Good hunting boots

[Chesapeake]

I'm looking for good hunting boots. By good I mean Waterproof, good traction, 7 inches or taller, somewhat light, 400 grams or less of insulation.

If they will last more than 1 or 2 years that would be a plus.

Hopefully they arent too much more than $200.


I tried the Danner Pronghorns. I like the light weight and the feel but the traction is lacking, and they only last a year or two before they leak.

I just bought a pair of Bass Pro 7" mountain trail boots. I like the fit and the traction, but the shank in the right boot clicks when I walk so they will go back. I may just get another pair.

I also just bought a pair of Cabelas Trophy series boots, and I like them but they didnt fit so they will go back.

The American made Danners are OK but they are pretty heavy. The Elk hunters Cabelas has look interesting but I'm not fond of the goofy (welt beed???) along the seem with the lace eyes. And again pretty heavy.

What do others use and like? Where can a guy go in the Portland/Vancouver area to look at boots? Sportsmans and Joe's dont have much of a selection unless your looking for Rockies or Chines Danners.

[D3smartie]

The best deal i have ever found on boots is the cabela's master guide model...
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0015002811651a.shtml
$99 bucks for a boot that has served me very well.
I am on my 2nd pair now and am thinking about buying another couple pairs just to have for the future.

[Maddie'sDaddy]

I can say i purchased the Rocky Pro Hunters about 6 years ago and they are still going strong, they have very aggressive tread and are perfect for everything except standing on real slippery logs. They were about 140.00 ,the new ones look good but the tread is different, not as aggressive.






MD

[RoscoeP]

I have two pairs of the Cabela's "Outfitter"s and love them. One pair is 200gram and the other is the 1,000 gram. Have had them for more than 5 years with no problems at all. The only knock I have is with the 1,000 gram pair. They are a little hard to get on in the morning with them being so thick. Other than that I would highly recommend them. My brother has had a pair for over 10 years and just got them re-soled. No leaks to date.

[ehunter]

Another brand of boot to check out is Kenetrek from Montana they are a great boot.

[Limbhanger]

Oregonmuley and I each bought a pair of the Meindel Denali's out of Cabelas. I have always been a Danner guy. Unfortunatley only a few of the higher end models are made here anymore. For a boot priced like the Pronghorn I think they leave a lot to be desired if you plan on hiking ugly stuff with a load. I tried those and got rid of them. So far the Denali's have been great. They are water proof, have 200 grams thinsulate and are under 200 bucks.

[SS Piledriver]

Belleville 790's
hear me now, believe me later. ebay new with tags.

[huntercgr]

I 2nd the Cabelas Outfitter boots. They'll last you 3-5 years depending on how much you use them.

[glowball]

I just got a pair of the lowa sheephunter boots from schnees website. So far I'm pretty impressed with them. Little bit stiffer than your normal boot, but they hold me up so much better in the mountains. If that makes any sense. Pricey at $295, but if you sign up for their email thingy you get 10% off. They ended up being $278 to the door. I was pretty close to ordering a pair of the meindl perfekt hunters from cabelas, but all the complaints about the squeaking(a buddy has this very problem) turned away. My wife has a pair of the cabelas outfitter boots that she claims to like, but what does she know??(shhh)

I've heard good things about the kenetrek boots as well. Might be worth checking out.

Danner will never get another red cent out of me. I used to be a die hard danner fan. I used to drive a ford too. If that tells you anything.

You spend more time on your feet than anything. So I wouldn't skimp on boots. Boots and optics in my opinion deserve the most attention.

Kris

[Legend21]

Danner, Danner, Danner...

I heard you say you didn't have quite have the longevity you'd hoped for in the Danner Pronghorn series, I was kinda in the same boat with the one's I had that were similar. Then a buddy of mine who works for PGE as a lineman suggested I try the Danner Quarry Gore-Tex model instead. He's an avid hunter, so I found it odd he recommend a "work boot" for hunting, but he was right. They are by far the best boots I have ever worn for hunting, camping, hiking, working outdoors, etc.

I've had them 5yrs and they haven't leaked once or so much as broken a lace! Take good care of them and they'll take care of you. :grin: I paid about $220 for them then, but here's a quick link I found showing them going for $189. Good luck.

http://www.bakershoe.com/danner-boot...ack-boots.html

[Rank Amateur]

I seem to dirft back to my Hoffmans, rubber bottom boots most of the time. Regular leather boots just don't seem to cut it. These boots are on the heavy side and have thinsulate liners which are nice. They fit really well and I have literally fished small creeks in these boots all day and did not have wet feet at the end of the day. I think Schnee's makes a similar boot, just make sure you get the trimmer model, the fat ones are too bulky and cluncky for hunting. Another plus is that the snow will not build up on the soles.

[Cohodependent]

I have a couple of favorites depending on weather.

