Best Ice Fishing Boots for Professional Anglers – 2018 Edition
Fishing is fun, but may sometimes demand protective equipment to ensure safety and comfort outdoors. When ice fishing for instance, you can maximize your fishing experience despite the extreme cold, with ice fishing boots.
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Best Ice Fishing Boots
**Below, you will find more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer reviews on Amazon.
Your safety, comfort, and enjoyment is important to us. We have done an extensive research and created this list of top 5 ice fishing boots reviews, to take off some of the burden on your shoulders when choosing for the best ice fishing boot.
Via Amazon.com
With the MuckBoots Arctic Sport, you will never have to worry about getting freezing ice water seeping through your boots. Its reinforcement is double, which makes it thick and durable to withstand the harsh cold.
These boots are 100% waterproof, from the sole to the very top. It is 17 inch tall, which is great in keeping your feet and legs warm and dry, even during extreme snow conditions.
Its boot height makes it difficult for snow and muck to get into your boot.
The combination of rubber and fabric, plus the EVA (a dense foam which acts as an excellent and durable shock absorber in the sole of many shoes) molded midsole with contoured footbed, make it lightweight, cushioned, and very comfortable for ice fishing.
A 2mm thermal foam on the inside adds extra warmth and comfort, while a rugged bottom on the outside provide durability, protection, and optimal traction.
Material: rubber, fabric, fleece lining, EVA midsole, MS-1 molded outsole, flex foam
Insulation: -40° to 40° F
Weight: 3.8 lbs
Height: 17”, but is also available in 1 13” mid-cut
What We Like:
- Also offers a ton of protection from sage, oak brush, and cactus
- Stretch binding at the top makes it virtually impossible for water to get in
What We Didn’t Like:
- Great weight for men, but may be a little bit heavy for women
- May get a little too warm when temperature gets back to above zero
- The sole may get slippery on a wet and hard surface
Via Amazon.com
Like most MuckBoots such as the Arctic Sport, the Arctic Pro is made of a combination of rubber and fabric, which makes it 100% waterproof and lightweight.
It features a double reinforcement at instep, heel and Achilles, which makes it durable to withstand the harsh cold.
Its boot height of 17 inches makes it difficult for snow to get into your boot, which is great in keeping your feet and legs warm and dry, even during harsh snow conditions.
The MuckBoots Arctic Pro, labelled as the “warmest Muck Boot” set the standard in maximum insulation and protective support.
It is tailor-made for extreme conditions, boasting a 8mm fleece lining and contoured footbed that assures warmth and comfort in temperatures than can drop to almost -60° F.
The flexible topline hugs your calf to keep the freezing air and snow out while keeping the warmth inside. It also features an Airmesh lining that wicks away humidity and perspiration.
This Arctic Pro boot also offers a full Honeywell RDR ™ rubber exterior that will resist not only freezing water, but also most oil-based fluids.
With a midsole modeled with dense foam, and Bob-Tracker outsole, this ice fishing boot is also available in an ASTM safety certification steel toe version, which is great for severely cold weather environments.
Material: rubber, fabric, fleece lining, EVA midsole, Bob-Tracker outsole, flex foam
Insulation: -60° to 30° F
Weight: 4.4 lbs per pair
Height: 17”
What We Like:
- Easy on and off
- The fleece lining is very comfortable and really keeps the inside warm
- Bob-Tracker outsole keeps you on your feet and not on your backside when ice fishing -- anti-slip
What We Didn’t Like:
- The sole may get slippery on a wet and hard surface
Via Amazon.com
For 25 years, Baffin has been making specialized insulated boots. While traditional boots are suitable for some conditions, not all are ideal for cold temperatures.
The Baffin Snow Monster combines leading molding technology and a foam-based inner boot system, that equate to better fit, superior comfort, and more warmth.
These boots are made of insulated leather and waterproof seam-sealed upper with snow collar that keeps freezing water out.
It also features a removable, multi-layer inner boot system, and the speed-lace fastening with toggle is also adjustable for your comfort.
The Baffin Snow Monster is outfitted with pads at the bottom of the shoe, which make it slip resistant and improve grip on ice. This is great for keeping you upright and on your feet when ice fishing.
Staying true to its name, the Baffin Snow Monster is rated to withstand at most -94° F. These Baffin Snow Monster boots offer both functionality and fashion, while still maintaining maximum and quality performance.
Material: leather, fabric
Insulation: -94° F
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Height: 12”
What We Like:
- Very light for its size
- Cold rated to at most -94° F - “Baffin’s warmest boots”
What We Didn’t Like:
- Sizes are a bit smaller
Via Amazon.com
Baffin Selkirk Snow Boot boasts its 7-layer inner boot and Thermaplush wicking fibers that enable it to deliver extra warmth and comfort.
It is equipped with leather bottoms and nylon uppers on the outside, and a waterproof seam-sealed nylon upper, which are great for keeping your feet warm from the freezing cold that can drop to at most -94°.
The sole of Baffin Selkirk Snow Boot is a product of modern engineering, for it is made of thermosetting polymers, to achieve the right combination of warmth, lightweightedness, grip, and protection.
The Baffin Selkirk is made of arctic rubber shell, EVA midsole, and polar rubber outsole, which makes this snow boot durable, comfortable, and effective in keeping you warm and on your feet, all at the same time.
