We were issued these in the AF for Brimfrost '81 in Alaska. (in January) They are the greatest foot gear for snow and cold. They feel like warm fuzzy house slippers when you're trudging around all day in the freezing cold. I never had a problem with the heel, always felt comfortable whether on the flight line or out in the sticks. They will wear out though and depending on use you'll need to replace them sooner or later, but they are worth every penny.
Excellent video! Thanks very much! Those mesh insoles are the bomb. We used to get those in the Canadian Army, and they were good and everything. Airflow for hot days, and inside mukluks, they just trapped more air under your feet. It always bothered me that they weren’t available outside the military system. They’re that good.
Yes they are very good! Used them , -40 -45 bellow zero. 12 hr shifts , ice crystals stayed on the bottom of boot. Keeping your liners dryer, I’ve seen & heard of people pulling there frozen liners apart when they were off shift, taking them out to dry while they were off shift! Also had rough -neck crew members throwing the hole boots in the camps cloths dryer , to free the frozen liners out! Ya. Try to sleep with that boom-boom- bang going on. I am looking for them same ice mesh insoles again, not having any luck!! I guess my comment is edited, oh my ,must be the boom, boom, bang, talk! Must of frightened some woke lib people. I hope they don’t ban winter boots now!
Grew up ranching in WY and dad always said you have to "fight tight" and "fight wet".. your cold footwear discussion is the best I've ever listened to... great mods... thanks for the vid...
This was helpful! I've been wearing and loving my Steger mukluks for years, but I'm looking for something to keep in the car kit. You're absolutely right about the importance of a loose fit. Regarding multiple pairs of socks: I find that doubled up socks don't work well for me. But more expensive ski socks are really worth the money for me. My Darn Tough socks inside my Steger mukluks are plenty warm down to -40. They're around $50 a pair, but last 3+ years and fit much better than any two pairs I've tried wearing.
Hi, Ben - great video. I'm in interior Alaska and we wear various kinds of mukluks to keep warm, but +20F is probably a little warm for those if you want to keep your feet dry (if you're out for a long time you risk snow melting through the outer layer). The other thing is that we have a lot of overflow on rivers and creeks and it really is possible to get very wet at extremely cold temperatures and this is just the wrong footwear if that's a risk. But as long as it's truly cold and truly, truly dry, you just can't beat mukluks. I really like some of your mods!
I wore these at Eielson AFB, Alaska. At -70 f out on patrol of the flightline. They were great 👍 👌. Half way through the shift i would change out the wool insoles. JMHO
My brother brought a pair of these home for my father from the AF when I was young. When I grew older I used them. Fantastic. This is the only pair of boots that I have ever worn that my feet never got cold eventually. That includes the pair of white Mickey Mouse boots I have though they lasted 4-5 hours while hunting sitting still. I agree with you...trapped moisture probably is the culprit. I just bought a pair of these and can't wait to try in winter.
Nice one Ben. The best boots going and my #1 go to in cold weather. I use the Canadian version and I have found that a shearling wool liner is better than the duffel that comes in the new boot. Take care
The Canadian military’s Mukluk has a better design, but the Air Force boot has superior traction, though that’s not really that important walking in snow or when snow shoeing. Gotta say, I use my Mukluks from Steger all the time. With that said, it’s a pretty massive difference in price. Very nice review and explanation sir.
They're breathable alright, I use premium Sorrell deluxe liners ( TALL WHITE ONES) And a rigid insole. Kept my feet well all my trapline days. I waxed a pair lower half only in the slush on snowshoes.
Moore, hints, dry your boot , socks and liners every night. Use a thinner wicking sock next to your skin. Plan on using you boot the first day for a short period of time to reconfigure to suit yourself for further use. I got extra wide shoe laces to wrap around my ankles for extra support.
Thanks Ben, I have these Mukluks. Great tips and information, appreciate it. Might have to look into the Steger Mukluk liners, I have the military ones.👍
Terrific video Ben. Extremely helpful! I was wondering if you have any suggestions/ideas for adding some lateral support to foor area? I am considering adding some heavy nylon webbing to sides of foot box for this. Not sure how to seal stitching other then silicone. Any input would be appreciated.