For warmer weather I still really like my standard Army Issue speed lacer "leg" boots. I put in a good insert. They are cheap and water proof for the first couple of years. After the sealant starts to wear out, thow them out and get an other pair. Same goes for my Jungle Boots. With a good insert they are hard to beat in hot weather.

Now for cold, wet weather I love my Filson "Highlander" boots. By far the most comfortable boot I have ever put on right out of the box.

When it is really cold I still have an old pair of Chippewa Mountain Boots that I was issued while in the Army.

[oregonmuley]

Sure like my Meindle Denali boots - you might look at them. Price isn't bad compared to some.

[Big Unit]

Danner. I have the Rainforest for short, brushy, nasty coastal hikes and work outside, and Radicals go anywhere. Have had the Rainforest for six years, after 3 years with the first pair...which were replaced for free. The Radicals for two years and they act like they were just broken in yesterday.

Very Happy.

BU

[Chesapeake]

Thanks for the replies guys.

The Cabelas master guides look like a knockoff Danner. They have too much insulation and are too heavy.

The Danner Quary's look decent but seema bit heavy at 72 oz. Maybe I will have to find them localy so I can look them over.

The Cabelas Outfitters are good boots. I still own a pair of the older 12" with 400 gram insulation. They went 3 years before the right boot heel developed a slow seep. Now they only offer the 12" in 600 gram or more and you have to drop to the 9" to get 200 gram insulation. Maybe that is the route I will take.

The Meindle boots look interesting, but I am a little leary about taking the plunge on a boot that tooks so much like a tenis shoe. Maybe I will have to give them a shot.

Belleville's are what they issued us in the Marines (before or after switching to Danner???). They were decent, but not quite what I'm looking for.

The Filsons with 24oz of wool and $300 price tag are too much money, too much insulation, and too darn heavy.

[K950]

Danner Trophys only elk hunting boot I wear.

[Cornbread]

So far no one has mentioned "White's" does anyone here use them and think they are good? I was looking into them a while back but haven't made up my mind yet.

[motcha]

I just ordered a pair of Cabelas Whitetail 400 grams for mid season, and also a pair of LaCrosse Broadsides for early season, they are 6" boots. I am getting my Danners re-soled for my wonter boot. I think I will be set for a while. I read reviews in Cabelas of the boots, so I hope they will work for me. Too many choices, I was in the same boat as you.

[jaysea]

There are so many choices that it's hard to weed out the good from the bad. I went with Danner Elk Hunters 13 years ago and I'm not sorry. They're still going strong.

[Bobberman]

Originally Posted by jaysea

There are so many choices that it's hard to weed out the good from the bad. I went with Danner Elk Hunters 13 years ago and I'm not sorry. They're still going strong.

Same Pair?????????

[baltz526]

i just tested some new boots, cascade deer/elk for 19 days of mostly wet hiking. rocky stalkers, fair, leaked on day 3, dried and treated with silicone, lasted 2 days again, bad traction. muckboots, great for the real wet days, but my feet where soaked each day from sweat. colombia bagaboo wide's, worked the best after silicone treatment, dry feet, good feel, my feet hurt less after a 12hr day of hiking, and they where the lowest priced of the bunch. sportsmens has the bugaboos, and muck. joe's has the rockys. if the boot says waterproof and it is not rubber or like a muckboot, they are lying. waterproof is a mith

[Applegate]

Meindels, if the snow is not to deep.Schnees is it is.

[SS Piledriver]

there is a danner store on airport way just east of 122nd.

[gotZem]

I'm pretty sure that Danner still makes boots for Cabela's. They also have Lacrosse. All three brands are available at the outlet store on Airport way. I swear by my Danners. I have three pair for different situations and the one thing I can say is that my feet are never "tired" or wet at the end of the day. I also have a pair of work shoes that I got for a whoppin' $40 and I've worn them every day to work for three years now. The most comfortable shoe I've ever worn!! Too bad they've been discontinued!
gotZem!!!

[retiredgal]

I hope you don't mind my jumping in on this hunting thread with a related question on outdoor boots?

I don't need a pair for hiking, climbing, deep snow but when I go fishing in the winter for steelhead along the bank in January, I get miserable from rain dripping all over my boots, and feet getting cold, slowly water penetrating to the inside, it is time to quit and go home. If no rain, my feet just freeze standing still around freezing temps? Is it the type of sock I need or the boots or both? (I wear wool boot socks)

I have a pair of Coleman hikers I bought at Bi Mart and sprayed several times with water repellent, but my feet still get wet from poncho water dripping onto them steady?

I have poor circulation in my legs/feet so they tend to get cold fast standing still fishing on the bank.

Thanks for your patience and any input on the proper type boot for my useage?

Once again my apology if I should have started a new thread on fiish but this seemed like a proper place to pose my question?

