Hunting Boots

[Irving]

I'm tired of buying crap boots for under $100. I've got a couple of pairs of Hi-Tecs that say they are water proof, but they aren't. Wet grass will completely soak the boot. On top of that, because they are trying to be water proof, they don't breath at all.

Last year I hunted in the snow in $20 styrofoam muck boots from WalMart, and my feet were perfectly dry and warm. It was glorious.

So I'm thinking that I want something that is a water proof pack boot, uninsulated, and at least 8". I'm only hunting into October this year so it's not like I need a deep winter boot.

I'm aware of Scarpa (that's all they sold at the archery place in Wheat Ridge where I bought my pack), but reviews on Amazon have me worried. My buddy bought a pair, but he's only worn them once and it wasn't even hiking.

Rinella is always talking about Schnee's boots, and that's what I'm looking at right now, but I'd like some other ideas or personal experiences if possible.

I'm looking hard at the Beartooth II Classics and the Hunter II right now.

I don't think I'm ready to step up to a custom like Whites, plus I don't have time since hunting is less than a month away.

Comments? Suggestions?

[hunterhawk]

I got Crispi's this year.. comfy and light... my buddy had them for a couple years i had asolo's before these.. i only archery hunt though.. are you on any hunting forums besides here. Get on some hunting forums and wear out the search function.

[Irving]

I'm not, I don't even know what any good hunting forums are. Open to good fishing forums as well.

Are you saying you only archery hunt because that indicates that you don't really have to deal with snow?
I'd really like a boot that I could cross an ankle deep stream with no worries. I see hunting shows with people just walking around in water and it always makes me cringe. What are your impressions of the boots that you've owned thus far?

[def90]

I'm not, I don't even know what any good hunting forums are. Open to good fishing forums as well.

Are you saying you only archery hunt because that indicates that you don't really have to deal with snow?
I'd really like a boot that I could cross an ankle deep stream with no worries. I see hunting shows with people just walking around in water and it always makes me cringe. What are your impressions of the boots that you've owned thus far?

Anything that is waterproof enough to cross a stream is going to be heavy as well as make your feet hot and sweaty. I have some North Face winter boots that I can stand in water all day but they are heavy and if it is warmer than 50 or 60 degrees they would be miserable. I bought some Crispi Crossover Pro Light GTXs this year. They are OK, even though they are supposed to be non insulated the cushioning and fabric in them make my feet hot and sweat. Despite the sizing recommendations on their website claiming that they are true to size I ordered size 9 which is what I wear in anything else, well they are a hair too small even with ultrathin socks on, my toes hit on downhills, should have gotten 9.5s or maybe even 10s. I have some semi cheap Palladium boots which are copies of the French Foreign legion and Rhodesian patrol boots, they are made of canvas and are light. I will probably just wear them instead of the Crispis the next time I head up the mountain. Don't forget about boot companies like Garmont, Salomon and Lowa, they aren't specifically made for hunting but there are made for hiking and mountaineering which is pretty much the same thing. I've had Garmont boots in the past and they have always been good boots. As for height I actually prefer a shorter boot more like a shoe/boot crossover height.

As for crossing streams, I have to cross a stream to get to my hunting spot so I bought some of these:

http://www.hodgman.com/hodgman-wader...r/1347866.html

They work great, get to a water crossing, pull them out and slip them on over your boots and pants and thats it, dry shoes all day.

[chuckchili]

I got the Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek boots last year and really like them. They are like $150, 8” tall and are 100% waterproof. I had outings in the heat, rain and snow and were comfortable in each. I also love the tread and the fact they are about as lightweight as a sneaker.

[Irving]

Anything that is waterproof enough to cross a stream is going to be heavy as well as make your feet hot and sweaty. I have some North Face winter boots that I can stand in water all day but they are heavy and if it is warmer than 50 or 60 degrees they would be miserable. I bought some Crispi Crossover Pro Light GTXs this year. They are OK, even though they are supposed to be non insulated the cushioning and fabric in them make my feet hot and sweat. Despite the sizing recommendations on their website claiming that they are true to size I ordered size 9 which is what I wear in anything else, well they are a hair too small even with ultrathin socks on, my toes hit on downhills, should have gotten 9.5s or maybe even 10s. I have some semi cheap Palladium boots which are copies of the French Foreign legion and Rhodesian patrol boots, they are made of canvas and are light. I will probably just wear them instead of the Crispis the next time I head up the mountain. Don't forget about boot companies like Garmont, Salomon and Lowa, they aren't specifically made for hunting but there are made for hiking and mountaineering which is pretty much the same thing. I've had Garmont boots in the past and they have always been good boots. As for height I actually prefer a shorter boot more like a shoe/boot crossover height.

As for crossing streams, I have to cross a stream to get to my hunting spot so I bought some of these:

http://www.hodgman.com/hodgman-wader...r/1347866.html

They work great, get to a water crossing, pull them out and slip them on over your boots and pants and thats it, dry shoes all day.

I hear what you're saying about water proof being hot, but that is what I deal with now. My current boots make my feet sweat, but they also get wet. So if I have to choose, I'll take a little sweat. Those waders are pretty cheap, and I bet they are light as well. I've never had to cross anything requiring waders to date, but they are on my radar.

I got the Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek boots last year and really like them. They are like $150, 8” tall and are 100% waterproof. I had outings in the heat, rain and snow and were comfortable in each. I also love the tread and the fact they are about as lightweight as a sneaker.

I've heard of Irish Setter, and the price and lightness is pretty attractive.

I did a search on here about boots a few days ago and one of the work boot threads was saying that the Army Navy Surplus store has a pretty good selection. It's been a while since I've been there, and remember that they had a ton of boots, but do they carry quality stuff? Being able to try on boots, and cash and carry would be awesome.

Keep the suggestions coming.

[Grant H.]

I would strongly suggest looking at Carolina Boots.

[Irving]

Any particular model?
Any place local to try on?
What are your reasons? Can I assume you work in them?

[newracer]

I have an older model of these and they have been great.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/foot...2.uts?slotId=1

[Irving]

I have an older model of these and they have been great.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/foot...2.uts?slotId=1

Have you (and anyone else with a boot recommendation) used them in wet conditions at least three times?

I ask because The *waterproof" Hi-Tecs were water proof, but only once. I got a second pair on discount and sprayed them with water proofing stuff, and they got swamped the first time in any moisture. I missed an opportunity on a bear because I was drying them out on a log one day.