Alright folks, this is my dilema.  I hunt a lot, and spend lots of time in the mud and water.  To complicate things, I cover lots of ground in between swamp stalks.  I need something more comfortable than a basic 18" rubber boot.

I had a pair of Lacrosse light weight water boots with the neoprene uppers.  They were the most comfortable water boot I have ever worn.  They felt like my bed room slippers, and I had no trouble hiking 7-8 miles in them.  The cost around $90 and lasted around 4 months!  I need something much more durable.  I can't afford three pairs of these per year.

I've been looking at the Muck boots, and have read great things about them.  They look very similar in design to the Lacrosse that I had.  The Mucks use 5mm neoprene, while the Lacrosse uses 3.5mm.  Will they last a year or two of hunting 80-90 days a year?

My other thought is to buy some high, waterproof, leather boots.  Maybe a Danner?  What are your thoughts?

I have a pair of the muck boots and they have seen a lot of miles. mine fit like a tennis shoe and have lasted 4 seasons.

I"m in need of a new pair also, and was considering the LL Bean 16" Maine Hunting Boot. But I just don't know how good the leather uppers will be in the water.

A good leather boot with Gore-tex would work, but two things come to mind. First the cost $150-$250, and then its been my experiance that they only last 2 years. The use that your giving them maybe less. Hard wet use on boots makes it hard to get something that works and that will last.

16" Maine hunting shoe.  I just bought a pair and really like them.  Lightweight, comfortable, quiet, really like moccasins.  The factory laces are too short...I have big calves and like to tuck my pants inside. Get some 108" laces if you opt for the tall boots. The 16" is hard to get on and off, but they function like gaiters once they are on. I haven't been through any standing water, but I expect them to work great, Bean has been making them for a long time.

After 30+ years of trying to find a leather/breathable membrane WATERPROOF boot I've come to the conclusion there isn't. Not one that holds a candle to all rubber or neoprene.Sure you can step in a few puddles and come out dry but try wet grass or standing water for a few minutes and then tell me your feet are dry.
My last pair of 18" burly's,the old brown style, lasted 10 years. Not the lightest boot but went through brush and briar for 80-100 days a year.Replaced them with Lacrosse Alpha burly's this spring. Lighter but I don't think they will last anywhere near as long as their predecessors.Mucks are a great boot. Neoprene is not as durable as rubber though.

i got real sick of buying new rubber boots every year,  made the switch to muck boots and i won't ever go back

What model do you folks recommend?  I need some light weight, non-insulated ones.

I have yet to find anything that beats the traditional ankle fit green LaCrosse Burly for comfort and durability. They will last for years.

I get two seasons from Muck boots. I cut holes in them with the briars. Good stuff.

I have 15 1/2" size feet I found a pair of Rocky rubber boots that were better than any grange type boot they fit great and lasted 2yrs.could walk forever in them.They were warm in the winter as well.

Lacrosse 1200 Burly, the best rubber boot made . That is my two cents

Scent blocker dream season boots great stuff.I work part time in a sporting goods store and we sell quite a few of these

I worked pipeline for years ( still do but not laborer anymore) and wore Lacrosse burlys in the winter time because you are in the mud and water all day. They hold up great but , not sure how long they will in the briars . One downfall to Lacrosse is the fact that they will dry rot and start leaking .I have just ordered myself a pair of Muck boots witht he neoprene uppers , I will let you know how they hold up .


Jack

Southeast Alaska lives in BF Goodrich Xtratuf boots. Put a felt insole in them and wear some knee high wool socks and you are good to go.
You can roll down the tops for formal occasions.

QuoteOriginally posted by Apex Predator:
What model do you folks recommend?  I need some light weight, non-insulated ones.

i went with the woody sport,  more of an all around boot, cheaper than the woody max

$49 Lacrosse Grange rubber boot.  Perfect fit very comfortable.  Mine lasts several years.

My LaCross Alphas (all rubber) have lasted for 3-4 seasons so far - for what it's worth.

Muck Boots. I've got three pairs: one for the garden; light weight hunting and insulated. The Woody is one damned comfortable boot.

Does anyone use light weight packable hip waders -- I used to see them being sold periodically but can't find any now.  When I hunt, I may encounter water hazards that are easier to go thru than around, or I may decide to hunt in a swamp -- having a light weight durable pair of packable hip boots would be great.  What I envision, is being able to pull the hip boots over my hunting boots.  Any input?  TC