Linda

[raptorschild]

Originally Posted by Chesapeake

I'm looking for good hunting boots. By good I mean Waterproof, good traction, 7 inches or taller, somewhat light, 400 grams or less of insulation.

If they will last more than 1 or 2 years that would be a plus.

Hopefully they arent too much more than $200.


I tried the Danner Pronghorns. I like the light weight and the feel but the traction is lacking, and they only last a year or two before they leak.

I just bought a pair of Bass Pro 7" mountain trail boots. I like the fit and the traction, but the shank in the right boot clicks when I walk so they will go back. I may just get another pair.

I also just bought a pair of Cabelas Trophy series boots, and I like them but they didnt fit so they will go back.

The American made Danners are OK but they are pretty heavy. The Elk hunters Cabelas has look interesting but I'm not fond of the goofy (welt beed???) along the seem with the lace eyes. And again pretty heavy.

What do others use and like? Where can a guy go in the Portland/Vancouver area to look at boots? Sportsmans and Joe's dont have much of a selection unless your looking for Rockies or Chines Danners.

ASOLO.....ASOLO.......ASOLO
Asolo 0M2066 635 Mens Leather Water Resistant Hiking Boot




I've been chukar hunting for a long time, and so i know a good boot after sidehilling for 8-12 miles per day.

Danner is a decent boot, and no offense to Danner owners..(i own a pair as well...they collect dust)......They are overated, and overpriced. Check out Asolo, and you won't be dissapointed. They are at the top end of your spending range though bout 170.00, but mold to your feet, and are h2o proof for ever. I once lost my balance walking along a creek with those on. One leg went in, and i pulled my foot out quickly to be amazed that only the top of my sock got wet!!! No BS.

also check out Vasque.

[James in Idaho]

White's Smoke Jumpers and Seal Skinz if it's wet out. One heck of a lot more than you're looking at spending. BUT, in ten years and you're still in the same boots they don't look all that expensive. Then you send 'em in and for about half price they rebuild the boots. Seal Skinz are the best thing since sliced bread, and GOOD socks (REI makes great ones) are a must.

As far as fishing in the winter, over where you guys are a good pair of insulated hip boots will keep you going. We wear pac's (Whites, Schnee's) when we winter fish, but we stand on snow and ice.

[baltz526]

Originally Posted by retiredgal

I hope you don't mind my jumping in on this hunting thread with a related question on outdoor boots?

I don't need a pair for hiking, climbing, deep snow but when I go fishing in the winter for steelhead along the bank in January, I get miserable from rain dripping all over my boots, and feet getting cold, slowly water penetrating to the inside, it is time to quit and go home. If no rain, my feet just freeze standing still around freezing temps? Is it the type of sock I need or the boots or both? (I wear wool boot socks)

I have a pair of Coleman hikers I bought at Bi Mart and sprayed several times with water repellent, but my feet still get wet from poncho water dripping onto them steady?

I have poor circulation in my legs/feet so they tend to get cold fast standing still fishing on the bank.

Thanks for your patience and any input on the proper type boot for my useage?

Once again my apology if I should have started a new thread on fiish but this seemed like a proper place to pose my question?

Linda

check out muck boots, they will solve your problem

[dog]

Retired gal

Baltz is right on for you. i have been using Sorel(brand) for that type of "stuff" for years now. they used to be by far the best available around here but now there is competition (Columbia for one) and they all have gotten better. Some of them will keep your feet warm and dry but are not very good to hike in becausu they don't have much support or strength in the soles. My favorite right now is the Sorel Conquest. Just keep in mind these are not what you will want for "going hiking". But for sitting in a blind, an open boat, working/playing in sloppy mud/shallow water etc. etc. -the way to go. As always, they have them from cheap to expensive.

[huntercgr]

Just a FYI, Columbia owns Sorel.

[retiredgal]

Originally Posted by dog

Retired gal

Baltz is right on for you. i have been using Sorel(brand) for that type of "stuff" for years now. they used to be by far the best available around here but now there is competition (Columbia for one) and they all have gotten better. Some of them will keep your feet warm and dry but are not very good to hike in becausu they don't have much support or strength in the soles. My favorite right now is the Sorel Conquest. Just keep in mind these are not what you will want for "going hiking". But for sitting in a blind, an open boat, working/playing in sloppy mud/shallow water etc. etc. -the way to go. As always, they have them from cheap to expensive.

Where can I find these Muck boots? I live on the central coast.

Thanks!

Linda

[jerky boy]

Irish Setters all the way. I have owned several different styles which are all great, lightweight, and don't leak.

[imhooked]

I agree with the Irish Setters. I use them for work and when taken care of they will last more than five years (worth the money you have to shell out). For hunting, I chose to buy a pair of Georgia's as they were inexpensive and light weight with 600 grams of thinsulate. I guy doesn't need much more than that unless he's getting in to single digit weather.

