Actually, on Cabelas they have all sizes, I think: http://www.cabelas.ca/product/25723/hotmocs-shoeboot-warmers
Tried that once - let me get the order placed then cancelled because product was out of stock. I guess it's worth a shot again... The patent on the product was sold from the original owner to HotMocs and then they sold it again in 2015 so some company called Hot Shot Products out of Pittsburgh. Not sure if they are doing anything with it or not.
After some convincing from JZ, I'm doing the same thing. Last year I used 400gr insulated leather boots with those Hot Mocs and did several hunts in single digits and below zero and was fine. Word to the wise, pull them off before you climb down from your tree or you will tear them on the climbing sticks.
I got a buddy that made some out of someone's old insulated bib overalls (carhart) that the straps had worn out and one broke. He just too a section of each leg. Sawed the thing up solid then cut and made the top opening. He sprays it with waterproof stuff each year on the outside and swears they work...don't doubt it.
Cold feet like Justin mentioned is usually more about sweaty feet than anything else. As a result you need to get the moisture away from your feet. If you have sweaty feet try using foot powder. Its a pain but it helps. Next get some thin poly socks and then some good quality wool socks. Hand warmers work great but if you have to walk a lot they can cause issues with comfort. Also change your socks during the day. Once you find the secret to managing moisture you will have almost won the battle but adequate insulation is required as well based on conditions. Good luck.
I'm using these.. each with one hand warmer Over these..... I walk in with these kayak boots on, I can feel every little twig every acorn my footsteps on, so I can shift my weight accordingly to remain quiet. My feet Will stay warm in the kayak boats if I am moving (aka still hunting) when I find an area that I want to sit down , put the Arctic Boot Shields on. This is my first year attempting this method, I'll let you know in a month or two how it works out! LOL!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Also one thing to keep in mind, I hunt exclusively from the ground now. Due to health reasons, me being 20 feet up in the tree and possibly having strokes symptoms, equals death. Would not even think about trying the kayak boats on climbing sticks, that would be painful Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So do you guys wear these boot shields when walking around? or only once in the blind/tree? I am in the same boat as you Justin, my feet get cold in 55, and I am in alot of pain usually once it gets to be 20-30's which can't be good for you long run.
Once you get to the blind/stand. They aren't made for walking. The great thing about the HotMocs is they are so small they fit in the pocket of your pants if you wanted them to. The boot shields are a little larger, but not horrible. For the benefit you get it's worth the effort to pack them in.
I used to think this, but my feet get cold in mild temps after little to no hiking while wearing good socks and a decent pair of boots that breathe well. I'm not sure what my problem is but my feet get cold super easily. I'm a big slippers around the house kind of guy as well. I blame years of my dad making me hunt in below freezing conditions in a single pair of crappy socks and black uninsulated farmer's rubber boots that cost $20 a pair back in the 90's. My toes have never been the same.
Have you tried foot powder and as weird as this sounds loosening you boots. If the cold is not caused by moisture the other alternative is poor circulation. So by loosen up your boots you allow for better air circulation and blood flow. But of course if your core get cold the body will always divert blood there. But something to try if you haven't already.
I might try the HotMoc's/Boot Shields this year. I've been wearing Muck Boot "Arctic Pro" for 5 or 6 years now and even in 30-40 degree temps my feet get so cold that it becomes very painful. I tried antiperspirant spray once and it was the coldest my feet have ever been, but I think I may have failed to let it dry long enough which led to wet feet for 6 hours. I planned on getting Pac Boots this season but if they're that difficult to hike/climb stands in then I might go the less insulation route.
Boots work on the same principle as a wet suit basically. A wet suit creates a layer of water between you and the suit that your body heat warms up and keeps you warm. In boots that layer is air. You have to have a good layer of air for your body to warm up, and a good layer of insulation between that air layer and the outer cold air. If your boots are too tight, not enough air and your feet will get cold. When I hunt, I loosen the laces of the lower 4 eyelets all the way, then I snug down the laces in the upper 4 eyelets. This gives the greatest amount of air space around my foot. I also wear a pair of liner socks between my foot and the wool socks. They help pull and moisture from the skin and transfer it to the wool while acting as a barrier between that moisture and the skin as the day progresses and even wool might start getting damp. for those who have really sensitive feet like my wife I'd recommend carrying in a separate pair of boots and socks to change once you are sitting. that way you won't overheat your feet on the walk in, and get maximum benefit from the warm boots. Also don't forget to make sure you dry your boots when you get in.
When I say I've tried everything I mean I've tried everything - bigger boots, smaller boots, wider boots, heavy socks, light socks, two pairs of socks, liner socks, you name it. If I wear a pair of LaCrosse Ice Kings I can stay warm most of the time, but it comes at the expense of wearing boots the size of a small automobile. Honestly the solution I have now with a mid-weight pair of insulated boots, boot covers and hand warmers works perfect. Makes my walks in and out easy because my boots are comfortable, the covers are easy to pack in and out, and I pick up a case of hand warmers every year and keep a pack or two on me at all times. Works like a charm.
Cold feet come from a cold core. Add layers to your torso and head, your feet will be warm. I have $40 dollar boots and I hunt upstate New York without an issue. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
I also have had cold toe issues. I bought the arctic shield boot covers and slipped some warmers in there and I sat in a stand all day. They work.
