I bought a pair of Morrell hiking boots 5 or 6 years ago, hiked all over the smokey mountains in them. They were the stiffest boots I have ever worn, down right painful but I was sure they would break in eventually, they didn't.
As a result of wearing these boots I developed a condition called "Haglands Deformity" where the heal on my left foot sticks out about twice as far as normal and wearing normal hunting boots is very uncomfortable.
I need to find some boots to hunt in that are very soft, about the same as a pair of high top Keds. Any of you guys know of such boots?
I like LL Bean hunting boots. The rubber is very soft and quiet to walk in. I know nothing about the problem with you heel but I hope it gets better!
One of the best things i ever did was actually go to a store that Specialized in running shoes. Our store is called Fleet Feet. They also sail trail shoes and hiking shoes. My point being that your foot turns when you step, they know what to look for and put you in a shoe that keeps your foot in a netural position. The difference is night and day. The shoe they pic may not be the color you want or the exact look you want but it will be the best for your foot.
Hey Eric, avoid Irish Setters built in China. I wrote a very positive review of them a little more than a year ago. However, since then they have aged terribly. They are not holding up at all. They are still comfortable. However the inner sole padding is wearing out (in addition to everything else) and they will soon be uncomfortable to wear. Shame, because the design is excellent. They are super light, lots of support. However, what Red Wing saved in production they lost in quality.
Irish Setter Wing Shooter Boots Review (http://tradgang.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=31;t=000400;p=1#000000)
I guess if I were independently wealthy I would buy a pair of custom Russell Moccasin boots. But...
I have a pair of Danner Pronghorn (uninsulated) boots that are working well for me - they are comfortable, light, and tough. They also make insulated versions - if needed.
I am on my third pair of hiking boots now. I actually go and have someone that knows something about boots fit them to me... or me to the boot lol. All three have been different brands. My first boots were great, wore them for several seasons... I went to get another pair when I wore them out and they had changed that style where it no longer fit me. Same with hiking boots #2. I am not a big spender, I do not make enough to be, but its worth it to me to spend a bit more and get a proper fitting boot. Nothing more aggravating to have your toes jamb into the front of the boots or your heals get a hole wore in them. You may want to consider of having boots custom made. Its a good bit of $$ but you need to take care of your feet.
I have a pair of pronghorns as well that I work in. Been wearing them for almost four years. The outers scratch up easy but they actually are a really tough boot for the money, and very comfortable. Also I saw a pair of shoes in either cabelas or bass pro (don't remember which) that actually looked just like a pair of the old ALL-STARS/KEDS type tennis shoe, except it was camo.
David
Eric,
I've owned Russell's for several years now and find them comfortable in the Rockies for continuous weeks of hunting. However, I don't know much about Haglands and couldn't recommend them for the fix. Since they are "fitted" to your feet via tracings you make under their instructions, you may want to talk to Russell and get their recommendation.
I'll 3rd the Danner pronghorns. They are comfortable right out of the box.
Sneaker I mentioned is the Cabelas Microtex Silent Stalk Sneaker. I haven't tried them, but have been thinking about getting a pair. Might be the ticket?
David
oops, wrong button
In the "Ground Hunters Bible", Fred Asbell speaks very highly of the LL Bean rubber and leather boot. His comments would cause me to take a look if I had your foot problems. Good luck. :campfire:
I also have a pair of the Danner pronghorns. Very comfortable. I have been using them for the past 3 years in Colorado elk hunting. Only complaint is the soles, they are terrible when I go downslope and hit any little rocks/gravel...then its like being on roller skates. The soles are flat, no pronounced heel, so there is nothing to dig in when going down hill. Not fun with a 40 lb pack on. I am going to try a pair of Cabelas Pinnacle boots this year...so we will see.
I use the cabelas Silent stalk sneaker and the full draw boot. Light weight and very comfortable.
I have been having fits getting boots to fit. I may have a condition similar to yours. Right heel would slip and build a corn or large hard spot on the heel bone. Real painful when going uphill, or wearing a stiff soled boot that would not flex.
I tried for months and couldn't get a response from Russell. Still haven't done anything definite. I may try making my own mocs and using the rubber coverings over them.
Russell PH's ... I've been using a pair for 3 yrs now. Go with the Vibram Olympic Gumlite sole .
Eric,
I can make two recommendations that work well for me, although admittedly my feet are not as challenged as your feet appear to be.
The LOWA brand Baniff is a very comfortable boot and the White's Smoke Jumper boot have served me well. Both different types of boot. The LOWA is very comfortble, more like a sneaker while the White's are hand made, have a high arch that takes a bit of getting used to but offer incredible structural support. The Whites are made for the Forestry Fire Fighter guys who live and die in their boots.
