During the early season when the weather is warmer, what do you adorn your feet with? I'm looking for suggestions on lightweight hunting boots that won't make my feet sweat gallons of water. I've already got a good pair for the later season when it's wet and cold, just need something for the early season.
As always, all input welcome! :thumbsup:
I like the Danner Elk Hunters in Cabelas for hiking and climbing mountains. If you are wanting non-insulated boots you can't beat the Danner Grouse Hunters I've got two pair that have 100's of miles on them and are still going strong.
Lacrosse rubber boots olive color.I have big feet and thats the only color in my size(15 1/2).Oh and I can walk all day in them very comfortable.
Cabelas speed hunter boots
LL Bean uninsulated hunting boot
Russell TLC Woodcock boots. Uninsulated, plenty waterproof if you keep 'em greased, lightweight, comfortable, quiet enough to stalk in, but enough support for rough country. My perfect early-mid season boot. I've had mine since '04, I think, just got them back from being resoled and the leather is still like new. Wore the soles smooth hunting from the midwest to Canada, Montana, and in the basalt rocks in Oz. These $300 boots have lasted longer than the previous $500 worth of Rocky's did for me.
If you can't tell, I'm sold on 'em!
Ryan
I have a pair of Cabela's outfitter uninsulated. They work for me in warm season. 2 years of daily use and still going.
Lowa GTX Mid. Feels like a running shoe and gives you the support of a boot. They work great for me all summer and fall. I've even strapped crampons on them in high snow fields. They're pretty great.
I use high top tennis shoes, Chuck Taylor type.
Mr. Wannabe1,
We swear by our LL Bean "Maine Hunting Shoes" if the terrain isn't going to be too mountainous. The soles are very supple and makes for easy stalking. The 10" (or taller) tops work best for us in our environment, wading the occasional creek or crossing a swampy/muskeg area.
Best Wishes
I wear a pair of cheap hiking boots, they are cool and if they get wet they dry fast.
Same as Brently,Going on about 15 years with them,thousands of miles and as comfortable as my slippers.I'll cry when there gone.
My little brother is in the military. When they switched from the black boots to the tan ones they use now, he had a pair of duty boots he had bought. He gave them to me.
They are made from silicone impregnated leather with a decent tread. No frills, no insulation. I did put a pair of the "gellin" insoles in to repace the worn out ones. Otherwise they are great warm weather boots. I only use silicone based dressing so they stay breathable (no shine as well). They lace-up high and tight to protect my ankles. Sturdy and waterproof.
You can order surplus boots from any number of suppliers and they are pretty inexpensive. Be sure and get the real ones, the others are not nearly as good a quality.
I like the Bean boots and have a pair for occasional use. My problem is the way the heel is made (smaller than the actual heel of the boot), if I walk on anything but squishy ground my feet are really sore by the end of the day.
OkKeith
I use merrell Chameleons.
Touch Rugby boots.
Cheap,light,cool,exellent grip.
LLBean, an old pair of LaCrosse RBLT's and LaCrosse rubber for the wet days. One thing that I learned from being out and on my feet all day at work is to change your sox with a little foot bath at mid day and it's a miracle treatment for the old dogs. Like beginning the day all over again. Seems too much of a hassle until you've done it once.
QuoteOriginally posted by Irish:
LL Bean uninsulated hunting boot
+1 :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by arrowslinger22:
I use high top tennis shoes, Chuck Taylor type.
As long as the weather permits - I'm in my Chucks.
For early season it is hard to beat a pair of Oakley or Merrell uninsulated boots with some Smart Wool light weight hiking socks.
I also wear merrells.
I also wear the LaCrosse Olive colour rubber boots 16" tall. Great early season boot , has 400 grams thinsulate, comfortable for walking. I use them right into mid November.
I have heard good things about the Merrells. LaCrosse is also something I'm looking into. Thanks for all the input. It has given me some good directions to look into.
After killing Cabelas Mountain Hunters, meindl ibex x2 and the Alaskan hikers and my Danner jackals not fitting as my feet have grown from running I have found angreat boot.
Merrell gtx mid. Has a great heel cup so I don't get any movement, waterproof and aggressively soled, and with a set of kennetrek gaiters they are perfect.
I see you are in Oregon. If you hunt up there similar to how I hunt Kalistan it is miles from the truck before you start "hunting", and miles covered after that. Traditional hiking boots are better designed for covering lots of ground than boots designed for hunters.
the wolverine 12 pnt. 200 gram thinsulate, like a tennis shoe, you can feel every rock and stick under foot. great for stalking.
Lacrosse un-insulated 18" rubber boots.
I like the Danner Jackal for still-hunting, shallow tread, which is good for Florida.
moose hide mocs from Steger mukluks out of ely,mn.
Early season we just wear regular shoes,
But you have to get teased about it !
One year, I was giving "bowdoc" a bad time about the reflector strips on his shoes and he told me " if an elk gets close enough to see my feet, I am gonna stick him!", guess what ?, later that evening we were packing out his elk...
The next year , after several days of hiking around, my feet were bothering me, so I was wearing my slippers. BD started teasing me about hunting in "house slippers", guess what ? later that day we were packing out my elk !
I think the key is, they have to be confortable, and bring a couple pairs. Nothing really feels as good as changing into fresh socks and a different pair of shoes after walking for many miles.
Boots with Gore Tex liners are going to make you uncomfortable in warmer weather.
Mike, that is funny right there! Thanks and your point is well taken. :biglaugh:
As of last fall - SNAKEBOOTS!
LL Bean Non Insulated hunting boot. I like hunting in and around the swamps and do not like wet feet. They work well here in the early season not many steep hills to contend with.
No Snakes in MN either.
D
I really appreciate all the input and suggestions folks. I went to my local outdoor store and found a nice set of Merrells for a good price. Waterproof and plenty of tread with no insulation for warm weather use. Gonna take 'em out this weekend and break them in. :thumbsup: