LaCrosse AeroHead Realtree® Xtra™ Green Insulated Hunting Boots
Over
four years in development and tested over 4,000 miles, the AeroHead™
is a truly revolutionary hunting boot. It features patent-pending AeroForm™
technology, a groundbreaking new construction that offers an extremely
comfortable fit, with the ultimate in flexibility and durability all in
a lightweight form. The shell around the neoprene core is molded with
polyurethane, which is more durable, flexible, insulating and lightweight
than rubber. With a thick layer of cushion underfoot, an integrated shank
for support and a rugged rubber outsole, the LaCrosse AeroHead™ redefines
comfort and protection in the field.
Features:
Patent-pending AeroForm™ technology featuring a revolutionary liquid
polyurethane over neoprene construction which provides an extremely lightweight
and flexible glove-like feel to the boot with highly durable, abrasion
resistant and insulating protection.
Uncompromising scent-free and waterproof protection
Adjustable back gusset and strap with adjustable fit for various leg sizes
Armor Weld liquid rubber protective coating on the seams
Quick drying and moisture wicking jersey knit liner
Ankle-Fit™ design locks the heel in place to prevent excess rubbing
and chafing
Injected PU midsole for added cushioning with an integrated shank to cover
the arch of the foot providing support and stability when climbing on
ladder rungs.
3.5MM naturally insulating neoprene
Realtree Xtra Green camo pattern
Aero™ non-loading outsole features a lightweight rubber compound
for superior durability and traction in mud
18" height
4.0 lbs per pair
Rated for temperatures as low as -30° F.
The above is what LaCrosse has to say about its new flagship rubber hunting boot, the Aerohead. Last year, I reviewed the previous incarnation of this type of boot, the Alpha Mudlite. The Alpha Mudlites quickly became my favorite hunting boot, boots that I've used on days when the high was -10 degrees F. The 18" height Alpha Mudlites weigh 5.2 lbs per pair and are rated rated for temperatures between -20° to 80° F.
The new 18 inch Aeroheads are substantially lighter at 4 lbs. and are rated to -30° F. While I'm about as far away from a footwear designer as imaginable, my impression is that the primary new feature here is the polyurethane component. There is no question that they are more comfortable and flexible than their previous offerings. What I have been using is the 3.5 mm neoprene edition @ 4 lbs. Rated to -30 degrees F. as already mentioned. Also available is essentially the same boot with 7.0 mm of neoprene. That yields a -60 degree F. temperature rating and increases the weight to 5 lbs. per pair.
VERDICT
For the last several years, I've worn LaCrosse neoprene boots almost exclusively, including black bear hunts and pheasant hunting where the high temperature of the day was -6 degrees F. The AeroHead is an upgrade from what has always been durable, waterproof, easy to put on boots.
As far as the claimed better insulation, well . . . that area would be my sole quibble. Perhaps someone with more highly tuned skin than myself could tell the difference between “as low as” -30 deg. F. boot and a theoretical -40 degree boot, but there is no discernible difference to me whatsoever. Aside from that dubious claim, the rest of the package is quite appealing.
The
Aeroheads are clearly lighter, more flexible, and more comfortable than
their predecessors and a bit easier to remove as well. Knocking off 1.2
lbs from a pair of boots with the same utility is far more than trivia.
I have no problem saying that this is the best effort yet from LaCrosse.
As their flagship product for 2013, it truly serves to be. As of this
writing, they are also quite affordable: $130 delivered to your door as
tested, ten dollars more for the 7.0 mm version. You won't be disappointed:
get yours today at http://www.lacrossefootwear.com
.
Copyright 2013 by Randy Wakeman. All Rights Reserved.
