As an ice angler, you know that a wet foot is a cold foot, and a cold foot guarantees a cold body. That means that a good waterproof boot is a key to staying warm and keeping you out on the ice fishing.
This is where a pair of Bogs Boots comes into play as a fundamental part of your ice fishing arsenal.
Oregon-based, Bogs first began retailing its 100% waterproof boots in 2002, building waterproof boots capable of handling anything Oregon’s rapidly changing climate could throw at them.
The founding Coombs family already had a forty-year history in the footwear industry before founding Bogs Boots. In the mere nineteen years since, they have become a go-to brand and have carved out a respectable market share against well-established competitors like Columbia and Wellington boots.
When asked about reasons for their success, CEO and founder, Bill Coombs, points to their motto, “Make better shoes every day. It’s a tough, never-ending pursuit”.
Besides pursuing quality, the corporate culture at Bogs strives to be citizens of the world by piloting innovative eco-friendly manufacturing practices that any outdoors advocate can be proud to support.
Contents
- Built for Anyone Who Works or Plays Outdoors.
- Product Reviews: Bogs Products You Should Consider
- Bogs Men’s Classic Ultra Insulated Waterproof Winter Snow Boot
- Bogs Men’s Classic High Waterproof Insulated Rain Boot
- Bogs Men’s Classic Mid Waterproof Insulated Rain and Winter Snow Boot
- Alternatives and Competitors to Bogs
- Wrapping It Up
Built for Anyone Who Works or Plays Outdoors.
Bogs boots were first popular with farmers and agricultural workers but soon caught on with hunters, hikers, ice anglers, and more. Today, they are casual wear for many people in cold, wet climates.
A unique fact about Bogs boots is that they don’t have a few waterproof models. Every boot they make and sell is 100% waterproof. An unofficial mantra of sorts at Bogs is,
“Because we not only have your back; we have your toes. And your heels and your arches. And most of your ankles, calves, and shins, as well. That’s just who we are. We’re Bogs, and we are 100% comfortable in our own boots. And we guarantee you will be, too.”
Many reviews say the sizing is accurate and that they are durable. Be sure they are a style you can live with because you’ll be using them for years to come. A point that accounts for their mid to high price range.
They wear well enough that it’s not unusual to hear of them getting passed to a family member. Bogs’ Reuse a Boot’ program will pay for you to ship used boots to Bogs, where they recondition them and donate to outdoor nonprofits.
The eco-friendly manufacturing process of Bogs makes their products appealing to people concerned with their carbon footprint.
Bogs works with Bloom, a manufacturer of algae-based EVA footbeds (soles) in all their products. They use leather from tanneries certified to use less water, energy and eliminate wastewater pollution.
Their DuraFresh technology uses naturally occurring probiotics to limit foot odor instead of pesticides, helping keep our water cleaner. They use eco-friendly natural rubber from sustainably harvested in Forest Stewardship Council-approved regions in their seamless Yulex boots.
Product Reviews: Bogs Products You Should Consider
Bogs Footwear wear makes quality a household word again, across their entire product line. To keep your feet warm and dry, whether you’re on an icy lake, hiking across a dewy field, or mucking out a stall.
They also have lines for casual use and around the house wear, all with uncompromising quality and unmatched comfortable durability.
Bogs Men’s Classic Ultra Insulated Waterproof Winter Snow Boot
This traditional winter boot reaches to mid-calf, with easy-on pull handles, a comfortable 16-inch opening for easy on-and-off, and leaves space for pants to be tucked in. An inner bootie with four-way flexibility provides a comfortable fit. And features Bogs’ 7 mm, NeoTech waterproof insulation that is rated to -30 oF.
Hand-assembled rubber uppers on 100% rubber, non-marking, non-skid soles give excellent traction on slick wintry surfaces. Aegis antimicrobial insoles control odor.
Some users complain they don’t have enough built support for hiking and that they’re too stiff in the ankle to dive in.
Summary of Features.
User Reviews of this product.
- !00%100% natural, sustainably harvested rubber.
- Algae-based EVA footbeds.
- Non-marking, non-skid rubber sole.
- 16-inch calf opening makes it easy on-easy off.
- Hand-assembled uppers and soles.
- Comfort fit four-way flex inner bootie.
- 100% Waterproof.
- Proprietary 7 -mm waterproof Neo-Tech insulation.
- Easy-on pull handles
Out of 1016 user reviews, 79% of reviews rate these boots at five stars, and another 12% at four stars. Users report a good, comfortable fit and say they could buy their normal shoe size and still have room for heavier thermal socks.
The large calf opening and easy-on pull tabs make for quick, easy on and off of these boots, and they keep your feet warm, but some users report they don’t work at as low a temperature as reported.
A small percentage of users have complained of poor wear and the brief life of their boots. Specifically, cracking behind the toes where they meet the soles.
Bogs Men’s Classic High Waterproof Insulated Rain Boot
Bogs’ Classic High Waterproof boot features true to size upper and treaded outsole for a sure grip during work or play.
Farmers, agricultural workers, hunters, and outdoorsmen will love this model. These may not be the right boot for ice fishing, because they don’t use the 7 mm Neo-tech lining, but they are good for hunters.
