How about some moccasin advice and pics. Arrow seems to be getting great reviews. What about the Bush boot verses lace boot, single verses double sole? and are they something you guys are wearing for non hunting uses as well? Would love to see some older ones with some miles on them.
Good post. I can't offer any experience as I'm still trying to figure out my first pair but I'm especially interested in the single v. double sole. I'll be watching this thread.
My wife tells me I have to wear shoes hunting, so I'm interested in this thread as well. I tried, she caught me going out barefoot and nearly killed me.
I have 3 pair of Arrow Moccasins. I have the Lace Boot, the Canoe Mocs, and just last week I received my pair of Bush Boots. I don't have pics of the Bush Boots, but I ordered them 2" taller than normal...extra snake protection.
I hunt in areas with lots of cactus and thorns, so I went with double soles on all three pairs. Below are few pics....the shine is from using Sno-Seal. It fades after a couple days wearing them.
Canoe Mocs. These are great for wearing around town. They can be worn with or without socks.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lEmrOFfFe_A/UFJp8cSRN2I/AAAAAAAADS4/jWTBNFrbXF4/s800/IMG_0841.JPG)
Lace Boot. Before and after some good use. The more you wear them, the better they fit. The second pic is after a 16 mile hike through Big Bend Natl Park.
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-p1KLo9pQq2A/T7rrd9p3jVI/AAAAAAAADKo/XxZPC_-I8yg/s800/IMG_0635.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s2wsi60wPBM/UW8UAaizdSI/AAAAAAAAD00/nhjYTc1oK48/s640/IMG_1210.JPG)
Carl Dyer Rendezvous Moccasins for me. Built to last, comfortable and quiet in the woods.
Tom
I have a pair of Arrow lace boots and Wassookeag canoe mocs. For hunting I'd say the Arrow boots are perfect. They provide enough support and w/ double sole they protect your feet. The mocs are almost silent compared to just about any boot I've tried walking in the woods with. Only problem is that tanning process on the boot's leather make them stink like crazy. Even after a few weeks, mine will scent up a room in no time. I'm hoping they air out more in the coming weeks otherwise I don't think I can use them to hunt in this year. The Wassookeag's are super soft and comfortable, more dress casual than hunting type. I don't think I'd take those to the woods as they don't seem "tough" enough. Hope this helps.
The single sole is plenty imo. They do smell like a tannery. The uppers are far too thick imo. I have steel toe boots made of thinner leather than this stuff. Should last forever though.
My canoe mocs still smell a bit...probably because I wear them on concrete. The lace boots have seen enough dirt that they don't smell...well, at least not like tanned leather anyways.
QuoteOriginally posted by halfseminole:
My wife tells me I have to wear shoes hunting, so I'm interested in this thread as well. I tried, she caught me going out barefoot and nearly killed me.
lol, I just don't tell mine. It is just to wet down here in the swamps I hunt in to wear shoes. They just get wet and heavy
x2 for the Carl Dyer mocassins. 2 resoles in 30 years and going strong. Caution advised on slopes especially with wet conditions/leaves/etc.
I would suggest you check out Poppen Moccasins. I don't know if they have a web site, but the address is P.O. Box 682 Satsuma, FL 32189. They have been in the business since 1979 and put out a great product.
While you are at it ask them for info about their knives. They make some nice ones.
Love my Arrows, wife says they stink but I tell her that's what good leather smells like. You will be hard pressed to find a better pair for the money.
Cory
Nope, had my Arrow Lace Boots over a year and I can still smell them when I wear them.
Can't beat them for comfort, even on concrete, just don't drag your feet.
You will change the way you walk, no more heel strikes first, especially on concrete.
