Hey,
i like to ask you about the right choice for winter shoes.
I do have the problem that i�ve allways cool foots and so like to know which kind of shoes are the best for stalking and long tree stands hunt at cold temperatures.
Is it possible to "walk" with this kind of shoes or does it feel like walking with "clown shoes" through the forest.
Okay i�m wearing a US12 or 13 .. so i�m used to this feeling
I think SOREL ( from CANADA)is a brand which is known for keeping your feet warm, or is it just a clever and smart advertising of the brand?
Several years ago, i had some ( not originals) and they haven�t been warmer than rubber boots
I�m just wondering when i�m taking a look in the cabelas catalogue where you can find boots with 1200 gramm THINSULATE Isolation. Never found something compareable overhere in Germany!

So if u have any goods or bads to tell, ...please let me know!
Maybe if u have an adress of a dealer and some prices...you could help me also!

Thx�s alot
Konstantin

Heck Konstantin, Sorel (in particular and other "Pac" type boots) are the greatest thing since sliced bread when it comes to cold weather hunting! I never use anything else when there is snow on the ground. Sorel is just one brand of Pac boots, but it is one of the best and most readily available.

If you want to use Pacs in snow, make sure you get this type of sole: [URL=http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0016741830259a&navAction=jump&navCount=3&indexId=cat560052&podId=0016741&catalogCode=XD&parentId=cat 560052&parentType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat20564&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml.2_A&_DAV=http%3A%2F%2Fa1460.g.akamai.net%2Ff%2F1460%2F1339%2F6h%2Fwww .cabelas.com%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcontent%2FPod%2F01%2F67%2F41%2Fp016741ii01.jpg&hasJS=true]Sorel Mavericks - at Cabelas[/URL] These soles are much superior to the regular Vibram type in snow. They are not as tough as a Vibram sole, so I would not recommend them for rocky terrain without snow on the ground.

When/if you decide to get PACs, be aware that they (at least Sorels) come in several different temperature ranges. The first set of Pacs I got, were good down to something like -30 or -40 degrees, and they worked really well in Greenland. However, here in Central Europe, they really are a tad too voluminous for me. I ended up getting a pair of the Sorel Mavericks (see link above). They are still larger than a regular leather boot, but not so much it stops me from wearing them whenever there is snow on the ground. Another reason I like the Sorel Mavericks is that they are fairly high, so they work well even in deeper snow. I rarely (if ever) bother to wear gaiters with these boots.

I have had Pac boots with Thinsulate inners, and they were immediately returned, not warm enough! I actually prefer the felt liners - although my super-warm Pacs have some sort of synthetic liners.

All in all, if you decide to get Pacs, take a hard look at the Sorel Mavericks, I can only recommend them! Obviously, being the Web-literate person you are, you'll consider the option of ordering the Pacs via the Web from the States (having checked out the prices and availability at Frankonia first). If you need really large size boots, your chances of finding them in the States are probably MUCH better. Besides, the prices will be about 50% of what you can get them for here in Europe (I guess). Cabela's is a bad place to order from Europe, but surely there must be a mail-order store that will ship you a pair via surface mail (order now, wear them when the snow falls )
- mike

P.S. When you order, get a pair of extra liners as well. Cost you the same in shipping, and not much at all for the liners. Well worth it!

Hmmm, sometimes the URL insertion mechanism does not work that well. Here is another try at the link to the Sorel Mavericks at Cabelas.

[URL=http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0016741830259a&navAction=jump&navCount=3&indexId=cat560052&podId=0016741&catalogCode=XD&parentId=cat 560052&parentType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat20564&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml.2_A&_DAV=http%3A%2F%2Fa1460.g.akamai.net%2Ff%2F1460%2F1339%2F6h%2Fwww .cabelas.com%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcontent%2FPod%2F01%2F67%2F41%2Fp016741ii01.jpg&hasJS=true]Sorel Mavericks - at Cabelas.[/URL]

If this does not work just copy the following string into the "Address" field of your browser:

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/product/standard-item.jhtml?id=0016741830259a&navAction=jump&navCount=3&indexId=cat560052&podId=0016741&catalogCode=XD&parentId=cat56005 2&parentType=index&rid=&cmCat=MainCatcat20564&_DARGS=%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcommon%2Fcatalog%2Fitem-link.jhtml.2_A&_DAV=http%3A%2F%2Fa1460.g.akamai.net%2Ff%2F1460%2F1339%2F6h%2Fwww.cabe las.com%2Fcabelas%2Fen%2Fcontent%2FPod%2F01%2F67%2F41%2Fp016741ii01.jpg&hasJS=true

Talk about mumbo-jumbo - mike

I have really had good results with Sorels myself.

I have two pair, one size that fits well, for moderate-to-cold weather, or if I intend to walk around a lot. The tight(er) fit gives better agility (if there is such a thing in a pac boot) and stability when walking slopes.

I have the second pair one size larger to allow decent circulation and yet one more pair of wool socks, for when it is really-f'n-cold or if I plan to sit a stand.

