Trad Gang

I have never used them......but would like to.  However, I have a narrow heal, and 'slip in/pull on' boots never worked for me for long hikes.  

Is there such a boot that would work, or will I need  a boot just for 200 yard walks into deer stand and just wear my regular boots the rest of the time?

Thanks in advance for any info.....

Bass Pro has a pair I want to try. They slip on but have a zipper in the front to make them snug on your leg. Can't remember the name but a friend of mine has a pair and he says they support your ankle real well. Another plus for me here in Mississippi is they are snake proof. Hope this helps, John

What is the name of the Bass Pro model?

Thanks.

I like the Kenetreks rubber bottom leather upper. Soft rubber is dead quite in the woods and they are a perfect fit out of the box.

Terry do not buy anything until you try the original Lacrosse boots . The uninsulated seems to be more of an ankle boot than the others for some reason . They fit more like a lace up boot than anything I have worn and I used to wear rubber boots almost every day in the winter working . I have muck boots right now for colder weather , which are better ,BUT the Muck is no where close to the original ( tractor /Barred thread) Lacrosse . Go ahead and buy a boot Jack to pull them off with or you will hurt your back pulling them off.

We wear them here in the hills of West Virgina deer hunting and turkey hunting so they will do you right in the flat land.Been doing it for over 25 years .

Jack

Terry I have a narrow heel as well and have a hard time getting boots to fit just right.  I would recommend the LL Bean boots.  I have an uninsulated pair and they do fit pretty good with very little slipping around.

Only thing I dislike about rubber type knee boots is that they always start cracking and leaking where your toes bend when you walk. At least that's been my experience. I guess I'm gonna have to spend way more than a 100 bucks on some so I won't have that problem. Or do the more expensive ones do that too?

Terry -
Muck Boots in either black or Mossy Oak. Extremely comfortable and needless to say they are not your everyday rubber boots. They are listed in the current LL Bean Hunting Catalog in sizes 7 to 14 and heights from 12" to 16".

The original LaCross boots are great. I have one pair I wear most of our season. Always hunt in rubber boots. This pair is at least twenty years old. Fit like a slipper.

The Lacross Lagrange there ankle tight and comfortable to walk in.In cold weather use the Lacross alpha burly.I own both.  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

QuoteOriginally posted by Jack Whitmire Jr:
Terry do not buy anything until you try the original Lacrosse boots . The uninsulated seems to be more of an ankle boot than the others for some reason . They fit more like a lace up boot than anything I have worn and I used to wear rubber boots almost every day in the winter working . I have muck boots right now for colder weather , which are better ,BUT the Muck is no where close to the original ( tractor /Barred thread) Lacrosse . Go ahead and buy a boot Jack to pull them off with or you will hurt your back pulling them off.

We wear them here in the hills of West Virgina deer hunting and turkey hunting so they will do you right in the flat land.Been doing it for over 25 years .

Jack

Absolutely agreed.  My Main Hunting Shoe eats socks like they are going out of style but my Lacrosse - not a bit.

Try all the Lacrosse boots.  I bet you find one you like.  I have a couple pair.  One lighter and one insulated.  My light ones have been going for so many years I am not sure what they are.  However, I think it is the Burly Air-Grip at lest they have the same tread. They are ankle-Fit design with a self-cleaning Air-Grip outsol. I get great traction in snowy or muddy;  I have had other boots with treads that look like they would be better in the slop for traction, but were not.  They also have a thin insulated layer between the rubber outer shell and the lining.  This padding makes them stay put on my foot real well for me.  I love the boot and it is a simple boot for a very reasonable price.  Tough as nails.  The neoprene upper boots cost to much for me and I don't trust the durability.

Lacrosse Burly(un-insulated) and Alpha Burly(insulated). I have a tuff foot/ankle to fit and I used to use the Lacrosse in the Montana moutains when I was guiding. BUY A BOOT JACK WITH THEM.I would also suggest a GOOD insole of felted wool.   :D  
Chuck
(I also like the air-bob/air-grip outsole)

If you can find a pair of the 12" un-insulated 3-eye Lacrosse Hikers
give them a try.