In the AF I was Issued both Muk Luks and the "Mickey Mouse" Air Insulated Boot...The Muk Luks were awesome,,I still have Mine but they dont Compare to the Mickey Mouses!! The Mickey Boots are rather Cumbersome to walk in but def. warmer...And I still have my Mickeys!! LOL!!
Just bought these because I thought they would fit better on my leg braces... bought the size that fits 8-9... fits PEEEEEEERFECT. I haven’t worn snow boots since I was a kid because the braces rip the lining and take the cotton straight out of a normal boot before long... I LOVE these and it’s not even snowing yet!!! Can’t decide if I need the liner because I have the leg brace... my foot perpetually sweats in general in the brace... sock liners help but not much in wicking moisture... can’t really feel my feet so I will be testing them when it snows for sure...
Great video 👍. I might have to pick up a pair for myself. The temps here generally stay above 20* but there are days..... I made the hillbilly version for 20+ degree temps. A pair of galoshes, 5 buckle type, with Stieger liners. I have 2 pair of liners and swap them out. Really hate the heels though, I'll be seeing about modding them like yours.
Great breakdown tho I would add if doing an activity where you are not moving something like the Mickey mouse boots which are water proof will keep you warmer. They are literally designed for this and have an. Air pocket between the feet and the sole to prevent cold creep from underneath. Those boots to me with the ecwcs level 7 parka and pants is perfect for stationary activity like ice fishing. The ecwcs for example was designed to be warm while stationary. Anyways I am just adding that if you are simply in a tree stand or ice fishing the Mickey mouse boots may be warmer, nay, will be warmer. The liners are also designed to dry out super fast. Faster than anything you've seen. Throw some heated rocks in the liner and watch the steam come off and then dry quick as sh*t
*HELLO, JUST HOW WET CAN THESE GET, BEFORE BECOMING A BAD IDEA TO HAVE WORN? I LIKE THE GATOR AND WOULD TO WEAR THEM FOR SNOW SHOVELING. BUT AN EBAY SELLER ADVISED AGAINST THESE BOOTS FOR THAT. BUT YET HERE YOU ARE DISCUSSING WALKING IN THE SNOW. WOULD YOU WEAR THEM FOR SNOW SHOVELING?*
I loved the video,and bought 2 pairs because if it. I want to buy the Steiger felt wool liners. I bought the medium mukuk and the size charts vary by site. Do you have a recommendation on which size I should buy? I'm debating on the 10 or 11 since that's the top of the sizing on the web. Thank you and happy new year! I'm so grateful I found your vid.
You said you want the wool and cotton to wick moisture away from foot. What about evaporative heat loss due to that insensible perspiration-especially when sedentary?
@@bensbackwoods Thanks for your response. Do you think that when summer temps are high and your body sweats that it does this so that heat in the body will be drawn away into the ambient air along with the water when it evaporates?
@@brianmgrim Your feet sweat to cool you when overheated, but also continually produce moisture to keep your skin from drying out. In cold weather it is important to have breathable insulation like wool that retains insulation value when wet and also lets the moisture evaporate to stay dry.
@@bensbackwoods Thanks for your response, Mister Piersma. Do you think that if one wore a vapor impermeable sock over a thin sock and underneath the wool mukluk liner insulation and, after a time, got their foot-skin and ambient air up to 100% humidity, that their body would continue to send more perspiration fluids to the foot-skin to moisten the already fluid saturated skin?
@@bensbackwoods I take a size 6 so I will get the small mukluks. There's 3 different sizes that I could use. Sizes 8, 8 wide, and 8 extra wide. Not sure which one I should get.
What size are the footbeds/insoles? I wear a 13 as well and the mukluks I found didn't have insoles or the liner. Just wondering if a size 13 insole would be too small for a size 15 liner
A little wetness is no big deal because the canvas absorbs it and wicks it away. The wool liners are breathable and also do not like to absorb moisture so they stay fairly dry. If you are in a really wet environment it's best to switch to rubber boots.