Do not make the fit too tight, or you will defeat all other measures. Your feet need their blood supply to stay warm and work properly. It is also very important ot allow your feet to "breath", to avoid building up moisture from perspiration and condensation.

Hey Konst.
I almost exclusively hunt in chilly and often wet climate. I have a pair of Scarpa boots with Gore-tex and wear just a pair of woolen socks with the boots. Never get cold feet with that combination. However, I switch socks at least once a day when out in the wild to avoid the socks getting moist.

Hallo,

I also have good results with Sorel. I use two pair now about 12 years and they are still very good.

But the company Sorel is bankrupt and the new Sorel do come from far east or so. So I do not know it they are still in the same quality.

Kamik seems also to be very good. But their shape is a bit worse for my broad feet. So they are not so comfortable.

For the first, big thank u for all of your Replies.
I do have some more questions left, but i�m a little bit in ahurry, so will be back this evening with some more "silly" questions

Normaly i wear MEINDL-kind boots for autumn and winter time.
Today, after i came back from my morning hunt (with frozen feet Temp. arround 0 degrees Celsius) that my socks were completely wet from my "foot sweat".
Question: If i�m a person who often do have wet feet ( foot- sweat) .... will i even get with PAC Boots cold feet, because there is too much moisture in the shoe, and so the Insulation is much worser compared to "dry" air?

Mostly i do have warm feet for one hour and peux a peux.. they getting colder and colder .. and if it�s winter time it happens that i can�t feel my foot tips!
I mean , our temperatures are avg. -10 degrees with a max. of 20 degrees Celsius,...so it can�t compared to Arctic climate..where it might be "okay" if you can�t feel your feet!

I guess a dry foot is easier to keep warm than a wet one!
What can i do to get "dry" feet to keep the insulation of the shoe up?

Till soon
Konstantin

P.S.: @MHO . do you mean the sole that looks like goose pimples?

As you note, keeping your feet dry is very important.

As long as you have good boots and they are not too tight, I believe that sock selection becomes the key to comfort.

If your socks are too heavy for the day, your feet will quickly sweat, but upon being wet, will chill rapidly. Better to have good circulation and a thin(ner) sock. Feet that feel "cool" will take longer to get uncomfortably cold than feet that feel "hot" not long after putting your boots on. You hot feet will sweat, then chill.

I also keep spare socks and liners handy. Changing socks when you feet are cold and damp will help immensely. I always get at least one spare set of boot liners when I get pac-boots. If I have an extended stay, I rotate my boots, or boot liners, daily to allow them to dry out between wearings.

I have also used aerosol anti-perspirant in the past, before I "fine-tuned" my foot wear. A light spray around the toes prior to putting on the sock can help a little, but not if your foot is already buried in too-heavy socks.

HTH,
Ed

HERE IS A GREAT OUTFIT,,WWW.SCHNEES.COM,,,MADE IN MONTANA,,U.S.A. AND GOOD PRICES. THE TYPE OF SOLE DISCUSSED IS HERE CALLED ""AIR BOB "" OR SOMETIMES JUST ""BOB SOLES "".I ,FOR YEARS WORE ONLY COMBAT BOOTS FOR THE TOUGHNESS,,BUT SUFFER FROM FROSTBITE SO MUST GO WITH BIG BOOTS FOR CIRCULATION,,I PREFER AN UNINSULATED FOR TEMPS TO 20*F THEN A REMOVEABLE LINER TYPE THAT HAS VARIABLE THICKNESS FELT LINERS FOR LOWER TEMPS

hey orion,...
is this an answer to my question?
CAn�t see the content?
konst#1

Ah now i see
btw i had a student job for Lexus some month ago, the car�s are okay instead of the point of the styling ( LS430). But the company who does the promotion haven�t paied me since 2 months.
That�s why please don�t take another LEXUS Sample....i�m not in agood mood, if u know what i mean ;(

cheers
Konstantin

I used to wear Sorel pac boots. Leather uppers and rubber bottoms with the removeable felt liners. They worked OK, kept my feet reasonably warm and dry but were oh so heavy--like wearing cement overshoes! Not much better than the Korean war surplus 'mickey mouse' style boots.

After doing a lot of research this is what I wear now and highly recommend them:
LaCrosse Terrain King pac boot. 10" high with cordura nylon uppers, gore-tex lining and man-made bottoms with part vibram and part air-bob tread. Speed lacing. Good for -60F and very light weight. 400 grams thinsulate ultra built into the boot and another 400 grams in the included removeable liner for a total of 800 grams if you need that much. To control the sweaty wet feet equals cold feet problem, try wearing a pair of polypropylene socks next to your skin. They wick away the moisture. Over them I wear Cabelas Ultimax insulated socks; wool and some synthetic thread. I bought the boots from sportsmansguide.com
I thought LaCrosse was a Canadian company but the boots say "made in China." In any event they keep my feet toasty and that helps me hunt longer.