A good hunting boot

[RKellogg]

What kind of boots do you guys wear . I spent $90 for a pair Rockys that didn't last a season . I have tryed a few differnt kinds of swamp boots and they end up getting tore and leak . I was just woundering what you guys wear . I am looking for a good warm ( I am in Northern New York ) , water proof pair of tie up boots , don't really like the swamp boots . I see all kinds of boots and have no idea what to get . :banghead:

 

[achildofthesky]

I am in the market now too and will follow this thread for some ideas... Same parameters as RKellog but will be hunting this year in western PA but still want water PROOF and very walkable pods...

Be safe

Patty

 

[ErikS]

I use Meindl Dovre Extreme with wool soles in them. With a pair of liner socks and a pair of wool socks, they're good for any weather where I live, I've even used them for icefishing in winter.
This is my second pair, the first pair was a pair of Meindl Dovre, and it lasted for 8 years, heavy use year round. This includes going fishing with them and standing in mud and water.
They're also great to walk in, no problem to hike long distances with them.

It's not a cheap pair, but to me it's worth it's price. YMMV

 

[redneckdan]

I wear Whites smoke jumpers. My hunting style is more like that of western states, more walking and less sitting than most eastern hunters. Whites are a quality boot that are fully rebuildable. But figure on about $550 deleivered for them.

 

[Steve H]

I wear Whites smoke jumpers

IMHO just about the best boot made. I wore those back in the early 70's when I was fighting brush fires. If you dont want to spend that much look at Red Wing loggers. If you want/need a insulated boot Schleens (sp?) are VERY good.

 

[Bezoar]

good comfy boots, go online to any company that sells REAL military clothing. what you want is the general purpose combat boot. the price is only 40 dollars plus shipping, but its comfy, lined for cooler work and extra comfort.
the sole is extremely quite. the only time i could hear my foot steps was on pea gravel. everything else i was silent as nuclear sub.

 

[koja48]

Whites are good, as are Schnees. I've had terrible experiences with Danners, but a lot of folks swear by them (after 3 pair, I swore AT them!). Also have Rockies that have provided good service.

 

[brassdog]

YMMV. Remeber to tailor your boots to the terrain.
What kind of ground are you going to be moving over?
Personally, I would settle somethig sturdy around the soles and ankles to help support any extra weight you'll be packing along. Waterproof definately and if it's just a winter boot then make sure you have room for insulation. I usually get my boots from the local farm supply since they carry a fair average for most folks. Your situation might be different but spend the time and do it right because your feet are what carry in and out of the field.

Best

 

[Savage Shooter]

I know you looking for a pair of lace up boots but you should not overlook a pair of boots from lacross or the muckboot company I wear the classic lacross burly year round I have had my pair for about a year now and love them. I use them for deer,turkey,coon and anything else I hunt that I can't think of now. They last forever and are famous for not cracking like lesser rubber boots and for there nice ankle fit and there soles. I know people that have used theres for almost a decade. They buy new ones just because they wore out the tread. They are insulated and have a very comfortable soles, while coon hunting I walk miles a night with heavy loads of coon skins if I'm having a could night and my feet never hurt I would wear these things over a tennis shoe for walking there that comforable IMO. Lacross also makes hunting boots that have very agressive tread for hunting that may fit your bill. the muck boot combany has very good boots as well that have agressive tread and very comfortable fit.

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

I'm not a good person to ask, because I don't have any experience with the premium boots - my experience is limited to the everyman's, big box store boots (Rocky, Danner, Wolverine, Irish Setter, Georgia Boot), which I've been happy with. But I will say that you probably need more than one, to match the weather. I like an uninsulated boot for early season, a 400 grams of thinsulate boot for Nov, an 800 gram boot for Dec-Feb, and a monster pac boot with felt lining or 1200-1600 grams of thinsulate for the really cold days - this one needs to be a size or two too big, to allow for huge socks or 2 pair. Behind insulation, a close second thing I look for is comfort - is it a contoured interior sole, or just a flat sole? How does it actually feel when you try it on? Third thing I look for is good cleats/soles - I like a very aggressive knobby boot, espec. on the front wrapped up around the toe, for climbing creek banks and such. Vibram sole beats no-name. Next I look for overall quality build / longevity. Is it top grain leather or just "leather"? How's the overall quality of the build look? Of course, price is also a consideration. Waterproof is really not much of a consideration for me, because (a) even the ones that aren't waterproof will keep out your basic dew and such, and (b) most importantly, if I'm expecting water, I won't be wearing a boot, I'll be wearing waders, or a knee-high rubber boot, not ordinary 6" or 9" boots.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

There are several solutions to your problem.

One is to get well-insulated boots cheap and expect them to wear out quickly.

Another is to get quality boots (with sewn-on soles, so they can be resoled) and take good care of them. For hunting, consider getting them very large -- get a set of thinsulate booties, and wear them with socks when you try on the boots. That should give you plenty of insulation.

You can also get Goretex socks or booties to wear inside boots -- if they are large enough. This is the best guarentee against wet feet on a stand.

Don't try to wear extra socks or booties in boot that is too tight -- that cuts off circulation and makes you colder.

I have a pair of "boot blankets." These are huge booties that are worn over the boots -- carry them, and put them on when you're on your stand.

Another trick is to carry extra socks, and to thoroughly dry your feet and put on dry socks when you reach your stand.

 

[Crazy Fingers]

Depends on the terrain you hunt with. But I definitely agree with you about "swamp" boots being just total junk. I like to snipe hunt, which involves walking around in a marsh for several hours. The smallest leak will leave you with cold, wet feet, and we all know how much that sucks.

