Bush boots?

[ADK_XJ]

Here's one I haven't seen yet or else missed - if your sugar bush is like our small back 9 it's a muddy mess by sapping time; what's everybody's go to "bush" boot?

My rubber chainsaw boots are too heavy and bulky, my sorels are too warm and hiking boots are a bitch to put on and off. My wife likes her Bogs — a good friend working in ag swears by his Muck "Chore" boots. Thoughts?

[DocsMapleSyrup]

I love my irish setters. Easy in and of and fit like a glove.

http://www.irishsetterboots.com/USD/product/hunting-boots/04882-rutmaster-17-rbr-rt-xtra

[Haynes Forest Products]

I have two pair I have $300.00 boots from Cabala's and when its cold and wet they atre the best BUT heavy. I like the Muck boots they are light and warm and dry and with a roll of elec tape you can keep you pants on the inside nice and dry. You can also fix them with Shoe Goo when a chunk of barb wire pokes thru the inner side wall.

I would also get a boot dryer when you get any good boots and spray them down with rubbing alcohol drys them out and keeps them fresh.

[themoonlighttapper]

Muck boots and a good pair of wool socks and I'm good to go.

[tcross]

when it's wet out like right now (it's pouring out) I like my much boots. but when it's cold and snowy, or dry, I use my irish setters or Danners. I've had very good luck with both brands. I own 4 different sets of Irish setter boots and one set of Danners and can't say enough good about them! ALL DAY comfort and warmth!

[johnallin]

I wear Muck chore boots in the woods, and set them a boot dryer overnight.
Regular green muck boots - the short ones- work great in the sugarhouse. Not as hot and light weight.

[madmapler]

Muck boots. Arctic sports for the woods and lighter duty for around the house and sugarhouse.

[maple flats]

I have 4 pair of Muck boots, 1 mid calf, the rest high, different temperature ratings. I do find it necessary to cut off the top band for comfort. The temperatures and conditions dictate which pair I wear on any given day. I find them the most comfortable pack type boots I've ever used. I only wear 1 pair of cotton socks in them and they are good all day.

[lyford]

Mucks all the way. Chore for most days (summer and winter) arctic pro for real cold weather or when I'm sitting still in a tree stand for hrs.

[MapleMark753]

How many taps are you going to have this coming season? Only ask because the good boots (see above, I use LL Bean boots) are good for MANY hours, or all day as others have referenced. You're also gonna pay for em, probably 150 is an average.
But, TSC has cheap waterproof boots that are good for a few hours, and with thick socks or wool socks they're fine. I wear em for our low lying woods that get 8-10 inches of water if I don't constantly clear the drainage channel, which I do in winter a lot. Sure, they're cheap both in price and construction but even two-three pair a year is inexpensive compared to the very good quality ones. They aren't too comfortable but I put up with that. Just thought I'd chime in with an alternative.

[johnallin]

Muck Chore boots are just north of $100. Not a bad return as I'm on my 4th year with them, and expect many more.
Like Dave says; single pair of socks, they're warm, dry and light.
I pick them all the time over my Sorrells, Timberlands and Irish Setter boots.

[lyford]

There's an Amish gentleman selling Muck Chores for $77, no tax in the county on clothes, in Conewango NY. Just bought my bro a pair for his bday 2 wks ago.

[georgelineman]

Take a look at NEOS Explorer Stabilicer. I have used this boot the last five years. Very very light and fits over work boot very well. Goes on and off easy has screw in cleats for the ice if you need them. Cost a little over $100
Georgelineman

[Dill]

I like mucks and I wear them quite a bit but they don't last. I get a year or a year/half out of them. The tops get ripped up by mainline ties. I have a pair of Merrell hikers that have a rubber bottom like bean boots but are good on shock. They are my goto unless its really muddy good for the sugarhouse too. Not too much insulation so I can just adjust socks to the temp needed. Chainsaw boots are way too heavy to hike through the woods.