Its buckle top with velcro ankle-strap fastening setup is also great for adjusting the boot to make it more comfortable for you.
Material: arctic rubber shell, EVA midsole, polar rubber outsole, leather, nylon, thermo polymers
Insulation: -94° F
Weight: 2.6 lbs per boot
Height: 13”
What We Like:
- Extremely comfortable and warm with its 8 layers
- Liners are removable for drying off
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only the bottom (around 40%) of the boot is waterproof
- Relatively smaller sizes
Via Amazon.com
Even though its title says it is a hunting boot, Guide Gear Men Monolithic Waterproof Insulated Hunting Boots is great for ice fishing, and here are several reasons why.
Its suede leather and 900-denier Mossy Oak nylon uppers make it waterproof, which is great for keeping freezing cold water from seeping through and going inside the boot.
It boasts a thicker sole and a 2,400 gram Thinsulate Ultra Insulation, which makes a huge barrier between your feet and the frigid cold, keeping you warm.
It has a removable dense foam insole for comfort, good for using the boot for hours without hurting your feet. Thanks to its moisture-wicking mesh lining, you will be prevented from having sweaty or wet feet.
Another great feature of this Guide Gear boot is that is also oil-resistant.
Material: suede leather, Mossy Oak nylon, EVA insole, mesh lining
Insulation: -94° F
Weight: 2.5 lbs per boot
Height: 12”
What We Like:
- Great for hunting AND ice fishing
- Very comfortable foot bedding
What We Didn’t Like:
- A little bit bigger sizes
- Mobility compromised a bit because of insulation
Why Ice Fishing Boots Are Necessary
Ice fishing is a thrilling adventure that requires the proper skills and knowledge, just as open water fishing does.
However, fishing through the ice also entails using the proper equipment and gear, as safety precautions for a successful and enjoyable ice fishing experience.
For safe and comfortable ice fishing outings, ice fishing boots are extremely important to keep you warm and upright on the cold and slippery ice.
Ice fishing boots are necessary for three undebatable reasons:
- For warmth and insulation
- To keep you dry from the cold icy water
- To keep you upright and stable on your feet
What Makes a Good Ice Fishing Boot
Finding a good ice fishing boot may be a tough challenge, especially for starting anglers who are looking for the best pair of boots that will provide them ultimate protection and warmth, while still offering comfort when they are fishing through the ice.
Here are top five (5) things to consider before purchasing an ice fishing boot. These are the characteristics that you should look for, in order to arrive at a good, if not the best, ice fishing boot.
High-quality material
Every ice fishing boot has its normal wear and tear.
However, a good ice fishing boot is made out of high-quality materials, and designed and manufactured such that it will last longer than just one or two fishing seasons. With high-quality materials come durability and comfort.
- Durability: A durable ice fishing boot is usually covered with protective layers of rubber base that is connected to the boot’s leather and other heavy-duty materials that make up the boot’s upper part.
- Comfort: A comfortable ice fishing boot is flexible and soft on the inside, which is great for walking for several hours. It is usually made of a combination of high-quality rubber and fabric, that make the ice fishing boot flexible and comfortable.
Waterproof
It is very important to have a waterproof boot when fishing through the ice, as your feet will be subjected to water while wading through the freezing waters or drilling through the ice.
Of course, we assume that you do not want to be wet with ice cold water when ice fishing. A good ice fishing boot is 100% waterproof, making sure that no freezing water can seep through.
Not all boots can be ice fishing boots, so make sure that the boot that you choose is waterproof.
Insulation
A good ice fishing boot is designed to provide ultimate warmth and insulation, that will withstand extremely cold climate conditions.
It is made up of insulating materials, such as fleece or wool, that will keep your feet warm, dry, and comfortable, even when the temperature drops to around -60.
Boot weight and height
Boots are generally bulky, but a good ice fishing boot is usually lighter, which makes walking more comfortable and easier. It should have a lightweight design that makes it perfect for long hours of use, without sacrificing insulation and comfort.
A good ice fishing boot has also a relatively tall height, usually up to the calf, which is great in full snow conditions.
Additional features
A good ice fishing boot is often equipped with additional features that sets it apart from all others.
These could include warm up bumper to protect the toes, adjustment straps for ankle support, and producers tag to monitor temperature.
Conclusion
Based on our personal, honest, and critical judgements, we believe that the MuckBoots Arctic Pro Hunting Boot is the best among the top five boots mentioned, because it possesses and perfectly balances all the characteristics that make a good fishing boot.
It is made of a combination of high-quality materials that ensure durability, maximum warmth, and superior comfort. It is 100% waterproof and boasts a 8mm fleece lining that assures warmth and comfort in temperatures than can drop to almost -60° F.
Its boot height of 17 inches and flexible topline make it difficult for snow to get into your boot. It is also relatively lightweight (2.2 lbs per boot) making it easier to walk and move in it.
In addition, the Muckboots Arctic Pro also additional features - mesh lining and rubber exterior - that wicks away humidity and perspiration, and makes it resistant to most oil-based fluids.
We hope we helped you decide on choosing the best ice fishing boots for your next ice fishing adventures.
Share your stories and experiences through the comments section below, and help more people choose the best ice fishing boots by sharing this post.