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User Reviews.
89% of users give these boots a five-star, and another 12% give them a four-star rating.
Comments range from, ‘great boots’, ‘best boots I ever had, to ‘Thank you Bogs for becoming the first company to make the perfect boot for sportspersons of all types across the globe!”
Many other comments talk about comfort after hours of use, but several reviews show this model runs small, so go a size up or find a store to try them on.
A few users state these boots aren’t for ice fishing because they don’t keep your feet warm. Conversely, more users swear by them as keeping their feet warmer than they’ve ever used. Bogs have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so if they don’t work out, they are returnable.
Summary of Features.
- Breathable, 100% natural rubber and Neoprene uppers.
- Algae-based EVA footbeds.
- Non-marking, non-skid rubber sole.
- 16 1/42″ calf opening makes the boots easy on and easy off.
- 12-inch length from the arch.
- Hand-assembled uppers and soles.
- Comfort fit four-way flex inner bootie.
- 100% Waterproof.
- Easy-on pull handles.
Bogs Men’s Classic Mid Waterproof Insulated Rain and Winter Snow Boot
These value-packed boots give you high-end performance for much less than other Bogs models with similar user-performance reviews.
A blend of rubber and Neoprene, they are 100% waterproof and have non-skid rubber soles. The comfortable inner bootie uses Neo-tech insulation and has a rating of -40 0F. With these boots, you’re ready for a day on the ice, in the barn tending the animals, or in the field looking for that big whitetail.
User Reviews
75% of the 692 reviews are five-star, and another 12% are four-star. One user offers an interesting contrast in his review as he says, “Finally a barn boot that works for all four seasons and keeps your feet dry, but keep them on the farm if you wade through a stream they leak badly.”
Another user compares them to one of the oldest and most respected brands out there, Wellington Boots. “Let’s face it, these are wellies (Wellington Boots). But performance wellies.”
Besides one comment on leaking, most reviews are very positive, with only a few comments on sizing and causing sweaty feet because they are too warm.
Summary of Features.
- 100% Rubber and neoprene
- Made in the USA or Imported
- Rubber sole, non-marking, non-skid
- The product is 100% waterproof
- Natural rubber uppers assembled by hand, with a four-way flex inner bootie
- Non-slip, non-marking, and self-cleaning outsole.
- Contour fit for maximum support and movement
- Comfort rated to -40 °F with Neo-Tech insulation.
- Removable sock-liner for odor control.
- Steel shank for stability.
- A good dollar value.
Alternatives and Competitors to Bogs
As long as you’re looking at Bogs’ insulated winter boots, they don’t have many weak points for ice fishing. So we’re going to look at a few competitors’ offerings as alternatives to Bogs.
Muck Boots Arctic Ice Extreme Mid-Height Rubber Men’s Winter Boot
Mucks is a leader in the Hunting and Ice fishing boot niche, and a primary competitor to bogs. They make an excellent boot and are one of the top picks of ice anglers.
They are 100% waterproof thanks to the use of a 5 mm Neoprene shell with a soft rubber coating.
Spandura in the shell offers flexibility and durability. A soft fleece lining provides comfort and warmth. They rate these boots to -40 °F. Vibram Arctic Grip outsole pods give superior traction on wet surfaces, while the Vibram Icetrek layer grips the dry ice.
These boots are expensive, so think of them as an investment.
Tideway 800 gram Neoprene Rubber Hunting Boots
These hunting boots, with 800 grams of insulation, are the #1 seller on Amazon. They are comfort rated to -50 °F, and 100% percent waterproof thanks to the use of 6 mm Neoprene and rubber.
Rave reviews talk of buying Them for hunting, and loving them for ice fishing because they keep your feet warm and dry. They are easy to put on and get off when you get home or in a hunting cabin. Most users say they would buy these boots again.
These may be the best value boots in the comparison.
| Head-to-Head Boot Brand Comparison | |||
| Feature | Bogs’ Boots | Mucks’ Boots | Tidewe Boots |
| Shell construction | Natural rubber & 7 mm Neoprene. | 5 mm Neoprene, soft rubber coating, and Spandura. | Rubber and 6 mm Neoprene. |
| Waterproof | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Insulation | 7 mm waterproof, Neo-Tech insulation. | Fleece lining. | 800 gram Thinsulate |
| Comfort rated | -40 0F | -35 0F | -50 0F |
| Sole | 100% non-skid, non-marking rubber | Vibram Arctic Grip outsoles, and Icetrek base layer. | Rubber |
| Boots On & Off | Easy, pull straps help. | Easy with pull strap | Quick and easy, remove. |
Wrapping It Up
Our original question was, “Can you use Bogs Boots for Ice fish? After looking at the care and quality materials that go into making a pair of Bogs Boots, I believe a resounding ‘yes’ is the right answer.
Many rave reviews and positive feedback of the products support this answer regarding the Bogs products reviewed. However, like any product, there were a few complaints of durability and not being as warm as claimed.
With that said, the pros of Bogs Boots far outweigh the cons. The company strives to make an eco-friendly product and gives much back to the surrounding community. And I believe the reader can confidently buy a pair of Bogs Boots for their ice fishing gear.