Suggestions On Hunting Boots?

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"Cheap" is when you wear boots that give you blisters and sore knees because they're less expensive.

"Thrifty" is when you find something comfortable that's not 500 bucks.

I'm thrifty, too, but I really appreciate that kind of quality even if I don't find the cost/benefit ratio to make sense for me.

The difference between the boots and a Ferrari, though, is that I could buy those boots without ruining myself financially. One of my legs is 3/8" longer than the other, and it messed me up for a long time. I may spring for custom boots at some point -- I'd rather pay for really, really nice boots made for me, than pay to see a doctor regularly for a problem that can be eaily solved with the proper application of a few hundred bucks.:)
 
Well, okay, thrifty. I like that much better than "cheap". :D I'm not sure I'd actually wanna wear 500 dollar boots except maybe to a dance or something. LOL! It's sorta like if I got a custom fit Purdy 12 gauge engraved, inlaid , English stocked SxS. Would I take it to the salt marsh to hunt with? Not no, but HELL no! That's what Mossbergs are for, ROFLMAO!
 
Lookit, everyone and their dog now makes GOOD comfortable boots for under $100 - with vibram soles, good ergos, quality materials including thinsulate & goretex or similar. It's kinda like pizza & tacos & sex and turnbolt rifles - you have to try very hard to get a bad one. They're all asian-made except maybe Lacrosse and even they might be now. I have positive experiences with

-Georgia Boot (great value & quality)
-Rocky
-Danner
-Irish Setter
-Lacrosse
-Wolverine

I'd just look for the features & price you want, and not worry about the brand - you'll be happy if you match the weight, insulation, sole type, etc., to your needs.

AB, should we call you Ol' Gimpy or what? :p :)
 
I'm not sure I'd actually wanna wear 500 dollar boots except maybe to a dance or something.
Click to expand...

Maybe that's a Texas vs. Idaho difference.

Do one's most expensive boots go on before first light, or after it gets dark?:D
 
LaCrosse, I have a pair of old "All Temps". I've been rather unimpressed with 'em over the years. They're worn thin on the soles, wore rather rapidly, but no fault of the boots. I was wearing 'em out in west Texas and New Mexico on the rocks and the sole is a mud type thing. They never were very waterproof above the rubber, either. They were a Christmas present from my dear wife, but she paid too much, $130 or some such. The big catch is, they have two sets of liners and a set of insoles to use without liners in warmer weather. Tell ya the truth, they ain't all that warm, supposed to handle down to -20 or some such, but +40 is more like it, at least sitting static in a stand. I use 'em with a pair of Cabelas stocking foot hip waders with 3mm neoprene bottoms, now days. They work pretty good with those waders. I can roll 'em down if not needed or up if wading.

The LaCrosse are somewhat comfortable to walk in, but my Magellan snake boots have 'em beat. I've trekked a lot of miles in those things, though, and don't have a lot of comfort complaints. I just don't think they quite meet the hype or the price. JMHO
 
Spend your money how you want but cheap shoes are penney wise and pound foolish. A $250 pair of boots that last 10+ years are cheaper in the long run than a $100 pair of boots that only last 1-2 years.
 
Different companies tend to use different last designs.

I've liked the Danners I've tried, but they squeeze my feet. I've liked the Irish Setters, but they flop around.

It can be frustrating, finding the combination of stability, cushion, durability, and fit that work for a long day out.
 
One more for Danner. They have a very generous squared off toe box which, according to my podiatrist, is what you want. They are expensive but they can be reconditioned by Danner if the sole wears out.
 
The biggest key on boots is how they fit YOU. I haven't really seen that addressed here. Russels are great, worth every penny, but unless you hunt country that is a lot more pleasant than where I live/hunt, they are not what I call "hunting" boots. GREAT for Africa or bird hunting--maybeso the best. But, (I know, never begin a sentence with the word but) if we start talking HUNTING boots, lets get away from the cheap, economy viewpoint. Think about how much money you have tied up in a hunt--is a $250 expenditure for boots very significant? Add to that thought the fact that the high dollar boots are likely good for seveal seasons/hunts, making them more like $50 or less per hunt, counting "get in shape" time. Try something like a top end pair of Meindls and you'll never look back--never regret your investment. That indeed is what a good pair of boots is, an investment. I'm somewhat lucky in that my mode of income production causes me to spend my days doing the same type of terrain coverage as what we do when seriously hunting for elk, sheep, etc. Footwear is my lifeblood! Other than the Meindls mentioned by someone earlier, NONE of the aforementioned boots are worth the receipt that they generated. Try a pair of Meindls--yes, $250+--but you'll never regret it. I can regularly get a minimum of 6 months out of a pair of Meindls, any other boot I've tried--max 1 month, excepting Howes (spelled correctly?) which may be as good or nearly as good a boot as Meindls, but they don't happen to fit me as well. Filsons have the potential, based on the basic quality associated with the name, I've not tried them. The boots MUST fit correctly--then the investment cost becomes minor.
Good luck!
 
Quality is no doubt the key and what you say about working in your boots is the truth. I have known some wildland fire fighters and old packers and for them the best boot made is the White. I have a pair of snow packs that are Whites and they are the best winter boot I have seen.
Their top of the line is just south of $500 if I remember right but I know guys who have 2 pairs so they can send 1 pair in for repair/rebuild and they have lasted many yrs.
I have done quite a bit of mountain fence work and hunting and have always liked Redwings and then went to Filson.
 
Best boots imo are lacrosse, great boot and the make some nice lightweight ones, i have a pair of lacrosse and columbian boots that are very nice more for water though.
 
Yes indeed, Whites are excellent boots. I have a pair that I have used extensivly and continue to use, but for serious hunting/hiking, I much prefer the Meindls. I still use the Whites (they are past due for a rebuild), but not when serious walking is on the agenda, especially if it is steep and/or rocky, though I used to before I found Meindls. Plus, being pre-gortex, they don't shed water very good even though well greased. But the Whites are great boots; I just feel that the Meindls are better for hunting.
 
Haven't heard of that boot. Though I'm obviously high on Meindls, I also am always on the lookout for better. Where do you get these? Price range?
 
Crocs? BWAAAAA, ha, ha!

How about the "trailbreak"

1688_1_khaki.jpg


Or the "Yukon"?

929_1_charcoalmedgr.jpg


Yep, the "Yukon", just what you need in the wilds of the Yukon. ROFLMAO!

Actually, they're quite comfy for every day and make fantastic boat shoes. If they come off, they float! I even work in 'em, but they're not hunting boots.

Actually, I got mine, Yukon style, at Walmart for 6 bucks. But, if you have to have the originals, they even have 'em in camo, they're $29.95 at Academy. A little much for an injection molded "shoe". I prefer the Walmart version. Hell, last pair lasted over a year before I got these camo ones I have now. Well, it's sorta camo. They just mixed various shades of green plastic in the injection molder. Probably costs 'em 10 cents to actually manufacture a pair.

http://www.crocs.com/products/men/
 
Hah! You got me on that one, Mr. MCgunner. I thought we were talking boots--Croc, as in croc of BS! Good one! I may be wrong, but I don't think that they have those sandals here in Nevada--least I've never seen 'em.
 
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