Cavechat.org

cavemud2 wrote:

Yeh they do great in mud and sloppy conditions. Yes as NZCaver said.. they are waterproof to the top. The inside is made of the same thing kinda just like a bootie? if ya understand me lol. I think thats why when they are full of water they still keep your feet rather warm compared to other boots. They make so many different types. You should really check them out if you want a great warm waterproof boot. The 16" Wetlands i have are 5mm.

http://www.muckbootcompany.com/Pages/default.aspx

I have the Wetlands also. I have been caving in them for four years now. IMO, they are a superior caving boot.

The only problem I have found with them is that they float. When you swim with them it is hard to keep your feet underwater.

Ok for the most part I cave dry. once in a while wet once in a while suction cup mud. Question....don't they want to pull off in suction cup mud? and the other one....aren't they loose and unsupportive otherwise. No trick questions here just honest puzzles.

Yeh as Scott said these do kinda float if underwater. The fit is what i never liked about slip on boots or boots with no laces. They would always slide around on your foot and was very uncomfortable. With these, as soon as i tried them on i knew i was going to like them. They do not want to just pull right off your foot when you have them on. Once you have them on they have a big knobby heel kick to help you kick them off..youll need em trust me. I am 100% satisfied with the Muck boot brand as far as waterproof and warmth go. as far as Unsuportive...I have worn these almost everyday since about last august and they feel just as good as my new balance sneakers.

Jon wrote:Ok for the most part I cave dry. once in a while wet once in a while suction cup mud. Question....don't they want to pull off in suction cup mud? and the other one....aren't they loose and unsupportive otherwise. No trick questions here just honest puzzles.

The Servus boots I pictured at the start of this topic are great boots, for under $40. They do not slip off, they have a snug fit. Never had a problem with them coming off in ankle deep mud. But, they are under $40....they are worth every penny of $40. Having said that, I went to Tractor Supply Sunday and took a look at the Muck's and there is no question those are better boots, but at more than triple the price. When I wear out my Servus boots, the Muck's may be my next purchase.

So, if budget is an issue...Servus (great value). Budget not an issue...Muck (if you just want the best).
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A boot coming out this year: Hi-Tec Pará Boot



Review: http://www.trailspace.com/blog/2012/01/ ... -boot.html

Evan G wrote:A boot coming out this year: Hi-Tec Pará Boot
Review: http://www.trailspace.com/blog/2012/01/ ... -boot.html

They look hightech, very well built. Only if they were higher up the ankle for walking in water.
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^This looks like a great caving boot! note the vibram sole.
I've had several Hi-Tec brand boots and always liked them.
Agreed higher would be nice.

I have heard but not confirmed that Hi-tec is making a higher cuffed boot than the Para that will also come out this year.

I was dreaming of hiking a canyon in AZ and stumbled (figuratively) across these boots:

http://fiveten.com/products/footwear-de ... -canyoneer



Those Hi-Tec's look like better soles, esp. for caving. But do you die of overheated feet if you're not constantly in the water with the Hi Tec boots (which aren't even available yet)?

OK, I have field tested both types of boots discussed here. The Servus XTP Knee Boot and the Muck Boot Muckmasters High (images of both below). I have used the XTP in 5 caves and the Muckmasters in 2 caves. I found out that amazingly the XTP does much, much better on wet rocks and slippery areas. In the same cave just a few weeks apart it was a night and day difference. I was slipping with the Muckmaster all over the place where I was not slipping with the XTP. See my ratings below of both boots. All I can say is if the Muckmaster incorporated the XTP tread, that would be the perfect caving boot. My son has the XTP and this last caving trip it was difficult to keep up with him in areas with wet boulders to climb over.

Servus XTP Knee Boot
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Traction on wet rocks: Great
Traction on dry rocks: Great
Traction in mud: Great
Insulation: None, but not an issue in TAG caving.
Ankle support: Medium Support
Fit and finish: Medium Quality
Ability to tuck in pants: No, too tight around calf.
Durability and wear: Great so far
Price: $40.00

Muck Boots Muckmasters High
-------------------------------------
Traction on wet rocks: Poor
Traction on dry rocks: Medium
Traction in mud: Medium
Insulation: Yes, too much for TAG as my feet sweat from start to finish.
Ankle support: Great
Fit and finish: Great
Ability to tuck in pants: Yes, since the top expands.
Durability: Great so far
Price: $140

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What is the purpose of tucking pants legs into the boots?

agosnell wrote:What is the purpose of tucking pants legs into the boots?

As you walk in a creek or deep mud your pants won't get soaked/muddy and weigh you down, unless you are in something deeper than 16". Also, if you go feet first in a tunnel, mud/dirt won't go up the inside of your legs.

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Ohh, I see. Thank you.

Smells_Familiar wrote:I bought these boots locally a few months ago but haven't caved in them yet. I bought them from a bricks and mortar http://www.tractorsupply.com/-640011999

they only come in men's sizes. :(
they have these for women
http://www.tractorsupply.com/-104907399
apparently they only come in pink (ugh). I wonder if they have the same bottom soles as the men's boots.

Well its time that I buy new boots. My Joop boots are well over 5 years old, maybe closer to 8 now and they are starting to rip and shoe goo and duct tpae only does so much to fix them.

I see that Muck boots has purple boots, that maybe something to look into. I have some upcoming trips, so I need to figure out something soon.