When temperatures drop, it becomes more difficult to stay afield for obvious reasons. Using gear that increases your time outside is a must. Lathrop & Sons (L&S) has done just this with their insulated Mountain Hunter Warm series of boots.
Who is L&S?
Let’s take a walk down memory lane and remind you who Lathrop & Sons is. Most know the name but do not realize the full range of services they can offer to end users. Not only are they a boot company, but they also offer a custom boot fit system tailored to each individual user and perfected to match what they need most in a boot. This far exceeds the option of just buying boots off the shelf and wearing them. It’s hard to understand this level of service until you’ve experienced it.
My Experience With L&S
I have used Lathrop & Sons boots extensively since 2016, when I was introduced to their Custom Boot System, and have been pleased with the results. It wasn’t until I worked with L&S for the first time that I learned of “issues” my feet have and what I need to look for most in a boot. Paired with this service and their Synergy Foot beds, I was in for a new treat! Any L&S boots have been a great fit and are very comfortable. Click here to read my review of their custom boot system.
L&S Mountain Hunter Boot
The Mountain Hunter boot has been tested and reviewed here on Rokslide in the past with great reviews as well. This new Mountain Hunter Warm boot is much the same as the original, with some added benefits. Read more on it here.
Great Customer Service
As with any boot that I have gotten from Lathrop & Sons Boot Company, I was treated to a phone conversation before using the boots to help me understand the boots to a deeper level. The knowledge and customer service that you receive from both Stephen and James Lathrop is beyond what any boot company has offered me in the past. They also stand behind their product tenfold and will ensure you are taken care of at all times.
They are not here to save you a few bucks, but to deliver the best possible boot fit and experience in the industry. During our phone consult, it was decided to order these boots a ½ size larger due to the added insulation. That, paired with a thicker-than-usual sock for cold weather, made the most sense.
Warm Series
Much remains the same on the Warm series of Mountain Hunter boots. The nylon shank and rocker-cam midsole are very noticeable, helping you move through that nasty terrain, providing the support needed for stable footing at all times, and helping propel you forward. Over many extended, long days of hunting, this can really make a difference. The 2.6mm leather upper is lined with a waterproof and breathable membrane. The ball-bearing lacing system makes it very easy to lace them up and be on your way. The addition to the Warm boot is 200-gram Primaloft insulation and a softer Vibram sole to grip the colder terrain beneath your feet. As we know, when the boot soles get cold, they have trouble gripping, and this addresses that issue.
Break-In
I began by wearing the boots around the house and yard while working to help “break them in.” But to be honest, I really haven’t had much trouble with ever needing to do this with a L&S boot system as the fit is very good right out of the box. I do still feel that wearing them before heading out in the field is best practice. This will also help you determine the best lacing style that will work best with your feet and your new boots. The years of getting blisters have been long gone since the L&S custom boot system and that is a huge plus! Minor adjustments may be needed at times to get the exact fit you want and need. Lathrop & Sons accomplishes this through additional telephone consults if needed.
Keeping Me Warm
When I entered cooler weather, I started using the Mountain Hunter Warm boots, and the feel was much the same, but I could tell the added warmth of the boots. They did a much better job at helping combat the cool weather. I used the boots during early spring turkey hunts with temps below freezing in the early mornings. While sitting in the blind, I did notice the added warmth of the boots. A huge plus for me, as I have trouble keeping my feet warm when not on the move.
Versatile Boots
In late September and October, I put the boots to the test in various terrain, both mountain-style hunting and open prairie hunting. After logging many miles, I am happy to say that they did a great job and kept me comfortable. I would reserve these boots for colder temps, as my feet stayed more than warm. The coldest temperature I used them at was 25 degrees. These will work best for me when the temps are below freezing and I am on a hunt when I am not moving as much.
Non-Typical Insole
They also offer an insole for even colder weather that I was unable to test, but I would bet it would only increase the boots’ effectiveness. They make a Non-Typical insole that has multi-layer insulating foam to help keep the cold away from your feet. As the weather gets colder, I hope to test the Non-Typical insoles.
One Minor Issue
I only had a minor issue with the boot. While on a hunt, I hooked one of the lace hooks on a rock and bent it open. When I tried to bend it back, it broke, but I was still able to make it through my hunt. This also shredded the lace, but it was not a show stopper. A quick trip to the local boot repair shop had me fixed up, and a new pair of laces from Lathrop & Sons had me going in short order. I could have shipped the boot back to have it repaired, but I wanted to save time by fixing it locally. I am really looking forward to testing them extensively this winter when the temps really drop. I don’t think the boots will have any issues with keeping me comfortable.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a boot system that works well for you in colder conditions, look no further. Give the team at Lathrop & Sons a shot. Reach out to them and explain what you are looking for, and they will get you taken care of in the best possible way. You will be glad that you did! Click here to get started.
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