I can say from real-world experience that the LaCrosse Cold Snap II boots offer excellent warmth without bulk.
After all, I had just worn them through a long week of whitetail hunting from a deer stand in Kentucky where, to be honest, I did not see much.
You tend to think about cold toes more when the hunting is slow. Long sits test your clothing as much as the mental discipline required to stay in a deer stand all day.
You can only stay in a treestand as you can tolerate the conditions, and the longer you’re there, the better your odds. LaCrosse Cold Snap II boots are built to keep your toes from freezing solid, without the bulk.
Featuring 2,000 grams of Thinsulate, these boots retain your body heat while providing the dexterity to shimmy up tight ladder stands and operate climbers.
They're perfect for keeping your feet warm out in the field—even when the going is tough!
- You need serious warmth for long, stationary hunts
- You want waterproofing and winter traction without rubber bulk
- The 2,000-gram version may be excessive in milder weather
- The leather-and-nylon construction requires breaking in
LaCrosse Cold Snap II at a Glance
- Extreme Insulation: The boots feature 2,000 grams of Thinsulate to trap body heat during long, freezing sits without adding restricting bulk.
- Treestand Dexterity: Their lightweight design provides the agility needed to safely climb tight ladder stands and navigate tree climbers.
- Rugged Materials: Built from full-grain leather and 900-denier nylon, the boots utilize polyurethane coatings in high-wear zones for enhanced durability.
- Advanced Waterproofing: A proprietary Dry-Core lining creates a highly breathable yet entirely waterproof barrier against snow and mud.
- Cold-Weather Traction: The specialized Permafrost Outsole uses aggressive lugs that remain flexible and refuse to harden in sub-zero environments.
LaCrosse Cold Snap II Field Test
I had the opportunity to wear a pair of their new Cold Snap II boots during a hunt testing the new Winchester Supreme Long Range ammunition.
I didn't fill my tag until nearly the last minute of the last day, making it one of the more grueling hunts in my career.
It would have been a real challenge to be alert and ready when a shot opportunity finally presented itself, not to mention just be there in the stand at all. The Cold Snap II boots were a key part of making that happen.
I owe my endurance, and arguably my success, to these LaCrosse boots as they have become my go-to for stalks, sits, or even the occasional sub-zero range day.
LaCrosse Cold Snap II Insulation, Waterproofing and Traction
Cold Snap II boots are constructed with full-grain leather and 900-denier nylon, so they benefit from proper break-in before a hunt. They also feature LaCrosse’s Permafrost Outsole with deep, aggressive lugs for traction in snow and mud.
The specially formulated outsole won’t harden in cold temperatures, which I can vouch for.
They’re available in jet black and Mossy Oak Country Roots (men’s) and Olive Midnight (women’s).
If your feet don’t run as cold as mine, or your climate is slightly warmer, there is also a 1200-gram version.
Both models are exceptionally waterproof, especially for a boot that isn’t clad in rubber. This is attributed to the company’s Dry-Core lining, which balances moisture resistance with breathability.
LaCrosse Cold Snap II Review: Final Verdict
- 2,000 grams of Thinsulate without the bulk
- Outsole stayed pliable in sub-zero conditions
- Enough dexterity to climb ladder stands
- Full-grain leather with a 900D upper
- Waterproof despite no rubber cladding
- Offered in men's and women's sizing
- 4.6 pounds per pair is heavy for long stalks
- Product Origin
- Media Hunt
- Test Type
- Field — a full week of whitetail treestand sits, plus stalks and sub-zero range days
- Test Location
- Kentucky
- Duration
- One week, plus continued use since
- Conditions
- Cold-weather treestand hunting (ice fishing cited as a use case, not tested)
- Model Tested
- Men's, 2,000-gram Thinsulate
- Tested By
- Frank Melloni
- Upper
- Full-grain leather with 900 Denier polyester
- Abrasion Protection
- Polyurethane-coated leather in high-wear areas
- Insulation
- 2,000 grams of Thinsulate (1,200-gram version also offered)
- Lining
- LaCrosse Dry-Core
- Outsole
- Permafrost rubber, formulated not to harden in cold; deep lugs with a 90-degree heel
- Height
- 9 inches men's; 8 inches women's
- Weight
- 4.6 lb per men's size 10 pair; 3.5 lb per women's size 7 pair
- Men's Sizes
- 8-12 with half sizes, 13, 14, 15, 16M
- Women's Sizes
- 5-10 with half sizes, 11M
- Colourways
- Jet Black and Mossy Oak Country Roots (men's); Olive Midnight (women's)
- MSRP
- $229.99 (1,200g) – $250.00 (2,000g)
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