Hunting Boots?

[Baylian]

I am in need of some good and comfortable hunting boots. Any suggestions? It is mostly dry and cold here in Utah during the hunt. We have snow on rare occasions but I have good snow boots and shoes for that.

Thanks in advance, TJ :o

[LoneWolf]

Welcome to HuntChat Baylian!

I'm sure this thread will get alot of replies, but the boots that I have liked the best over the years are Rocky boots. I bought my first set in 1992, a 400 gram thinsulate, waterproof boot. I now also have a set of bearstalkers in 800 gram thinsulate. These keep my feet warm innmost all conditions, and are holding up great. The comfort is great in both pairs. I still wear the first set, even after all these years.:D

[Swift]

Danners

[fabsroman]

I would tend to recommend Rocky boots also. Exactly which model depends on the type of hunting you do. I have three different Rocky boots, all of which are waterproof. The first pair has absolutely no insulation and I use those for September and early October hunting when the weather is kind of warm here. The other two pairs have insulation. One has 800 grams of Thinsulate and is relatively lightweight. I use that pair for upland hunting and hunting in weather that isn't extremely cold. The warmest pair of boots I have is a pair of Rocky Pac boots with 1200 grams of thinsulate in them along with a bootie covered in what looks like aluminum foil. I use those boots when I will be sitting on a deer stand or waterfowl blind for quite a while. They feel like bricks on my feet, but if I don't have to walk too much they are great. Plus, walking usually keeps me warm, so when I'm not walking I need the extra insulation.

Since your hunting conditions include cold, you need something with Thinsulate insulation. However, how much walking do you normally do on your hunts?

[Jack]

I've had both Rocky boots and Danner's, and liked them both.
Rocky's tend to be less expensive, and often a bit lighter. Danner's last longer. That's been my experience.

[Tater]

FWIW, I have a pair of Danner work boots I was issued in 93 that I wear hunting. The only thing I've had to do is resole them twice. I'm not necessarily recommending these for hunting. My only point is that Danners are well worth the $$$.

[mtmiller]

Wow, I have seen this question a lot lately, but with much different responses. I will give my experiences.

I have had two pair of Rockies and both were terrible, leaked and split seams. I still have a pair of Danners (Canadian). they are alright, but are weak on ankle support and are heavy. I also don't like the sole as they pick up every rock out there. Both of these boots were purchased over 10 years ago, so they may have improved.

That being said, I purchased a pair of Lowa Sheephunters last spring and love them. They have worked well from Kodiak Island rainforest to 9,000' mule deer hunting to August pronghorn hunting.
http://www.schnees.com/tbimages/377.225.264.jpg

I have not tried Meindl's, but have nothing but good commments about them. Another I have only heard about are Hanwags. All positive comments as well.

[M.T. Pockets]

I've had a couple pair of Rocky's, they were lower end in the price range, I really liked one pair, and didn't like the second. They were uncomfortable and gave me blisters, it took forever to break them in and now they're better. This probably isn't Rocky's fault, but my own. You get what you pay for and I went for the cheaper ones.

I'm very happy with my main hunting boots, the Outfitter from Cabela's. I got the 10" with 1,000 g. of thinsulate. I like Airbob soles for climbing and especially for going downhill. I've had them several years and will buy another pair when I have to. They're not light and they get plenty hot if it's warm out. But, overall I like them.

I know that the Outfitter isn't the same quality as boots from Lowa, Meindle or Danner, but I'm happy with them.

Do NOT order boots in the mail. Try them on at the store with the exact socks that you plan on wearing, and don't skimp on socks either. For years I've had great success wearing a thin liner sock under a quality wool/synthetic sock.

Let us know what you decide on.

[fabsroman]

I completely agree about the socks. I think I pay between $8 and $10 for the socks I wear and they are a huge improvement over the $2 ones I used to wear.

[Duffy]

LaCrosse Alpha Burlys here.

