Ice Fishing Boots Compared

Why You Need a Quality Pair of Ice Fishing Boots

Comfort

The cold weather brings freezing temperatures and dangerous weather. Keeping water out and warmth in is incredibly important. Wearing ice boots on your trip can increase your comfort by:

Safety

While ice fishing is a fun outdoor pastime, it does come with many potential dangers and risks. The right pair of ice boots can keep you safe by:

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing Quality Ice Fishing Shoes

Insulation & Material

When your feet are warm, you are warm; the keys to keeping your feet warm are in your boots’ insulation and material. Durable and warm materials like leather, nylon, rubber, and others will help. Look for fleece or removable thermal insides or air vents to help insulation both in and outdoors.

Waterproofing

Wet feet are cold feet, which make for an uncomfortable fishing trip. Read the product description carefully to ensure that the boots are waterproof and not just water-resistant on the sole, outside, and lining. Also, look for sealed seams and adjustable boot openings since those are problem areas for leaks or surprise damp areas on your socks.

Traction & Tread

Icy paths and slippery surfaces can cause nasty accidents; wearing boots with proper traction, tread, and support can save your life. Look carefully at pictures and read customer reviews to see how the tread measures up against the wilderness. Soles made of rubber or that come with cleats are great choices.

Boot Size

Wearing thick socks or having a half size standard shoe make choosing winter boots a little tricky. Some sellers make notes in the product description regarding size, but the most reliable place for sizing information is in the customer reviews sections.

As a general rule, we recommend sizing up to allow for thicker socks and for the natural foot swelling that occurs when your feet are warm. Check the returns policy, try them on, and see how they fit.

Durability

No-one wants boots that fall apart before their first season is up. While the saying ‘you get what you pay for’ can apply, it is possible to get durable boots at an affordable price. Everything from the boots’ construction to the material to your treatment all factor into how long boots last. Read the customer reviews, take care of your boots, and watch them serve you for years to come.

Fit & Adjustability

Price & Warranty

Ice fishing boots can run anywhere from $20 to $500+, so it is important to set a personal budget and stick to it. If your chosen pair is more expensive, consider waiting until they go on sale for added savings and satisfaction.

Some boots have warranties and good returns policies, so keep an eye out for those. The best ice fishing boots to buy are the ones that suit your needs and are within your ideal budget.

1. Muck Boot Arctic Sport

Our pick for best waterproof boots for ice fishing, the Muck Boot Arctic Sport boots are perfect for getting you through a snowy winter trip. Not only are they available in a wide range of men’s and women’s sizes, but these imported boots are also made of waterproof rubber and contain both a cozy fleece lining and a thermal foam underlay for increased warmth and comfort.

The shock-absorbent design extends across the EVA molded and contoured midsole as well as the rugged, aggressive outsole. It is easy to take these boots on and off, even after a long day’s hike. Three different color options are available, with each being as comfortable and durable as the last.

The Muck Boot Company is a respected boot maker for a reason – many customer reviews praise how warm and dry these boots make them even if faces with freezing snow or waves. That being said, some customers do note that these boots are better for taller people.

2. Baffin Men’s Control Max

If insulation is your top priority, the Baffin Men’s Control Max are the boots for you. These Baffin ice fishing boots are made of contoured timberwolf leather with a rubber sole for increased durability and comfort. Featuring an integrated Arctic flex, a waffle insole, and an anatomical footbed, the Control Max boots are made to last.

The ice paw technology in the rubber base creates aggressive traction so you can step out into the wilderness with confidence and stability. In terms of warmth, there are eight different layers inside each boot plus a Thermaplush inside for incredible warmth and insulation. Unlike other waterproof boots, Baffin’s Men’s Control Max are waterproof on the sides and underside for incredible dryness and protection.

A wide range of sizes is available, but only one color option. Able to withstand temperatures of up to -94 degrees Fahrenheit, these boots will support you no matter what terrain or adventures you face. That being said, these heavy-duty boots have been noted by some customers to be bulky and clunky to walk in. Overall, an excellent option for those looking to hit some snowy trails for a fishing trip.

3. Muck Boot Arctic Ice

Our top pick for the best women’s boots for ice fishing, the Muck Boot Arctic Ice boots are an excellent option for ladies looking to haul some cracking hauls. Made of neoprene, these flexible boots are very waterproof and are excellent at retaining heat and absorbing shock; the neoprene design means that the boot adjusts to your feet, minimizing the chance of getting blisters or chafe marks.

A soft rubber coverage and Spandura increase your protection from the elements, and a comfort EVA insole adds a new level of comfort. There is even a warm fleece lining in the interior of each boot to keep your feet toasty even in the coldest weather. Available in a subtle black design with pink highlights, these Arctic Ice boots are a great match for any outfit or fishing gear.