Bro, Thanks for the feedback. I'm from South Africa where snow is a once in a lifetime occurance. IF it does snow it usually turns to sludge which is very cold. I'll take your advice and look for something with rubber
These boots are not useful in wet snow conditions. The canvas will admit moisture into the boot and liner, and your feet will become soaked and cold. Definitely not an all purpose winter boot. Also, they have absolutely no support. Because they have no structural integrity, they cannot be used with snowshoes.
The only time I use them in wet cold is if I'm not outside all day and they can be dried at night. Using Steger wool liners gives them structure, and trimming the heel down makes them way more comfortable on snowshoes.
We were issued these in the AF for Brimfrost '81 in Alaska. (in January) They are the greatest foot gear for snow and cold. They feel like warm fuzzy house slippers when you're trudging around all day in the freezing cold. I never had a problem with the heel, always felt comfortable whether on the flight line or out in the sticks. They will wear out though and depending on use you'll need to replace them sooner or later, but they are worth every penny.
i dont get why people buy these expensive modern stuff. usgi surplus is built better and costs a fraction. these boots are on ebay for 20 dollars
@@cagneybillingsley2165 Because they look awefull LMAO
Excellent video! Thanks very much!
Those mesh insoles are the bomb. We used to get those in the Canadian Army, and they were good and everything. Airflow for hot days, and inside mukluks, they just trapped more air under your feet. It always bothered me that they weren’t available outside the military system. They’re that good.
Yes they are very good! Used them , -40 -45 bellow zero. 12 hr shifts , ice crystals stayed on the bottom of boot. Keeping your liners dryer, I’ve seen & heard of people pulling there frozen liners apart when they were off shift, taking them out to dry while they were off shift! Also had rough -neck crew members throwing the hole boots in the camps cloths dryer , to free the frozen liners out! Ya. Try to sleep with that boom-boom- bang going on. I am looking for them same ice mesh insoles again, not having any luck!! I guess my comment is edited, oh my ,must be the boom, boom, bang, talk! Must of frightened some woke lib people. I hope they don’t ban winter boots now!
Grew up ranching in WY and dad always said you have to "fight tight" and "fight wet".. your cold footwear discussion is the best I've ever listened to... great mods... thanks for the vid...
This was helpful! I've been wearing and loving my Steger mukluks for years, but I'm looking for something to keep in the car kit. You're absolutely right about the importance of a loose fit.
Regarding multiple pairs of socks: I find that doubled up socks don't work well for me. But more expensive ski socks are really worth the money for me. My Darn Tough socks inside my Steger mukluks are plenty warm down to -40. They're around $50 a pair, but last 3+ years and fit much better than any two pairs I've tried wearing.
In the AF we would wear multiple Socks and the last thing was a Bread Bag!! Laugh but it works!! LOL
@@bsalley76 oh man those feet must’ve had a powerful smell 😂
Hi, Ben - great video. I'm in interior Alaska and we wear various kinds of mukluks to keep warm, but +20F is probably a little warm for those if you want to keep your feet dry (if you're out for a long time you risk snow melting through the outer layer). The other thing is that we have a lot of overflow on rivers and creeks and it really is possible to get very wet at extremely cold temperatures and this is just the wrong footwear if that's a risk. But as long as it's truly cold and truly, truly dry, you just can't beat mukluks.
I really like some of your mods!
(Mlshore) What do you recommend for wet snow?
Muck boot arctic pro?
Using Neos or Tingley waterproof overboots with the wool liners is best for wet conditions
in Canada we have a Mesh Insert hen a thick wool (as thick as both of the ones you had) then the socks wool freeze. Great vid. Heel for skis
I wore these at Eielson AFB, Alaska. At -70 f out on patrol of the flightline. They were great 👍 👌. Half way through the shift i would change out the wool insoles. JMHO
Thanks for showing the heel mod. That heel is one of the reasons I was speculative of these.
My brother brought a pair of these home for my father from the AF when I was young. When I grew older I used them. Fantastic. This is the only pair of boots that I have ever worn that my feet never got cold eventually. That includes the pair of white Mickey Mouse boots I have though they lasted 4-5 hours while hunting sitting still. I agree with you...trapped moisture probably is the culprit. I just bought a pair of these and can't wait to try in winter.
