wet weather boots

[270man]

Opinions please! Just returned from a hunt in Arizona high country and my Browning insulated, all-leather boots came apart -- AGAIN!! These are the green leather boots, about 8"-9" high with medium insulation (I suspect something like 400gram-600gram Thinsulate) and lug tread soles.

They are comfortable to hike in but the doggone sole came loose from the upper. This happened during the hunt and, fortunately, I had my ankle-high hiking boots to fall back on. About 5 years ago, my first Brownings did the same thing and I returned them for repair. Browning sent me a brand new pair. Can't complain about customer service. But I can complain about quality of construction. Probably hadn't worn this new pair more than 4 times.

We do a lot of hunting in mud and wet snow out here and I've been considering the newer "pac" boots with rubber bottoms and leather or leather/fabric uppers. I don't need huge amounts of insulation (like with the boots with removable, insulated inserts). This makes for big and clunky boots. The less heavily insulated boots look good in the catalogs but I'm concerned about "hike-ability" -- will they wear well and be comfortable enough for full day hunts in varying terrain.

Any experiences out there with the various brands and types??

Thanks,

270man

[Tater]

When I was stationed in Alaska I was issued a pair of Danners (10.5" or 12" tall I'm not sure which). That was 11 1/2 years ago and they still keep out the water and keep my feet warm. These are the all black, military-issue "Fort Lewis Go Devil" boots. While they aren't my first choice for a hunting boot, I would recommend any Danner product based on the performance of these boots. Danner makes a wide range of boots and shoes that, I'm sure, would serve you well for many moons. Happy hunting.

[BILLY D.]

270MAN

JUST GOT A NEW PAIR OF ALPHABURLY SPORTS BY LACROSSE, ALL RUBBER, I PIECE,100% WATERPROOF, NO RUNS, NO DRIPS, NO ERRORS. THEY COME IN SEVERAL CONFIGURATIOS OF INSULATION. UN, 800GR AND 1200GR.

THE FIRST DAY AFTER I GOT THEM I WORE THEM AROUND THE HOUSE TO BREAK THEM IN. NOT NECESSARY, BREAK IN NOT REQUIRED. THEY WERE SO COMFORTABLE THEY WERE LIKE BEDROOM SLIPPERS. I WALKED UP AND DOWN STAIRS AND IN GENERAL TRIED TO FIND SOMETHING WRONG WITH THEM. NO FAULTS. I LOVE 'EM.

HOPE THIS HELPS.