Hunting Boots

rm06 · #1 02-28-2010, 10:47 PM

I've spents probably upwards of $1k on hunting boots in the past 10 years and have yet to find a pair which I like well enough to not give up on and move in to something hopefully better. I do a lot of upland hunting, high country elk hunting, turkey hunting, duck hunting, pronghorn hunting and some mule deer if my schedule allows. With the exception of turkey and waterfowl hunts, I do a lot of walking around and my feet pay the price - I recently got a pair of orthotics due to an unusually high arch which was causing me some ankle issues and I hunted with them half of the last season though they didn't seem to help much with my woes.

My current boots are Danner Pronghorns, prior to that I owned boots by Irish Setter, Cabelas, Wolverine and even Red Wing work boots. I've heard recommendations for Russell Moccasin the most and I guess if they're as good as folks say, I'd be well ahead of the game but I'm having difficulty with the price tag which is over $500 for the pair I'm looking at. I did actually order a pair from them about 6 years ago but returned them promptly as the toe box enormous and I really didn't have any business spending that much money with our first child mere months away. I generally wear a 10.5 or 11, depending on brand, and my feet have been measured at a C width. Unfortunately 99% of the boots out there are D width.

Any recommendations or anecdotal evidence for a particular brand would be great. I live for the fall and having your feet mangled by boots is a bad way to enjoy your favorite activities.

jdlii · #2 02-28-2010, 10:56 PM

Ever tried Filson? I have a pair of Filson Chukar that have been very comfortable boots and am considering a pair of the Highland boots. The U.S. made Brownings, that I have had for three years aren't bad either.

Bob R · #3 02-28-2010, 11:03 PM

Well, I am going to jump out here and say with your fit issues you should have a pair of boots made for your feet. While expensive, they comfort of having a boot that fits will pay for them in no time at all. Or at least you will think so.

Try these guys.

White's Boots, Hunting Boots, Work Boots, Outdoor Clothing

bob

max · #4 02-28-2010, 11:08 PM

I have high arches and wear orthotics. For the past 5 or 6 years I have worn the Cabela Upland model. I find them comfortable and they keep my feet dry and warm. I do a lot of walking in SD and also wear them when cleaning snow or walking the dog around home.

feralmerril · #5 02-28-2010, 11:10 PM

I was raised outside berlin wisconsin where russell mocassin factory is. Lefty gustin who runs it was a friend to my dad and family. Dad, I and uncles all had many pairs of russell boots. Uncle art got permission and wore them through world war two, and also ordered them for some of his officers. We were lucky. I would go to the factory and buy secounds that were sent back for far less than retail. I still have 3 or 4 pair.
They kept traceings of our feet on file. http://russellmoccasin.com/

Smith357 · #6 02-28-2010, 11:11 PM

It looks like you have tried some good factory boots with no luck. May I suggest getting a pair of boots made specifically for your feet.

MacRostie Leathers
MacRostie Leathers - Custom Handmade Footwear

BigRich315 · #7 03-01-2010, 12:04 AM

I've always liked Rocky boots. They have a wide selection (including duty), are very comfortable, and hold up well. Most of their styles are available in different widths.

m1gunner · #8 03-01-2010, 12:21 AM

I got a pair of Silvis boots at Bass Pro. They are probably foreign knockoffs of some US boot, but they are comfortable and are holding up well.

I bird hunted in them from early morning till dark last week, and no problems at all with my feet. They even seem to be waterproof.

For walking, you might try a pair of USGI boots. Supposedly a lot of design work goes in to them, and they are specigically made for walking.

OKFC05 · #9 03-01-2010, 01:20 AM

Quote:

My current boots are Danner Pronghorns

Mine too, but I also need the orthodics prescribed by a specialist.
Suggest you get professional evaluation to see if age and miles cause you to need some special help, too.

zercool · #10 03-01-2010, 01:48 AM

I picked up a set of the LL Bean Maine Hunting Shoes, with Gore-Tex/Thinsulate Liners, 10" about four years ago. How good they are depends on the type of hunting you're doing. I've found them great (and sometimes a hair warm) for spring turkey, fall bow hunting, and right into the regular gun season. For spot-stalk or still-hunting, they're fantastic. Light, comfortable, waterproof, breathe well. For blind- or stand-hunting, it really gets temperature-dependent. Down to about 25F, a good pair of wool socks with sock liners is usually plenty. Under that, it's time to think about more socks, or toe warmers, or even insulated overboots - or just plain heavier boots.

I'm starting to look at the more-insulated options (Danner Pronghorn 1000, etc) for the really cold days in the stand.

reddogge · #11 03-01-2010, 10:15 AM

There was a forum on a traditional archery forum I go to about this same topic and these guys do some hard hunting in hard places. The boot that was getting the most raves is the German made boot Meindl Perfekt marketed by Cabelas. I'm going to give the hiking version a shot this year.

Tam 3 · #12 03-01-2010, 10:33 AM

I like the Browning kangaroo skin upland style boot.

