I have not bought a pair of boots in a long while. There for a while I was wearing all of my son's hand-me-downs. That was good living! I actually had a surplus! But last week the last pair gave up the ghost.
I'm looking for suggestions for a good pair of boots that are in the $200 range (or less!). I want something that is waterproof and wearable. I am looking for something that I can walk comfortably in for miles of scouting/hunting. The temperatures that I typically hunt in range between 30 degrees and 100 degrees. I also want something that is not a scent magenet.
Fire away!
I have a pair of Three Forks boots made by AKU from Gander Mountain. I hunt in the swamps of Myakka primarily and these boots don't pick up the stink from the muck and are easy to clean. Swing by Gander Mountain and try them out if you ever go to the Orlando area.
I bought some Rocky mountains this year that were on sale for @$50! I was a little skepticle, but I walked through swamp water that was several inches deep and was in my stand in 18 degree weather. My feet were absolutely dry through the swamps and warm the entire time. I believe they had 600 gr thinsulate. I'll have to see if I can find the model on them, I left them up at my dads house in PA, bc thats where I hunt and I don't need a warm boot down here in FL, but for a low priced boot they were absolutely perfect. I did lots of hiking in them up steep hills and all over the woods to get to my stands and they were very confortable.
PS....just noticed your Sig, I just printed out the charity shoot in Jan, you going? I'm 95% certain I will, this would be my first TBOF event.
LL Bean have a 100 year anniversary RBLT that might work. 12" high.
Don't know about the scent attracting ability of the leather, but do know about wearing all rubber at the temps you're looking at! Quiet sole too.
I will be at the charity shoot and thanks for pointing out that I need to change my signature line. The charity event is fun and laid back you will enjoy it. The state shoot will be the first full weekend in March.
Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into them.
Cabelas kangaroo waterproof upland boots
Danners used to be good ,but I haven't had a pair in a while and they were $200 back then, who knows how much they are now. The pair I had lasted 10 years in the Adirondacks and they were beat ....but still water proof.
For tough indestructible comfort with all the bells and whistles i highly recommend Redwing. they are a bit heavier in mass weight, but they'll last a lot of years....
For light weight hiking boots Check out REI. They cater to mountain climbers and have a number of decent brands that are top of the line. i recently bought a pair of Keens that i just love. good winter/summer boots.
Cabelas Meindel Perfekt hikers. I have the uninsulated ones that have been great for anything from hiking to elk hunting, -10* to 100*. Very high quality, no blisters (but everyone's feet are different).
My favorite boot is a Muck Boot. I think mine are the Woody Max. I've had them for years. Most comfortable hunting boot I've ever owned.
Check out the Salomon 4D quest gtx
I have put 1000km on mine in this last year and they feel great.
great cushion and a gore tex breathable waterproof membrane.
Look for a boot that is silent when walking, most are way to clunky and loud for me
Love my Danner Pronghorns. Buy 'em with the least insulation you can get...they get prtty warm if you're moving a lot.
Last pair I bought were $130ish.
Muck wetlands. I get them a hair big then add socks when needed.
For those temps. Bean boots.
I really like my Irish Setter Havoc's. I just bought them this fall and I don't have any complaints.
Dicks Sporting Goods online has the Vasque Breeze GTX on clearance right now for $80. They were in the $200 list price range a couple years ago. They are great boots and for $80, you can't really go wrong. I got a pair. They aren't really warm for a stand in under 30 degrees but stillhunting or hiking, they will do great.
I'm with Kirkll!
Redwings, great solid boot for the money. I prefer an all leather boot. I seal them with snow seal and they have been the longest lasting boot I've ever owned.
For an all leather boot I'd have to second Norbert's Meindel Perfekt hikers. Mine have been great, and do really well keeping me dry. I've had others tell me that they haven't had the same luck with them though, so it may be a matter of differences in the sewing of individual boots.
For a rubber bottom pac boot I'd go with Schnee's. I have a pair of those that get a lot of use, and are very comfortable even on long all day hikes. Kenetrek would be another to look at.