I have worn them (or models like them)  grouse hunting for 35 years and walk in them 5-6 hours a day as many as 40 days a year following my Setters through the woods. I replace the insole with a quality running shoe insole and it makes them nearly an ideal boot for the walking hunter.

I love the Muck boots, light weight, great support, comfortable you can roll the neoprene tops down when your feet or legs get a little warm. They also have many styles to choose from!

Terry,like you i never used the rubber boots since 4 years ago,when I purchased some Lacrosse insulated boots that changed my life up a tree stand.Much more warm than any other boot and scent free.I like to wear them when I bait for wild boars or when I check my cameras or set tree stands.Easy on and off,don't leave a scent trail,cozy hot and pretty goog to walk around too.

Terry, my brother had a very narrow heel, and had a heck of a time getting boots to fit comfortably. He loved the LL Bean rubber bottomed boots, because they can be bought in narrow sizes. Since they lace up, a boot jack or dislocated hip aren't part of the picture. I've been using them for decades myself.

ishoot4thrills, the rubber hasn't ever cracked on my Bean boots. I've worn out several pairs, and they typically wear through the soles without ever cracking. Bean can repair them, too.

Gingivitis, the Beans won't eat your socks if you wear two pair. I use a thin liner sock in warmer weather, and two pairs of wool socks for colder hunting. They have removable insoles that can be taken out to accommodate thicker socks.

I've owned both Lacrosse and Muck. I would go with the Lacrosee.My Muck boots are way to warm and if you have a large calf they fit to tight and rub sore spots on your claves.The neopreen tops will also snag easily on brush.

I find they are not for long walks or mountains because they are heavy. I like them & wear them, mostly from bass pro. They need replacing every 2 years as they start to break down & get rips & holes.  Mike

Terry,
+1 for the Lacrosse burly's.  I like the ones with the expandable gusset top so you can tuck alot of pant leg into and cinch tight.  One thing that I would advise is to get yourself a Peet boot dryer at the same time.  If you walk in any rubber boot for any length of time your feet are gonna sweat.  I put mine on the dryer every night during hunting season.  It makes them easier to get on and off and also will help the boots last longer by taking care of the insides.  I probably spend 100 days a year in my Lacrosse's and this what works best for me.

I have worn alot of different boots like these.  My all time favorite is Lacrosse.  I have the Burleys and Alpha Burleys.  They are by far the best hunting boots that I have ever owned.  They don't eat socks either.

Several years back, 8 or 10 maybe, they had another style I think they were called Big Boy Burleys.  The top of the boots were very large and you could tuck several layers of clothing in without being uncomfortable.  All of the Lacrosse boots have a chinch in the top for added scent control and comfort.

Love 'em.  :thumbsup:    :thumbsup:

Terry...I too use the Lacrosse Burly's (uninsulated).  I like them very much compared to the other rubber boots I've owned.  They have a mild hiking shoe/tennis shoe style sole and configuration and fit me much better than the rest.  I have a narrow foot in total, not just heel and these worked great for me.   Good luck!

Hey Terry, glad to see this posted. Been wondering about rubber myself. Not for the reasons you mention, though!

I have a pair of Burlys, bought about 7 years ago. They are a pain to get off! I have a small foot, and they fit real snugg in the ankle.  Great boot for fit and hunting, no doubt. But you need a "Puller" to get off. That can be a trick in the field, when you're trying to take 'em off to make a "quiet stalk" on a bedded deer!   :mad:  

Now mine have cracked in the past year and started to leak. 7 years worth of hard use, not bad. I would be interested in trying the Beens.

Why don't you try a pair of Mens Totes Rubbers over your regular boots. Slip em on spray em down your good to go.

looks like you have the moves

"Terry prepares for Stalk on Hog"
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii45/heilakka/2009/DSCN3326.jpg)

The totes idea is a good one. I use Lacrosse 16"er I also use ,when it's warm the cheap ones you can get at the Central Tractor store. Just plain black and the sole is pretty aggressive.

