do you wear socks with cold weather boot liners?

[mazzgolf]

Getting my stuff ready for winter season hunting and came across my Cabelas Inferno cold weather boots that I bought several years ago, but I only wore these once maybe twice. These things are in practically new condition, because I stopped wearing them. You'd think they would be super-warm but they never kept my feet warm.

Does anyone have these boots (or similar) - boots with the separate liners? If so, do you wear socks with the liners, or just wear the liners without socks?

The reason I ask - these boots are very tight fitting with liners and socks, which defeats the purpose of these being cold weather boots (without air circulating, my feet still get cold in them). Now, these boots are huge and heavy (definitely for stand hunting; you aren't hiking too far with these boots). Without the liners, they feel at least one, if not two, sizes larger (and these were already 1/2 size bigger than my size - I wear 10.5, and these are 11 - these feel like they could be a 12 or 13 without the liners). So I can't just take out the liners and wear socks with them because they would be floppy on my feet. But with both the liners and socks, they are really tight and as I say that doesn't work either.

I really want to give these boots another go this year - I think I spent close to $200 on them, so I don't want to just get rid of them. And I hate cold feet (which I get alot); these boots should be the warmest boots I own, but I just could never get them to work right. So I think I might try without socks since they fit a bit better that way. But I don't know if that will make things worse.

[vdep217]

10 minutes ago, mazzgolf said:

Getting my stuff ready for winter season hunting and came across my Cabelas Inferno cold weather boots that I bought several years ago, but I only wore these once maybe twice. These things are in practically new condition, because I stopped wearing them. You'd think they would be super-warm but they never kept my feet warm.

Does anyone have these boots (or similar) - boots with the separate liners? If so, do you wear socks with the liners, or just wear the liners without socks?

The reason I ask - these boots are very tight fitting with liners and socks, which defeats the purpose of these being cold weather boots (without air circulating, my feet still get cold in them). Now, these boots are huge and heavy (definitely for stand hunting; you aren't hiking too far with these boots). Without the liners, they feel at least one, if not two, sizes larger (and these were already 1/2 size bigger than my size - I wear 10.5, and these are 11 - these feel like they could be a 12 or 13 without the liners). So I can't just take out the liners and wear socks with them because they would be floppy on my feet. But with both the liners and socks, they are really tight and as I say that doesn't work either.

I really want to give these boots another go this year - I think I spent close to $200 on them, so I don't want to just get rid of them. And I hate cold feet (which I get alot); these boots should be the warmest boots I own, but I just could never get them to work right. So I think I might try without socks since they fit a bit better that way. But I don't know if that will make things worse.

Without socks there will be nothing to wick the moisture from your feet and they will freeze.  Try with just a thin pair of dress socks

[nmc02]

Buy a bigger size boot.....those infernos are super warm. I wear a 10.5 shoe normally, mine are a size 12.

[Greybeard]

I have the cabelas alaskan boot(was called iditarod when I bought them).  Still warm after 20+ years of hunting below zero in them.  Tight boots are cold boots.  You want to get at least a size larger for socks and airspace.  I have 2 different weight boots with liners for the winter.  They work great.  I've gotten used to walking in them.  Stick a toe warmer on the sock under the toe area and they are even better.  Try a thin dress sock with the boot or get a larger pair.  

[hunterbob1]

As stated above tight boots will not keep your feet warm. Go big air is an insulator why do you think they make too pane windows.

These worked great for me boot on or Boot off

https://www.amazon.com/HUNTARMOR-Boot-Insulators-Blanket-Unisex-Adult/

 

[mazzgolf]

I just put them on with a thin pair of socks; yes, it does seem to fit a little less tight and more comfortable. Maybe I'll give that a try.

In hindsight, I should have bought a size 12... But with me being size 10.5, I thought getting that half-size bigger would have been enough. I didn't buy bigger at the time because I've tried other boots in size 12 and they are always too big for me - but these boots with the liners are much different fitting than any other boots I have.

So, I'll see how it goes. Or... maybe I'll sell these and see about getting a larger pair.

[megavites]

I've tried multiple scenarios to keep my feet warm via Mickey Mouse boots, 1200G insulated boots, Arctic shields w/hand warmer, etc.

What I have found finally that works for me is:

silk sock liner, Heated sock, Alpaca wool sock and 1000g insulated rubber boot (2 sizes bigger). This combo keeps my feet just right where I don't worry about my day being cut short with cold toes.

[Silkcitymedic]

Don't lace boots too tight.

Change socks as needed.

Buy the zip on insulated covers you can put on top of your boots when you get to stand. 

No more cold feet. 

[Jcol6268]

You’re most likely getting wet feet. Those boots are too hot. I’ve suffered forever with cold feet. I was hoping those boots would be the answer and I was wrong. I thought how could the warmest boots I could find not work? Liners wool socks, just didn’t matter. My feet were always getting wet. At that point you need to change your socks. The only way. 
 

Now I only wear non-insulated boots. Unless it’s extreme cold, which we don’t really get in NJ. I wear a liner and a light wool sock. A quality wool sock is important. If I have a far walk and I’ll be on stand, I’ll take my boots off, allow my feet to dry, and change my socks. 

[Raygubernat]

Couple of things to try....

Thin dress socks, as previously noted.  That thin layer traps air .  Alternatively (don't laugh), you could put on a pair of knee high women's stockings.

A thinner boot liner or another pair of socks, preferably a wool blend that both molds to your foot AND wicks moisture.  As mentioned you want to create some airspace without the boot being sloppy on your feet.

Lastly carry a foam  pad to stand on. I used to use a  pad that was made to be knelt on for gardening.  The more you can keep your feet off the frozen ground, the warmer your feet will be. 

 

RayG

 

 

 

 

[Gunsmoke]

absolutely, wool socks over liners inside of the liners of the PAC boots.  

[Mallard1100]

If they are too tight with socks on unfortunately you are already at a loss. Should have bought bigger. You should definitely be wearing socks. Preferably a liner sock then light to medium weight wool.  

[electricstart]

Never had much luck with liners always seem too tight. I go with Boggs UA socks minus 33 expedition merino wool socks . Loose fit. 

[Buckeyes11]

Seems like them boots are overkill for NJ. Maybe it’s just me idk 

[mazzgolf]

Usually overkill yes. Last year or two our winters have been warm... but I bought these for single-digit cold .. and I don't know what it is, but my feet get cold cold .. like painful cold... even when I'm out in temps in the teens or lower 20s.