I'm looking to buy some lightweight hunting boots that are not all bulky and clunky on the stalk. I was looking at these boots that seem to fit the bill and are available cheap from some online stores. The full name is: Guide Gear Waterproof ScentMask Shadow Sneaker Hunting Boots.
Has anyone tried these?
Or does anyone have a better recommendation?
I am going to be hunting mostly in warm California weather, some wet conditions like wet grass in the mornings. Mainly I want to find something that won't be as loud as my normal hiking boots or work boots.
If I get them I'll put a review in the review forum.
Thanks y'all
Have you looked into Mocassins?
LL Bean boots are preety nice. Rubber bottoms and leather upper, fit almost like a sneaker.
I'd be careful ordering boots online if you're not familiar with them. I've got a couple pair around here that look nothing like in the picture. Some form of Guide Gear Sneaker I also ordered and gave to my next door neighbor.
Thanks for the answers guys.
I am indeed looking into mocassins, hoping to get some nice american made ones, but I won;t be able to get them for a while and was looking for something I could get in the meantime for an upcoming hunt.
If you have sweaty feet, you may find the LL Bean boots to be quite uncomfortable in quick fashion.
At least I did.
If you can find them, the original Danner Jackal I's are the best warm weather boots I've ever worn. I have the Jackal II's also and they're good, but I don't care for them as much as the I's.
What about wresteling shoes?
I have heard that wrestling shoes or boxing shoes can work well for stalking. I was just hoping to find something geared a little more towards hunting/outdoors...like maybe waterproof and more abrasion resistant, I will probably be putting some miles on them too so I nee to make sure they can hold up.
I buy and use a lot of Guide Gear products and have been happy with them "but" I have tried their shoes and wasn't happy with them at all. The same company also sells alot of name brand shoes that are good to go.
Denny
I wear my favorite boots until I have the animal spotted, I get around 100 yards or less, then take my boots off, put on a pair of old wool socks, then make my stalk. Can't get much quieter than that.
Shed, has the right idea, only difference is I use mocs as I hate stepping on sharpies.
Thanks for the input Shed and njloco, I have been seriously considering that method.
However, I was kind of hoping to have footwear that is quiet all the time. That way I will hopefully avoid losing opportunities where my prey hears me before I see it and have time to take off my boots.
How often do you guys miss opportunities on game before you get a chance to take boots off?
In my upcoming hunt opportunities I am going to be hunting pigs in a mixed brush, scrub oak forest, with open fields interspersed. Mostly spot and stalk.
I am really new to bowhunting so I am just trying to learn from all you experienced guys.
Thanks!
Try some good water shoes that folks use for rafting and kayaking......light ,cheap and should let you feel the ground so you can go sneaky....lol!
I don't remove my foot wear, too many sharp burrs and other things, which is why I usually wear Mocs. in the early season, I find them to be almost as good as socks
I have a pair of new boots which I think shows a lot of promise, they are Irish Setters with a white sole and heel. They are the type with a soft layer and then a harder layer on the ouside, they seem to wrap around twigs and such and deaden the sound if there is any at all, Oh and they are very comfortable to wear.
Have you looked at these boot they look interesting to try. There by a company that makes the 5 toe barefoot shoes
http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/mens/off-road-hi-mens-6.html
njloco is that Irish Setter upland bird boot you are talking about or a different model?
I hunted the early season for yrs with camo tennis shoes. I'd be using them now, but it's too rocky where now live and hunt.
QuoteOriginally posted by Shedrock:
I wear my favorite boots until I have the animal spotted, I get around 100 yards or less, then take my boots off, put on a pair of old wool socks, then make my stalk. Can't get much quieter than that.
This works great for open-country, where you can actually spot your game from more than 100yds. In more brushy terrain, mocs are almost required.
Hey skilonbw, those shoes look pretty sweet! I will look into them as a possibility.
LL Bean Maine Hunting Shoe is what we like for swamp stalking until it starts to frost (darn things get COLD).
skilonbw,
They are their wing shooter, only problem is they are made in China, so I would not buy them today, but rather look for something similar made in the USA.
NEB,
The LL Bean boot is one of the best boots ever made, it's what made LL Bean what it is today, I understand that the boot with the wool lining is supposed to be pretty warm, just don't plan on sitting still too long.
Bottom line is, since we all have different shaped feet, there is no perfect foot wear that will work well with everyone.
Good luck.
I've been wearing these Under Armour Speed Freak boots for about a year.They are light and comfortable with good traction.They have a waterproof,"breathable" lining.They are probably the lightest boot I've owned at 2 lbs 13 oz for the pair,size 10.That's actual weight.Forget manufacturer's weights,they all underestimate.
I don't pound the miles like I used to so they haven't been abused but so far they have been good.
(http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a140/jbrandenburg/P1010749.jpg)
That Vivobarefoot looks excellent but with that narrow toe box,I know they would never work for me.If they would fix that,I bet that would be a close to ideal light hunting boot.
Best stalking shoe I've used is a pair of brown Converse All Stars. Quiet, comfy and cheap.
I forgot to mention another reason I quit wearing my tennis shoes up here. I spend a lot of time in the thick Locus groves when hunting. The little round brown spots, on the well worn soles of my old boots are broken off Locus Thorns. Have had two go all the way through to my foot already this yr.
Although, they do help you to walk softly.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Iflytrout/Pictures/Locussole.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v71/Iflytrout/Pictures/Locusthorns.jpg)
new balance trail mt110's ... similar to the vibrams with a vibram sole but MUCH better fit!