New Boot Suggestions.

SummerRun Slayer · 02-20-2007, 08:12 PM

Hey guys, I think my Danner Canadian Hunter's have finally bit the big one. I don't really think I want to buy another pair of Danners, I just haven't had good luck with them, I think a pair of boots that cost that much should last more than a year. So what I'm thinking are a pair of Schnee's or maybe a pair of Whites. I don't mind spending the money, I just don't want wet feet. So what are your thoughts on a good pair of boots for hunting on the Wet Side of the Mountains. Thanks Guys.
Joe

baltz526 · 02-20-2007, 08:52 PM

i bought a pair of schnees, the back has saged after two hikes in the snow, now they rub the back of my ankle and become aggravating after four or five miles.

wapiteaser · 02-20-2007, 08:52 PM

Schnees.....you won't be sorry

ehunter · 02-20-2007, 09:01 PM

Kentrecks I bought a pair of them in December and have been wearing them for 3 months they are similar to schnees and whites and hoffmans but they all are heavier than a standard gortex boot but I really like them in wet weather or snow. I bought my off e-bay for 1/4 of the price due to a blemish still have not found it.....

woolybuggerboy · 02-20-2007, 09:18 PM

I did a lot of research before x-mas when i was boot shopping as well. Here is a brief summary of what i have heard.

Danner used to be great. the quality has gone downhill since the ownership change. Recently, boots shipped to the marine corps were returned because of poor quality. Some people still swear by danner, but i personally don't spend my money on something that 'might' be good. Schnees are great but they were out of my price range. i heard very bad things about rockies and itasca's. I eventually decided to pick up a pair of Irish Setters, because they are made by Red Wing Shoes, the same company that makes the Vasque hiking boots i love. I have had my Vasques boots for 5 years now, have put on about 100 miles a summer, and they still wear awesome and are still waterproof. I picked up some 400gram thinsulate Raptors from Sportsmans. My feet don't get cold anymore. I have gone swamp hiking and i have dry feet. This is only my first season with these boots but so far i love them. From what i've heard, they should be good for at least ten years. I haven't heard anything bad about setters, if your looking to spend around 160 i would highly reccomend these boots.

huntercgr · 02-21-2007, 06:00 AM

It's worth taking a look at these from Cabela's.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...319&hasJS=true

My first pair lasted 5 years. I abuse my boots in all kinds of terrain. Lots of rock during deer season. I have never had my feet get wet from the weather, just from sweating. For the money, I can't go wrong.

onstep · 02-21-2007, 06:29 AM

Call Lathrop and Sons in IL. They have boot systems that will work for what you want. I have a pair of Hanwags and love them. Simply the best boot and fit I've ever owned and I had them all..... Danners, Whites, Meindls, Lowas, Kenetrek, Asolo, and Zamberlins.

Swamp Puppy · 02-21-2007, 06:43 AM

Georgia Boot makes a decent pair of footwear.

hillsboro · 02-21-2007, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SummerRun Slayer

Hey guys, I think my Danner Canadian Hunter's have finally bit the big one. I don't really think I want to buy another pair of Danners, I just haven't had good luck with them, I think a pair of boots that cost that much should last more than a year.

That really sucks. I have a pair of trophy hunters that are basically the canadians and I love them. I have had them since 2001 and they still do not leak. I was standing in ankle deep water unclogging a yard drain during the last rains and my feet were nice and dry. I use them for everything I need a boot for and can count on both hands the number of times I have greased them.

Its too bad to hear all the negative feedback about Danner, used to be a great product made by a local company. I'm afraid I'll never find another boot i like so much..

ehunter · 02-21-2007, 07:52 AM

Summerrun slayer I am not sure what your looking for in a boot, but I almost think you need more than one pair any more for hunting. I use at least 2 pair one a pair of hiking boots for early fall and my kentreck for really nasty or snow. I have pretty much decided that I can't do better than montrails or Lowa boots and if I need more protection I will throw on a gaitor. Both of these boots are mid weight hiking boots but work well for hunting and are light weight. If I am not going to be hiking for miles and the weather is crappy I will use the kentrecks for sloppy cold conditions. As to brands good luck Vasque as mentioned used to be a good boot they also went over seas and they are really for narrow feet. I would check with your local REI and try some boots at least get a good fit.

