Looking for everyone's recommendation for a 3 season, mid-weight hiking boot for early archery season. My current boots are the Vasque Breeze (which are still made). I like them and I've got my miles out of them, but was totally unimpressed by their waterproof resistance. I immediately sent the first pair back at the outdoor store's recommendation, as they suspected faulty stitching or construction. The second pair was no better and I can get wet feet from "heavy dew"! The weak link seems to be the nylon/mesh cuttouts in the uppers. I know this saves weight, but do all hiking boots with this popular design share the weakness? If so, I'm going back to all leather uppers. Years ago I use to wear Dunham Continental Tyroleans. I kept them slathered in mink oil/snowseal/pitch blend and they never leaked a drop until they literally wore off my feet! I've got Lacrosse Granges (that are older than a lot of folks on the site) for the actual hunt, the hikers will just be worn for everything "in between". Don't need warmth, bow season is mild in these parts and I've got a pair of bombproof Danner Frontiers w/1000 gr. Thinsulate for when the mercury disappears. I like the fit of the Asolo's, but they're a bit pricey. Who loves your feet?
Last year I bought a pair of Wolverine Antelope with Gore-Tex Sent-Lok Uninsulated boots I used them for the early Elk season in September I hunted for 18 days hiking average of 5 to 7 miles per day and the boot were great, my feet never got wet or tired they are very light and seemed to hold up well.
Since you have a pair of Vasques I'll tell you about the all leather Vasque Taku's. Uninsulated, waterproof through several stream crossings and morning wet grass, and very easy/comfortable to break in. They were awesome for our elk hunt up until I had to pack loads out with them. Just not enough support. If you're not packing with them, then they'd be great. FWIW, I'll only wear all leather hiking boots, but I nearly always wear gaiters with them because most often they'll get wet from the top down.
Ll bean crestas. I bought a pair last year and they have lifetime, no questions asked warranty. Very comfortabe and break in easily.
I suspect if you did an in-depth study on gore-tex boots you would discover that when they decide to leak, they leak! It can occur early or late in the life of boots with no real gaurantee that the most expensive ones won't. Think about the system, an inner "sock" of somewhat fragile, laminated material taped together and fixed inside of a boot. Then we subject it to the stress of our body weight plus packs, other gear and maybe game quarters while traveling up-hill, down-hill, side-hill etc... What could possibly go wrong?
I have had a pair of ASOLO gortex hikers for almost 10 years....they are getting a bit whipped now but they have been a great boot! Not sure if they still make them!
Meindl's Hanwags, Lowa, or US made Danners. I had a pair of Acadia's that I used exclusively for hunting, they leaked after 3 seasons(warranty long expired), sent them back to Danner, they sent me a new pair! Very good customer service! My Meindl Island Pro's have been going strong now for 5 years.
Add Kennetrek and Schnee's to Sinawalli's list of boots. There are other good ones too, but any of them can eventually leak, as some guys here have said. Trying to find a good pair of relatively inexpensive boots can be difficult. Part of what keeps the boot from leaking is a good fit on the foot and good fit and construction between the GoreTex liner sock and the leather boot. That takes good design, materials and workmanship, all of which cost money. As in most things, you get what you pay for.
Allan
My favs are the Asolo TP 535-all leather non goretex and will keep your feet dry just the same, all the while breathing way better. The Lowa Renegade Goretex. I get both at REI on line; they require minimal break-in and give lots of support. The soles are softer and do wear out depending on how much use they will get. I get several pairs going at the same time.
I've got a pair of Meindls that I got at Cabelas 2 years ago that were worth every penny spent.
Have you ever shopped at Sierra Trading Post.Com? Watch for special sales on there. I did and that's where I got my Asolos. I also agree with Bjorn about the Lowa...
I wore a pair of Meindl hikers for 14 years. Had them re-soled twice. Was thinking about a 3rd re-sole, because they were still waterproof and comfortable. Seams were getting pretty sloppy, though, so I trashed them and bought a new pair. These are going on 4 years and the winter treads are now dragster slicks, but they're still waterproof. I find them extremely comfortable, although they do require a little break-in.
If you have wide feet and don't jump on this screaming deal on Lowa Renegade II GTX boots from REI (http://www.rei.com/product/789686/lowa-renegade-ii-gtx-mid-hiking-boots-mens) , you're nuts. Is that plain enough? ;)
I've owned three pair of Lowa boots and currently have two of them still. The first pair finally wore out because I wouldn't take them off my feet.