One thing to note is that these boots were designed for the winter; they have an aggressive outsole and multi-directional lugs that will help you stay steady on both wet and dry ice as well as snowy surfaces. While it is a shame that there is only one color option available on Amazon, we still love these cute but tough muck arctic pro ice fishing boots.

4. Lacrosse Men’s

Looking to go hunting and ice fishing? These Lacrosse Men’s ice fishing boots are available in four different waterproof designs with unique hunting patterns on each to keep your feet concealed no matter the weather. Made of textile and synthetic materials with an aggressive multi-layered rubber sole, the hand-laid rubber provides flexible support and is anti-scent.

An embossed liner gives added air circulation while being both quick to dry and moisture-wicking. These men’s fishing boots have an active fit and an adjustable neoprene gusset that makes for a smooth and quick on and off process as well as a comfortable fit. Having laceless boots decreases the risk of leaks and means less hassle and worry over tying your shoelaces while in the middle of a hunt.

Many customer reviews praise the durability and warmth that these boots provide, but do note that they can be difficult to clean when caked in mud. These heavy-duty boots are considered bulky by people on the smaller side, but this is not such an issue for taller folks. We love the support, warmth, and utility of these winter boots – consider trying them out for yourself.

5. Columbia Bugaboot Plus III Omni

Available in three different designs, these Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus III Omni come out on top in terms of comfort. Completely waterproof and lightweight, these boots have a heat-reflective lining and seam-sealed construction for effective heat retention and insulation.

The Techlite midsole is both supportive and comfortable, providing added cushioning and energy absorption. As for size, there are fishing boots men's sizes from 7 to 14, only with some half sizes included. We know that you are impatient to hit the icy lakes and frozen tundras, so we are pleased to report that many customers had little to no break-in period with these boots; some even wore them on trips straight out of the box.

The Columbia Men’s Bugaboot Plus III Omni boots are durable and comfortable, with customers loving the shorter ankle height design and flexibility. While these are all excellent features, some customers do find the upper to be a bit too stiff or the boots a little clunky for their tastes. Overall, we think that the comfort and insulation on these boots make them a worthy contender to be included in your winter fishing gear.

6. Kamik Greenbay 4

Amazon’s choice for men’s snow boots, these Kamik Men’s Greenbay 4 are some of the warmest ice fishing boots on our list. Available in four different styles, they are made of 600 denier nylon and have a removable recycled 8mm thermal guard on the inside for added insulation, comfort, and warmth.

The boot opening is adjustable via a thick and sturdy Velcro strap, and the boots are entirely waterproof. The size range and temperature range are both decent, and these dependable boots were made in the United States of America.

While we love the fit and weight of these Kamik Men's Greenbay 4s, we do have to mention that water or ice can leak into the top if it is not adequately sealed. It is also worth noting that some customer reviews indicate that the boots are too narrow for wearing two layers of socks – stick to one thick pair of socks and bring a spare pair.

7. Sorel Men’s Bear Extreme

If you are looking to truly invest in some insulated boots, the Sorel Men’s Bear Extreme boots are our top pick for the best high end insulated fishing boots on the market. They can withstand extreme temperatures of -60 degrees Fahrenheit while still providing top-quality insulation thanks to the removable recycled felt inner lining. The vulcanized rubber outer shell and aggressive outsole ensure that your steps are secure and your feet are protected from the elements.

These boots feature a drawstring and barrel lock closure system that allows for adjustment and easy shoe removal no matter how many layers you have on. A 6mm ThermoPlus felt footbed keeps your toes cozy and comfortable on your ice fishing trip no matter how far you walk or how cold it is outside.

While we love the lightweight and durable nature of these boots, we do wish that there was a more extensive range of both colors and sizes to choose from. We think that these are an excellent investment option for those with a higher budget in mind – give these a try for yourself and see how they can work for you.

Guide to Socks for Ice Fishing Boots

Tips on Keeping Warm While Ice Fishing

A cold fishing trip is an uncomfortable fishing trip. Besides picking up the warmest ice fishing boots you can, we recommend:

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How can I care for my ice fishing boots after using them?

Knock off any dried mud, and rinse according to label instructions. If applicable, use a waterproof wax or oil on your boots and inspect them for damage or tears regularly. Spray them with a disinfectant and deodorize spray regularly. Keep them in a cool, airy place when not in use.

Are muck boots good for ice fishing?

Yes, if they are warm, durable, and comfortable as we have discussed above.

What else do I need for ice fishing?

Where is the best place to shop for warm winter fishing boots?

Amazon is the best place to buy warm winter fishing boots as there are regular sales, thousands of customer reviews, and fast delivery services to get you fishing in no time.

Conclusion