boots on a budget

[PolarBear]

I bought a pair of Irish Setter boots last year for around $100 on sale and they are without a doubt the most comfortable boots I have ever hunted in!  They are waterproof, lightweight (as light weight as size 14 EW can be) and surprisingly warm.  I used the during a couple of seasons from warm/ dry weather to knee deep snow to torrential downpour and mud and my feet never got wet, cold or achy.  I have some old Rocky Bearclaws as my back up pair hand have had very good luck with them as well.  Both the Irish Setter and Rocky were better boots than my Danners.

[fishunt]

Is it me or has the quality of Danner boots sucked in the last 5 years or so. My problem is that I have a wide foot (4e) and most of the brands don't carry wide boots. Had to buy boots from a local shoe store and has worked out well. As in the other posts, it costed more up front, but the average cost over time is much cheaper.

[Shawn Ryan]

If you can't take Pianoman's advice because price is a barrier, then don't buy a pair of boots because they worked for someone else.  Most every brand makes their boot volume to that brand's specifications.  Find a brand that makes its volume fit your foot--that is probably the most important fitting issue that doesn't get addressed by retailers.  A really great boot store can help you with that, but is hard to find.  I wear La Sportivas because they fit my foot, but that doesn't mean they will work for you.

Spend your money on good insoles, they may be more important than the boot!  Superfeet, Sole, or Lathrop custom insoles are worth the coin--about $50/pair.  Lathrop's website has some good basic information on boots, fitting, and foot care in the backcountry.

The money you spend on your feet (boots, insoles, socks) is the most important money you will spend.

[Forks]

Is it me or has the quality of Danner boots sucked in the last 5 years or so. My problem is that I have a wide foot (4e) and most of the brands don't carry wide boots. Had to buy boots from a local shoe store and has worked out well. As in the other posts, it costed more up front, but the average cost over time is much cheaper.

When Lacrosse bought Danner, quality tanked and lots China boots appeared. Still wear super rainforest for work, but not the same as before.

[fishunt]

Thanks Forks for the explanation on Danner. Had some mountain lights in my younger years and loved them. That is great, another company going down the drain because of China

[PolarBear]

Is it me or has the quality of Danner boots sucked in the last 5 years or so. My problem is that I have a wide foot (4e) and most of the brands don't carry wide boots. Had to buy boots from a local shoe store and has worked out well. As in the other posts, it costed more up front, but the average cost over time is much cheaper.

20 years ago I went through 3 pairs of Danner Ft. Lewis boots in less than a year.  Back then $150 was a lot for boot and you would expect them to hold up more than a couple of hikes.  They were never waterproof, not even brand new.  I swore that I would never buy another Danner product again.

[coachcw]

danners squeak ! I love merrells light hikers but only get a year out of them . I have a pair of underarmor speed hunters that are comfy and light , they seem to be a good boot so far.

[atfulldraw]

danners squeak ! I love merrells light hikers but only get a year out of them . I have a pair of underarmor speed hunters that are comfy and light , they seem to be a good boot so far.

They are great until the first time you walk in wet grass.  

[Johnb317]

Boots are your most important piece of equipment.  Regardless of brand they have to fit.   I wear the perfect  boot by miendle (cabelas).