Cheap Mukluks?

[Anonymous]

If you do any searching for Mukluks, you'll find with the exception of some old military surplus and very heavy stuff, the above combo of words is a bit of a oxymoron.

Anyways, so i was looking for less expensive alternatives. My spouse and i were at Payless the other day, and funny enough there seems to be a plethora of women's boots out there that look like they would make decent Mukluks.

So i bought a couple of pairs of these (below)–they are made out of synthetic suede with a synthetic shearling inner. Point being is that they are a bit oversized, tall, breathable, lightweight and flexible. Great for laying socks or other foot insulation. They don't look feminine at all, but you folks with big feet can't go this route since the size only goes up to 13 in women's, which is about an 11 in mens. I don't expect them to be all that durable though.

http://www.payless.com/womens-regan-boot/099102120.html?OCID=cse_cpagooglepla&kpid=099102120&kpid=099102120&gclid=Cj0KEQiAn9-kBRDloNeUw7Pe_YwBEiQA4HXMU62CLYB27re1JOGyP6a8ByOT_Zva–uLCM_KbXdkrOsaArOZ8P8HAQ

and also got an extra 15% off since i bought two pairs, plus the 50% off sale. I'm going to add a thin coating of silicone adhesive to improve water repellancy.

Since they are not super warm by themselves, we bought some plush, polyester microfiber pile/fur "slippers" to put over thick wool socks and to wear inside the boots. I'm thinking of also perhaps making some evazote foam inserts–not sure if i will use holy foam or not. If i'm using a VBL, then i guess i don't need the holes.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

Most people here have used NEOS as a moderately priced way to have mukluks. They work well but since they are totally waterproof you need a good VBL liner to keep your insulation dry, and thus keep your feet warm.

[Anonymous]

Hi Eric, thanks for the heads up. So the folks that use them as mukluks, do they then forego the shoes or foot wear that normally you would put the NEO's over?

Yes, they are moderately priced as compared to Stegers or the like, but they are still on the pricey side for us dollar challenged folks. I do like the durability of fabric and materials used though.

It's worth a try, to try out the cheap 22 dollar women's boots first and see how they work.

[Eric Blumensaadt]

I wear mine with thick felt pac liners and a felt insole beneath them and moulded insole inside them.

Some people her wear them over running shoes but that is not at all warm in sub zero temps.

I ALWAYS wear my thin, seam-sealed neoprene divers sox as VBLs to keep the felt dry and thus warm.

[Anonymous]

Well, the way winter is going here so far, looks like i will have no need for any of this kind of gear :(

Bloody warm of late. All i want for my b-day is some polar vortex action, is that so much to ask for?

[Author]

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