waterproof boots then merino socks on thier own will be better as they will have room to breathe and nothing over them trapping in moisture? Cheers
In reply to Post #48
My point is this, I've always gotten clothing that can deal with the weather, and not had to rely on hand warmers that may run out.
I've lived in winter in Norway, infact my family have a mountain hytte in Hemsedal where snow can be very deep. You are not going to use artificial aids to fish the lake or river, you dress properly. I learnt that long long ago, around 40years ago in fact.
Years ago it was Mukluks, which I managed to get in this country, now its TFG Extreme boots which I've had for a few years, but I walk to the swim in my combat boots.
My point is this, I've always gotten clothing that can deal with the weather, and not had to rely on hand warmers that may run out.
I've lived in winter in Norway, infact my family have a mountain hytte in Hemsedal where snow can be very deep. You are not going to use artificial aids to fish the lake or river, you dress properly. I learnt that long long ago, around 40years ago in fact.
Years ago it was Mukluks, which I managed to get in this country, now its TFG Extreme boots which I've had for a few years, but I walk to the swim in my combat boots.
In reply to Post #52
Doesn't come up so much in Kent though. I'm sure I would get the boots in
Norway.
Earlier this week I did 24 hours in North Kent clear day and night went to 1 degree.
I was pottering about at midnight in lined crocs and Bridgedales.
I didn't put the Bridegadales on until 4 pm. And only the stuck the footwarmers on
At about 8pm. I could have just put the brasher boots on, or gone to bed.
But decided to have a beer and recast etc.
There really is NO place for extra warm boots for me carp fishing in the South
Of England as I do.
Doesn't come up so much in Kent though. I'm sure I would get the boots in
Norway.
Earlier this week I did 24 hours in North Kent clear day and night went to 1 degree.
I was pottering about at midnight in lined crocs and Bridgedales.
I didn't put the Bridegadales on until 4 pm. And only the stuck the footwarmers on
At about 8pm. I could have just put the brasher boots on, or gone to bed.
But decided to have a beer and recast etc.
There really is NO place for extra warm boots for me carp fishing in the South
Of England as I do.
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