Positioned between Snow Tracker and Snow Claw, this boot succeeds in offering the best of both worlds: great construction, plenty of insulation, excellent traction and good mobility. They have kept my feet warm and dry for many hours in temps from 50F to zero and then some, on frozen ground, pavement, in water or on ice. Add toe warmers and they become an "all day" outside boot for temps 20F and lower. For less extreme conditions get the Trackers and for more extreme The Claw but for everything in-between, Snowshields will do the job.
Because I hunt wet swamps boots higher than 10" were important, usually not froze until after Wisconsin deer gun season, Muck boots height and warmth works, but shred in a couple seasons. My inquiry about height was answered 12" high, true, but the tongue is deeply notched, only 9-1/2" so reality is water deeper than that will be in my boots. I did not get them until after freezeup so I don't know if they leak. I may test them in a bucket of water. Cabelas Whitetail Extreme leaked completely, no barrier to water at all, leaving me with wet, cold feet. Nice and wide when I put them on, last Rocky wide boots were not. I will review again, warm, bit bulky.
I thought these were warm and comfortable boots. they worked great down to 20 so far. It hasnt been cold enough since. Make sure you order you street shoe size as they run a little big. In the picture, the "j-hook" style eyelets are at the top 2 places, however there are actually 4 of those on each side. That makes the boots easier to get on.
I've had these boots for a little over a month now and just got to use them 3 times over the Ohio gun week for whitetail. Couple of mornings were in the high 20's (windchill was 16 degrees this morning# to low 30's and my feet stayed warm for the first 5 hours of the morning. I will say this, my toes started to get a little chilly the first morning only because I take a medicine that lowers my heart rate and I did not wear my better pair of cold weather socks. My toes did not freeze like they did in my old Rocky 800 gram boots, just started to get chilly #kind of like the rest of me at that point). I wanted to test the boots to see how warm they kept me and I was pleased. I will say this, the boot is a little bulky but VERY light weight. And if you ever have problems with traction in your current boot, like I did in my Rocky's, you WILL NOT in these boots. Walking down hill on wet, soft soil it's like I have a brake on each foot. Plant your foot and it just does not move. Going up hill is the same. Very very good traction. Overall I like these boots and think I made a good decision. The only reason I did not give 5 stars is because I have not used them extensively yet and for me the true test is how they stand up over time. My old Rocky's are still going after 11 years and I hope these Irish Setters can do the same for me. One other note, the store associate who was working in the Dundee, MI store the day I bought these boots was great. Really knew the products in his department. Every associate I have ever dealt with at this store has always been very knowledgable, professional and polite. Good job! Be safe and good hunting!