[ADK_XJ]

I have two pair I have $300.00 boots from Cabala's and when its cold and wet they atre the best BUT heavy. I like the Muck boots they are light and warm and dry and with a roll of elec tape you can keep you pants on the inside nice and dry. You can also fix them with Shoe Goo when a chunk of barb wire pokes thru the inner side wall.

I would also get a boot dryer when you get any good boots and spray them down with rubbing alcohol drys them out and keeps them fresh. Good tips - my boot dryer is the fire poker rack by the wood stove!

[ADK_XJ]

when it's wet out like right now (it's pouring out) I like my much boots. but when it's cold and snowy, or dry, I use my irish setters or Danners. I've had very good luck with both brands. I own 4 different sets of Irish setter boots and one set of Danners and can't say enough good about them! ALL DAY comfort and warmth! THat's multiple votes for Irish Setters - never heard of them until now!

[ADK_XJ]

I wear Muck chore boots in the woods, and set them a boot dryer overnight.
Regular green muck boots - the short ones- work great in the sugarhouse. Not as hot and light weight. Another vote for Muck boots...seeing a trend.

[ADK_XJ]

How many taps are you going to have this coming season? Only ask because the good boots (see above, I use LL Bean boots) are good for MANY hours, or all day as others have referenced. You're also gonna pay for em, probably 150 is an average.
But, TSC has cheap waterproof boots that are good for a few hours, and with thick socks or wool socks they're fine. I wear em for our low lying woods that get 8-10 inches of water if I don't constantly clear the drainage channel, which I do in winter a lot. Sure, they're cheap both in price and construction but even two-three pair a year is inexpensive compared to the very good quality ones. They aren't too comfortable but I put up with that. Just thought I'd chime in with an alternative.

Interesting point — so, I won't be doing any major tap expansion this year (maybe a couple dozen tops with some neighbors) but I spend most of every weekend day outside and I've always purchased things under the adage of "buy quality once." TOtally see a place for junker rain boots but I'm definitely looking for everyone's go to, top of the line boot for all day in the sugar bush. So far, sounds like I wouldn't be far off with Muck Chores.

I also have a very nice pair of Sorel's that my wife gave me two years ago, a true wool felt liner in those — I think I could stand in an iceberg puddle and not feel a thing but they also are like walking around with two bricks strapped to your feet. SO, looking for a happy medium.

[ADK_XJ]

Muck Chore boots are just north of $100. Not a bad return as I'm on my 4th year with them, and expect many more.
Like Dave says; single pair of socks, they're warm, dry and light.
I pick them all the time over my Sorrells, Timberlands and Irish Setter boots.
Ok, that seals it for me — ordering Muck CHores in a mid length as we speak. Found them for $80 it looks like with free shipping.

[ADK_XJ]

Huh, I'll check that out - an overboot? I have a really nice pair of Gore TEx hiking boots that are very comfortable and broken in but could use some help in the heavy snow or slush. THese sound like they could be the ticket but would want to not be too heavy.

I actually just bought a couple sets of Stabilicer strap on boot cleats because with the number of times I walk up and down the hill from our barn / saphouse and nearly go *** over tea kettle on the ice...

[ADK_XJ]

I like mucks and I wear them quite a bit but they don't last. I get a year or a year/half out of them. The tops get ripped up by mainline ties. I have a pair of Merrell hikers that have a rubber bottom like bean boots but are good on shock. They are my goto unless its really muddy good for the sugarhouse too. Not too much insulation so I can just adjust socks to the temp needed. Chainsaw boots are way too heavy to hike through the woods.

Agreed. I went all out on chainsaw safety gear a couple years ago after a coworkers brother killed himself being stupid and unsafe - I have knee-high Husqavarna full steel shank, toe and ankle wrapped logger boots but I find I only put them on when I know I'm going to be doing ground work with the saw because they're so **** heavy.

