Hunting Boot Recommendations

[Hedgelj]

Boot recommendations.
Wants:
Waterproof
Flexible for hiking all day
Some insulation is a plus (not super heavy insulation)
Light(er)weight
Comfort for walking all day or sitting in a treestand

I am willing to pay for quality. I have plenty of Cabelas/Bass Pro points. Just bought a pair of the mendl/cabelas ones 18 months ago, that are gore tex and my feet have water in the boots from walking through wet grass while turkey hunting. Would prefer something that'll last.

I tried on some Muck boots (wetland field premium) and they felt very sloppy around my heels. Is that how they're supposed to fit or? I'm also concerned that my feet would be a soggy mess in them even with quality wool socks on.

 

[giles]

Danner Pronghorn

 

[bowhunter1023]

I'll second the Danner Pronghorns. They'll need treated to maintain waterproofness, but they're one of the best boots ever made IMO.

 

[giles]

I’ve never treated any of my Danners. I’ve also never gotten wet feet from walking across grass. Now, being that it is gortex. You can’t just stand in water. You can walk through it without issue.

For waterproof, you are going to want to go with a rubber boot. And I’ve never found a comfortable pair or those for my hobbit feet.

 

["J"]

I’ve never had any issues with the muck boots. From being on stand, bunny hunting too doing deer drives all day up and down steep hollers. Never had any blistering but my feet would sweat, as they do with any boot/shoe I wear. Throw em on the boot dryer overnight and then repeat.
I think you may be asking too much outta one boot for what you’re mentioning too do with them. I have hiking shoes and I have hunting boots but rarely try too use them for both.

 

[bowhunter1023]

Muck boots are junk. There. I said it. I'm done supporting them. I've destroyed 3 pairs in 6 years. Granted I'm probably the abnormal user in that I wear them everyday and walk miles upon miles in them. But they're not making the same quality boot they used to IMO. All 3 pairs had the soles separate from the upper, which points to a common issue in their manufacturing process.

 

[giles]

Muck boots are junk. There. I said it. I'm done supporting them. I've destroyed 3 pairs in 6 years. Granted I'm probably the abnormal user in that I wear them everyday and walk miles upon miles in them. But they're not making the same quality boot they used to IMO. All 3 pairs had the soles separate from the upper, which points to a common issue in their manufacturing process.

That’s why I moved to Boggs. Extra Tuff is another great boot, but they run a little narrow and I just can’t get my feet in them.

 

["J"]

Muck boots are junk. There. I said it. I'm done supporting them. I've destroyed 3 pairs in 6 years. Granted I'm probably the abnormal user in that I wear them everyday and walk miles upon miles in them. But they're not making the same quality boot they used to IMO. All 3 pairs had the soles separate from the upper, which points to a common issue in their manufacturing process.

What works for me doesn’t always work for everyone, but the havoc I put them through bunny hunting all those years going through briars, I can’t complain one bit.

 

[bowhunter1023]

I've been a huge champion of Muck boots on here in the past. But I simply can't in good conscience recommend them anymore. Maybe I got 3 pairs of lemons.

 

[Big H]

I just completed an extensive on-line search for new turkey hunting boots. My problem is my foot size (14). I really like the high (17" I think) snake proof turkey hunting boots. Almost like wearing a pair of waterproof tennis shoes with great ankle support. Crossing creeks, walking through wet fields and hiking the hills, I really like them. They have been extremely comfortable, at least for me. I hunted Georgia, Wyoming Missouri, Pennsylvania and Ohio with my first pair. While I haven't needed the snake proof feature, it comes with the boot.

I have had two pairs of Rocky's over the years. I wore out the first pair, and for some reason my feet grew? I used to wear a size 13. I only use these boots to turkey hunt, so they last a long time. On the higher end side, Chippewa and Russel are the best and also the most expensive, since they are basically tailor made to your feet. If I hunted multiple states and every day, I would most likely buy a pair one of them, probably Russel Moccasins. I have read great things about them, plus they are both made in the USA. I ended up ordering a pair of Irish Setter VaporTrek's, mainly due to the fact that I was able to get a pair of size 14's LOL. They should be here this week and I will let you all know how I like them.

 

[Iowa_Buckeye]

My Mucks are 3 years old. I wear them pretty much for all my outdoor activities, except late season when it is bone chilling cold. They have held up and feel great.

 

[Jackalope]

For rubber boots I am a huge fan of Lacrosse Alpha Burleys. They last a few years for me, fit good, and don't leak.

For hiking and hunting I bought a pair of Crispy boots for my Arizona elk hunt. Best damn boots I have ever had the pleasure of walking in. Light, tough, great flexibility, awesome ankle support and didn't need broke in. I covered over 120 miles of rocky terrain and never once even had a hot spot much less a blister. Being mid height hiker though you don't want to do a bunch of high wet grass. The boot itself is waterproof but once your pants get soaked your socks will wick moisture down into the boot. Not a crispy problem but a mid height hiking boot problem. Out west a lot of guys carry shoe packs or "gaiters" to take care of that.

 

[Hedgelj]

which crispi model

 

["J"]

I've been a huge champion of Muck boots on here in the past. But I simply can't in good conscience recommend them anymore. Maybe I got 3 pairs of lemons.

Just your wear habits vs mine is all, Jesse. Being somewhat older, they probably don’t get the same abuse

 

[Jackalope]

which crispi model

GTX light Hiker.

 

[aholdren]

I’m a Alpha Burleys guy but, I only hunt with them!

 

[jagermeister]

For waterproof AND lightweight AND a good fit, if recommend one of the LaCrosse boots made of EVA foam and neoprene... like the aeroheads or the alpha agility. I just bought a pair of the alpha agility boots prior to turkey season and so far they are the most comfortable pair of knee boots I’ve ever owned. Very light, and more supportive in the ankle than normal rubber boots. In my opinion the Muck boots are like the Mossberg of knee boots... get the job done, but feel blocky and bulkier than other varieties.

 

[bowhunter1023]

I'll second the Danner Pronghorns. They'll need treated to maintain waterproofness, but they're one of the best boots ever made IMO.

I'm not happy right now and it's somewhat my fault for not seeing the weakness in these boots. The laces thread through a heavy-duty fabric loop and not a brass eyelet through the leather. I was cinching up my Pronghorns the other day and the fabric broke. I see they've since went to a brass eyelet. Part of me wants to get the repair, or do a home repair, but I like the looks of these Danner Recurves. I want something for long treks and rubbers just aren't cutting it any more. I love Danner boots and they're American made, so they'll keep my business (for now) despite the issue with my Pronghorns.

 

[jagermeister]

I’ll second @Jackalope ’s recommendation on the Crispi boots. I got a pair of Guide GTX’s this past fall and wore them all through the first 2/3 of deer season. So far I absolutely love them. By far the best overall quality pair of boots I’ve ever owned. Now I want another pair. Lol

 

[bowhunter1023]

I should amend my post. These are the High Grounds that I got at Cabelas. Not Pronghorns. I think this boot morphed into the Vital.