Choosing boots for winter fishing

In addition to the ability to catch, a fisherman has to understand the gear and equipment.

Especially when it comes to choosing winter clothing and footwear.

You will say that everything is simple with footwear. Came to the store, chose, tried on, paid.

And this is not at all so. The market of footwear for winter fishing has rapidly developed for some 30 years and continues to gain momentum. On the shelves in stores you will find dozens of models that have their own features. Therefore, the purchase of winter shoes for fishing should be taken as seriously as the choice of clothing.

Boots made of EVA material and shoe boots have displaced the proven for decades valenki, which remained in the leaders of footwear for winter fishing. The foot in them is not fixed in any way, there is an additional load. Valenki are very slippery and get wet. You have to buy galoshes. And on spring ice and they do not save. It remains to put on over the valenki ozk.

Shoe covers

They consist of a galoshes and a textile top. The galosha, as a rule, is made of EVA or TEP materials. The shank is made of moisture-wicking fabric, tarpaulin or leather.

Such shoes are convenient for frequent transitions, moving on snowmobiles.

Shoes are worn not only by fishermen, but also by hunters. The latter are much more fond of these shoes.

EVA boots

Unlike rubber boots or PVC boots, they are lighter, warmer and more elastic. For winter fishing on ice – a suitable option.

How to choose?

How not to make a mistake, so that your feet do not freeze, and boots last longer? Let’s consider in detail.

It is known that fishermen usually have three claims to winter shoes made of EVA: difficult to shoe and easy to damage, EVA slips.

1. Difficult to shoe because some people have a high instep and wide shin. They have a hard time getting their feet into regular EVA boots. Tucking pants inside is out of the question. If you have a wide shin or you are not tall, take short boots. You will be able to sit more comfortably on the fishing box and you will not be “kicked under the knee” while walking.

They are shorter than regular boots, so they are wider in the shank area, and the instep is higher and easier to put on.

2. easy to damage. EVA material is porous and requires more careful handling than TPE or PVC. Choose boots with reinforced toe and heel, thickened walls and soles. Such boots will be harder to puncture on twigs and branches. They also better protect the foot from freezing.

If a simple thick sole is not enough for you, use boots with a protected sole to completely protect yourself from punctures. From side cuts and punctures will not protect you, but you will definitely not worry about the foot.

These soles are made of polyurethane or thermoplastic rubber. They can be fully protected, or with inserts in places where there is greater contact with the surface during walking. This is also called the “contact patch”. These inserts also prevent slipping on rolling snow and ice.

Now we’re getting to slipping. Inserts and soles are good. But what about boots with regular soles?

Flappers

You can protect yourself from unnecessary falls on the ice with the help of flip flops. Compact spikes with slings will give you confidence in moving on slippery ice.

Do you know what is the most important thing in EVA boots for winter fishing?

The liner

The EVA boot itself has zero thermal conductivity.

With active movement in thermal boots without liner you can be outside for several hours in near zero temperature and your feet will be warm. But in frosty weather there is no way without insulating liners. They come in several types and for different temperature regimes.

Basically, they are multilayer inserts, which includes fur or hypoallergenic fabric.

Consider a fur liner designed for temperatures up to -45.

To better protect the liner from abrasion, it is reinforced with a strong polyester mesh. Then there is a layer of foil fabric for heat retention inside. An intermediate layer of non-woven fabric collects moisture and prevents its contact with the body.

The innermost layer retains heat. It consists of dense fur with the addition of natural wool. The denser and more natural the fur, the warmer the liner.

For greater comfort, see that the boots have a spur, insole and quality cuffs. The spur is needed to make it convenient to take off the boots “foot against foot”.

Insole to protect the liner from condensation and additionally insulate the foot from the cold. And in summer you can remove the liner and continue to use the boots.

And the cuff made of durable moisture-repellent fabric with retraction will not interfere with movement and fulfill its direct function – to protect from snow.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we would like to give some advice to owners of EVA boots:

• Do not dry boots near heating devices, stoves, fire. In the best case, the boots will shrink by a couple of sizes, in the worst case, you will be left without them.
• Take care of an extra set of liners. While one will be drying, you are fishing in the other.
• Remember, the more elastic the sole, the more comfortable you will walk, and your feet will be less tired.
• Use thermal socks instead of woolen socks. All the moisture will be absorbed into the wool socks and your feet will freeze.

Author: Bob Nudd is an expert fisherman with over 20 years experience and winner of many competitions.