I enlisted in the AF in '76 and have both Muk Luks and Mickey Mouses!! Still in Great shape!! Love them both for diff. reasons!!
Nice one Ben. The best boots going and my #1 go to in cold weather. I use the Canadian version and I have found that a shearling wool liner is better than the duffel that comes in the new boot. Take care
Try the AF "Mickey Mouse" air insulated boots,,some guys called them Bunny Boots!!! Awesome!!
You gave a proper explanatory introduction, and much appreciated, as I'm considering buying a pair of them. No nonsense. Thank you! Subscribed.
The Canadian military’s Mukluk has a better design, but the Air Force boot has superior traction, though that’s not really that important walking in snow or when snow shoeing. Gotta say, I use my Mukluks from Steger all the time. With that said, it’s a pretty massive difference in price. Very nice review and explanation sir.
They're breathable alright, I use premium Sorrell deluxe liners ( TALL WHITE ONES) And a rigid insole. Kept my feet well all my trapline days. I waxed a pair lower half only in the slush on snowshoes.
Moore, hints, dry your boot , socks and liners every night. Use a thinner wicking sock next to your skin. Plan on using you boot the first day for a short period of time to reconfigure to suit yourself for further use. I got extra wide shoe laces to wrap around my ankles for extra support.
Thanks Ben, I have these Mukluks. Great tips and information, appreciate it. Might have to look into the Steger Mukluk liners, I have the military ones.👍
Terrific video Ben. Extremely helpful! I was wondering if you have any suggestions/ideas for adding some lateral support to foor area? I am considering adding some heavy nylon webbing to sides of foot box for this. Not sure how to seal stitching other then silicone. Any input would be appreciated.
These boots mukluks, With felt liner are still under $55 2020 On Amazon, they are used in Antarctica.
Great information and tips for these boots.
I just bought a pair and the wool liners.
I noticed the the thick heel pad and will cut mine down too.
Good advice! I used these in Antarctica.
In the AF I was Issued both Muk Luks and the "Mickey Mouse" Air Insulated Boot...The Muk Luks were awesome,,I still have Mine but they dont Compare to the Mickey Mouses!! The Mickey Boots are rather Cumbersome to walk in but def. warmer...And I still have my Mickeys!! LOL!!
Just bought these because I thought they would fit better on my leg braces... bought the size that fits 8-9... fits PEEEEEEERFECT. I haven’t worn snow boots since I was a kid because the braces rip the lining and take the cotton straight out of a normal boot before long... I LOVE these and it’s not even snowing yet!!! Can’t decide if I need the liner because I have the leg brace... my foot perpetually sweats in general in the brace... sock liners help but not much in wicking moisture... can’t really feel my feet so I will be testing them when it snows for sure...
Great video 👍. I might have to pick up a pair for myself. The temps here generally stay above 20* but there are days..... I made the hillbilly version for 20+ degree temps. A pair of galoshes, 5 buckle type, with Stieger liners. I have 2 pair of liners and swap them out. Really hate the heels though, I'll be seeing about modding them like yours.
Great breakdown tho I would add if doing an activity where you are not moving something like the Mickey mouse boots which are water proof will keep you warmer. They are literally designed for this and have an. Air pocket between the feet and the sole to prevent cold creep from underneath. Those boots to me with the ecwcs level 7 parka and pants is perfect for stationary activity like ice fishing. The ecwcs for example was designed to be warm while stationary. Anyways I am just adding that if you are simply in a tree stand or ice fishing the Mickey mouse boots may be warmer, nay, will be warmer. The liners are also designed to dry out super fast. Faster than anything you've seen. Throw some heated rocks in the liner and watch the steam come off and then dry quick as sh*t
Micky mouse boots are awesome for stationary...heavy for walking but worst case scenario you have warm swampy feet if you sweat too much.
Excellent review. I will mod the heel as well. Thank You from Ontario, Canada
Had these issued when I was in North Dakota. Interesting my liners are much thicker.