I have had several pair of Danners over the years (I'm due this spring for another) and I have put alot of miles on them. The Pronghorns have been awsome for what the use you described. With the design change though, I have not seen them for under $225. But unless folks tell me that the quality has gone down those will be what I buy.
I have been using Columbia bugaboot for many years hunting upland game and deer. They finally gave up the ghost this year, you can buy them cheap after winter season is over. I had another in the box I picked up on sale ready to go. Comfortable, light and waterproof.
I would have to third the perfekt hiker by Meindel, $200.00.
Second would be Danner's.
Hard to beat Mendel's if you really need boots. I've recently gone to wearing inov-8 rocklite 390 gtx trail running boots. Don't see myself going back to "real" boots anytime soon. So much lighter and more comfortable. I've had no trouble wearing them with 60+ lbs. Packs for miles at a time, but don't have any issues with my lower parts. Good merino wool socks and I'm good well below freezing but my feet rarely if ever get cold.
I just got a pair of Rocky Western Bearclaws. Just under $200.00 and the first time wearing them they felt like they were already broke in! Very comfortable!!
I've a set of LL Bean boots (not just because I work there) and a set of Irish Setters. I like them both a whole lot for different reasons. The Bean boots are quieter and really comfortable in a loose-fitting sort of way. The Irish Setters are rugged and stirdy. Both are very dry and warm.
I like the Irish Setter Elk Trackers, and my Danner's. I also have a pair of boots made by Cabela's that are great boots.
I am in the Meindel crowd.I've had 5 pairs now and will never change brands.
John
Keen boots have served me well. I like them better than anything else I've had. Danner still makes good boots. But i dont like them as well as i used to. Salomon makes some good boots as well.
Danner Pronghorns
I've had a pair of Russell turkey hunters for about 30 years and they would be perfect for anywhere in the South, especially where you are likely to encounter snakes.
If you buy a pair you should get them perhaps one half size larger to accommodate a warm weather sock, like wool. If I were to order another pair I would ask Russell to make my uppers about 1/2-3/4 of an inch larger so that I could tuck my pants legs into them more comfortably.
I also have Russell's Safari boot; the low cut thing that you can wear without socks. I'm going to send mine back to Russell and have them replace the hard rubber sole with plantation crepe.
Russell's might be a little more expensive but you'll forget that after you've worn them a season.
Looks like there are as many loyal boot customers as there are loyal bow customers! Thanks for all of the replies.
I like danner pronghorns and rocky bearclaws. make shure you get the all leather ones they keep your feet alot warmer and last twice as long
L.L. Bean. $115-140ish, comfy, quiet. Dust your feet with alum powder for a while so they sweat less and maybe wear foot powder if you'll be out all day. Good boots.
Meindl air revolutions are the best boots I've owned. I like them better than the Perfekt hunter.
Boots are very personal. Try on a bunch before you buy. Shouldn't be hard to find some in your price range.
I have a pair of Lowa Renegades that went to the Az mountains elk hunting this year and Missouri deer woods...they are excellent. When I put them on the first time, I felt as though they were custom made for my feet...they are a medium weight hiker.
Lyle
Meindle perfekt hiker. Two trips elk hunting in Colorado and I am pleased with their support. AND I have weak arches.
Gregg,
Don talked me into a pair of uninsulated Danner Pronghorns years ago. LOVE them ! I wear them for all our scouting, stand hanging, and early season down to about 30. Any colder than that and I switch to my Lacrosse 7mm thick Alpha Lites. I LOVE them too ! Not sure how many miles or hours of work those Danners have seen and they look it but still perform as new. I think they are about 10 years old now.... Think I will go give them some TLC in the form of some good ole Montana Pitch Blend right now ! :campfire:
I have Men's Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking which are selling used on **** for $30-$60 per pair. The other boots that will last and last but are more $ are the Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hiker.
I'm with the Meindl fan club. Over the past few years I have been one of the few guys in elk camp that didn't get blisters or leaks yet except the others that used the Meindls. But some guys don't care for a leather boot due to weight and will foresake the waterproofness and durability for the lighter weight.
Thanks for all the good information, guys!