Mukluks

[wenestvedt]

A couple of weeks ago, I finally bought something I have wanted for years: mukluks!

They are handmade in Ely, Minnesota, the far north; the company is Steger Mukluks. They are made of moose hide, with canvas running up to my knee. Long moosehide lashes are wrapped around my calves to snug them down.

My wife asked me not to wear them when I am with her and the kids. Far from being offended, I laughed out loud. Who cares what other people think -- these bad boys are rated to twenty below! Yesterday I manned a station at the local Boy Scout Klondike Derby, and six hours of standing around in my mukluks at about 7F, I was comfy and stylish. I couldn't be happier with them. :7)

I bought the tall "Arctic" model, if you want to see them:
http://www.mukluks.com/Arctic-with-Ribb ... fo/AR%2DR/

[CMur12]

Those look pretty neat, Will. Unfortunately, if they don't offer a narrow width they won't work for me.

- Murray

[ShadowsDad]

I like 'em!

The problem I have with mukluks isn't with the mukluk so much as the changeable Maine weather. They are great if the weather remains below freezing, but get some melting and they don't work for me. I have a pair of military canvas mukluks that I used to wear when stargazing and they worked fine for that. They always kept my feet toasty warm, and stargazing isn't known for exercise to keep the blood warmed and flowing. But once water hit them they didn't do much.

Mickey Mouse boots also work, and will keep water out, but just try walking in them for any length of time. They're a great workout though. After a day of wearing Mickeys the foot is drenched and steams as the boot comes off.

[wenestvedt]

I agree: you really need two different kinds of boots: waterproof *or* warm.

I put silicone sealant on the leather parts of these mukluks, and they will have to be saved for temps under freezing (when I can brush off snow before it melts). Still, I love them. :7)

[ShadowsDad]

The heck with what others say, yes, they're very nice. Wear them.

[Rufus]

Very nice indeed and quite reasonably priced...and they're not made in China. I'd love a pair for snowshoeing.

[ShadowsDad]

That's the other use I put mine to Rufus.

[jww]

So nice.

Like Brian, our wet weather calls for something a bit more pervious to the freezing rain and wet snow we always have. Thus, I own Bean Boots (see our other threads on this topic). Mukluks are boss, though.