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

Mucks are great in the wet and slop but I prefer Keen Summit County boots whenever I can. Light as a feather, insulated, great support for feet and ankles and much better in snowshoes. They are waterproof but I suspect in standing water they would seep eventually. Not sure cause I use the Mucks when needed.

[TapTapTap]

Woods: Chippewa, regular sole, waterproof, insulated.
Standing in water: Muckboot.

The only boots I own for winter use.

[Jcrawfo]

I still wear the old green lacrosse rubber boots with wool socks.

[Dill]

Boot driers are great. I always thought putting boots by the stove was enough until I got one for christmas. Holy cow you pop some wet nasty cold boots on there eat lunch and that feeling when you put warm boots back on is incredible.

[ADK_XJ]

Mucks are great in the wet and slop but I prefer Keen Summit County boots whenever I can. Light as a feather, insulated, great support for feet and ankles and much better in snowshoes. They are waterproof but I suspect in standing water they would seep eventually. Not sure cause I use the Mucks when needed.
Ok, so those are waterproof hikers then? I wear Vasque (forget the name) Gore Tex hiking boots from about late September and on. Especially for snow shoeing! BUt that's exactly what im looking to replace for sugaring. They're getting beat up going through all the brush, they tend to cake on mud rather than rinse clean and they're extremely time consuming to put on and take off, I think there's 4 or 5 riveted half-loop ties up the tongue.

I also have to wear a double pair of wool socks to keep my feet from freezing in those. Again, great boots, but not for this application.

[wnybassman]

For tapping and the first half of the season I use my ice fishing boots, Muck Arctic Extreme's with Yak Trax on the soles. From then on, or anytime there isn't much snow/ice I have a pair of Muck hikers.

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

Ok, so those are waterproof hikers then? I wear Vasque (forget the name) Gore Tex hiking boots from about late September and on. Especially for snow shoeing! BUt that's exactly what im looking to replace for sugaring. They're getting beat up going through all the brush, they tend to cake on mud rather than rinse clean and they're extremely time consuming to put on and take off, I think there's 4 or 5 riveted half-loop ties up the tongue.

I also have to wear a double pair of wool socks to keep my feet from freezing in those. Again, great boots, but not for this application.

Yes, they are an insulated hiking boot, 600 grams. It sounds like you are in some pretty wet and nasty woods so I'm not sure if they will stay dry. I swear by LL Bean heavyweight merino wool socks. My feet never get cold when moving but if the temp is below 20 and I stop for 20-30 minutes they will start to get cold in those. Start moving again and I am fine. But thats me, seems my feet and hands stay warmer than my partners.....he'll get cold feet in 1200 gram mucks. I think the right socks make more of a difference than insulation sometimes. Merino wool is the answer. And if your feet get cold easy, stick with mucks.

[ADK_XJ]

Yes, they are an insulated hiking boot, 600 grams. It sounds like you are in some pretty wet and nasty woods so I'm not sure if they will stay dry. I swear by LL Bean heavyweight merino wool socks. My feet never get cold when moving but if the temp is below 20 and I stop for 20-30 minutes they will start to get cold in those. Start moving again and I am fine. But thats me, seems my feet and hands stay warmer than my partners.....he'll get cold feet in 1200 gram mucks. I think the right socks make more of a difference than insulation sometimes. Merino wool is the answer. And if your feet get cold easy, stick with mucks.

Agree with you there — merino wool socks made a believer out of me. I upgraded all of my outdoor "baselayers" to merino wool 2 years ago, would never go back. Warm when it's cold, cool when it's hot, no smell and wicks away moisture. Quite literally the perfect material.

Yeah, I'm sold on a pair of mucks for what I need. Yes, our woods are pretty gnarly due to 60-70+ years of neglect after the farm here shut down but I'm slowly clearing out and making trails. We also have a very nice balance of age of trees due to our forest being old farm fields that grew back but that also means lots of invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle that I have to clear out by hand around the tappable maples. Lots of work but worth it!