I have used La Crosse boots for years.  They have held up well and have generally kept my feet warm.  I don't like them for long hikes.  If you are looking for scent protection and warmth I would highly recommend Baffin boots.  I have a pair of the Trappers and a pair of Titans.  They are the cat's meow for cold weather comfort and walk-ability.  With a draw string top, you can tuck your pants in easily.  Check out endless.com or zappos.com for good prices.
Neoprene topped boots don't work for scent protection if that's your goal.  Full rubber is the only thing that works for scent protection.
Baffins are now my first choice.

I like the Northern green rubber boots with either laces or zippers .They are insulated some and very comfortable . I like them because they don't have an aggressive sole so they don't leave obvious tracks to where you're going . I had a pair of the Burlys but with my "flintstone" feet I came close to cutting them off a few times , gave them away . The Northerns are cheap and still last a few years . My two cents , Fred

Lacrosse is the way to go. I have owned the LL Bean boots, too much leather to spread scent around and you need to spend a half hour a day lacing and unlacing. If you have heel sizing problems Lacrosse makes the Grange boot, this is an ankle-fit design that will keep your heel planted. When the weather turns a little colder the alpha burleys are a great boot as well.

i use the heavy lacrosse boots the extreme cold ones that are black rubber bottom leather top i inhearited them from my dad and in the early season use mucks best rubber boot ever

Well, guys, maybe someone can give me some tips, too.  I wear 6E width shoes size 9 (hard to fit shoes other than New Balance but sure can swim!).  Anyone know of super-wide rubbers?

Thanks for any guidance,

Eddie Paulsgrove

Terry I wear rubber boots all the time.Lacrosse Burly's are great for winter,the green uninsulated($40.00 I think @ Cabelas) are narrow and fit good and comfortable.I find them as comfortable as any boot and prefer to wear them over leather boots due to them being lighter in weight.And the 18" of rubber makes going through puddles and mudd easy.Cabelas shows the different tread patters for each type of boot.Irish Setter also makes a good rubber based boot.

Another thumbs up for muck boots. Hard rubber bottom and neoprene top. Neoprene moves with your ankles well and makes so I don't feel like I am wearing ski boots. Mine are 9 years old and as good as new. like CDR I roll down the tops when it is warm outside and my feet don't get as hot as with hard topped rubber boots.

CKR

I have both the LL Bean Hunter and the Muck boot.  The Muck is for the colder wet weather, and the uninsulated Bean boot is for early Fall hunts.  Here in the wet woods of Qubec they fit my narrow foot real fine.  I use a felt liner in both and then bulk up with the wool socks.

The original LaCrosse rubber knee-high boot is a good ankle fit, as is the LL Bean boot which you can lace up to suit your foot. Muck boots run a little wider in my experience.

You won't go wrong with LaCrosse.  Try 'em all until you find the pair that feel the best.  They seem to hold up better than most as well.

Another fan of Muck boots. They are easy on and yet hug your leg to hold them up well. Best I have tried Terry.

Terry, i assume your wearing the rubbers for scent control, rather than swampy areas? .. I kinda got away from them early season because any kind of extended walking really created alot of sweat,with the boots not being able to breathe, i personally think that creates even more scent coming out of the boot. i have ben using bean style boots early season with I believe good results.... I wear rubber boots now days only when in swampy areas... just my 2 cents...

also check out Le Chameau Boots.  Designed for upland shooting/shotgunning, they are leather-lined and very comfortable for walking.  Pricey, but defintely top of the line.

Terry, I have "weak" ankles, so to speak, and gave up on rubber boots. Now, I pay close attention to the sole of the boot, what its made of specifically. I only get boots with 100% rubber outsoles. I have had good success with rubber soled boots, and scent killer liberally sprayed all over my legs, feet and soles of my boots.

I could never get comfortable in the rubber muck boots. They didnt support my feet or ankles enough. I get numerous "bow close" encounters each year anyway.