Another vote for Meindl here. The pair of Meindl Sitkas I've worn the last 10 years are as waterproof as the day I bought them. The Sitkas are the uninsulated, and I believe they're 10" boots. They've taken a beating every September in the mountains as well, and still hold out water. By far the most comfortable boot I've owned.
Schnees granite
Thanks for the tip on the Renegades! Got a pair on order. :biglaugh:
Meindl for me too. Had a pair for a LONG time. BILL
I tried various gore-tex hikers until I found the Asolo GTX 520. I have used them for the past 4 years on elk hunts and am very impressed with them. They are sturdy and wet feet have not been a problem since I got them. They are pricey but I have found that buying a new pair of boots every other year to replace worn out ones gets quite expensive as well.
I really like Danner Boots, I have several pair of Acadia boots and a pair of Cabelas Elk Stalkers that are made by danner. my feet never get wet in them, but they are a bit heavy
Meindl! I have had a pair of the "Canadas" for about 15 years. The sole is giving out. Grouse hunting up north for hours and my feet felt great at the end of the day. Great boots.
Meindl "Perfect hikers" are a nice all leather uninsulated boot. I have had them for about 4 years and will get another pair when they wear out. Anytime I need to be on my feet all day I will wear these boots.
I bought the Lowa GTXs at full price, and they were worth every penny. That sale price is a real bargain!
I have owned two pair of Meindls. Both always dry. First pair went 12 years and never once leaked. Hunting up shallow streams, or all day in slush amoung the sage, didn't matter.
I bought a pair of Danners and the left one sucks- it leaks after about two hours in wet grassy terrain. Because of that I hate those boots.
Joshua
Do you really need boot, boots? I like the Inov8 roclite 390 though i think they are classified as trail runners. Also like a pair of eVent Teva shoes for what you mention. Lighter is better!
I have a pair of Columbia gore-tex hikers but the soles are so stiff they sound like a Clydesdale marching down a paved road.
I found a pair of lightweight leather work boots (no gore-tex) and put sno-seal on them to provide some water protection. The best thing is that the soles are soft and flexible and much more quiet than the waffle stompers.
You could always get gore-tex socks if you find good boots that lack in the waterproof department.
Used Lowa Renegades for years (5 pairs) but lately they weren't holding up to hunting in my neck of the woods. Called Lowa and they advised me to switch to their Uplander boot. Same weight and comfort in a 9" boot.
Also was looking at Schnee's Bozeman for an early season boot, also same weight as Renegade.
Ended up buying both and am very happy.
As has been said, Renegades are $70 off at REI and would be a teriffic boot for most parts of the country. Mike
Danner
Meindles for me as well when I need a boot. :thumbsup: But honestly here the weather is usually very hot and I hunt in the gym shoes with an aggresive sole.
You can get good deals by ordering but I prefer to try them on first. It seems that boot size is relative and they all fit different. I've been pleased with my Vasques and the Merrells are good also.
I think it's more of a personal thing. What might work for me might not for you. I have 2 pairs of Danners and love them, never leak, but someone else might say they had problems with them and they didn't fit right and leaked. Shoes and boots, you have to try them on before buying,
Very true Craig. I had a pair of Danners that were tough as nails. I finally walked the soles off of them but the uppers were still good. These days I find the Danners a little narrow for my feet. Great boots however. My feet are in horrible shape froms years of jogging and the U.S Army Infantry. I wear hiking boots every day year round because of the support and comfort.
Ross
If you have a REI in your area. Check it out. They have the best return policy I have ever seen. BILL
Another option is "Keen". I found them at REI. they have their own name for gortex called "Keen Dry". Both my Kids swear by them, and i just picked up a pair myself. They are incredibly well built , super comfortable, and ultra light weight.
kirk
I'm on my second full year with my Meindle Perfekt Hikers. Love them. They have a cork innersole that molds to YOUR foot.
I just bought a pair of as new $150 Danners from a friend who's foot has changed for $25. Not a bad deal.
x2 for REI. I got a full refund on a pair of boots after about 4 years of hard use when the mid soles failed. My wife just returned a pair of goretex-lined hikers that developed a leak, and no questions were asked except "do you want cash or a store credit."
REI also has some uneven surface you can walk over when you are trying out the boots. That way you'll know before you buy if the heel will slip going uphill or your foot will slide forward and cruch your toes going downhill BEFORE you buy them.
For me the most important thing is fit. If you aren't comfortable it doesn't matter how well built the boots are. At a place like REI all the boots are good and they all have a lifetime warranty, so just find some that fit.
Sorry for sounding like an REI rep, but I think that place really is the best place to get boots.