[larryours]

I've been wearing LaCrosse Burleys, either uninsulated for early bow hunting and thinsulate later in colder or snowy weather. I started wearing them years ago in early 90's to bear hunt, I'm on my second pair of uninsulated burleys in 16 years, One thing I like about them, the real rubber in these boots keep you scent free when walking to your stand and a good pair of wool socks will keep your feet warm in some pretty cold weather, even if the boots are uninsulated, in the off season keep them stored in a cool dark place and they will last. I do a lot of bow hunting and these boots have served me well.

[8X56MS]

I wear LaCrosse boots as well. I often find myself in a swamp or wading down a creek, or skirting heavy cover by walking the edge of a lake. GoreTex is ok, but not as good for my hunting as a 16 inch rubber boot. As others have mentioned, good socks are a must.

[Valigator]

I just bought RedHead Gore-tex calf high zippered boots....at Bass Pro....I am in heaven with these.....most comfortable boots I have had in a while....

[Steverino]

For bow hunting from October-through November, like someother folks have already mentioned-I wear insulated Lacrosse Alpha Burlys with a poly-propolyne liner and a good merino wool sock.
Once the temps drop, I tend to favor the Cabelas Guide series pac boots. They're toasty for sedantary hunting with removable wool liners and even have a built-in sleeve for toe warmers (haven't had to use them yet)

For upland duties, I also like Rocky's but have also hunted with lightweight leather/cordura Wolverines for a number of years with good success. I also use comfort gel inserts in all of my boots for extra cushioning and arch support. IMHO, it's money well spent at the end of a long day- no sore, aching feet.

[GoodOlBoy]

I wear the same boots hunting and working. Brahma wheat bravo boots from wal-mart. No insulation, no waterproofing, nadda. Just pure boot.

The image sucks but it is the best one I could find

GoodOlBoy

[BILLY D.]

LACROSSE ALPHA BURLYS FOR THIS OL' BOY TOO. all rubber, 100% waterproof, coverage up to the knee. mine have 800 gr insulation. they were warm at -10*.

i use the womens trouser socks and then a pair of wool socks. the trouser socks will wick moisture. at the end of the day or in camp you can roll the boots down and they are like wearing bedroom slippers.

they support my ankles real well, i have always had bad ankles. i really like those boots and when i need another pair i'll buy the same thing.

[Steverino]

Very good point about the Burly's offering excellent ankle support Billy! Most rubber boots that I have owned in years past, really lack in this area.

[huntinbuddy]

Last year i recieved Hermans Survivor boots and actually they were from walmart but they are the most comfortable boots i have found and they are water proof and fairly warm which is a plus. I am sure there are better boots out there but i am a teenager and i cant affort to buy 120.00 boots for just one season of use probably because of the way my feet grow. (Gotta save some cash somewhere cause we all know we aint savin it in gas haha)

[Craig 522]

I guess I will have to disagree with the suggestions to get Rockys. I have not had them hold up well at all. All were comfortable for a while but had either fast wear of the soles, the inner lining pull apart, or the heel separate.

I have had 4 pair of the 911 Police boots, and 4 different pair of GoreTex hunting boots from 200-800 gr Thinsulate.

The 911 would wear out the soles quickly. They also would have the heal separate and create a popping noise with each step. Not a good thing in a Police boot or a hunting boot as it gives away your approach.

The hunting boots all had the same heel separation, along with the inner lining and insulation pulling loose.

I will never buy another pair of Rockys and figure 8 pairs were enough to form a pretty good opinion.

I have had great results with Wolverine boots. They are pretty much what I end up with each time I need hunting boots now. They wear forever (I have one pair that are 15 yrs old and still holding up) and are very comfortable. I currently have 200, 400, and 6oo gr boots, each with different tread patterns, and each work very well for their intended hunting purpose.

Although I only have one pair, I have some Hi-Tec boots that are holding up very well too. They don't offer the ankle support of some other boots but they are light, waterproof, warm, and are wearing great. They are also inexpensive. I have had some Hi-Tec hikers and they were some of my favorite ones- well after my Vasques.

I have never tried the Danners or LaCrosse boots mentioned but know folks who have and love them.

[Talon]

Red Wing! their Irish setter line

www.irishsetterboots.com/images/boots/large/881.jpg

Peace
Talon:cool: