Hunting & Fishing Boots

[Jig Stick]

Im in need of some new boots. Ive been blowing through Rocky Mountains and Danners. The Danners give me blisters bad. The Rockys are nice, but dont last long. Any recommendations? Im looking for something that is leather, waterproof, and has a protective toe. Redwings maybe?

 

[Fisky]

Re: Boots

How much you looking to spend. I am ready to move on from the Danners as well and have been looking at boots recently.

In no particular order here are some boots that are pretty well tried and true, from what I've been reading:

Crispi
Lowa
Hanwag
Kenetrek
Asolo
Meindl

I prefer the Crispis to the Kenetreks, but haven't tried on any of the others. The cheaper ones listed above would be Hanwag and Asolo. The Crispis are $400 boots.

Take a peak at Sierratradingpost.com

Lanthrop and Sons is a decent place to look at Hanwags. They know boots pretty well if you're looking to talk to somebody on the subject.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Boots

I dont mind spending some coin, as long as they are comfortable. I need wide boots.

 

[Fisky]

Re: Boots

I could be wrong, but I'd say most all the top boot companies offer wide sizes. Everybody's feet are different. What feels good to me may not to you. Try and try on as many as you can. If you can't, pick a known quality boot and buy it from an online retailer who returns them. That is what i'm going to have to do. Either hope to get lucky, or return them and move on to the next pair.

 

[dogmessiah]

Re: Boots

I went through this dilemma just a couple years ago, and did a lot of research. I was preparing for a trip and didn't want to wind up with blisters early on that would ruin the rest of the hunt. The only way to get a really good pair of boots that won't give you blisters is to hit up the stores and start trying them on. When you do this, buy a quality pair of wool socks that you will be using when hiking/hunting to try them on in. You want wool socks too, they are better and give less blisters even in hot weather. May sound odd to you, but it is the truth. Also keep in mind that insoles can always be changed to fit your arch/foot shape.

Hit the hardcore hiking stores, they know boots and what it takes for a proper fit a hell of a lot better the hunting or tactical crowd. Even if you have to put up with a hippie or two in the process you will be better off. Two of the stores that had plenty of hippies, but I got a lot of good info and help from were Summit Hut and REI. I am not sure if they have any in your area, but if you have a chance, I would swing in and try on 10 different pairs of boots.

Pay attention to the height they have in the foot area too. If it is too tall of a boot at the arch of your foot, it will never fit right once you get it laced up. I wound up buying a pair of Zamberlan Vioz boots. They are leather and waterproof, and have thick fool grain leather. I have accidentally kicked a couple of cacti out here, and they still remain waterproof. I took them to a week long archery elk hunt in the Colorado mountains shortly after I got them broken in and I wound up with no blisters at the end of the week after doing about 5 miles a day on very steep hills.

I noticed you mentioned Redwing and Danner boots, so I am assuming you are trying to stay American, which I am big on too, but in this case I couldn't find an American boot that would serve my purpose, so I bought Italian, but at least I know it isn't a third world sweat shop in a country we already have a huge trade deficit with.

 

[Beef82]

Re: Boots

So this is a work boot? I've found some traditional styled Red Wings decent, but some are garbage, I had a hiker like pair that was waterproof and it was like having my feet in plastic bags, horrible, and they didn't hold up, too many seams. Be aware, not all Red Wings and Danners are made state side. I went thru three pairs of Lacrosse in the warranty period. Every pair of Wolverines I ever owned squeeked.
If cost is irrelevent you won't be crawling around on rock or concrete, and wearing thru the toes constantly maybe a pair of Whites, they will make them to fit your foot, and are fully recraftable, I'm too cheap but I've known some fellows that had them and each swore they'd never buy another boot off the rack. Hawthorne is basically white's non custom line.
Things I've learned, Gore-tex is one of the only actually breathable waterproofing membranes, comfort in the store doesn't always corelate to comfort after they're broken in, leather needs to be almost uncomfortably snug out of the box but not in the toe, kneel down and make sure the toe box doesn't dig into the top of your foot, and seams are bad, seams parallel to a flex point will fail, toe caps that end at the ball of the foot, or a seam right at the top of the heal will not last.

 

[Trevor300wsm]

Re: Boots

What are type of terrain and climate are you going to be using the boots in? I've found that most people don't need near as much boot as they think they do for their application.....meaning alot of hunters would be better suited with a light hiking to med hiking boot.

I've always wore Rocky and Danner, but I was ready for something better. I did some research and came up with a few pairs that interested me. I drove to a REI store and got a proper foot measurement.

I tired on the following:
Asolo Fugitives
Lowa Zephyrs
Soloman
Keen
Merrell

When you put a "good" boot on you automatically just know that it fits you the best over the others. As soon as I tried on the Lowa Zephyr GTX's.......I knew I had never in my life had a boot fit my foot so well. I wore them out of the store and left for Montana the next morning to hike Glacier Natl Park. I spent 5 solid days in these boots and I've loved every minute of it.

Everyone's foot is different so what's good for me may not be good for you. Take a trip to REI, it will be well worth your time. Also, if you EVER become unsatisfied with the boots for any reason, REI will take them back. (yes no matter what because I specifically asked.)

The Zephyr comes in a GTX model that's waterproof and a Desert model that is not. I bought the GTX model, but as soon as I get back to Dallas I'll be picking up a pair of the Desert model for everyday wear. They honestly feel better than my Nikes and Mizunos.

Everyone on here seems to be a big fan of the Asolo Fugitive. It's a good boot, but it wasn't even close to the Zephyr in comfort.

 

[30cal user]

Re: Boots

Filson Highlander

 

[45.308]

Re: Boots

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jig Stick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im in need of some new boots. Ive been blowing through Rocky Mountains and Danners. The Danners give me blisters bad. The Rockys are nice, but dont last long. Any recommendations? Im looking for something that is leather, waterproof, and has a protective toe. Redwings maybe? </div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jig Stick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dont mind spending some coin, as long as they are comfortable. I need wide boots.</div></div>

Wide foot?
High volume foot?

The average wide foot usually has short toes all the same length which also means long arch length. High volume foot is not a wide foot but has mass too. Also a tall heel for a tall heel counter in a boot. Some wide feet are due to metatarsal joints and are really neither wide or high volume. Boots like Danner just build an oversized boot in wide off a 9 last, its not a true wide boot. Try Scarpa SL M3 BXX last. This is a true wide last boot. Scarpa are wide lasted anyway and the BX last may fit just fine.

Protective toe?

Thick leather protective toe, thick rubber rand or safety toe.

Where are you getting blister?

The easiest way to guard against blisters is to change to a different sock, e.g., different brand and thickness. Socks change the shape of the whole foot which can make blisters appear or go away. Brand x may cause severe blisters while brand y blister is one spot brand z no blisters. Contrary to many beliefs, 100% wool is not the ideal sock. A combo of around 50/50 is best like Bridgedale. Wool is best at cushioning but not so good in moisture control, synthetic is not as good in cushioning but superior in moisture control.

Just how are you blowing through boots? At the metatarsal, sole, toe. Due to poor boots or boots not for the usage.

Since I ran a shop that included mountaineering and hiking kit that turns out to be some of the best kit for hunters and military, guess I am a hippy

but true boot fitting can not be done with a simple recommendation on the internet. In my shop, I would have you stand with no socks, on a thick piece of glass so I can determine your foot shape, arch length, achilles notch and then recommend a boot and sock. A good majority of footwear buyers buy boots too big.

No matter what boot or sock, use Superfeeet orange capsule. These control and support body weight on the talus bone, arch supports are useless as the arch of the foot does not support body weight, and the orange have a pilot to aid in circulation and less tried feet.

 

[oubeta]

Re: Boots

LOWA

 

[dogmessiah]

Re: Boots

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 45.308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Since I ran a shop that included mountaineering and hiking kit that turns out to be some of the best kit for hunters and military, guess I am a hippy

but true boot fitting can not be done with a simple recommendation on the internet. </div></div>
As to whether you are a hippy or not I can't say as I don't know you. I guess what I should of said is that around here the sporting goods stores focused towards hunting are useless for reccomendations on boots. And a lot of the hunters don't put a lot of miles on there boots. I think the pick in your sig probably demonstrates that you know what you are talking about on the subject of picking the right boot.

 

[swage]

Re: Boots

I have a pair of Asolo FSN 95's and a pair of Salomon Quest. While the Asolo is nice, it lacks at times in the comfort department. The Quest is the best boot I've ever owned. I had a pair of Zephyrs that wore out very quickly. Within months the sole started to separate from the upper. They cant take the abuse that the Asolo or Quest can. The Quest, in my opnion, had the comfort of the Zephyr with the durability of the Asolo. They're also cheaper than the Zephyr if you purchase through Amazon. YMMV.

 

[jcfd2201]

Re: Boots

I am by no means a boot expert and really don't have any suggestion for you other than to listen to 45.308. I used to work a lot of wildland fires and have been through several pairs including a couple pairs of White's. I finally ended up with a pair of Drew's after a guy I worked a fire with suggested them combined with Superfeet insoles and Thorlos socks. The combination of boot, insole, and sock made a huge difference in comfort and lessened fatigue. I am a firm believer in paying for quality and comfort but there is more than just simply the boot.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Boots

well I tried on a few pair of Keens today that I thought fit the bill. Toe protection, water proof, wide...Width wasnt wide enough, and the steel toe dug into the top of my toes when i bent down. The selection of Redwings and Irish Setters was minimal. Im going to drive across town to the only mountaineering store in Pittsburgh and see if they can help. I think they sell some of the higher end boots.

 

[jotrot]

Re: Boots

hi, im just informing on the danner boot just incase some one does'nt know. some danners are made here in the states and the others made china crap, usa made have the american flag on the upper top. i have been wearing danner boots for 20 yrs. and im timber faller and im hunting constantly, i have boots on every minute. good luck

 

[bohem]

Re: Boots

Last year I would have told you "Garmonts are killing it for me" They were GREAT boots for a while. I had them for a year, they kicked ass for 6 months.

Weather got warm and I only really wore them for rifle matches when I knew we were going up and down loose crap, otherwise I mostly wore sneakers.

In 2 weekends they went to total crap, the right boot practically unwearable.

Two emails with the Garmont CS people, nice emails too nothing mean, and they're replacing the boots 100% on warranty as they're just under a year old and they said "clearly something defective"

I'm happy with the CS, the boots were comfortable but when things started going south they died FAST. I will wear the replacements as hard or harder and then make a decision on buying another pair again.

Glad that their CS was good though.

 

[TSean]

Re: Boots

Jig Stick,

If you are looking for a commercial/readily available type option, I have had the best luck with the Lowa Zephyr GTX (note that the Lighter tan one with tan sole has a bit softer sole for sand etc, and the brown with brown/black sole is a bit of a tougher sole for more rocks etc.) and the Salomon Quest 4D GTX (with my favorite being the Quest by a fair margin).

If you really want something more like a traditional leather boot custom for you and with a really long lifespan (and the associated extra weight and care...not saying that is good or bad just as a note that it becomes more important), then look up <span style="text-decoration: underline">Limmer Boots</span> and give those guys a call to talk over your wants/needs in a boot...maybe do that anyways (if you are so inclined) for an interesting conversation. They make top shelf "traditional" boots.

That said, I definitely grab my Quests more than anything for a variety of uses (except when it is pretty hot or I don't need that much boot...where I would just wear a low top shoe like a Salomon XA pro 3D ultra more than likely). Hope that helps, I know that finding a good boot can seem simple and turn into a bit of a maddening endeavor.

-Sean

 

[hiddenmongoose]

Re: Boots

Meindl is my choice of boot, served me in african shitholes such as liberia, sierra leon, chad, and at home.I wear them working, shooting, hiking.give them a look.

 

[fx77]

Re: Boots

Lowa true to fit, break in real fast have hiked many mountains in the for 30 years...Every pair was great.

 

[Abolt2]

Re: Boots

It is hard to say until you have put some miles in a pair. Trying on a new pair is not the same as a broke-in pair. My current pair is Cabela's Outfitter and I didn't like em at first, but now, I have grown quite fond of them.

 

[BMerrick]

Re: Boots

I went with a pair of the Kenetreks about 2 years ago. Very good boots. I wear them daily with several miles of fishing, scouting & hunting. IFor me they are a 3 season boot - They get a bit too warm for me in the summer time. After all of the creek crossings and late season hunting in the snow my feet have yet to get wet in them. I too have thrashed an American made pair of Danners, but not these. At some point next year I am going to need to find out if they can be re-soled......