So, I’ll admit it, I’m a little bit of a shoe junkie and drink the kool-aid that for nearly every situation there’s a specific shoe that meets the bill. While I thought I had my outdoor footwear all figured out, I recently took note of some impressive footwear that my brother swears by: Muck Boots.
Muck Boots – my new winter staple!
Here’s why they caught my attention: I’ve spent a lot of time this winter out on the trail and camping – and more than a couple times I’ve had a hard time keeping my feet warm in my regular un-insulated hikers. While I have some nice hiking boots (Danners and Kaylands) as well as regular rubber wellingtons (Wal-Mart), I’d never owned or seriously considered a high-top insulated boot like the Muck Boots. On one recent trip, Taylor and I were setting up camp and hadn’t gotten the fire going yet. While my toes were icicles at our campsite, his were toasty warm and dry in his neoprene Muck Boots. Jealousy set in.
Once I got back from that camping trip – the Amazon.com searching began. Thankfully – my prime membership was going to come through – Muck Boots galore on Amazon! Actually, too many choices. The Classic, Wetland, Arctic Sport, Arctic Pro – which ones to get? I defaulted to the Wetland model, which is what Taylor has, and with a temperature range of -20 to 70 degree Fahrenheit (I don’t know if I believe the range is THAT large, but whatever). I figured living in Virginia anything with “Arctic” in the name was probably overkill.
Reinforced toes and heels, and fit nicely under a set of snow bibs or over field pants
First impressions: My initial wearing of these boots a few weeks back was during and after we received a foot of snow in Northern VA. The boots, with their rubber outsole and neoprene liner, kept my feet (and lower legs) warm, dry, and planted on the ground. I’ve spent days now walking around in snowy, cold conditions and the boots continue to impress – being reasonably light and comfortable to walk in. I can wear them all day.
Lugged outsole performs well in snow and, you guessed it! Muck.
What about warmer weather you say? On a hunch, I packed them for the Daytona 500, not really the great outdoors but there was a chance of thunderstorms. Given the absurd deluge we experienced – I’m sure glad I had them. As the infield flooded in the midst a tornado warning, my feet were warm and dry while everyone else’s were soaked. They looked a little ridiculous with my red shorts – but it was Nascar, so I think it was OK.
The Neoprene lining is warm – and they as breathable as you’d expect from 100% waterproof boot.
As far as things that aren’t great about them – well nothing that isn’t obvious. They aren’t a fashion statement – they’re all function. (I actually don’t care about this – if they looked different they wouldn’t perform as well). Also, as you’d expect from a slip-on 16.5” tall boot, driving in them takes a little getting used to. Given the neoprene and they’re 100% waterproof, they can get a little hot and sweaty, and are probably not a great choice in warmer weather above 65 degrees.
The box they come in…
Over the last several weeks, the Muck boots have become a staple for me. Quick to slip on and off – you can see me walking the dog in them, doing chores outside or in the garage, running errands around town, and after our most recent March snowstorm, I even wore them to the office (I was pushing the limits here!). If you’re looking for a comfy, convenient, and warm general winter boot you owe it to yourself to check them out. If you’re like me, you’ll end up getting more use out of them than you expect. The Wetland Model runs about $150 on Amazon.
I got some for Christmas this year and I love them. I wear them with everything including shorts. Hell, I’ve even worn them out to dinner and to a club in downtown DC. What can I say, they rock! They look good, feel good and match my mentality.