Boot soles specific for snow and mud?

[Naphtali]

Several decades ago I seem to recall L.L. Bean making their Maine Guide Pack Boot with an optional sole, that being similar to one having large diameter rubber hobnails rather than lugs or what I describe as their "chain mail" sole pattern. Bean claimed the rubber hobnails furnished excellent traction, especially in snow and gumbo-type mud, without picking up snow or mud that would cause the boot to become very heavy and clumsy. . . . At least this is what I think I remember.

Several times when hunting, I have had to cross shallow streams or brooks. My boots were, and are, about six-inch uppers; the water is always 8-10 inches deep. Include hunting in two feet of snow and the Bean boot lug pattern that I think I remember becomes rather attractive.

Bean's web site does not show their pack boot as being available with such a sole. Has anyone noticed this sort of bobbed sole as being available in an insulated pack boot?

 

[armorer951]

Not sure these would work, but how about adding a "pull on" type cleat of sorts to the bottom of your boot when in snow, etc? It could then be removed when you don't need it. I used them at work when outdoors during snow and ice events. They work well.

[ame]https://www.amazon.com/Yaktrax-Traction-Cleats-Walking-Small/dp/B001CZJIPA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483641845&sr=8-2&keywords=snow+trax+yaktrax[/ame]

 

[arjay]

Yak trax work great in slick conditions.I use a pair with a Velcro strap over the top when it's too slick for hiking boots or sorrels..I screwed a bunch of hex head sheet metal screws into the soles of my fishing boots for slimy cobblestones,which works well too

 

[Salty RI]

Yak trax work great in slick conditions.I screwed a bunch of hex head sheet metal screws into the soles of my fishing boots for slimy cobblestones,which works well too

Our shore line here is mostly rock and slicker than snot, if you go in, you go into deep water and there is no way you will get out the same way you went in, we loose a few people here every year, I buy a cheap pair of work boots and use the hex head sheet metal screws, works good.

 

[dave holl]

My Sorel boots have a good gripping sole pattern. I agree that the LLBean "chain tread" pattern on their Maine hunting boot allows slippage in mud or snow, but their cleated pattern is better. They'll put new bottoms on for not much money.

 

[Naphtali]

Neither ice nor slippery rocks has characteristics of snow and mud. As I type, I have several feet of snow in my yard. In Lolo National Forest where I hunt, snow's worse.

YakTracs I have in my briefcase and also in the Land Cruiser for "town and country" use. For serious work in Lolo, I use snowshoes with integral cleats & teeth.

Putting metal into boot soling here is, perhaps, dangerous - because cold will reach feet more quickly. Having secondary Rayaud's Syndrome, protecting my extremities from cold is challenging.

 

[arjay]

I use cleated snow shoes or yak trax at 10,000'+ here depending on the conditions I come across.Works for me [emoji6]

 

[LittleCooner]

I would have thought someone would have mentioned Schnee's pac boots, which are made in Bozeman MT. They are the hand made pac like the original LL Beans. I do not own any of their boots, but have friends who hunt in the west and they love their Schnee's pac boots. Look at the web site, you many like what you see, they have a "non aggressive" tread that is somewhat like the old chain tread that looks like it would not hold snow or mud.

 

[Alk8944]

Naphtali,

What you are asking about was probably the "Danner Bob" sole. I am not sure if L.L. Bean ever used this on the Maine Hunting Boot, but I do seem to recall they did at one time. Look at this page for Schnee's, Rt. column, 5th image from top: Danner Boot Outsoles

I believe this is what you are asking about.

 

[LittleCooner]

Wow, did not realize Danner had so many designs, I have a set of the Predator on my Danners that have spend a million miles in the Snow of the Rocky mountains and some times here in the south in the snow. Lot of time in the mud and they are one of the better designs I have owned.

 

[Naphtali]

Schnee's Pac Boots appear to be so good, they might be overkill. Since Schnee's is about 300 miles away, perhaps I'll find out how customized a boot they'll make.

I think my search is finished.

 

[mtgianni]

Look for a mini bob which is a combo air bob and vibram.

 

[Stevens]

Our shore line here is mostly rock and slicker than snot, if you go in, you go into deep water and there is no way you will get out the same way you went in, we loose a few people here every year, I buy a cheap pair of work boots and use the hex head sheet metal screws, works good.

If you forget and wear those hex head sheet metal soles into the house you'll wish you'd fallen in the river!
Steve W

 

[Nevada Ed]

You can buy tread, cleats or the high end long spikes if climbing
ice walls or Everest.

Here in Nevada if under 3" of snow, we just put on our Golf shoes.

 

[joe44va]

Take a look at Muck boots

 

[Salty RI]

If you forget and wear those hex head sheet metal soles into the house you'll wish you'd fallen in the river!
Steve W

You got that right.