Regards,

Tam 3

mtgianni · #13 03-01-2010, 10:45 AM

Whites are rebuildable and should give you 10+ years of hard use. no reason to look elsewhere.

J.M · #14 03-01-2010, 06:07 PM

I liked Red Wings uninsulated for bird hunting, but recently bought a pair of Meindl Hikers from Cabelas. I am still breaking them in but I think they are going to be be good. They are a little heavy but have good ankle support and cork insoles that are supposed to mold to your feet.

Joe Kent · #15 03-01-2010, 06:15 PM

I have had my best luck with the domestic made Danners and am in the process of replacing a 15+ years old pr. I too wear 10 1/2 C and have been able to get a good fit.

cussedemgun · #16 03-01-2010, 06:59 PM

Your feet being happy is paramount to an enjoyable hunt & fit is 1001% of comfort.

Talk to your health care professionals, ask about custom insoles for your feet. They can be made for your feet by your nearest prothesis lab. Once you have a pair, they can be transfered from shoe to boot for what ever activity you are needing them. If your Dr. will perscribe them, your health insurance will help with the cost.

For foot comfort, it'll be the best thing you ever did!

Jim

P.S. I'll bet with insoles, you already have enough good boots to last a long time.

spricks · #17 03-01-2010, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRich315

I've always liked Rocky boots. They have a wide selection (including duty), are very comfortable, and hold up well. Most of their styles are available in different widths.

I agree with the Rocky Brand for hunting and performing well. Their utility sport boot wears like steel and their tounge allows a nice tight srring up. They will take a while to break in, but worth the effort, in my opinion.

spricks

arizonaguide · #18 03-01-2010, 07:56 PM

The military style boots have a time and a place.
If that's your choice.

But, I do a bit of hiking (Grand Canyon Guide and Wildlife photography in both Arizona and Alaska). So, both under a load (backpack) and fast moving (wildlife photo).
Both in warm weather (AZ desert) and cool/wet weather (Northern AZ and Alaska). Here's my recommendations:

For fast moving / chasing wildlife /easy terrain:
Merrill MOAB GTX (or perhaps Merrill MOAB Ventilators in very HOT/DRY like Arizona desert weather).
Merrell Moab Mid Gore-Tex XCR Hiking Boots - Men's at REI.com
Or perhaps (even better) LOWA's if better fit:
Lowa Zephyr GTX Mid Hiking Boots - Men's at REI.com

For more (SERIOUS) hunting / rocky terrain or just a more serious boot for better support/comfort (like Elk or Sheep Hunting, etc):
Scarpa Liskamm GTX

http://www.scarpa.com/scarpa.php
Top of the line boot ($300+) and NOT cheap...but one of the few exceptions I'll make about supporting the Made in USA label.
Not just me, but lotsa good reviews. Remember it pays to buy good footwear and a good mattress...as you'll usually be in one or the other.

Money well spent.

n4zov · #19 03-01-2010, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zercool

I picked up a set of the LL Bean Maine Hunting Shoes, with Gore-Tex/Thinsulate Liners, 10" about four years ago. How good they are depends on the type of hunting you're doing. I've found them great (and sometimes a hair warm) for spring turkey, fall bow hunting, and right into the regular gun season. For spot-stalk or still-hunting, they're fantastic. Light, comfortable, waterproof, breathe well. For blind- or stand-hunting, it really gets temperature-dependent. Down to about 25F, a good pair of wool socks with sock liners is usually plenty. Under that, it's time to think about more socks, or toe warmers, or even insulated overboots - or just plain heavier boots.

I'm starting to look at the more-insulated options (Danner Pronghorn 1000, etc) for the really cold days in the stand.

+1 It is hard to improve on the L.L. Bean Main Hunting Shoe for hunting in any area where your feet might get wet. I used them for years while quail hunting and found nothing to equal them. They come in several types with a variety of sole types that should suite any terrain. They are probably less suited to hot weather hunting in mountainous areas.

bobelk99 · #20 03-01-2010, 09:13 PM

With you width issue, custom made would be an investment, not an expense.

I have weird feet, and only custom made will work.

I have had experience only with Russell Moccasin, but cannot recommend them highly enough. That recommendation is based on info that at best is 10 years old.

I have 5 pair, one for every occasion. I have a pair of HCH that I bought when they were first offered. They have made 15 or 20 trips to the Rockies, and a few to the bogs of Canada. Based on experience to date, I would say they will last about 90 years of hard hunting use.

rm06 · #21 03-02-2010, 12:29 AM

Wow, thank you for all the recommendations, I have a lot of information to try to process. I do have a pair of Montrail Torre hiking boots which have been kind to me though they are not well suited for much other than their intended purpose. They're not exactly all-weather boots, unfortunately.

There are many other fine boot manufacturers out there with similar price points though for a few dollars more, I think I'm going to try the route of a custom boot. There is a veritable wealth of valuable information and experience on this here board - and I thought it was all about pistols.

Thanks again.