[ADK_XJ]

For tapping and the first half of the season I use my ice fishing boots, Muck Arctic Extreme's with Yak Trax on the soles. From then on, or anytime there isn't much snow/ice I have a pair of Muck hikers.Nice, didn't know mucks made a hiking boot. I just ordered a Chore mid so I'll report back if its what I hoped or if I go back to the drawing board.

[wnybassman]

Nice, didn't know mucks made a hiking boot. I just ordered a Chore mid so I'll report back if its what I hoped or if I go back to the drawing board.

It was labeled a hiker back when I got them, but looking now I don't really see anything labeled as such. Similar to the Muckster II Ankle boot or the Excursion series.

[motowbrowne]

Agree with you there — merino wool socks made a believer out of me. I upgraded all of my outdoor "baselayers" to merino wool 2 years ago, would never go back. Warm when it's cold, cool when it's hot, no smell and wicks away moisture. Quite literally the perfect material.

Yeah, I'm sold on a pair of mucks for what I need. Yes, our woods are pretty gnarly due to 60-70+ years of neglect after the farm here shut down but I'm slowly clearing out and making trails. We also have a very nice balance of age of trees due to our forest being old farm fields that grew back but that also means lots of invasive buckthorn and honeysuckle that I have to clear out by hand around the tappable maples. Lots of work but worth it!

Merino is where it's at. I'm sure you Vermonters know about Darn Tough socks, but if anyone doesn't know about them, they're the best. Made in Vermont, merino wool, lifetime guarantee. Yep, lifetime. Don't worry about the price tag. Buy a couple pairs.

[Daveg]

I got of pair of Bogg's. Easy on-off. Not too warm. They're just a tad on the heavy side, but I like the exercise of collecting from 150 jugs!
Here's one I haven't seen yet or else missed - if your sugar bush is like our small back 9 it's a muddy mess by sapping time; what's everybody's go to "bush" boot?

My rubber chainsaw boots are too heavy and bulky, my sorels are too warm and hiking boots are a bitch to put on and off. My wife likes her Bogs — a good friend working in ag swears by his Muck "Chore" boots. Thoughts?

[sapman]

I've had three pairs of Mucks, Arctic sports and Pros. I like them, but the soles tend to start falling off within a year or two. Last year tried some Kamiks, and so far quite pleased. They seem like the sole is one piece with the rest of the boot, so hopefully no falling off sole.

[ADK_XJ]

I've had three pairs of Mucks, Arctic sports and Pros. I like them, but the soles tend to start falling off within a year or two. Last year tried some Kamiks, and so far quite pleased. They seem like the sole is one piece with the rest of the boot, so hopefully no falling off sole. I saw the Kamiks (are these the "icebreakers"?) were very highly rated on some outdoor gear blog. Definitely a tick below Mucks and Bogs in price point but I was worried they'd be just a tad too warm come March...if the Muck CHores I have coming don't fit the bill, Kamick is my next stop.

[sapman]

I actually got the Coldcreek model. Got lucky and found size 12 for $89 on Amazon. Can be as much as 150+.

[ADK_XJ]

Got the Mucks today — thanks Amazon Prime and consumerist instant gratification — think they will be just the ticket as I wore them for a sap collection run through a mix of ice, slushy snow banks and developing mud lakes in the back woods. Only thing is I think I need to size down. I normally wear an 11 in boots but I want to be able to wear these with a single pair of wool or cotton socks and they're just a little sloppy in the heel.

But, so far so good, will check back in after the season.

[steam maker]

Just ordered a new pair of mucks tonight from cabelas ! After shipping the cost for my 165 dollar boots was 85 bucks !!! Wish i could by sugaring equipment at that discount

[red dorakeen]

I've been using Baffin boots. Less than $50. Comfortable, warm.
I like that the top has a lace to tighten. It's not so much the the snow gets that deep very often but it helps keep the wood chips from the chainsaw out.
15256

[ADK_XJ]

I've been using Baffin boots. Less than $50. Comfortable, warm.
I like that the top has a lace to tighten. It's not so much the the snow gets that deep very often but it helps keep the wood chips from the chainsaw out.
15256
Are they steel toe?

