LaCrosse Burly Rubber Hunting & Work Boots for Men - Waterproof ZXT Rubber with Foam Insulation, Top Strap, EVA Footbed, and Slip-Resistant Outsole

In my opinion the Alpha Burly is a much more comfortable boot, but I found out that I am allergic to neoprene. These (Burly Classic) are a plain rubber boot, which is fine. They don't have the insulating value, which I already knew. What I don't like is that the heal is small. This makes for less stability while walking. Also the ankle support is loose. They are O.K. for around the house, and walking short distances, but I don't think I would want to walk too far in them.

I use these boots for boating and shoreline access, as well as some hiking in the woods. Foot section is bulky and looks like an insulated boot, but stays comfortable even in warm temperatures. Traction is a decent compromise between functional tread depth and not holding clay or mud. Take care in rough country as rubber can be punctured, causing leaks.

As most readers likely know, LaCrosse boots used to be made here stateside but they moved production to China a few years back. This is my first pair I (reluctantly) purchased since they decided to outsource. The main & most obvious difference is the smell, as soon as you open the box you'll be hit in the face with a strong rubber smell like a cheap bicycle inner-tube purchased at Walmart; and this smell isn't easy to get rid of. Insulation & seam work is roughly comparable to my old American made set, but I would obviously rather pay a bit more to support American workers.

I live on the north shore of Massachusetts, and we have gotten killed this year with 6 feet of snow. I bought my burly boots for walking on the salt marsh, but I've been using them almost daily while blowing snow. I'm out in them at temperatures of 15-20F for hours at a time. I tuck my pant legs into them and I'm warm and dry. A good wool sock is a great combination. The traction is solid on my steep driveway and they are quite comfortable. I highly recommend these as great winter work boots. Your feet will stay warm and dry.

I've had the same pair boots for 13 years now and they are still going strong. I bought them for walking through mud and snow in northern Indiana. I have since moved to Texas. The insulation is a little excessive for Texas but not too bad. Given the durability and longevity I would definitely recommend these boots.