As for Danner's... I used to be a danner guy as did a lot of people. They're now made in china and by the way things are going, they'll be the next item on the list of things to be re-called.

[gottafish]

I like Danners as long as the got the little US flag on them and made in portland oregon stamp on the back. Go to the factory store and buy a great pair. as for there cheep china ones the suck. IMHO. I also like the irish setter boots they are also made in the US and hold up very nicely I got my son a pair of them and he has put them throught heck and back. Im personally buying three new pairs of boots this year.
Danner Hood lights (200 gram) Made in USA
Irish setters (800Gr Thinsulate)Made in USA
Whites pack boots (1200 gram wool felt liner) Made in the USA.

I doubt i'll have to buy hunting boots again for ten years. My Danner tacomas made it 10 years and really still have a few years to go but I want new ones LOL

[dog]

RG

Joes is where i buy mine. Some people also call them muck a lucks, pac boots, nu buck, sno pacs etc.. i was unaware Columbia owns Sorel(Sorel is or was from Canada) but Sorel up until recently really had the market cornered for quality for this type of boot IMHO. However there are now more brands out there with some good quality. i also believe Sorel and Columbia make Womens as well as Mens fits. Actually they do. I jujst looked in Cabelas catalogue and they have the Columbia "bugabootoo" and the Sorel "Caribou" as well as others. If you have access to a Joes i'd go there and try some on because fit, weight, and support etc. etc. are all biggies and vary a bunch with these types of boots. Pictures really don't cut it. Good luck

[Chesapeake]

Well guys, I'm wearing a pair of Danner Quarry 8" boots. I looked at all the local stores, the catalogs and finaly the Danner Outlet store.

After about an hour wandering the store I settled on the Quarry Boots. They are very simillar to the hunting models, but uninsulated, and they have the full grain (?) leather instead of the sued or nubuck. They have a little less agressive sole, and the stitching looks to be of a bit bigger thread size. Overal they look to be of tougher construction that the hunting models. They arent as light as I would like but they will do.

Only time will tell if they pass the test.

Legend21 thanks for the tip. I wouldnt have thought to look at the work boots.

[gottafish]

Originally Posted by Chesapeake

Well guys, I'm wearing a pair of Danner Quarry 8" boots. I looked at all the local stores, the catalogs and finaly the Danner Outlet store.

After about an hour wandering the store I settled on the Quarry Boots. They are very simillar to the hunting models, but uninsulated, and they have the full grain (?) leather instead of the sued or nubuck. They have a little less agressive sole, and the stitching looks to be of a bit bigger thread size. Overal they look to be of tougher construction that the hunting models. They arent as light as I would like but they will do.

Only time will tell if they pass the test.

Legend21 thanks for the tip. I wouldnt have thought to look at the work boots.

Ive been weaing a pair of them for two years but only at work. there a great work boot

[jnicholson]

Originally Posted by gottafish

Ive been weaing a pair of them for two years but only at work. there a great work boot

Irish Setters- I have three pair now, love them.

[QuarterCast]

Just returned from elk hunting in some pretty rugged country. Had a pair of Danner Pronghorns I got at the outlet store (not blems). Really disappointed in the stitching. I snow sealed the heck out of them prior to the trip and wore them around a little before the hunt to break them in. The stitching on both boots is unraveling where the fabric meets the leather. I have worn Danners for years as Patrol Boots and never had any problems.These buggers are going back for a refund. Chris

[Firedog]

Past few years I have been wearing Danner/Cabelas Elk Hunters and love em. Very comfortable and don't leak. Treat them a couple times a year with Danners boot treatment. Deceided that I would get a pair of Schnees 13" hunters for the deeper snow on our Montana hunt. Also was very happy with these, warm and comfortable when the temp go tdown in the low teens and we were hunting 12"-14" of snow. Didn't wear them everyday, used the Elk hunters most of the time because we didn't have a ton of snow all the places we hunted. A perfect combo of boots for different conditions. Both are expensive but I learned years ago that you have to pay for quality and in the long run it is cheaper to buy the best to start with. Lots of good boots out there Between the one already mentioned there are Kenetrek, Lowa, Danners, Whites. Best advice would be to look around and also try some on if possible, not everyone fits the same.

[cougfan]

Originally Posted by James in Idaho

White's Smoke Jumpers and Seal Skinz if it's wet out. One heck of a lot more than you're looking at spending. BUT, in ten years and you're still in the same boots they don't look all that expensive. Then you send 'em in and for about half price they rebuild the boots. Seal Skinz are the best thing since sliced bread, and GOOD socks (REI makes great ones) are a must.

As far as fishing in the winter, over where you guys are a good pair of insulated hip boots will keep you going. We wear pac's (Whites, Schnee's) when we winter fish, but we stand on snow and ice.

