I am going elk hunting in NM next year and I'm in need of a new pair of boots. I will doing a lot of walking while hunting, but the horses will carry the heavy loads on the trip in and out.
I have been elk hunting in CO and I packed in myself and my feet were worse for the wear. I had a pair of Alaskan Meindl boots that just didn't work out.
So I'd like something light, with some ankle support, and it has to be waterproof.
Anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks,
JD
Hanwag's. Check out Lathrop and son's. Pricey but good.
First find a store that offers a variety of boots in the style you want. Then find someone there who knows how to fit boots to YOUR feet. Ignore the brand name and price on the pair that feel best to you.
Too many say this brand or that brand is "best". Unfortunately there's no such thing as a brand of boot that fits everybody. The best ones for you must fit first, and then get the feature you want regardless of brand.
For me, because of some past trouble with plantar faciitis, Birkenstock works well. But I don't know if they make one aggessive enough for the type of terrain you will need. I do know thet the foot specialist I saw thought the insole was very good to promote support.
Check out the dannar pronghorns, come with no insulation..200gr..400gr..etc. They are absolutly waterproof, need hardly any breakin and provide good support and very light. Feel great on my feet...If you can get a good fit for you they are a good boot.
double post
QuoteOriginally posted by JDinPA:
QuoteOriginally posted by Longbowz:
First find a store that offers a variety of boots in the style you want. Then find someone there who knows how to fit boots to YOUR feet. Ignore the brand name and price on the pair that feel best to you.
Too many say this brand or that brand is "best". Unfortunately there's no such thing as a brand of boot that fits everybody. The best ones for you must fit first, and then get the feature you want regardless of brand.
Good advice, but the only outdoor stores near me are REI or EMS. Not too much selection when it comes to a hunting boot, so I'm kind of stuck on internet information. I've got a regular foot no arch issue or pronation, etc.. I use a regular good New Balance running shoe for jogging. [/b]
Asolo TP 535 is the best I have found and that includes a bunch. I get them from REI on line. Have them shipped to the store for free and go try them on.
Let me add this....As a packer (I typically put in over 200 miles a year in the mountain wilderness areas of the north cascades, at times with more than 20 animals...) DO NOT WEAR VIBRAM OR CLEATED SOLES WHILE YOU ARE IN THE SADDLE! You won't have any problems until that one time things go wrong. I have never been dragged by a horse but know plenty of people who have and none of them are willing to stage a recreation of the event for me, no matter how much we've had to drink. No matter what you end up with for hiking wear a smooth, hard soled pair of boots that slip on and off easily for riding.
Good luck,
BS
Asolo Sassalong for me, got mine from Sierra Trading Post. Unless there is deep snow, they are my Sept elk boot.
on a recommendation by an oregon forest ranger, i just checked out and bought lightweight waterproof hiking boots by hi-tec, the v-lite altitude ultra. have already hiked at least 17 miles in them, awesome boots, no breaking-in required, typically can be found for a tad over $100.
Check out Vasque Sundowners. My current pair has well over 400 miles on them and going strong. This is the fourth pair of sundowners I've owned. If the stiff mountain boots gave you trouble, these mid sized boots have good support but light and waterproof. An all leather boot that takes a beating.
If you are getten boots I would go to Cabelas they have a great boot/shoe policy that you can buy them and if not satisfied within 30 days you can return them.Helps with finding out if they are comfortable before you get on a hunt and end up with blisters.