I have been waiting for a new report from some guys wearing the Danner Proghorn light weight gortex. Some of the guys experieced squeeks in the older ones so maybe the new ones are better.....Danner is supposed to have a option to build your own boot according to their web site that might be interesting??

SummerRun Slayer · 02-21-2007, 08:35 AM

I think I agree with EHunter about having a couple pairs of boots. I put ALOT of miles on during the summer months, hiking into high mountain lakes and sorting through berry patches in search of bair. For this kind of trip, a waterproof boot isn't totally nescessary, but it could mean having cold feet for the rest of the trip if I did get wet. For that kind of hiking I'd like to have something that was at least a ten inch boot, had some goretex in it, and it has to breathe. As for fall hunting and spring antler hunting, I have to have something extremley water proof that has a sole on it that won't slide around in the mud, yet still be comfortable enough to be able to painlessly cover a few miles in.
As I sit here and type this I keep thinking about my Danner's that I already have, they are perfect for what I like to do, but the fact that they just don't last still leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth.
Thanks Again Guys
Joe

Hunt'nFish · 02-21-2007, 09:01 AM

This is a age old debate. Everyone say mine are the best and 3 other guys say I had those and they sucked.

What has become evident to me is that boots made 10-20yrs ago are far better than those made today....except for a few Super Premium US made boots like Schnee's, White's and I'm sure others that are still locally made.

Even Danners have sucomed to the China syndrome and as a result suck today compared to a decade ago. But that being said I also think that certain Danner models (by design) are less prone to leakage.

I also think sizing and fit of boot also play a big role in leakage. Boots that are too narrow are prone to pull on the seams of the Gore-Tex and end up sucking water. Terrain and use environment also plays a role....side hilling is hard on boots. Put a Cordura exterior boot in that situation and it's bound to pull at the seams and leak.

All these factors corupt personal opinions and there is no good way to compare boots and their quality.

Personally I think the best boot designs are all leather and have minimal seams. they should be made w/ thick tough leather and double thickness on the toe, heel and outside of foot. They should also be double stitched ...and even triple stiched in high pressure areas. They should be 8-10" tall minimum. They should be treated w/ Obenoff's or Snow Seal regularly and they should not be allowed to fast dry...only slow dry.
They should also be used with thick synthetic blend socks that allow plenty of cushion and breathing room.....ie, wiggle room.

Unfortunately this boot will not fit into saddle stirups....so forget riding in them. (unless your my brother and make special stirups just to fit his boots)
So get a pair of these for riding:

HATHORN Ranch Packer The 8 inch Hathorn Ranch Packer is a versatile handmade utility work boot. The tapered heel is slightly wider with more stability than that of a traditional riding heel. Each boot is hand lasted for the best possible fit while the firm arch... more

Or.........I've had both. I think the ones I'm still wearing are the Hawthorns.

WHITES Packer 8 inch brown The 8 inch Whites Packer was designed for professional outfitters and packers who required a strong arch for all-day comfort and support. Its popularity is now seen in many occupations from ranchers to construction workers. A slightly larger... more

The Danner "Super Rain Forest" and the "Santiam" are a couple I'd look hard at. But again they are now made over sea's so it's a roll of the dice on quality of your particular pair.

The problem w/ these are they are HEAVY and they wear me out. (Yes I could stand to be in better shape)

So I tend to opt for lighter cheap boots and just add a pair of Seal-Skinz which are very good liners and seem to do better than the Gore-Tex boots I've been unfortunate to own. I have hunted in Hi-Tek "Altitude's" liberally greased with Obenoff's and the Seal-Skinz...this is what I've hunted in the last 10yrs or so. They run wide to Ex-Wide which seems to hold up better for me. I get them on sale for ~$40 and always have one or two pair in the closet. I'll wear them a season or two and then down grade them to deer season or work/weekend boots and then pull out a fresh pair for next elk season.
So i spend $40 every year or two as opposed to $250 every 5-10yrs.
This works well for me.
Hunt'nFish

Chug · 02-21-2007, 09:09 AM

Have you tried the Seal sox's, for added water proofing the boots? I bought a pair, I like them. But Have not really put them into a wet conditions & miles yet. Have set of Danners, they lasted just under 2 years. THEY are no longer Used in wet conditons. Even using the Goo they sell, good in dry desert & snakes.

