Mukluks

[thumper15]

I read a post by Ron Laclair a month or so ago where he posted a picture of his new wool treker in which he was wearing steger mukluks. That got me wondering just how good they are for hunting when it gets real cold, how waterproof they can be and how they compare to modern hunting boots like schnee boots. How many of you have tried mukluks and what did you think of them.

[Northwoods]

I've worn the arctic weathermate style of steger mukluks for about 10 winters for activities from dogsledding to hunting.  I'll try to give you a fairly objective opinion about my experience with them. I can't compare them to modern hunting boots but they are very warm, light quiet and comfortable.  with addition of spray on silicone waterproofing they are "ok" in regard to water resistance, but nowhere near waterproof.  they will do ok for a few hours in wet snow but I wouldn't want to walk very far through water in them.  they do dry fairly quickly when they get wet however.  they work best in very cold, dry snow and similar conditions.  they are reasonably durable.  my 1st pair lasted about 8 years of fairly heavy use.  In regard to warmth, they aren't quite enough when sitting in a tree stand in the late season (temps about 10F and colder) unless I use chemical foot warmers with them.

I think the soft sole increases foot muscle activity when walking and helps keep feet warmer.  this may come at a price.  If your feet are not used to going barefoot, wearing mocs or other softsoled shoes and you walk very far, your feet can get sore and may even get plantar fascitis.  but as with all things, each feature has its pros and cons.

hope this helps

Ted

[WindWalker-AK]

Mr. thumper15,
We have used the Steger's "Arctic" for many seasons and found them to be warm and comfortable in conditions down to -45 degrees below 0 (F).  The Arctic have a thicker sole than our other model, which keeps one warmer when standing for longer periods of time.
Steger also makes two models known as "Camuks" which I believe are water proof.
We had to order two sizes larger than our normal boot size (as recommended) to get the degree of warmth we require.
Best Wishes

[Ron LaClair]

I think this is the picture that Thumper was referring to. As stated above, I wouldn't be wading any streams in my Stegers but they work very well in cold dry snow. I like the fact that they are very light weight and very warm. Order a couple sizes bigger than your normal size.

   

[thumper15]

Ron, that's the picture. I never plan on wading streams, but I do have a habit of shooting a deer on the wrong side of the stream once in awhile. I was thinking more along the lines of how waterproof for wet snow, but I'll have to check the camuks though to see if they are waterproof. Thanks for the info. BTW, Ron I'll be calling you the first of the month to order both the longhunter and treker.

[magnus]

I want a pair so bad I cant stand it. Times are tight though so I'll just have to keep dreaming. I wear my cheap fake Wally world moc's all summer and early season. Nothing like feeling what's under your feet in the woods. Someday. Ahhh someday.

[thumper15]

Just checked stegers website the camuks are waterproof once the temp gets down below 30 degrees.
Magnus, I know how it is putting off buying things that are needed for hunting. Getting to the point I'm tired of doing that especially when it comes to boots, and cold weather gear. It definately doesn't make hunting enjoyable when your freezing your behind off.

[magnus]

I have trouble walking and the light weight  would definitely help with that! Especially when it's cold. Just not in the budget. If they ever go on sale then maybe but till then no way possible.

[Badwithabow]

I picked up a pair off here last year, threw a lil mink oil on em and man alive my feet were toasty down to 0 degrees. its a diff animal walkin n. ga hills in them as compared to regular boots and snow with ice on the top is a sure enough booger...

 

[Kapellmeister]

I have the Arctic mukluks (same as Ron's) but I've put a little walnut hull dye on them.  I have problems with my feet and wear orthotics in them and they are the most comfortable footwear ever!  Like walking on pillows!  My thoughts for you would be that if you're not into the "primitive" look, go with the Camuks with the rubberized moosehide.

   

[thumper15]

I like the primative look over the camuks, but it's not really a make or break thing for me, as I would prefer warm dry feet. My main concern is when the snow is wet and alot of it so for that I think the camuks would be better suited. But honestly I don't think I'd be disappointed in either the arctics or the camuks.

[Vesty]

I have been wearing the Artic's for 4yrs. now. They are the ONLY boot I have found that not only keep my feet warm but are freakishly comfortable to walk in. They feel very much like a moccasin because for the most part they are. Last winter, I took some boys winter camping to the northern tip of Michigan at the Straits and we walked 9miles in. My feet were massaged the entire way. They serve me well on stand also in our second season for deer.

[Tajue17]

right here,, the best I have found..

 http://www.arrowmoc.com/muk-8.html