[red dorakeen]

Are they steel toe?

My current pair doesn't have steel toe. When these eventually wear out I'll Probably get the steel toe version.

[Wanabe1972]

I like the Rocky's I have. They are very warm, waterproof and light and comfortable.

[ADK_XJ]

My current pair doesn't have steel toe. When these eventually wear out I'll Probably get the steel toe version. gotcha, I felt the same way about the muck steel toes - since I have chainsaw boots I wasn't about to double my cost to replace them prematurely.

[ADK_XJ]

Got the new set of Mucks in yesterday - just in time for the taps to freeze up but I wore them around the back 9 last night and tonight to collect the equipment I had out. Warm with only one pair of socks and very comfortable - good traction except on ice but I have cleats for that. Most impressed with the simplest feature which is being able to slip them on and off standing, no hands.

[Cedar Eater]

I have a pair of Muckmasters that has lasted over 5 years. This year is definitely its last. I used it for hunting, logging, and sugaring. I will buy either chores or something similar with a large lugged sole.

[maple marc]

Mucks are warm and dry, but if you have a narrow heel like I do, you will have problems with your heel moving inside the boot. And after a time, the neoprene liner gets a rough spot in it and then it acts as sand paper on your sock and skin. It helps to wear a very thick sock and use a thick insole. You might also have to go down a size. I've taken to buying the much less expensive TSC brand. Love the slip-on feature, but nothing provides support like a lace-up.

[danielschauder]

I love my Mucks! Watch for them on Amazon, sometimes I have found $195.00 Mucks for $50.00. I thought it was to good to be true but I ordered 5 pair and they were the real deal. I'm set on Mucks for many years.

[johnallin]

I'm getting ready to replace my 6 year old Muck Chores, so thought I'd resurrect this thread. I'm inclined to just go get another pair, as they've been my favorite boot for woods work when it's wet.
Wondering if anyone has found a better boot for the mud and water we deal with...price is not as important as long life for me. Thanks - John

[mudr]

I work in the natural resources field, mostly in wetlands. So I tend to bushwhack in wet conditions a fair amount. I have not found a *perfect* boot, but I've come to like muck boots. I don't really like regular rubber boots. For one, they are usually too thin in the calves. Plus the rubber breaks down quickly and cracks.

I am currently using the Muck Boots Muckmaster-Hi, as they are the tallest pair I could find. They are comfy and waterproof. A tad warm for my summer work, but good in winter. They are reasonably durable. My biggest concerns are the softer soles, but to this day I've never had a stick puncture them. I've had small tears in the neoprene, but that is fixed with wader repair goop easily.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

[Wannabe]

https://www.skellerupfootwear.us/products/insulated-gumboots

Only brand I've found that are better than mucks. I have the regular insulated and the insulated extreme.
Hard to find a dealer around here though. Some claim they run a size big also so keep that in mind when/if ordering online.
I have only had the regular insulated boots about two years (that’s all I could get outta mucks) so I can’t say how long they’ll last me for sure yet but they are holding up great so far. I just purchased the extremes for deer hunting this year so I can’t attest to their durability but they are made of the same material as the others, I can tell you they’re too warm for me for doing much physical activity though.

[johnallin]

Never heard of Skellerup, but it sure looks a lot like a Muck Boot. Maybe Skellerup is the original.
Do you know if they are they still made in NZ? That, alone, would gain points over made in China...

[Wannabe]

Yeah, I assume they are still made in New Zealand.
I agree, beats made in China..

[sapman]

So far I'd say my Kamiks are better than the Mucks I used to wear. Soles always came off on Mucks.

[MN Jake]

My feet never get tired in my Setters, Thats all I can say.