And if you happen to be going to or thru Spokane, you can get a pair custom made to your foot. Awesome boot.

[loper]

I've had my White's Hunters for more than 10 years now; they are well worth the money.

[toas243]

I got a pair of Danner Candians for 140 they are 600 grams 10" boots with the air BOB sole ,Go to the Danner out let on 122 and Airport way ( the second drive way past 122 heading east )

[Killertraylor]

Originally Posted by K950

Danner Trophys only elk hunting boot I wear.

I've had my Danner Trophy's for 5 years now. Love them. Bought my Dad a pair 4 years ago. He said they are the best boots he's ever worn. Spendy at $300, and too warm for early season hunting, but nothing better in the snow.

[Legend21]

Originally Posted by Chesapeake

Well guys, I'm wearing a pair of Danner Quarry 8" boots. I looked at all the local stores, the catalogs and finally the Danner Outlet store.

After about an hour wandering the store I settled on the Quarry Boots. They are very similar to the hunting models, but uninsulated, and they have the full grain (?) leather instead of the sued or nubuck. They have a little less aggressive sole, and the stitching looks to be of a bit bigger thread size. Overall they look to be of tougher construction that the hunting models. They aren't as light as I would like but they will do.

Only time will tell if they pass the test.

Legend21 thanks for the tip. I wouldn't have thought to look at the work boots.

Chesapeake-
Glad to hear you decided on the Quarry's. Like I said they are an awesome boot for anything, especially hunting. I agree maybe a little heavier than you might like, but you won't be disappointed. Mine are about 5yrs strong and counting. Good huntin' to ya man.

[bluebackbil]

Cabelas mountain hunter 400's. bought a pair in '98 and still going strong. waterproof, lightweight, and warm if they wear out I'll buy another pair.

[Chesapeake]

Not to knock anybody but I've got this preconcieved notion that the folks claiming more than 3-4 years on a pair of boots cant be putting many miles on them. I guess unless you count the ones where they are on the floorboards of a truck.

I travel about 5 miles a day on foot when hunting (I'm talking a real GPS confirmed mile, not the I'm tired so it must have bean far type of mile) in the standard SW Washington terain. I clean and grease my boots often and pretty much daily if in lots of snow because it will clean the leather out so well. Ive never had a boot sole live past 3 years, and the leather usualy gives up shortly after that. The Gore-Tex booties fail in a year or two, sometimes three. I dont care how much you spend on a boot, leather is leather, Vibram soles are Vibram soles, and a Gore-tex booty can only flex so may timed before failure.

I hunt about 5 miles a day and 20 days a year. Thats about 100 miles a year on my boots. I've never had a pair go 300 miles without some sort of failure like seems splitting, leaking, soles wearing out, ect....

What kind miles are these 5-10 year old boots seeing?

[Legend21]

Chesapeake-
Hi it's me again...anyway my Danners are working on 5yrs and I tend to put about 5-7 miles a day on my boots while hunting (legit miles.) I only hunt about 10-15 days a year, so about half what you stated, and mine are in excellent shape. Like you, I throughly clean them before and after the season and use the entire Danner boot care system for cleaner, polish, waterproofing, etc. My Vibram soles are beginning to wear, but the rest of the boot is in great shape. I'm telling you the real key is taking good care of them. I know some guys that clean/treat them once a year and then use their hunting boots for every task under the sun other then hunting, and then wonder why their boots are trashed in a year. My Quarry's are strictly for hunting and the occasional trot out to the forest for getting wood, but other then that they stay in the closet.

Being a perfectionist when it comes to boot care will ensure you get the most life out of your boots. Okay, that's it I sound like an ad for Danner now. I'm outta here...:shocked: Good luck with the Quarry's man.

[James in Idaho]

I bought my first pair of White's almost 15 years ago. Used 'em hard and by the 10th year they needed rebuilding (like holes in the leather toes). All leather is not created equal, and a $400 pair of boots "should" have better leather than a $150 pair. Most Whites are oil tanned. I've been pretty good about keeping them oiled, but plain old abraision from rocks, sagebrush and barbwire eventually gets them. Before I bought Whites I was lucky to get a year out of a pair of lessor (Merriels, Rockys, etc) boots. I did have a pair of Italian "waffle stompers" called Pevitas which I wore for years for both work and play. A short day for me is probably about 3 miles. The kids that I know who are firefighters feel pretty good if they get two seasons out of a pair, but they pound their boots.

My Whites pacs have been around for 10 years, and yeah, they have got a few Shoe goo patches! Not sure if I'll spring for rebuilding them I think there are better pac boots out there now. I hunt in a far dryer climate than you guys do and I'm sure that adds wear to your boots. Unless you've got a couple of pair to rotate and let dry completely I'd guess that wears the boot out faster. Never had a gortex boot fail, but I've never had a goretex boot. I thought about getting a pair of lighter, insulated, "waterproof" boots this fall, but I just can't seem to find any that fit or that seem as well made. Can't see buying boots online, I'm one of those who has to try 'em on, there really doesn't seem to be any standard sizing, even between different models of the same company.