Bought new pair with Beanbob soles, So far after 3 times about 10 miles of hiking. not leaking But not real wet conditions either.. YET!!..

My Back up plan, for hikes, Seal sox. Wet Feet, in cold conditions = Trouble!!. Take care of feet, feet will take you home!!..

ehunter · 02-21-2007, 09:21 AM

Chug I have used the seal skinz sock they do work. I think I am in really in the minority when it comes to boots I don't like a real heavy thick soled boot for bowhunting they are just too noisey for me. But they need to have enough sole support to handle some of the rocks we walk on to keep my feet from brusing, so I use gaitors a lot Cabelas makes some great gortex gaitors for early morning dew or rain. They are not noisey and it keeps my socks from wicking into my boots. I wonder how many times people get wet feet from the tops of their socks wicking into their boots??? I love talking boots they are critical to being comfortable but I agree there is no right or wrong answer...

Hunt'nFish · 02-21-2007, 09:23 AM

Yes, I'm a big Seal-Skinz fan. I've had mine for almost 10yrs now and they just finally started leaking during duck season. Time for a new pair. They have kept me dry for many seasons.
Hunt'nFish

oregonmuley · 02-21-2007, 09:29 AM

Good timing on this post - I was just going to ask the same thing. Just yesterday I received a new pair of Cabelas Meindl Perfekt Hiker boots. You might want to check them out - like already posted, seems boots with less seams are a good thing - less seams means less to tear out or leak. I suppose this is more of a hiking boot, not too heavy and so far from just trying on around the house they are really comfortable. Highly rated by many who backpack/bivy hunt which I plan on doing this year for deer. I also really looked at the Meindl Denali hunters - 200 gram thinsulate so that might be something for you to check check out. They also make a higher boot but they seemed pretty heavy.

Chug · 02-21-2007, 09:34 AM

Gators are nice!!.. I made a mistake not wearing them on eastern deer hunt, weather was overcast & few rain drops. Till I was 5 miles from Camp. Knowing better, I opt to wear cotton carehearts!!!..( cotton kills). 2 miles into hunt with now Drizzle. boots were getting mushy. after few hundred yards, started to chill. Drats!!... Hunt is over... Hoofed it to camp 3 plus miles away. ( did have Safety system in pack, just in case). Time I reached camp. I pulled danner boots off, poured water out. Lesson learned DO not leave camp without gator's & wool or syn clothing. Leave cotton's in Truck. Bought new Danners, the following monday. To be ready for next use. I hope to keep dry!..

If it works in oregons rain, should work any where!!..

ehunter · 02-21-2007, 09:35 AM

Oregonmuley let me know what you think of those boots after you get some miles on them I have looked at them do you remember the weight per pair? I think that is what scared me off but I am guessing that they are made by Lowa they look very close but have a Cabelas price which is better.

ehunter · 02-21-2007, 09:39 AM

chug and Oregon muley have yous seen the new stika hunting gear line they are made of materials used in mountainier clothing, they are expensive but I am thinking of saving up for them I think that there are some hunters starting to look at the new hiking clothing finally. Let me know and I can PM you their site.

Hunt'nFish · 02-21-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chug

Gators are nice!!.. I made a mistake not wearing them .....
Lesson learned DO not leave camp without gator's & wool or syn clothing.
If it works in oregons rain, should work any where!!..

Good point......I wear Cabela Grand Slam hydro-fleece pants and this keeps the water out of the tops of my boots.

I figure I can pretty much survive anything if I have my Seal-Skinz' and Hydrofleece. I even flopped down in the rain out in a big clear cut and took a power nap while I waited for the rain to stop and the animals to start moving.
If a guy is warm & dry, he tends to keep hunting......that's a little Hunt'nFish tip. Big secret huh?

Hunt'nFish

oregonmuley · 02-21-2007, 12:44 PM

Ehunter,
The boots are actually made by an old German company - Meindl -especially for Cabelas, at least thats what the box says. Anyway, so far for out of the box they are the most comfortable boots I have ever put on. They are a little stiff which is good I guess if you plan on carrying a backpack of 40lbs. or more - you want/need the support in the ankle - again no expert but thats what I have been told, makes sense I guess. The weight on the Perfekt Hunter is 3.6lbs, the Denali Hunter is 3.3lbs. Not too bad, a little more than the Danner Pronghorns which I think are under 3lbs but my pair of Pronghorns doesn't really give much support but they are nice for most stuff.

ehunter · 02-21-2007, 01:51 PM

Those are not very heavy I may have to consider those I will take a look if they have ee sizes

I was looking at a Kentreck boot and they are made in Germany too but they don't carry wide sizes. About the same price range.

