Which winter boots from REI provide the most amount of toe freezing protection? (1 Viewer)

[alia176]

I need some boots so that I can go snowshoeing and snow hiking without freezing my toes off. I am currently using my sorells but they're not really good for this activity long-term.

I am looking at the REI winter sale boots that are currently being offered and wanted some feedback. I picked REI because I can return them if I don't like them versus ordering online or, from some other local outfits. I was hoping to try them on before purchasing but I may not have a choice in the matter. I also realized that buying winter boots in the middle of winter is not going to be the most cost-effective way to purchase them, however, I need to try them out in the middle of winter to make sure I actually like them.

Thanks for your feedback.

E

 

[njbrain]

Check out Scheels and hunting boots for the warmest hiking style winter boots. I say Scheels because they have a great return policy as well

 

[alia176]

Check out Scheels and hunting boots for the warmest hiking style winter boots. I say Scheels because they have a great return policy as well

Thanks for the suggestions. I did go to my local Sportsman Warehouse and noticed that all winter hunting boots are full length vs the 3/4 length I'm after. Let me go check out Scheels.

 

[REKCUT]

Many factors other than just boot choice for warmth. Sock are keys as is fit. You need a bit of toe box room. A cheat code is aspirin as it thins the blood and lets flow through the toes better.

Honestly the only time I've had toe warmth issues is with sitting activity like hunting. IF you hiking then you should be generating some type of warmth. Socks come up again because of moisture wicking. If your cotton socks are damp then your feet will get cold

 

[alia176]

Many factors other than just boot choice for warmth. Sock are keys as is fit. You need a bit of toe box room. A cheat code is aspirin as it thins the blood and lets flow through the toes better.

Honestly the only time I've had toe warmth issues is with sitting activity like hunting. IF you hiking then you should be generating some type of warmth. Socks come up again because of moisture wicking. If your cotton socks are damp then your feet will get cold

Thanks for the feedback. I've tried various socks, sock liners, etc. My current boot has plenty of toe room as it's a size too big but still, my toes freeze after about an hour of snowshoeing. I'm currently wearing Smartwool socks and wondering if I should get 100% merino wool socks?

I forgot to mention that my finger tips also freeze. My core is toasty but the arms slowly get cold too. So, it's definetely a blood circulation thing with me.

I'll try the Aspirin before I go out to see if that helps. That cheat code makes sense to me. Should I try Viagra too?

 

[REKCUT]

I'll try the Aspirin before I go out to see if that helps. That cheat code makes sense to me. Should I try Viagra too?

I would think that would have the opposite effect as your blood would be going elsewhere. Aspirin was an trick my grandfather told me from the military.

Definitely sounds like a circulation issue so I'm not sure any boot by itself is going to help and still be mobile

 

[John McVicker]

These will help. Expensive, but if they help…you won’t care. If you like wool, Filson is your place.

Heavyweight Traditional Crew Socks

Our Heavyweight Traditional Crew Socks use merino wool with a touch of nylon and spandex.

www.google.com

 

[alia176]

Dang

These will help. Expensive, but if they help…you won’t care. If you like wool, Filson is your place.

Heavyweight Traditional Crew Socks

Our Heavyweight Traditional Crew Socks use merino wool with a touch of nylon and spandex.

www.google.com

Dang it, they're out of stock.

 

[John McVicker]

Keep checking from time to time. They sell fast for a reason…and this is their season.. @alia176

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Darn Tough socks, or Smartwool.

I wear some La Sportiva Glacier Evo boots for anything cold and winter related. I've done Longs Peak in winter conditions, hiked all over the backcountry of RMNP in crampons, super solid and versatile boots.




Edit, looks like they've changed them up, now called the Makalu

La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot - Men's - Footwear

Buy the La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot - Men's online or shop all Footwear from Backcountry.com.

www.backcountry.com

 

[subzali]

Darn Tough socks, or Smartwool.

I wear some La Sportiva Glacier Evo boots for anything cold and winter related. I've done Longs Peak in winter conditions, hiked all over the backcountry of RMNP in crampons, super solid and versatile boots.




Edit, looks like they've changed them up, now called the Makalu

La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot - Men's - Footwear

Buy the La Sportiva Makalu Mountaineering Boot - Men's online or shop all Footwear from Backcountry.com.

www.backcountry.com

I think the Makalu is a different boot, at least it used to be. Here's a Glacier: La Sportiva Glacier WLF Boots - Men's | REI Co-op - https://www.rei.com/product/128645/la-sportiva-glacier-wlf-boots-mens

EDIT: yeah, the Glacier is only a half steel shank, the Makalu is a full steel shank, and has step-in crampon capability, with the cutout in the toe. Neither are insulated.