[Cornbread]

I'm looking to buy a pair of White's lace to toe dry foot hunting boots. I'll let you guys know how they pan out. I hike a minimum of two miles a day now five days a week on the rocky trail up and down the bluffs by the Sandy river and I hike several miles each weekend. This is not counting hunting and weekend back packing trips.

I used to buy Danner Acadias(sp?) when I was in the Marines and I put 113 miles on them once in three days hiking from 29 palms to Camp Pendleton. Yes, it's true we really did hike the whole way home from CAEX and no it wasn't fun hiking that far through the desert.

When I was in the Corps. (infantry) I got about 6 months out of each pair of Acadias and they were the longest lasting boot that was approved for wear in the field and in the barracks. Six months is a really long time for a pair of boots with as many miles as we put on them and with all the things we did to them. By lasted six months I don't mean water proof for six months. No boot is water proof when you use them like we did the best you can hope for is "not that wet". What I mean by lasted is the didn't have obvious holes or worn out heels and soles for six months. After six months they would just sort of start falling apart. I tried high techs once and they lasted me one field op. Never wore those again.

So for years I have been happy with Danner Acadias then I got something like three pairs in a row that the stitching blew out or the fabric ripped within the first three months that I had them. I don't know what happened to the quality and mine have the little American flag on them too so I know they are made here. So I will be trying a pair of White's and if I wreck them in three months I have no idea what I am going to try next. I am hoping the White's make a life time believer out of me. I take good care of my boots too so it isn't like I am using them hard and just letting them sit and dry and crack. A great pair of boots is truly hard to find.

[Chesapeake]

Originally Posted by James in Idaho

I bought my first pair of White's almost 15 years ago. Used 'em hard and by the 10th year they needed rebuilding (like holes in the leather toes). All leather is not created equal, and a $400 pair of boots "should" have better leather than a $150 pair. Most Whites are oil tanned. I've been pretty good about keeping them oiled, but plain old abraision from rocks, sagebrush and barbwire eventually gets them. Before I bought Whites I was lucky to get a year out of a pair of lessor (Merriels, Rockys, etc) boots. I did have a pair of Italian "waffle stompers" called Pevitas which I wore for years for both work and play. A short day for me is probably about 3 miles. The kids that I know who are firefighters feel pretty good if they get two seasons out of a pair, but they pound their boots.

My Whites pacs have been around for 10 years, and yeah, they have got a few Shoe goo patches! Not sure if I'll spring for rebuilding them I think there are better pac boots out there now. I hunt in a far dryer climate than you guys do and I'm sure that adds wear to your boots. Unless you've got a couple of pair to rotate and let dry completely I'd guess that wears the boot out faster. Never had a gortex boot fail, but I've never had a goretex boot. I thought about getting a pair of lighter, insulated, "waterproof" boots this fall, but I just can't seem to find any that fit or that seem as well made. Can't see buying boots online, I'm one of those who has to try 'em on, there really doesn't seem to be any standard sizing, even between different models of the same company.

James,

I think the leather killer here in the PNW is the constant wet/dry cycles the leather goes through. The leather in my boots gets soaked about daily, and then dried nightly just to do it all again the next day. When the leather is saturated and soft it realy takes a beating. Briars and such cut the leather like butter.

Yes some leathers are alot better than others. I realy hate the Nubuck and Sued leathers because they saturate and get soft realy easily.

A good bit of my miles include gated logging roads. The travel on the rock kills the soles. On my snow boots the soles last for years.

In my "I wanna be a cowboy" days I wore Whites Packers (we called them Ropers). Never tried thier hunting boots. Last I remember thier boots were good, but not anything special.

I usualy use the Obenauf's grease on my boots, but sometimes revert back to Mink oil if its realy wet out. Cleaning is either a brush and hose down or full on saddle soap wash. I've tried the Danner boot care stuff but wasnt impressed. I stay away from the Sno Seal type silicone based stuff. My boots are dried on either a Peet electric or propane dryer. I only wear my hunting boots for hunting. I wear Georgia romeo's for most everything else. They only last about 5 years too before all but falling apart.

You guys dont have laces wear through the eyelets, stitching fall appart, Gore-tex booties leak? Maybe I'm not taking good enough care of the leather, I'll give you that, but what about the stitching, eyelets, and Gore-tex booties? No steel shanks come loose in the heal, no soles come loose, no soles split, your bobs dont rip of the sole, laces dont break, heel cups dont come loose or crack, your heel dont wear through the fabric inside the boot?