[DMF]

My favorite deer hunting boot are Lacrosse Burly Air-Grip 18" hunting boot.
My favorite working in the snowy and/or muddy woods are my "retired" Lacrosse Burly Air-Grip 18" hunting boot. When I say "retired" I mean ones that I've applied two or more inner tube patches to (which took about 5-7 years for my current pair before they were "retired" and replaced)
These are not insulated much which is just fine for me because they are light and when I wear them hunting or working I am fairly active. The go on and off fast. You can tuck your pant legs into them and keep the mud off your pant cuffs which will please your wife when you take them off to go in the house. The Air-Grip ("Air-Bob" to some people) grab equally well in all conditions.
My only other working boots are for chainsaw work as they have cut protection. If it's really snowy or muddy I have a pair of Husqvarna rubber chainsaw boots. Any other time I'm working where I need cut protection I wear my leather Oregon chainsaw boots. Actually, those Oregon boots are worn for ANY work when it's not super snowy or muddy as they are very comfortable to me although a bit on the heavy side.

[ADK_XJ]

I thought I'd revisit this thread since I started it just about two years ago searching for the "best" bush boots. At that time, I ended up going with a pair of Muck Chore boots at the recommendation of a farming friend.

Two years in with nearly daily wear from October to April, I have a few thoughts that may (or may not) be worth sharing:

Comfort: I would say this is likely the major selling point of the Muck Chore: it's quite a comfortable boot. With a good pair of wool socks, I can slip these on and be out the door in seconds but then spend most of the day on my feet in snow, mud and chicken **** without really ever noticing the boots are there. I notice the difference in comfort particularly when compared to my all-rubber chainsaw boots. Whereas those boots (Husqavarnas) are uncomfortable and stiff when crouching or bending at odd angles, the Muck boots (probably due to the neoprene upper) flex in a way that makes it easy to get under an ATV to attach a wagon or retrieve a dropped sap tap.

Function/Insulation: There seems to be just enough insulation in the Chore-style Muck boots that, as long as you're moving, your feet stay warm. This is also possibly an outgrowth of the fact that they (mostly) keep your feet dry. However, when I've stood around an outdoor evaporator (in my case, a block or barrel stove) all day in freezing temperatures I've opted to chuck the Chores and don my felt-lined Sorels. The other small gripe I have with these particular boots in terms of function is that, while VERY easy to put on due to the rigid top, snow tends to make it's way in when tromping through heavy drifts. Once wet, these boots take a really long time to dry out I find. On the other hand, when simply wading through water, snow, ice or mud, I have yet to have any moisture penetrate the rubber lowers (more on that, though). The only other functional thing I miss / regret is that the particular boots I bought do not include a steel toe, which I've realized numerous times would have been really nice to have when I needed to bust out the chainsaw or ax while out in the woods. However, Muck makes the exact same boot with a steel-toe for a 20-30% premium.

Quality: Here's the only catch: as someone else noted, it seems like you can really only expect two full seasons of wear before the Chore boots begin to wear out. I was comparing mine to my Father-in-Law's new Bogs the other day and realized I had two matching cracks / tears developing in the rubber on both the left and right boot. They are yet to leak but I have to assume they will eventually given the location (picture attached). Now, is it fair to expect some wear and tear on an item you wear AT LEAST one hundred or more days a year? Sure. But, the Mucks' warranty only covers 1-year of wear which tells you something right there and, at this price point, I would expect to get at least 3 seasons of hard wearing without leak or other material failure. It's a toss up, though. Many people spend more each month on their cable bill than I spent on these boots, it's all about your budget and priority.

Summary: Would I recommend the Muck Chores as a bush boot? Yes, I think the comfort and function of the Muck Chore boots make them an easy contender even if you have to do some amount of repair or patching to the rubber after 2 seasons. Are they the "best" bush boot out there? I'm not sure and I am curious to try the Kamik Icebreaker boots which have a removable felt liner AND a draw-string closure for the top rim of the boot. More importantly, they can be had at nearly half the cost. Once I've patched my Mucks with some AquaSeal I may put the Kamiks on my Christmas list for next year....