The only waterproof boot worth a damn that I have ever found was the LaCrosse Alpha. I've had mine for 4 seasons and they are still dry as a bone. Since I'm in Florida I don't need any insulation, but I think the Alpha Burly is insulated.

 

[HM2PAC]

Ice fishing and icy hunting: LaCrosse: Ice Kings or Burly 1200gm

Deer/Grouse in cool weather Irish Setter Elk Trackers

The thing that will stop me quickly is cold wet feet. I always carry a few pair of extra socks.

 

[rcmodel]

I have a pair of Wolverine Gor-Tex lace-up's that have about a gazillion miles on them, and still going strong.
Still never leak after years of use.

I have a pair of Meindl Gore-Tex Hikers that have probably the best footbed & support of anything I ever owned. Unfortunately, by the time I got them broke in, the heels on the molded-on soles where about gone.

I have a pair of LaCrosse Insulated Burly's for cold wet or snow conditions that are very comfortable as knee boots go, and seem to be going to last longer then I will.

I have a pair of Muck "Chore" Boots that are as comfortable as boots get in cold & wet conditions, but they are too short for deep snow or stream fording.

rcmodel

 

[MCgunner]

I got a pair of Magellan snake proof high top waterproof boots last Christmas, 15" tops, I think, up to my knees anyway. They're quite comfy, on and off really easy even though they're lace up. They're about 70 bucks at Academy. I had some LaCrosse Alltemps, still decent though getting a little thin, but I really like the Magellan boots and they paid off already in emergency room expenses avoided. Had a 3 1/2 ft rattler hit 'em. I'd occasionally forget my leggings, but always wear the Magellans now when I go to my place. They seem to be pretty rugged so far, even wear 'em on the motorcycle occasionally.

I use the Alltemps with a pair of cabella's stocking foot 3mm neoprene hip waders when it's really wet, but the Magellans have been through slightly over ankle high water without a leak. Goretex seems to work pretty well. Oh, yeah, I have a pair of regular rubber waders and a pair of neoprene Cabella's 5mm stocking waders with wading shoes for duck hunting the marshes. I have an old pair of redball waders, but they're more shoe goo than rubber, why I got the new light rubber ones.

 

[DRYHUMOR]

Try on several pairs in your size. Not all pairs fit the same. You may find on one pair, one side or the other fits better. If ya got several pairs the same you can get a good fitting pair.

I'm partial to Redwings, but do wear Danners and LaCross a good bit also.

 

[buttrap]

Another vote here for the Whites or even the White off the shelf Hawthorns. Westcoast is not too bad also. All of the above can be rebuilt and will last a life time if cared for.

 

[MCgunner]

http://www.academy.com/index.php?pa.../hunting&start=10&selectedSKU=0547-02157-0003

Guess they've gone up a bit. Mine are still waterproof and the kevlar for snake protection and nylon construction is really tough, like armor. I don't think a thorn will penetrate if a snake fang won't. Down here, snake protection and waterproofness are good things in a boot. These are so dry, they're like waders up to thigh height. So far, I love 'em. I've yet to have any problems with 'em and they take very little care. I put 'em up muddy all the time. They are non-insulated, but sorta warm in hot weather. They're quite warm in cold weather, but cold weather for us is 40 degrees. I doubt they'd be real great in snow without some sort of liner and a bit larger size. Mine are very comfy, lots of toe room. I have a pair of neoprene socks, 3mm, but they'd be tight in these boots. Very warm and dry in my LaCross boots, though.

 

[22-rimfire]

If I were hunting in wet conditions such as would be suggested by your "swamp boots", the choice is easy LaCross Burly's. I have two pairs one for no heavy socks and larger for heavy socks if it is going to be colder. They're warm and waterproof. Barbed wire is a booger on them however. Figure on a couple of three seasons if you walk in them much. I also wear an uninsulated pair for work stuff where water is an issue where hard toes are not required.

LaCross boots are my preferred boot these days if snow or water is a big consideration. They are quite comfortable to walk it although I have not hiked 10 miles in one stretch in a pair.

I also have a pair of Cabelas' leather boots. I guess from the current catalog the Elk Hunter is probaby closest. I believe they were the whitetail series of boots and I prefer 8" height.

I also have a pair of Rocky's with the gortex that are yet untested in the field. They were cheap (ie on-sale).

Size is very important. Too large and you're clumsy and too small and either they are tight and cold or you can't wear any sock layers.

A lot of people like the Irish Setters.

 

[MCgunner]

One thing about LaCrosse, or at least the ones I have. They wear down pretty quick on rocky terrain. Mine have a marshland style sole. They're sorta thin, but hell, they're over 10 years old. They've lost their waterproof on the tops, only the rubber bottoms shed water, now. The cordura/leather tops leaked not long after I started using 'em. The Magellans, so far, are bone dry, best waterproofing I've owned short of a wader or full rubber boot.

I found the alltemps here. Just like these except mine are size 11s:

http://www.bowhuntingstuff.com/product/SALE-LC-ALLTEMP-BOOT/AllTemp_Boot_System_by_Lacrosse.html

The sole looks like this.

 

[22-rimfire]

People have complained that the soles do wear out too quick on the Lacross rubber boots (for the price which is usually around $100). I haven't had that problem, but I don't hike a lot in mine. I'm talking about the knee high all rubber Lacross boots which have a lug type sole pattern. They do okay in the mud and I would assume would do better in the snow.

Link: http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...ct&cmCat=Related_IPL_830643&id=0020948830555a