Lets talk boots again

[Kessler10]

Looking for a new pair. I realized when packing a 50 pound plus pack my old boots are not going to cut it. Been hauling my pack up some hills the last few weeks and came to the conclusion I need better boots.

Looking for great waterproof, lightweight, durable boots for early season hunting. Insulation not needed

thoughts/suggestions?

Thanks!
Luke

[VT Sasquatch]

What kind of budget?

I have a couple pairs of Made in U.S.A. Danners. The ones I wear a lot were the same as those issued to out troops in Afghanistan. They are durable with good ankle support. I also have a pair of LL Bean Cresta hikers that I like a lot. They are low on the ankle so not as supportive as others but they suit me well since I have never been prone to ankle issues. The LL Beans were $200 and have really held up well for the price.

I really like the look of the Meindl hunting boots from Cabelas and I might buy a pair.

I know there are a ton of other boot manufactures that are good. I know Lowa and Kenetrek will be recommended but I have no experience with them.

[Ponyboy_jonas]

http://www.danner.com/product/hunt/high ... green.html

I've really liked these boots. No problems with them.

[Kessler10]

how about Solomon? any thoughts on these?

[VT Sasquatch]

I have no experience with Solomon. I have 2 pairs of these Danners ant they are what I hunt in the most. http://www.danner.com/crater-rim-6-brow ... hgodxGEOxg

I never had a problem except the time I put one too close to the fire to dry. I have done that to a lot of boots, gloves and socks over the years.

This is worth a read: http://journalofmountainhunting.com/201 ... -showdown/

[jmez]

I like Hanwag boots.. They fit my foot perfectly and offer a lot of support. The break in time was minimal. Four years and no leaks yet. They are an all leather boot so not the coolest on the market.

Boots are a pretty personal thing. I bought a pair of high end Asolo's and they tear up my feet badly. I can't wear them in the Mountains. They just don't work with my foot. See a lot of good stuff about the Meindle so they must fit a wide variety of foot types. Probably a good option.

The problem with boots is you just don't know until about day 3 or 4 of a trip if they are going to work or not.

[Ben Nicholson]

how about Solomon? any thoughts on these?

I really like my 4d's. Crazy comfortable on my feet.

-Ben

[husky390]

If you can spring for Hanwags. Try the Lhasas.


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[Brendan]

Boots are one of those things that you need to go try a bunch of them on. And, ideally buy them from a place like REI where you can return them if they end up not fitting. Remember, everyone's foot is different, so a recommendation you get from us might not work for you at all.

I wear scarpa triolet. I would also try on Scarpa, Lowa, Zamberlan, Kenetrek to name a few. I've heard good things about the fit and comfort of Salomon 4d, but also that they fall apart quicker than some of the "better" boots. I only tried them on in the store and couldn't sell myself on a pair.

[CurlyTail]

I am no boot expert. I wear cheap light Merrels, and havent had any issues except too many grass awns in my socks at the end of the day.

I am thinking of up grading also. I am considering 2 pairs of boots, one ultralight hunting boot for daily hunting with daypacks, and a second more supportive pair for backpacking and packing meat. I want to try on the Lowa Innox GTX, and the Solomon 4d's. Also have seen good reviews for the Cabelas Meindls, Kennetreks, Vasques.

It is a crapshoot for me since I live a 4 hour drive away from anywhere that would carry more than one of the brands I am interested in.

[Lefty]

New Balance, Danners, Lacrosse then Cabelas. Over the past 30 years.
I tried Keen and UA the past year, but am not sold on either.
Cabelas quit making the boots I liked

Brenden has some good advise
"Boots are one of those things that you need to go try a bunch of them on. And, ideally buy them from a place like REI where you can return them if they end up not fitting. Remember, everyone's foot is different, so a recommendation you get from us might not work for you at all."

[WapitiTalk1]

And, ideally buy them from a place like REI where you can return them if they end up not fitting. Remember, everyone's foot is different, so a recommendation you get from us might not work for you at all."

Yes sir. I have a hunting buddy who will only buy his boots from REI. I don't know how they do it, but they will allow boot returns (and other gear returns) for up to a year if you find you don't like them for any reason!

[Ben Nicholson]

Speaking of REI, check out their garage sales. That's where all of those returned boots go. Both my wife and I have snagged some killer deals there.

-Ben

[lowlander22]

Shoebuy.com frequently has discount codes for 20-30% off. I picked up a pair of Lowa Tibet's for $266. They also have free returns.

[Elkduds]

My new favorites just went on clearance: http://www.amazon.com/Vasque-Mens-Eriks ... B00I69UMJG
I bought the women's size 11 medium to fit my B-width feet. Glorious fit w my custom footbed, and the factory footbed are a step up from usual. Narrow where my heel and ankle are thin, wider in the forefoot/toebox. My toes can spread out while my heels and ankles are snug. One-piece leather uppers, stout soles w deep tread, And 2 sets of laces! These are just shy of full-on mountaineering boots, wear the excellent Vasque brand, and are half off for clearance.
I ordered women's size 11, med. to fit my manly but narrow size 9.5. feet The fit is perfect, straighy out of the box. Boots have goretex liners. Almost as light as my mostly mesh New Balance mesh/goretex model 1201s: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/vasque ... rFamily=01 These are light enough to cover miles, stout enough to carry a heavy pack. And did I mention they fit, will get better as they break in soon. Wife sez they look good.

[Elkduds]

Excuse my gol durn dad-blamed double post.

[BlackOvis]

I run with the Crispi Idao GTX's: http://www.blackovis.com/brands/crispi-boots

It's definitely more of a high-end boot, but when it comes to my feet, I don't scrimp. It's not insulated and breaks in really well. Definitely waterproof. A great boot overall.

[Ryan Conkle]

I agree on the Danner High Ground, I have the uninsulated model for hunting the Idaho archery season in September and have covered a lot of ground in them. They are a very affordable boot to purchase that has preformed for me very well in both the weight and comfort department and I will be purchasing an additional pair before this September's hunt.

[NYSureShot]

I bought a pair of Solomon Quest 4D 2 GTX about four months ago and am delighted with them.
I have about 40-50 miles on them traipsing around the Finger Lakes Trail in NY and have had no problem.
I did update the insole with Superfeet greens. I also ALWAYS wear a wool liner and wool over sock and I bought the shoe is one size up from normal.
The only down side I could find is a bit more flex in the foot bed on rocks.
I also had to play around with lacing to get the feel right for me.
Sure footing, Light weight but a bit more money.
Cant put a price on quality.

[Ghost]

Just a FYI on purchasing boots. as some people dont know. If you buy any cabelas brand boot, say a Cabelas by Meindl, the boots are guaranteed for life, it kind of eases the whole 250-300 dollar boot cost to know you will never have to buy another pair of boots (keep the receipt!!)