Pictures of identical cracks in rubber on both boots:

19157
19158

Edit: I forgot to mention one thing in terms of comfort / quality: within the first season of wearing the Mucks, I wore through the lining and insulation behind my heel on both boots. I don't know if this was a product of how I removed the boots (stepping on the back of one and then the other) or something specific to my feet but I've NEVER had this happen before with a pair of boots. My only solution is to wear thick socks but it makes for an uncomfortable rubbing on my heels in any warm weather situation when I put these on with summer socks.

[saphead]

Started sugaring in '72 and only wore L.L. Bean Maine Hunting Boots until around '93,if memory serves correctly. Back in those days it was a lot of walking and climbing over stone walls etc. The bottoms finally wore out but the leather is still ok,took good care of the leather. I only use Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP on leather now,invented by a logger/wildfire fighter...the best. A freind worked a local felt manufacturer so felt inner soles were free,cut them out of 1/2" felt. My first pair of Muck Chore boots lasted a long time but the latest pair the insides wore through extremely quickly,tried the gorilla tape fix to try and save my socks and heals...need a different fix. For icey conditions I use a pair of rubber logging boots with motorcycle ice racing screws in the bottom,work great but are heavy. It's a wide open market for a quality,flexible and affordable boot...maybe I will get new bottoms put on my Bean boots!

[TapTapTap]

Want to start a long thread? Pick boots as your topic!

I have Muck Boots Field XT for any wet activity. I'll wear a second pair of heavy Darn Toughs if its cold - that's it, I'll start a thread on best socks!

For not so wet woods work I'll wear my Chippewa Super Loggers with lots of leather and steel toe for best protection, especially working with heavy stuff and/or chain saws. And they're the warmest boots I own.

Advice: Don't drop anything heavy on non-steel toe muck boots.

[saphead]

Update!
Looked at a whole bunch of boots over the last few days, got on the Kamik website and clicked the "Last Chance" tab at the top of the page.Bought the Bushman 16" in lovely olive green for...$59.99 and $5.99 to ship! Arrived today, 2 days later, from I believe Williston or Milton,Vt. Tag and website says built in the USA from imported and domestic materials,main company is Canadian w/400 employees and these I think our built in Littleton, NH. I wear a 8 1/2 EE so I got the 9's , just a little heal movement so I'll add some felts to tighten things up a bit. To my surprise I can easily fit my loose fit carpenter pants inside with no problem. Can't justify buying any long "Darn Tough" socks at the moment as I have loads of Point 6 socks on hand :)

[woodsy]

Pretty happy with my Kamik Canuck cold weather boots 16" tall. Going on 10 years at least. Draw string on top
keeps the snow out when ski pants aren't on. Good value IMO at $85.00. Felt lined feet never been cold in them.

[CBOYER]

The most used boots in Québec is this model From Acton:

https://en.actoncanada.ca/collections/bottes-chasse-et-peche/products/quest-1

But they dont sell in USA...

[Wannabe]

https://www.skellerupfootwear.us/products/insulated-gumboots

Only brand I've found that are better than mucks. I have the regular insulated and the insulated extreme.
Hard to find a dealer around here though. Some claim they run a size big also so keep that in mind when/if ordering online.
I have only had the regular insulated boots about two years (that’s all I could get outta mucks) so I can’t say how long they’ll last me for sure yet but they are holding up great so far. I just purchased the extremes for deer hunting this year so I can’t attest to their durability but they are made of the same material as the others, I can tell you they’re too warm for me for doing much physical activity though.

Note to all, these boots won't hold up to you being careless with a chainsaw.. I "nicked" the side of mine this weekend..

Anyone know of any products that will seal up a small "blemish" in these style boots?

[saphead]

I've always used "shoe goo" but the ambiant air temp has to be warm and I believe when it offgases it's flammable.Depending on where the boot is nicked Gorilla tape will work in a pinch. Hopefully you'll now see the need for "chainsaw" rated boots :) consider yourself lucky it was only your boot!