There is a company called Lathrop & Sons in the mid-west (http://lathropandsons.com/catalog/index.php) which specializes in providing custom applications of orthotics into high end hunting boots......how deep is your checkbook?
Sounds like you may need to consult with the podiatrist or sports injury specialist for help.
My cousin has some sort of foot problem and got a pair of custom inserts from the foot Dr. He has to switch them between every pair of shoes / boots but swears they are great.
When I was a runner I went the podiatrist, orthotic route. Must have gone to a quack because the insoles were terrible, $400 down the drain.
I looked at the Russell boot site. Their custom fitting measurements would cover a larger heel.
Eric,
The Russell's are a way to go. To find out more specifically about your feet go to a orthopedic doctor. I' ve been hiking the Fingerlakes trail and lack about 80 miles from being an end to ender. I've been through at least 4 pairs of quality hiking boots. My problem is narrow feet. If I wear a medium width boot I break the counters and then have no ankle support.
Good luck on your quest!
Danner's for me for the last 3 years used to use Rockey's but their quaility has gone south .
doug77
Russell are my favorite. Wide feet with high arch was easy for them with the measurement system. My old pair of Birdshooters needs a rebuild but I hate to send them in and be without for however long it takes. Worth the money.
Eric, you might look at zappos.com and check out the Propet "Camp Walker". I don't have the heel problem, but I am hard to fit--to the point that Russell Moccasin couldn't help. You know about my other problem.
I was leery--the camp walkers are only $64 (shipping included), but I gave them a try. The day I got them I walked about 4 miles, mostly on gravel, mostly up or down hills.
They are soft--didn't have to break them in--and I didn't have any blisters or sore feet of any kind. Ankle support is excellent. They do run a little wide--I normally wear a 4E, but the 3E fits perfectly. They also have free return shipping if the fit isn't right, and a 6 month wear warranty.
I've had mine less than a month, but I'm very impressed so far.
Chad
Schnee's has an interesting website too. Haven't tried their boots but may be worth a look?
I have just brought some Zamberlan 631's. Still braking them in but very happy so far but time will tell. Hope you sort something out Eric to keep yourself on those trails.
Ditto on the Russell PH's. Unbelievable comfort. Closest thing to a boot/Keds high top you'll ever find.
Schnee"s are the best boots I have ever worn. While hunting in Kodiak AK. I wore a pair of Danners that gave me blisters. I am glad I threw in my Schnee's. I have never got blisters with Schnee's.
I have a pair of Rocky Timber Wolves that are pretty good.
Fred Bear used to hunt in sneakers similar to the Converse All-Stars, I thought that was interesting.
Bakes
After looking at all the info I think I will have a pair of Russell's made. The only problem is the 18 week delivery time.
Eric, Try on a pair of those danner pronghorns.No break in period and the most comfortable pair of boots you will find.
Lots of options...you might check out Asolo 520s. They are well built and comfortable right out of the box. The Lowa and Asolo would be my choice. I have had a pair of the Asolos for 3 yrs. and they are holding up great. I have a pair of Danner Pronghorns for back ups. They are good for the price. But if you were blindfolded and put the Pronghorns on and then the Asolos I know which ones I would not want to give back!!!
I was discouraged by the wait for Russells too. But when they arrived, and after wearing them a few times, it was worth it.
..."things worth having are worth waiting for"...
Kind of like my Blacktail bow! lol
I like my Meindle fit IQ's
I have a few foot problems as well, mainly tiny broken bones from getting stepped on by horses, I shoe horses by trade.
I wear Danner Jackals for a lot of walking/stalking, and Pronghorns for less walking and more stand sitting. Both great boots so far.
Take care of your feet,
"No Hoof, No Horse"
John
Eric
I think Russells are awesome boots. Here's a couple of pics. The first are my Safari PH's. Bottoms are a chamois leather and the uppers are cotton duck. These are truly like hunting in tennis shoes except the treated leather keeps your feet dry when walking through wet grass. They are awesome in warm weather as they are not insulated and the cotton duck allows more air to your foot.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o232/Ottodude/IMG_0726.jpg)
These are French Veal Imperials. More of an all around boot but the French Veal leather is what makes these special. A very strong/dense yet lightweight type of leather. I had these made with a triple vamp to enhance comfort and waterproofness.
(http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o232/Ottodude/IMG_0727-1.jpg)
It would take somebody a whole lot bigger than me with a very big gun to get me to part with any of these boots.
Yeah, Russell has a bit of a waiting list. But so what. It takes a year to get a Blacktail from Norm Johnson.
Good choice. Erik. Something I didn't expect out of my Russells.....after a day of walking the Rockies, my calf muscles were not sore or tired.