Waterproof Hunting Boots?

[WapitiTalk1]

Well, what manufacturer(s) actually makes waterproof hunting boots? I'm talking about leather boots not rubber boots here . In your experience, which manufacturers have passed the waterproof test and which have not? Just wanted to get a good discussion going, for our members, on what is out there that has worked for you. Does a person have to spend $350+ to get said boots?

[Elkduds]

Does a person have to spend $350+ to get said boots?

Definitely not!

I am 7 months into a pair of Vasque Erikssons (25 days). All leather upper, lots of rubber toecap, so far completely waterproof. They have a gore liner, I sno-seal the leather before trips. These are light for an all-leather boot, fit my feet great w custom insoles, and came w an extra pair of laces. they were broken in after less than 10 miles. I would not hesitate to use these w crampons, they are that robust. Weak spot is the lace hook across the instep, it can bend/break if not laced properly. I knew that early on from internet reviews, and have had 0 problems.

Cost was $100 @ STP w coupon. Thinking of buying another pair for when/if these wear out, so far they are holding up very well.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/vasque ... essed=true

[redtop]

Schnee's Beartooth has worked very well for me for many seasons. Incredibly waterproof. I fall in a lot of creeks, I should know and yes you do have to spend the money to get them.

[T.B.]

I have never owned a pair of 100 - 150 dollar boots that stayed waterproof or lasted very long either. Decided to try a pair of scarpa ($300) so far so good but I expect more than a year for something that pricey

[cohunter14]

I have always had issues with boots if I don't spray them with waterproofing each year. Do that and there never seem to be any issues. Truth be told, my best boots have been a pair of Columbia's that I got for $25 at one of their outlet locations. 5 years and still going strong and waterproof as ever with a little spray each year.

[husky390]

I wear Scarpa's and they work pretty good but it doesn't matter how fancy the boot is, if it has Gore or any other fancy liner, it's eventually going to break down. With that said, I prefer a leather boot with Gore-tex so I can oil the leather for extra protection. None of this matters though if I keep leaving my Gaiters back at camp.

[jmez]

This was year 4 on my Hanwag Alaskan GTX. Still waterproof. First pair I've owned that have remained waterproof for that amount of time.

[RAMMONT]

This was year 4 on my Hanwag Alaskan GTX. Still waterproof. First pair I've owned that have remained waterproof for that amount of time.

How was the sizing on those Hanwag boots? I hear that their boots are a bit undersized, I wear a wide boot and worry about sizing.

[longspeak74]

Has anyone tried Alico boots?

[six]

I'm a big Danner fan. I'm thinking about trying these for next year.

Danner
Mountain 600 4.5"

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[jmez]

This was year 4 on my Hanwag Alaskan GTX. Still waterproof. First pair I've owned that have remained waterproof for that amount of time.

How was the sizing on those Hanwag boots? I hear that their boots are a bit undersized, I wear a wide boot and worry about sizing.

Mine are a half size over. I wear a 13 in pretty much everything and ordered them, based on Lathrop's recommendation in a 13.5. They fit perfectly so a little undersized. My foot width is what I would call normal and there is plenty of room. The only comparison I have is with some Asolo boots and those have a very narrow toe box. They are borderline too tight on my foot. Width on the Hanwag's is better.

[pointysticks]

i'm with REDTOP. my beartooths are super waterproof. i stood in an ankle deep puddle in idaho waiting for this deer i swore i heard coming towards me appear. my feet got cold,but never wet.

they are very burly, and i dont wear them much anymore.

[VT Sasquatch]

I am a fan of Danner too. I have a few of the U.S.A. made Danners and like them but they cost around $300 a pair. I bought a pair of LL Bean Cresta hikers a few years ago as an everyday boot. I have been impressed by them. The quality is surprisingly good for a $200 boot and they are Gore-Tex lined. Mine are several years old and starting to wear out but they are not prone to leaking. I would buy them again. I have the all leather model.

[N2mywake]

I've used some Meindl Perfekt hikers on 4 elk trips and put countless miles on them. I love these boots despite the mixed reviews on them. I bought another pair to have a backup set since these are getting aged. I do treat them before I leave for trips with Nikwax

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk

[longspeak74]

I just picked up a pair of Danner Mountain Assault. Fantastic boots and got them for a song from Sierra Trading.

[Trumkin the Dwarf]

... but it doesn't matter how fancy the boot is, if it has Gore or any other fancy liner, it's eventually going to break down. With that said, I prefer a leather boot with Gore-tex so I can oil the leather for extra protection. None of this matters though if I keep leaving my Gaiters back at camp.

I will agree with this 100%! I switched to Zamberlans last season as I found a good deal and was able to get heavy duty full leather uppers that fit my weird feet. They were incredible! So long as you didn't let snow in the top... Found that out the first day, haha!

[VT Sasquatch]

I like the look of the Zamberlans and saw a pair at a big discount and regret that I didn't buy them.

My leather GTX boots are all uninsulated. The Danner Combat Hikers that I wear have a good bit of padding that may trap some heat. I am interested in buying a pair of insulated boots for cold weather hunts. It seems like there aren't as many insulated boots. Does anyone here wear leather boots with 400-800g insulation for elk hunting? Recommend a model?

[lamrith]

I like the look of the Zamberlans and saw a pair at a big discount and regret that I didn't buy them.

My leather GTX boots are all uninsulated. The Danner Combat Hikers that I wear have a good bit of padding that may trap some heat. I am interested in buying a pair of insulated boots for cold weather hunts. It seems like there aren't as many insulated boots. Does anyone here wear leather boots with 400-800g insulation for elk hunting? Recommend a model?

Depends entirely on where you live. Seems like up here most of the waterproof rated boots are 400gram insulated or better. I could not find an economical boot that was waterproof and UN insulated for the most part, very few choices and only the Pronghorns were comfortable.

[WapitiTalk1]

I like the look of the Zamberlans and saw a pair at a big discount and regret that I didn't buy them.

My leather GTX boots are all uninsulated. The Danner Combat Hikers that I wear have a good bit of padding that may trap some heat. I am interested in buying a pair of insulated boots for cold weather hunts. It seems like there aren't as many insulated boots. Does anyone here wear leather boots with 400-800g insulation for elk hunting? Recommend a model?

The Zamberlan 980 Outfitter GTX are insulated (I think 400 grams?). Mine get a bit warm during hot weather but not insurmountable.

http://zamberlanusa.com/catalog/index.p ... 9&idcat=17

[VT Sasquatch]

Thanks for the suggestion. They look good but I'll have to save up. $400 is pretty steep. I should have chosen a better career path.

I did just buy a pair of Irish Setter Elk Trackers. They were on sale for $150 so they were worth trying. The have 1000 gram insulation so I will use them mostly for stand hunting in the cold. I have never owned Irish Setter before but a friend of mine wears them and likes them.

I'll have to save up to get something that would be more general purpose like those Zamberlan Outfitters.

[VT Sasquatch]

Thanks for the suggestion. They look good but I'll have to save up. $400 is pretty steep. I should have chosen a better career path. (Or been born smarter)

I did just buy a pair of Irish Setter Elk Trackers. They were on sale for $150 so they were worth trying. The have 1000 gram insulation so I will use them mostly for stand hunting in the cold. I have never owned Irish Setter before but a friend of mine wears them and likes them.

I'll have to save up to get something that would be more general purpose like those Zamberlan Outfitters.

[VT Sasquatch]

Camofire is selling Lowa Tibet Superwarm boots right now for $209 in case anyone is interested.