[ADK_XJ]

I agree, it's surprising how quickly the liner wears through on the inside of the Muck Boot...but I did find a solution that is working well on the heels of mine: adhesive heel padding that's typically used in women's shoes / high-heels. I certainly got a weird look from my wife when I opened an Amazon box full of these sticky little pads but they stay in place and are just the right amount of padding to protect the heel and cover that worn through spot.

Good luck with the old Bean boots, hard to beat the quality of old LL Bean products...I'm wearing a "vintage" Bean's wool-cotton Driver's Shirt as we speak.

[ADK_XJ]

Nice, I'll have to check out that Last Chance option if I end going with the Kamik's after this season...

[ADK_XJ]

Definitely get yourself some proper chainsaw boots, have heard too many horror stories and had too many close calls myself. The Husqvarna boots are found for a decent price but I always wished I'd bought the lined Viking ones since I mostly cut in winter.

[ADK_XJ]

Same, usually use shoe goo but I used tent sealer recently on my Muck Boots where they split in that picture below...let them cure overnight and worked really well.

[maple flats]

I may be rethinking Muck boots. I got my first pair in Jan 2004 and used them a lot and they lasted 5 or 6 years. Then I bought 2 more pair, two different temperature ratings, they lasted long as well. Since then I seem to keep having the boot bottom de-laminate from the rest of the boot, about 1" up from the bottom. This has happened on 3 pair and I have a hard time getting 2 seasons out of them for the last 3 times I bought them. They are too pricey to have them fail so soon. This has happened on their field boots, the wetland boots and the arctic pro.
I still like the comfort, but the quality has fallen considerably. If anything, I walk a little less than in the early days but back then I got about 3x the use that I do now before I need new ones.

[ADK_XJ]

Interesting. This seems to be a common theme about the recent Mucks that people are getting...the wear well and very comfortably for a couple of seasons and then start falling apart.

I'm willing to pay a premium for quality personally but I need to feel like that item will last a reasonable amount of time. Like you, I wear the boots quite a bit but not abusively so or in harsh environment (i.e. thick brush, rocky areas or salty-slush).

I keep seeing folks in the Northwest with these Xtratuff boots on, almost exclusively...it's a different environment in, say, Seattle but Alaska and the Yukon seem easily comparable to the Northeast for winter hardiness: https://www.xtratuf.com/collections/men-feature-insulated

[Polaris1]

Look into a new boot out Dryshod. 1 of the guys that designed Muck Boots left the company and started his own. A lot of our local stores are selling them. They are a little cheaper than Muck. Time will tell. I too have a pair of the Muck artic safety boots. Only had them for a few yrs with min use and the sole at the cap area is pulling apart. And I'm by no means hard on my boots!

[maple flats]

I'm thinking seriously about buying the Dryshod boots. Everything I read on the website of the dealer in Apalachin, NY looks very good. I just sent them a question on sizing to hopefully get the proper size first try. On the Muck boots I had to buy 2 sizes bigger just for proper fit. I have given up on Mucks, I had to glue the soles back onto my last 2 pair and they were not quite 2 yrs old.

[Polaris1]

I haven't done anything with mine yet. I just used my 8+ yr old hunting boots that I primarily used for ice fishing. The guys I know that have them didn't say anything about size issue. From what I was told the owner made improvement changes to Dryshod over Muck. Hopefully the sole was the primary improvement.

[Mark B]

I've got a pair of cabelas, 1200 or 1400 gm boots, with rubber outers. Keep my feet warm and dry. Going on 4 years old, look like the day I bought them.

[Nemo5]

I wear Dunlop’s in syrup season and all year. I wear them when I’m laying pipe in the summer months and in the winter when snow blowing or doing any other outdoor activity. They are expensive.
https://www.marks.com/en/dunlop-mens-steel-toe-steel-plate-pu-cold-weather-boots-30426.html


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