I got my first pair of Lacrosse boots this year. Non insulated and super lite.Alpha I think is the name. I love them. Don`t eat my socks and comfy. Lots better than the snake boots I`m wearing now.RC

I've got a pair of either the Lacrosse uninsulated Grange or Burleys that I've probably been using in excess of 25 years. (Can't remember which, I think one was 16" and the other 18"). Most comfortable rubber boot I've owned.  Last year I had to retrieve a big doe that was stubborn enough to expire in the middle of a shallow river.  The boots are starting to look about as old as I am, but my feet didn't get wet until I waded into water over the tops.  Even then, the tops were snug enough around my calves that very little water got in. Nuff said, I'll get another pair if these die before I do!

terry try diving boots they fit any shape foot and if its cold they keep ya warm. i wear mine when deer hunting and they are so comfy.  :thumbsup:

another vote for the Lacrosse brand.  I have a pair of the regular green uninsulated and a pair of heavy insulated camo.  They both fit my small ankles nice and snug and although I bought them for hunting the flat crop fields of Indiana; they are comfortable enough and fit well enough that I'll be using them in the steep mountains of WV this year.

Muck Boots are top notch. I got mine from the Muck Boot Outlet in Tenn. Free shipping. If they don't fit, send them back. 800 phone number. I didn't go hog wild, just bought a very basic camo pair for about $90.00. Have used them for two years. Most comfortable rubber boot I've ever worn. Easy on, easy off. Cabela's has them in their catalog. Heck Terry, I thought you were buying a pair when I got mine.

Good luck and "Keep'Um Sharp".

Another vote for Lacrosse, I have the Alpha's and also the heavy insulated burly's. Great fit, never a blister wearing them. The Alpha's are actually so comfortable, they feel like a high top running shoe !

Lacrosse Burleys are the only rubber boot that aint sock walkers, I have a pair of 1200 gr Thinsulate models that I can hunt all day in and not have the things dog walk my socks down.

If you're looking for a warm weather rubber knee boot, I'd recommend the "Alpha Burly Sport" for light weight and comfort. I spent a week in Alberta chasing moose over alot of country, and they were great.

You might want to check out Viking boots.  They are made in Norway and are great quality.

I got myself a pair of muck boots.I wanted to try them before the hunting season. As I do all new things I get for the new hunting season.these boots are good in dry conditions an feel great on my feet.they are supper light weight.I was shocked to see how bad they performed on wet rocks.I almost busted my rear end several times while crossing a stream. they are very slipery. Iam going to see how thet do on a wet treestand about 1 ft above the ground.they do feel real good on the feet.It may just wind up being a good blind boot.

I have had lacrosse and cabelas brand rubber boots. I now had a pair of muck wood max boots and they are superior in my opinion and work best for me. I plan to buy the lighter version so I have warm and colder weather pairs.

Some form of Lacrosse would be a good place to start. The original non insulated fit like a second skin, definitely boot jack worthy.

Any opinions on Cabelas Pinnacle Zipper Hunting Boots with gore-tex and scent lock? Snakeproof uninsulated $149.00 I need a swampy boot this fall that won't eat socks or my feet,   :help:
Rusty

Those BassPro ones with the zipper don't hold up well.

Terry, I swore by the old uninsulated LaCrosse "Burley" for years ... the old green boots with the narrow yellow stripe at the top.  They were my #1 choice for spring bear hunting and did surprisingly well during deer season.  BUT, I went through a period where they contributed to chronic leg spasms.  My calf muscles would often cramp up whenever I pulled, yanked, and otherwise tried to pry them off.  They fit tight.  I now use Muck Wetlands which seem to be a good compromise for me - no more leg cramps as they're very easy to take off.

Many thanks guys....I'll take it all into advisement!.....much appreciate the 4 pages worth of info...surely I can find a pair that will work for me.

Thanks again.   :campfire:

I was Cabibou hunting with some guys that wore Muck Boots all day long chasing Caribou, they loved them.

oops .. thats Caribou

Terry, MUCK boots.  Best ones out there that I have found.  I wear rubber boots nearly every day either between work or hunting.  These are the most comfortable, and the easiest to get on and off your feet that I have found.  I wear a pair hunting and can sit in a treestand from light till dark in temperatures that are just under 30 degrees.  I like them so much...I have a separate pair that I wear nearly daily while pouring concrete. The pair I have for concrete is 5 years old, and still going great.  The pair I have for hunting are around 7 years old...and they too are great.

