Mataupu
If during winter fishing the angler’s feet get wet and cold, he is unlikely to enjoy fishing and most likely will catch a cold. In order to avoid such troubles, fans of ice fishing should responsibly approach the choice of shoes.
Tulaga o filifiliga
When choosing boots for winter fishing, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- mamafa o oloa;
- vai vai;
- the quality of the sole;
- the presence of a tightening upper cuff;
- manufacturer’s recommended optimum operating temperature.
In ice fishing, the angler often has to cover many kilometers, often moving through deep snowdrifts. If the shoes used are overweight, hiking for long distances will become very uncomfortable and time-consuming, which will ultimately negatively affect the results of fishing.
During prolonged thaws, snow porridge or water may appear on the ice. Comfortable fishing in such conditions is possible only with waterproof shoes. If the boots used do not have a good waterproof function, the angler’s feet will quickly get wet and cold.
Winter boots should have thick soles with good tread and anti-slip inserts. This will allow the feet to keep warm longer, and will also make moving on the ice more comfortable and safer.
The upper part of the boot shaft must be equipped with a tightening cuff. When moving through deep snowdrifts, this detail will prevent snow from getting inside the shoe.
In winter, the temperature conditions in different regions can vary significantly. This factor must be taken into account when choosing shoes. For the middle lane, boots with a recommended operating temperature of up to -40 ° C are suitable, for northern latitudes – up to -100 ° C. In the southern regions, it is more expedient to use models with parameters up to -25°С.
Shoes for the cold season should be spacious – this will ensure normal blood circulation and prevent freezing of the foot. Since double sock is usually used in winter, you should purchase boots one size larger than the actual one.
Depending on the specific model, the width of the shoe last can be narrow or wide. That is why before buying you need to put on shoes and walk a little. Only after fitting the angler will be able to choose the most convenient option for himself.
Varieties of winter fishing boots
Modern fishing boots designed for fishing in cold weather are made of various materials and can be made in several modifications:
- rubber with a plug-in insert (stocking);
- with rubber overshoes, neoprene shaft and stocking;
- membrane fabric models;
- monolithic products made of EVA material, equipped with a plug-in insert.
Almost all winter boots (with the exception of some models made of membrane fabric) are equipped with an insert, which is a multilayer insulation in the form of a soft felt boot. The main functions of this element include saving heat and removing moisture from the foot.
The presence of a slip-on stocking allows you to quickly dry the shoes. This quality is especially important on multi-day fishing trips.
All winter fishing shoes are equipped with thick insoles. This detail also ensures the removal of moisture from the foot and prevents the penetration of cold from the sole.
Most fishermen use winter boots, galoshes and tops of which are made of rubber. Such models perfectly protect the foot from external moisture. They are resistant to mechanical stress and, if used correctly, can serve the angler for a long time. The main disadvantages of such products include insufficiently effective removal of internal moisture and a rather large weight.
Models with neoprene shafts are also not lightweight, but when used, moisture is better removed from the foot than in rubber products. The main disadvantage of such boots is a long drying time, which does not allow them to be used for multi-day fishing trips.
Membrane fabric products are produced both with and without inserts. The first option is the most preferable, since it requires less time for complete drying. The main advantages of such shoes include:
- mama mama;
- rapid removal of moisture;
- fa'asao vevela lelei;
- high-quality protector;
- comfortable ankle.
Due to their low weight and very comfortable shape of the tops, shoes made of membrane fabric are great for fishing, where the angler has to travel long distances on foot. The disadvantages of such models include the appearance of dampness inside the boot during a long stay in water or snow porridge, as well as the high cost of such products.
In recent years, winter fishing shoes made of EVA synthetic material have gained great popularity, which has a minimum weight, excellent thermal insulation and provides reliable protection from external moisture. In addition, foam shoes are relatively inexpensive. Its only drawback is poor resistance to mechanical stress. The outer shell of such boots is quite easy to damage when moving through the forest or ice hummocks.
Fa'ailoga pito i luga
The most famous foreign manufacturers of winter footwear for fishing include the following companies:
- «Norfin»;
- «Polyver»;
- «Rapala»;
- “Camper”;
- «Woodline».
We should also mention the Canadian company Baffin, which produces the warmest boots that can be used in the harsh conditions of the Far North. The recommended operating temperature of some models from this manufacturer reaches -100 ° C.
Russian manufacturers also provide anglers with very high quality footwear designed for use in cold weather. The TOP of the best includes the following brands:
- “Duna-AST”;
- “Horn”;
- «Nordman»;
- “NovaTour”;
- «Sardonix».
Domestic companies have greatly succeeded in the production of EVA foam boots and today they occupy a leading position in the production of winter shoes in this segment.
Fa'atusa fa'atusa pito i luga
A wide variety of products in the segment of winter fishing shoes greatly complicates the task of acquiring the right boots. If the angler cannot make a choice on his own, he should pay attention to the most popular models that occupy leading positions in the corresponding rating.
«Woodland Grand EVA 100»
Fifth place in the ranking of the best winter boots is occupied by the Woodland Grand EVA 100. This budget model is made of EVA foam. She has proven herself well when operating in severe frost.
Good heat-saving properties of “Woodland Grand EVA 100” are achieved thanks to the eight-layer foil liner, which contains not only synthetic materials, but also natural sheep’s wool. Deep tread outsole provides reliable grip on snow.
“Torvi EVA TEP T-60”
The fourth place goes to boots from the Russian manufacturer Torvi. Model “EVA TEP T-60” is designed for fishing at air temperatures down to -60°C.
Used for the manufacture of “Torvi EVA TEP T-60”, high-quality EVA material, provides lightness and absolute waterproofness of the boots. A seven-layer stocking with a hypoallergenic layer retains heat well and quickly removes moisture from the foot. This model has a spacious last and is more suitable for anglers with wide feet.
«Norfin Extreme»
In third place in the ranking is the Norfin Extreme model with rubber overshoes and a top made of soft, waterproof material. For better fixation of the boot on the leg, 2 straps with convenient fasteners are provided. The top cuff reliably protects from hit in footwear of snow.
A multi-layered liner and a thick inner insole with a perforated surface ensure comfortable use of the boot at temperatures down to -50°C. The rubber lip on the back of the foot pocket makes it easy to remove shoes without using your hands.
“Nordman Quaddro” -50 (with spikes)
The second place in the ranking is occupied by the model of the Russian company Nordman called Quaddro. The recommended operating temperature for these boots is -50 ° C, which is quite enough for comfortable use in the middle lane.
The spikes on the Quaddro sole prevent slipping and allow you to move safely on smooth ice. The textile cuff, located in the upper part of the shaft, tightens tightly, eliminating the ingress of snow into the boot.
The outer part of the Quaddro model is made of Durable Eva Compound, which is stronger than classic EVA and better endures mechanical stress. A thick insole and a five-layer composite stocking contribute to the rapid removal of moisture and retain heat well.
«Baffin Eiger»
The best winter boots for fishing are rightfully recognized as the model of the Canadian company “Baffin” called “Eiger”. This shoe is designed for use in extremely cold conditions. The manufacturer claims that it retains heat at air temperatures up to -100 ° C.
By production of “Baffin Eiger” the most advanced technologies and the latest materials are used. This approach allows you to create light, warm and most comfortable shoes for winter fishing.