Do you guys ever have to replace the insoles because they are compressed and flat?

I dont know, guess I'm just special!!!

[Cornbread]

Originally Posted by Chesapeake

listed a bunch of common boot problems and wondered if we had the same ones.......

laces wear through the eyelets = check, I have had eyelets pop out because the leather gave way more than a few times.

stitching fall appart = check, my current Acadias have blown stitching all along the breathable parts where the breathable upper joins the leather.

Gore-tex booties leak = check, I have never had a gore-tex booty be truly water proof for more than about a month. It doesn't help if you have water pouring over the top and into the boot on occasion. I have found these booties hate getting wet from the inside and don't last long if you hik ein them like that.

steel shanks come loose in the heal = check, I have had them pop through the bottom of the boot heel both directions e.g. out the bottom of a worn out heel or up into my foot because I wore through all the inside layers of the boot.

soles come loose = check, I have had this happen on many boots both Danners and others. The standard issue all leather uniform boot the Corps. issues ( Cadillacs ) are horrible for this.

bobs rip of the sole = nope, I don't think I have ever worn a boot with bobs only treads but I have ripped tread sections off of boots hiking through lava fields.

laces break = check, I carry spare laces (550 cord) in my gear because this happens so often.

heel cups come loose or crack = not sure what a heel cup is? I have had cracked heels on boots and I have ripped heels clean off as well though which really blows when you are on a 20+ mile crew served weapons hump and you blow a heel. I really liked the Acadias because the had no heel to blow like our jungle boots did. A ripped sole flopping around is way better than a heel blown off.

heels wear through the fabric inside the boot = check, or the fabric half way down the top of the boot rips making it a real pain to take the boot on and off until you get a replacement.

have to replace the insoles because they are compressed and flat = check, I usually get the whole sole and insole replaced at the same time. If my feet start to hurt when I am hiking a lot of the time it is because the sole and insole are to compressed and aren't absorbing the shock of the step anymore. Anytime this happens I have the boot repaired or just buy a new pair.

[stilly bum]

Originally Posted by Cornbread

I used to buy Danner Acadias(sp?) when I was in the Marines and I put 113 miles on them once in three days hiking from 29 palms to Camp Pendleton. Yes, it's true we really did hike the whole way home from CAEX and no it wasn't fun hiking that far through the desert.

I have a pair of Acadias that I wore at work for about 3 years, then they became my hunting boots last year. Two years of hunting with them and they're the best hunting boots I've had. The soles have a lot of wear from the three years of being work boots so I'll probably send them in for new soles before next fall.

[James in Idaho]

Peake:

Until I bought a pair of White's, I never got more than 2 hunting seasons out of my boots, except the Italian pair of mountaineering boots. Moisture wasn't the real problem, heck I lived in NM at the time! Yes, cacti WILL go right through a pair of merriels or rockys, nylon boots lost all of their appeal then. The one pair of Rocky's that I had I went scouting for elk, a dewy meadow had 'em squishing within about a 100 yards. So I went and sno sealed 'em, and made almost 200 yards the next weekend. Soured me on Rocky's big time. If it's wet out now, I have two pair of Whites, one stays at home or camp to dry, one goes on my feet. Switch 'em the next day. If it's snowing I wear my pac's or another pair of Italian mountaineering boots that I got from Sierra Trading Post, they don't quite fit right (one and only mail order pair of boots I've ever bought except for cowboy boots), but I can pad those up with enough socks. Good boots (and shoes for that matter) are hard to find no matter what. Probably the most important piece of hunting equipment that we own (well other than our great taste in dogs!). I got put onto Whites by a couple of guys that I used to train dogs with, both were surveyors and the only boot they would own were Whites. I do have to change out my stirups on my saddle for hunting season, my hunting boots don't fit in standard stirups.

[Chesapeake]

Originally Posted by James in Idaho

Peake:

The one pair of Rocky's that I had I went scouting for elk, a dewy meadow had 'em squishing within about a 100 yards. So I went and sno sealed 'em, and made almost 200 yards the next weekend.

James,

This has bean my experience with just about any boot the seccond season of wear.

Last september I bought a pair of Danner GTX's for doing the september high buck hunt and the early season stuff. I used them for maybe 7 days that first fall and this september up in the wilderness I couldnt get out of site of the tent without feet sloshing, just from morning dew.

I have a feeling the plastic/rubber Gore-tex liner will break down rapidly if flexed alot. I have a pair of 3 year old Danner Pronghorns that may as well be sandles they leek so bad. I'm going to cut them up and take a look at the Gore-tex liner. It cant be anything more than a porus plastic/rubber film adhered to some fabric. I'm going to see what happened to it.

My little sister lives neer Spokane. Maybe one of these days I will have to visit the Whites factory and see what they offer. I'm not sure I could live with a 5 pound + pair of boots though.