*HELLO, JUST HOW WET CAN THESE GET, BEFORE BECOMING A BAD IDEA TO HAVE WORN? I LIKE THE GATOR AND WOULD TO WEAR THEM FOR SNOW SHOVELING. BUT AN EBAY SELLER ADVISED AGAINST THESE BOOTS FOR THAT. BUT YET HERE YOU ARE DISCUSSING WALKING IN THE SNOW. WOULD YOU WEAR THEM FOR SNOW SHOVELING?*
Yes I would wear them for snow shoveling. The only time not to wear them would be if you were going to walk in water/slush all day.
I loved the video,and bought 2 pairs because if it. I want to buy the Steiger felt wool liners. I bought the medium mukuk and the size charts vary by site. Do you have a recommendation on which size I should buy? I'm debating on the 10 or 11 since that's the top of the sizing on the web. Thank you and happy new year! I'm so grateful I found your vid.
i got the medium, and i have about 2 inches of foot space for me. i'm size 9. im thinking of switching mine out for small
You said you want the wool and cotton to wick moisture away from foot. What about evaporative heat loss due to that insensible perspiration-especially when sedentary?
With the footwear being breathable the 98.6 deg of your foot dries your socks and liners. Letting water vapor escape will keep you warmer.
@@bensbackwoods Thanks for your response. Do you think that when summer temps are high and your body sweats that it does this so that heat in the body will be drawn away into the ambient air along with the water when it evaporates?
@@brianmgrim Your feet sweat to cool you when overheated, but also continually produce moisture to keep your skin from drying out. In cold weather it is important to have breathable insulation like wool that retains insulation value when wet and also lets the moisture evaporate to stay dry.
@@bensbackwoods Thanks for your response, Mister Piersma. Do you think that if one wore a vapor impermeable sock over a thin sock and underneath the wool mukluk liner insulation and, after a time, got their foot-skin and ambient air up to 100% humidity, that their body would continue to send more perspiration fluids to the foot-skin to moisten the already fluid saturated skin?
@@brianmgrim I'm not sure...might be a good short term solution!
Thank you 😊
Ben I have a pair and I was wondering how well they handle lampwick bindings?
@ 0:42 the contract number shows these boots you have are from 1999.
How would these do with long periods of hiking?
Good advice
I am getting the small mukluks. What size lining would you recommend? They have wide and other sizes as well.
I would buy the steger wool liners a full size larger than your normal shoe size.
@@bensbackwoods I take a size 6 so I will get the small mukluks. There's 3 different sizes that I could use. Sizes 8, 8 wide, and 8 extra wide. Not sure which one I should get.
@@peterjones8546 I would just get the 8...You only need to be able to fit one pair of socks into these.
@@bensbackwoods Oh ok. Thankyou.
@@bensbackwoods what about the sole inserts. I remember you saying you sell them yourself.
What size did you get?
What size are the footbeds/insoles? I wear a 13 as well and the mukluks I found didn't have insoles or the liner. Just wondering if a size 13 insole would be too small for a size 15 liner
What happens IF it gets wet?
A little wetness is no big deal because the canvas absorbs it and wicks it away. The wool liners are breathable and also do not like to absorb moisture so they stay fairly dry. If you are in a really wet environment it's best to switch to rubber boots.
Bro, Thanks for the feedback. I'm from South Africa where snow is a once in a lifetime occurance. IF it does snow it usually turns to sludge which is very cold. I'll take your advice and look for something with rubber
what size for womens size 8
Mens 6 or 7....I would go 7 if they are large winter boots. 6 if more of a hiking shoe/boot.
If only they were water proof
These boots are not useful in wet snow conditions. The canvas will admit moisture into the boot and liner, and your feet will become soaked and cold. Definitely not an all purpose winter boot. Also, they have absolutely no support. Because they have no structural integrity, they cannot be used with snowshoes.
The only time I use them in wet cold is if I'm not outside all day and they can be dried at night. Using Steger wool liners gives them structure, and trimming the heel down makes them way more comfortable on snowshoes.
If you put a different liner in they will not breath. Boots are useless at that point.
The Steger mukluk liners I use are breathable....