By the way...I do think rubber boots help cut down on ground scent but maybe not as much as people think.  I have a buddy who raised a racoon from birth.  He would go out every morning to hunt in the woods right around his house. He had over 20 treestands setup.  Eventually, after he had been in his stand for an hour or two...his girlfriend would let the racoon out of the house. He told me that in every single case, that racoon would track him right to his stand and climb up in the tree with him.  Did not matter which stand he was in.  Because of this, it is obvious to me that rubber boots do not eliminate ground scent...but I still think they help lessen it somewhat.

One word.....

XTRATUFS

Love em, they are the wear anywhere rubber boot for SE AK. Nice fit and conform well without being all floppy at the ankles. They're good for stalking, quiet, and feel more like sneakers than rubber boots.

http://www.xtratufboots.com/product_info.php?products_id=82

Muck boots. Light, comfortable, easy on/off.

MUCK  is my pick,light,comfy,light,comfy,seem to be as good on scent control as any other I've had, did I mention lite and comfy?

They keep my feet warmer than some I've had also.

I don't know how the narrow heal would work with these, but I've had a pair of LaCrosse Alpha Burley (sp?)boots that I have had for...7 years? now and they are still fantastic.  I wear them every spring/fall turkey season, trapping, and deer season.  You might give them a look.

grange by LaCross are the best rubber boots for walking in the mud.........James

Try "Bama booties" inside the rubber boots.  We have boots by Sarvus up here called "X-tra Tuf" that are more comfy than La'-Cross.  Never see them anywhere else and you rarely see ANY other boots up here.

I love LaCrosse Grange in the early season, Lacrosse Burly's when it's cold, and Lacrosse Grange hip waders checking traps.  I also sport LLBean original maine hunting boots sometimes at work during the fall/winter.  My daughter loves her muck boots.

I used rubber boots for years and year. Tried em all, last pair, still own, are Muck Boots. Excellent boot!

With that said, I'm making the switch to something else, I can't stand the way the make my feet sweat, then they get cold, I'm over it. Looking into something else this season!

Muck Boot Co.. Light and easy to put on and take off !

I have used a pair of the Bass Pro pull ups for several years now but I only use them when its really cold or I know I will be in deep water that day, The other times its just a good pair of lace ups or a really comfortable pair of western style boots(sealed)

.......Lacrosse un-insulated  100% early , and insulated late with wool socks !  

I have had the same un-insulated pair for many yrs , and just now going to replace them .  Great product !  Just remember to try with the type of socks you will be wearing , and allow enough room for your thick wool socks , without compressing the insulating factor of the wool .

I have a pair of Lacrosse insulated that I love...starting to dry rot but not going to get rid of them.  Just ordered a new pair of uninsulated for early season.....as my last pair bought the farm last Summer.  :(

I had a pair of Lacross leather upper, rubber lowers pac boots I wore for many years....might get another as they were great boots as well.

LaCrosse Burly's are my choice. I use them for turkey hunting in the spring, fishing if the waters up around the pond and deer hunting. Fit is great, they dont allow my foot to slip or let my socks slide down. I use them early season and as it gets colder i just start wearing warmer socks.

Tried a lot of rubber boots over the years. My favorites and most comfortable is the Muck Boot.

I like the idea and the look of Pac style boots. The bow hunter with his whip cord hunting pants tucked in the tops, wearing his red and black Macinaw and a Fedora on his head. Very nostalgic!

Truth is the little bitty heels on those things KILL my feet!

I wear the Muck's now. Comfortable, dry and warm. Less apt to dry rot than the all rubber types. They work better for me.

OkKeith

Ditto on LaCrosse - good fit - no blisters - 2 pair both going strong after 5+ years of hikin', huntin', fishin', and spreadin' chemicals on the lawn for my bride.

  :)

Shoot straight, Shinken

I have used Muck Boots Woody Armor for about 4 years now.  Every terrain possible has been covered.  Open fields, steep hills, snow covered hills, marshes, crossed creeks, etc...  Sat in a flodded corn field and had the water freeze around my boots about 5 inches up, no problem. They have performed perfectly for me.  Plus, the Armor model is snake proof.  They slip on and off very easily, and breathe.  Hope this helps.