[kodiakfisher]

I spent two years looking at boots. I used to have a pair of Rocky Bearclaws that I wore for 8 years and literally walked the soles right off of them last year. The still don't leak or squeak in any way shape or form.

I will admit I seem to be one of the lucky ones it doesn't matter what boat and sock combination I put on my feet I never get blisters. I had one small blister in boot camp and was close to getting one another time in a new pair of Danner GTX boots but the day ended prior to any damage.

After look at everything I settled on these. Be very careful you can go to GI Joes and get Irish Setter Deer Hunters but they are a different model #. The leather is a split grain I believe and the soul isn't as well made as the 2823 model. I just spent this year in these boots for five solid days and several shorter trips to try and get them brok in. They have a slightly flared sole that digs into dirt great on steep side hills. Every seam is double stitched. I see no evidence of stiching coming loose. I have worn them off and on prior to my Elk hunt this year and the tongue was took a bit of time to break in. I like the boot so much I just ordered another pair to put in the closet. My Rockies were like putting on slippers and I tried two other pairs before settling on the Irish Setter 2823. I have really bad ankles and they get rolled often so a taller boot is required. I had to go with a wider width than I normally do EE instead of D. This allows me to lace them up tight with one pair of socks or loosen them if I have to add a warmer pair of socks in the snow. I needed a boot that could be flexible depending on the weather for a pack in hunt should I get the chance at one. One boot many weather conditions covered with 600gram thinsulate. My 1000 gram Rockies were too warm many times.

Kodiakfisher

[Chesapeake]

Originally Posted by kodiakfisher

I spent two years looking at boots. I used to have a pair of Rocky Bearclaws that I wore for 8 years and literally walked the soles right off of them last year. The still don't leak or squeak in any way shape or form.

I will admit I seem to be one of the lucky ones it doesn't matter what boat and sock combination I put on my feet I never get blisters. I had on small one in boot camp and was close to getting one another time in a new pair of Danner GTX boots but the day ended prior to any damage.

After look at everything I settled on these. Be very careful you can go to GI Joes and get Irish Setter Deer Hunters but they are a different model #. The leather is a split grain I believe and the soul isn't as well made as the 2823 model. I just spent this year in these boots for five days. They have a slightly flared sole that digs into dirt great on steep side hills. Every seam is double stitched. I see no evidence of stiching coming loose. I have worn them off and on prior to my Elk hunt this year and the tongue was took a bit of time to break in. I like the boot so much I just ordered another pair to put in the closet. My Rockies were like putting on slippers and I tried two other pairs before settling on the Irish Setter 2823. I have really bad ankles and they get rolled often so a taller boot is required. I had to go with a wider width than I normally do EE instead of D. This allows me to lace them up tight with one pair of socks or loosen them if I have to add a warmer pair of socks in the snow. I needed a boot that could be flexible depending on the weather for a pack in hunt should I get the chance at one. One boot many weather conditions covered with 600gram thinsulate. My 1000 gram Rockies were too warm many times.

Kodiakfisher

These Irish setters look decent, but 600 gram is too much for me. I'de sweat them full in a few hours.

Confort has never bean an issue with me. I rarely if ever get a blister on my feet, even when walking miles and miles with wet feet.

I have kinda formed the opinin that the rubber/plastic toe guard accelerates the breakdown of the Gore-tex liner. My theory is that the stiff plastic toe guard concentrates all the toe flexing of the boot in the small area between the base of the laces and the toe protector. This concentrated flexing then destroys the Gore-tex liner. Atleast with my Danner GTX boots this area was the failure point. Of course this opinion is based on one pair of boots. My other boots without toe protectors fail in the same area, but not neer as fast as the GTX's did.

[Archer1000]

Go with Rockys. I've been wearing the same pair for a little over two years now. Still great traction/tread. Good hill climbers, and are breatheable. Good in the snow, and hot weather too. I paid about $120 for them a few years back. Excellent boot.

[baltz526]

What kind miles are these 5-10 year old boots seeing?

the only pair of boots i have ever wore out was from outright milage. danner us made 8" in a style that is not made anymore. i would estimate an honest 1500 to 1800 miles. i used them for dry weather hiking. don't remember ever getting them soaked. most boots i buy fail before they reach 200 miles. a failure is anything that stops me from using the boot for what i bought it for.

[Rank Amateur]

How do you count bike miles?? Gee, I can't even remember how long ago I bought my Hoffmans, they are starting to show their age though. I wear them all the time elk hunting and use them depending on weather for deer, then there is coyote hunting. Oh yeah, wear them to fish small streams, actually wade the streams with them and feet stay dry all day. My best guess would be that they have seen 1,000 miles of hunting. Yep, gotta do laces every now and then. Wear them in the snow and they get super clean, then grease them up.