Hunting boots

[petey]

When purchasing boots I consider a few things.

1. What will I be hunting in these boots and where?
Question 1 normally weighs heavily on the next few key components. (For instance, if I'm hunting Spring Turkey in the East or South, I don't need the same boot as I would hunting Elk in the Rockies)

1. Weight of the boot? This is almost #1 in my book. If I'm doing a lot of footin', I rarely like to go over 4lbs per pair.


2. Type of sole? Type of traction is important to me. I typically like to go with a bob sole, but when looking at the sole the hardness is a very important factor also. If you pick a pair of boots up and you can't indent the sole by pressing with your fingernail, then it's probably too hard. Nothing like wearing a pair of boots that sound like Cowboy boots walking on concrete when your steping on stones or branches. You need something that'll give a little.

3. Height of the boot? I'm kind of partial to 10" boots personally just because I like to cross creeks often and love the ankle support.

4. Material/Water Proof? Most boots, now a days are waterproof, even after a few years of use if you take care of them. I'd choose leather over Nylon anyday. With a little bit of mink oil every year, they'll last a lot longer and keep your feet dry. Since were talking a standard ol hunting boot, vs a rubber boot, these points are my key players in selecting a good boot.

5. Thinsulate? How much? To me, I like no less than 800 in the fall and winter & no more than 800 in the Spring

6. Laces? Do they hug my ankles well and give me the support I need? Will I get blisters by wearing these boots?

I've owned everything from Timberland, Wolverines, Rocky's, Danners to Cabelas brand..each have their own pros and cons.

I'm currently using a couple brands. The first is a Rocky Bear Claw. I'd never buy this boot personally for the #1 reason above. The weigh way too much for my liking. They were a gift, so I use them. The soles are soft and they have good traction. They are half leather half nylon and after 3 yrs, they are not treading water as well.

If money was an issue, I'd suggest the Cabela's Iron Ridge - All Leather. They are a spin-off of a Wolverine. I like to spend at least $200 on a good pair of boots, but these seemed like just the ticket for a price tag of $99. They are in at 3.9lbs, bob sole and 10" high with 800 grams. After 4 years they still tread water well but something has changed with the sole. When I first purchased them, they had very soft soles. Now they are hard and make a lot of noise when walking. Not sure if it was our cold weather or what, but if this is how the sole was on the shelf 4 yrs ago, I would not have bought them. They are still a good boot, with exception of the soft sole turning hard. maybe, they've fixed this issue since my purchase?



I used to think Wolverine was the best boot ever, until they came out with the Durashock sole. They took an already soft sole with lots of traction and turned it into a softer sole with no traction (more of a working man's sole) I haven't been on the market for the past 4 years so maybe Wolverine has fixed the issue of traction with their Durashock sole.

Rocky's -- Normally too heavy
Wolverines -- Sole is soft enough, but does it have enough traction
Danners -- Great soles, kind of big and akward.
Timblerland -- Make a good hiking boot, probably the best in my opinion, but I'm not sure about their hunting brand.

Again, at one time I used to own the perfect boot, but I have yet to find that one perfect boot that matches all criteria 100%. Ultimately, I think I'd just go try some on, see how they feel. Walk on concrete or a hard floor. If you can hear your boots on the floor(even a little), the sole is too hard. Maybe I'm picky, but that's what I consider when I'm looking.