Have two dyers, one unknown elk skin mocs, very similar to dyers, one Russell, If I had to do it all over again I would go with the Russell's, fit like a glove, I do not wear my mocs around twon on concrete, have done that with the elk skin mocs and the bottoms are smooth as glass. If going with Russells have a local shoe person help with measuring your foot,
I've had the Arrow double sole canoe mocs for close to a year now and feel like there just getting broken in. Great product! Considering purchasing a second pair to make darn sure to have them. Oh - the tannery odor has faded too.
Ok - just reviewed their website. Guess I have the "two-eyed tie" mocs. Comfy with, or without socks btw.
Is the smell from tannery or foot scent? I also worry about them getting wet each outing is that an issue? I'm in search of the perfect footwear for still hunting. Afraid barefoot may result in some serious poison ivy in early season.
QuoteOriginally posted by captain caveman:
Is the smell from tannery or foot scent? I also worry about them getting wet each outing is that an issue? I'm in search of the perfect footwear for still hunting. Afraid barefoot may result in some serious poison ivy in early season.
The smell guys are referring to is from the tanned and dyed leather. It goes away so don't let that scare you.
The guys at Arrow recommend using Sno-Seal once a year to keep the moccasins as water repellant as possible. It works well, but it won't turn them into rubber boots.
What size shoe do you wear (dress shoe)?
My husband wore the same 2 pairs he had for many, many years. They were made in Wisconsin by Russell Moccasin. Great quality!
Rachel
Arrow Lace Boot double bottom great moc. I hike in mine regularly. I bought them new in the spring of 2011. Wear wool socks. Next pair will be the bush boot with a higher top to keep small stones from kicking in around the tops.
58
I got my "high tops" in a couple weeks ago. Finally got around to conditioning them with Sno-Seal. They turned out well.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D-A0KPkZ8_w/UjkfgPB5bxI/AAAAAAAAEPE/ifoMHTV0C5Y/s800/image.jpg)
That's a good looking pair of boots/moccasins TxAg.
Just bought a pair of Arrow three lace double sole. Had them a month now, took them to CO on an elk hunt as my traveling and camp shoe. Can't go wrong. Very comfortable and look like they will last a lifetime.
Caveman E-mail sent.
I will second Sam about Poppen Mocs. They are the best shoes I have ever owned. I have a casual pair and a wrap up the calf hunting pair. They are custom made, durable and worth the effort. I order mine at their booth at the Traditional Bowhunters of Florida spring shoot. If I can find a number I will post.
Don and Sam are killing me on the Poppen Mocs comments. Every year at the TBOF spring shoot I list after them and every year I talk myself out of them. My resistance is getting weak...
I should have my bush boots (high tops) in 2 weeks then the lace boots go back for a make over.
I should have my bush boots (high tops) in 2 weeks then the lace boots go back for a make over.
I resisted like Gregg on the Poppen Mocs. Bought my teenage daughter a pair 5 years ago. She still wears them daily. Did I mention she's a teen? So I figured they must be good. No regrets..
That's a fine looking pair of footwear TxAg. I've got to find the cash to order a pair of Arrow's mocs.
I have a pair of russel moccison thula thula and they are very comfortable. They are not cheap though. Looking a getting a pair of there PH boots now.
Anybody know if Poppen Mocs is still in business? I cant find a number for them.
Are the mocs slippery going up and down hill wet leaves etc. ?
Yes, mocs are slick as snort on snow, ice and wet hills but I really like my Russell trackers with boar hide soles. You can't get a better stalking boot and boar hide can turn big Texas thorns that can penetrate soft rubber soles.
huckbuck, Poppen is still very much in business. I shot the archery tournament at the Alafia Rendezvous in January just a few weeks ago with Tom Guifford (he married into the family). They make good stuff - durable and extremely light and comfortable.
Thanks Sam, i will be getting ahold of them and ordering a pair of center seam mocs soon.
I love my Russell Thula Thula's. I am going to have them resoled with Boar Hide. I wore them every day on an elk hunt 4-5 yrs ago since my other boots were hurting my tootsies. Not great in anything wet but during the summer and early fall they never leave my feet. They are expensive!!!!