 

[cruiserpilot]

You have circulation issues, if your fingers are the same. The shoes in particular won't matter. As suggested, lots of
toe room in the toe box. Don't overtighten over the arch, veins run right on the top of the foot and I hate those
'support' socks with tight bands of elastic around the arch.
Two old tricks to get blood flowing. Old, old, old NFL trick is put cayenne pepper in socks with your feet, makes
them sweat - no idea if this works?! LOL But you could actually burn your skin so I wouldn't recommend.
I worked outside as a land surveyor in the Arctic like northern BC, Yukon and northern Alberta for almost
a decade. I've had cold feet. I never wore the socks I worked in until I was outside and put them on cold.
Experience taught me the primary reason feet get cold is moisture, and sweaty feet from inside a heated truck
all of a sudden outside in cold air and no amount of wicking is going to work. Dry, keep dry - #1 rule.
My only weird thing, I used to keep a bag of super hot pepperoni and munch on them, it made my extremities sweat and
kept my hands and face warm so I wore less clothes and was never cold. Weird, but it worked.
Good luck,

 

[alia176]

Lots of great feedback, thank you gents.

Please educate me on the need for steel shanks, full length or half length.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Lots of great feedback, thank you gents.

Please educate me on the need for steel shanks, full length or half length.

The full steel shank is better for using with crampons, that’s the biggest reason for that on those boots. The other ones are probably just as capable for a wide variety of activities, just not for crampons.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

Neither are insulated.

My personal preference is for boots that aren’t insulated.

The right fitting boots paired with the right socks for the activity and you should be fine. As long as you’re active and moving I really don’t see the need for insulated boots like that.


Just my opinion though.

Too much insulation and your feet sweat, once your feet are damp they’re going to get cold.

 

[MUDZLLA]

Circulation to extremities is restricted when your core starts to cool. Main reason IMO for cold toes and fingers (from my roughneck days in Alberta anyway).

I like the 40 below rated hightop Muckboots these days but not sure if theyre any good for snowshoeing. Used moose-skin moccasins for that growing up in Hay River.

 

[subzali]

My personal preference is for boots that aren’t insulated.

The right fitting boots paired with the right socks for the activity and you should be fine. As long as you’re active and moving I really don’t see the need for insulated boots like that.


Just my opinion though.

Too much insulation and your feet sweat, once your feet are damp they’re going to get cold.

I have climbed 14ers in November in uninsulated full leather boots, so get where you’re coming from. These are also the boots I use when I go snowshoeing. They don’t make them any more but they are a lot like the Scarpa SL Active.

I do have insulated boots for dedicated ice climbing activities though. Would not recommend for snowshoeing because the full shank makes the boot too stiff for much walking.

Sorry OP, don’t have any better suggestions for you than others in this thread.

 

[1911]

Probably not really germane to this conversation, but the air-bladder Bunny Boots (military surplus) I had while working on the North Slope kept my feet warm at 50-60 below zero, but you won't be using them with crampons, snowshoes, cross-country ski bindings or anything else. For just working outside in the cold or hiking on top of frozen snow and etc., they are the thing.

Bunny boots - Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunny_boots

 

[80t0ylc]

Don't underestimate the value of a good set of gaiters for keeping your feet warm in snow activities. Keeping your socks dry has already been mentioned and proper gaiters will help do that, given your boots both breathe and are waterproof. Gaiters also help seal the boot/pants junction. I've had several brands including Wyoming woolens, OR (Outdoor Research) and Kahtoola. I just ordered a pair of these:

Kahtoola NAVAgaiter GTX Gaiters | REI Co-op

Designed for snow and wet weather, the Kahtoola NAVAgaiter GTX gaiters feature lightweight and breathable GORE-TEX above the ankles and an ultra-tough lower material for durability and comfort.

www.rei.com

Your feet need to breathe to help them stay dry which is why Gore-Tex is such a great product in winter wear products, especially footwear. Toe box room, also has been mentioned and is an important consideration especially for those of us with wide feet. REI is a great source, but being a veteran, I've also had good luck with Veterans Canteen Service for good deals on boots and other things.

 

[alia176]

Good feedback gents, thank you.

Looks like half shank or no shank will work for my needs as I want to use my spikes for ice trail walking as well as for snowshoeing

So, I was able to snowshoe for almost an hour before my toes became to frozen to continue. The air temp was around 12deg F, not sure what the wind chill was. I'd say my toes started to get cold after half hour but my finger tips were fine for the whole hour.

I'll be picking up 100% Merino wool socks from REI today and will try them to see what changes.

I was the first one on the mountain today after six inches of freshly fallen snow. Pure Niravana today!

Slight tangent:

I went to work the long way from the summit, through a mountain trail pass and passed by these two unfortunate souls. I saw them on Sunday when I headed home from work and then we had a storm yesterday. The F350 diesel was being driven by a son with his buddies who were either heading to/coming from the ski resort up top. Oh man, is he in deep doodoo with his day. . I don't know what the story is with the red Jeep Renegade as I could've pulled them out if they were in the vicinity last Sunday.