SummerRun Slayer · 02-21-2007, 05:23 PM

I really like the looks of the boot made by Meindl. I'm gonna have to look for some more info on them.

Cohodependent · 02-21-2007, 07:25 PM

I have a pair from Filson that were the most comfortable boots I ever put on out of the box. I have always had good luck with any thing that I have gotten from Filson. I have had these boots for 5 years and they still work as well as the first day I got them...

http://www.filson.com/product/index....entPage=family

HuntnCoug · 02-21-2007, 09:43 PM

Be careful putting some sealant products on goretex. A lot of sealers on the market like sno seal make your boot waterproof but it also blocks your sweat in your boot defeating the purpose of gore tex.

I have had all kinds of boots and my favorite is my pair of handmade wescos. The problem is that they are not water proof. I have a couple pairs of danners, the pronghorns and the super rain forests. I tried hunting in the Snake River Breaks for deer a couple years ago with the pronghorns and havent worn them since. My srf's make decent hunting boots but they are a little heavy. If I were you I would go to REI they have a large selection of quality boots and they have a lifetime satisfaction garantee. They will take the boots back for whatever reason you give no questions asked

Cohodependent · 02-21-2007, 10:40 PM

You know, there was one other thing that I wanted to say. For those who hunt earlier in the year and do not need a lot of insulation the Standard Army issue Speed Lacer "Leg" boots are really a pretty good boot. You need to get a good insert for them, but they are fairly light weight and when new they are water proof. They are treated with silicone that last several years, I have had them on while crossing creeks with out a leak, so long as you did not get deeper than the top of the boot. I still have a pair from my Army days that I wear in the summer and early fall and as a general work boot. They are not very expensive if you go to a decent Army Surplus store.

Here is what they look like for those who have never seen them...

http://www.militaryclothing.com/IBS/...id/295521.html

Hunt'nFish · 02-22-2007, 07:49 AM

That does look like a pretty good boot. Better be for $355!
Interesting specs...24oz??? I have gone away from "logger style" boots because of the weight.
But 24oz is not bad at all.
No thinsulate....wool instead, huh. Looks well made...wonder where?
Is Filson USA only?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cohodependent

I have a pair from Filson that were the most comfortable boots I ever put on out of the box. I have always had good luck with any thing that I have gotten from Filson. I have had these boots for 5 years and they still work as well as the first day I got them...

http://www.filson.com/product/index....entPage=family

James in Idaho · 02-22-2007, 07:54 AM

The most important item in my hunting gear are my boots. Guys will spend $1000 +++ on the rifle and scope, then go out with $49 boots. I usually wear White's Smokejumpers, yeah they are heavy and they are not waterproof. Seal Skinz are the answer there. When it snows, I've got a 10 year old pair of White's elk hunter pac's, and even with those I like the Seal Skinz. My feet sweat alot, and when the liner gets damp from sweat, my feet get cold. Seal Skinz fixes that too! When I replace the White's Pac's I'll go with Schnee's riding pac. Oh, and I wear the Seal Skinz in my waders too. Ebay, surplus unmarked, and wow. I also have a pair of heavy backpacking "wafflestompers" (maybe Alsolo's), those things are great in bad weather with heavy wool socks. I can even use them with crampons or beartrap ski bindings! No cold feet.

When it comes to riding, I can get my White's in most stirups, but I think I'll get some of those giant winter stirups that I can actually fit a pac in for winter hunting and riding. Changing stirups for hunting season isn't really a big deal.

But I'm convinced that the one pair of boots for everything is over. It did work pretty good when I hunted the deserts of NM and all I had to worry about was catcus and everything else with spines. And snakes, man, I hate snakes.

ehunter · 02-22-2007, 08:19 AM

My problem is heavy boots really stiff soles are so noisey when hunting? Plus when your lifting 3 to 4 lbs per foot that adds up over time.
I want stealth even rifle hunting.

The best bow hunting boot I ever wore was LL Beans, BUT they had no sole for foot protection and 1/2 hour in rocks your feet would be brusied for days and the chain treads were like weaing greased skies in the mudd...They were liking wearing moccasins...I am still looking for the perfect boot, that offers ankle protection, traction is light weight and water proof and breaths... I always take a heavy boot for packing and change back at the truck after the first load...

HntnFsh · 02-22-2007, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hunt'nFish

No thinsulate....wool instead, huh. Looks well made...wonder where?
Is Filson USA only?

Their only store is in Seattle,Been there since the Alaska gold rush days.They've moved once in that time and it was when Safeco field was built.

Their tin pants and jackets are awesome.(loggers around here swear by them)As is everything else they make.
A lot of the clothes get handed down from one generation to the next they are built so well.

Cohodependent · 02-22-2007, 07:18 PM

Yes, Filson in made in USA. Here is a link to stores in the local area. The wool insulation really works well. These are nice and warm. I was a medic in the Army and am a firm beliver that your feet are your most important tool when in the field. I spent a lot of time taking care of the problems associated with a poor fit and long walks. I have great fix for blisters that really works, but the best thing is you will never come see me for a blister again. A good boot with a good fit is more important than any thing else. That being said there is not a boot for every thing. You need to have a boot for different conditions. Warm weather, cold weather, dry and wet. The Filson boot is my winter boot and the old Army issue "Leg" boot is for every thing else. For light hiking I have a pair of Vasque Sundowner boots. Great support and comfort in a mid weight low top boot.

http://www.filson.com/corp/index.jsp

cwh · 02-22-2007, 08:46 PM

ehunter, how are you liking the kentreks? I had been looking at the Schnee's, but Baltz was kind of lukewarm on those, and then I saw some that a guy was selling since he pretty much converted to ketntreks, which I still haven't seen. I really like the looks of the White's pacs. I might have to try and chase down a pair of those if they ever go on sale.

ehunter · 02-23-2007, 07:00 AM

I sent a pm CWH

SummerRun Slayer · 02-24-2007, 12:21 AM

Well I think I may have come up with an idea. In my previous posts I mentioned just not being able to see my Danners go. I looked at alot of boots, at prices, quality, and warranties. My plan as of now is to take my old boots, the worn out ones, back down to Danner in Portland and have them reworked....a brand new pair of boots that will be "Rebuilt in the USA". Maybe this way I'll get back to the original quality that is synonymous with the Danner name.
Premier Upper Package -$120
Replace GORE-TEX� liner
Replace shank
Replace heel counter
Repair stitching as needed
Replace hardware as needed
Recondition and clean leather

Supreme Package -$150
Replace GORE-TEX� liner
Replace insole
Replace midsole
Replace outsole
Replace shank
Replace heel counter
Repair stitching as needed
Replace hardware as needed
Recondition and clean leather

Has anyone ever had this done? What would you guys go with? Keep in mind it would be nice if they still fit pretty close to the same...
Joe

Cohodependent · 02-24-2007, 03:23 AM

Sounds like a darn good idea! let us know how it works out if you do it!

ehunter · 02-24-2007, 08:16 AM

Yep let us know how they turn out...

Northwest Pest · 02-24-2007, 08:50 AM

Danner or cabelas....my opinion.

Coastalfisherman · 02-24-2007, 09:23 AM

I think that is the best deal going for boots right now. I have a pair of these for the last 7 years. After 5 years, I just bake them with waterproof cream once per year and they are still and excellent boot.

Check out the Cabelas Master guide hunting boots. Only $99 per pair

jign'steelies · 02-24-2007, 05:24 PM

You could get a brand new pair of cabela's outfitters for around 160 or 170 bucks. Great boots. Had mine for 6 years now and have never ever been wet. Love em.

Applegate · 02-25-2007, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jign'steelies

You could get a brand new pair of cabela's outfitters for around 160 or 170 bucks. Great boots. Had mine for 6 years now and have never ever been wet. Love em.

Jesse, you need to take em' out of the closet and wear them to get em' wet.

I have a small budget for boots, but saved my pennies and now have Mendel Perfekt Hikers, and a pair of Schnees. Different boots for changing conditions.You really do get what you pay for in my experience. You cannot hunt well if your feet hurt or are wet.