Fire boots for elk hunting?

[MagKarl]

I'm considering a switch to all leather, not goretex boots.  Crazy?  My feet sweat a ton, and goretex just don't seem to stay waterproof for long anyway.  I have to let my boots and socks dry out mid day if there's an opportunity, or change socks at minimum.  I have Peet dryers for overnight. 

Thinking maybe going to a wildland fire type boot such as these: http://www.danner.com/flashpoint-ii-10-all-leather-black.html?currency=USD&gclid=CISX25jm1sYCFQZbfgodylgJVg

I tried the Danners on at Cabelas today and liked the fit.  Primary use is wet side archery elk.  Been using Cabelas Meindles the last few years and they are coming apart. 

[splitshot]

 i tried that.  got a pair of nicks boots at $350.  too heavy.  i carry extra sets of sox and change into a dry pair when needed.  also have a deal that holds your sox on the outside of your pac to dry.  i have an alligator clip deal .  just got a pair of keens boots that i like.  also wear 2 pair of sox wich helps a lot.    mike w

[HawkCreek]

I've run all over sage country in Whites and done several mountain hikes in Nicks. Like Splitshot said they are pretty heavy for hiking and the 10" height can be a little rough on steep uphill/downhill trails.
I'll probably do the high hunt in my Nicks this year but only because there isn't money in the budget for another pair of boots just for hunting.

[Naches Sportsman]

I use my whites for hunting as that is all that they are good for.

[bobcat]

I like leather boots without gore tex for hunting when it's not real wet. But I'm not sure I'd get the boots made for fire fighting. As others have said, they're heavy. I've got a pair of Lowa's to try out this year, no gore tex and no insulation. There's no need to have gore tex boots when it's dry and warm. And when you really need waterproof boots, rubber is better, in my opinion.

[scottcrb]

I've heard that you can use aerosol antiperspirant to help keep your feet from sweating so much. Might be worth b a try. I use all leather Han wag boots and love them.

[MagKarl]

Made the decision to get the Danner Flashpoint II I linked to in my original post.  They have a nice blend of features for what I value in a boot, so I'm optimistic they will work for me.  Early archery season will be the real test.  Unlike a lot of traditionally styled and built boots, these have a removable contoured insole which feels quite comfortable and will allow an easy swap to an aftermarket insole if needed without changing the fit much.  I'll dig this thread up again after I've worked them hard and report back.

[C-Money]

I wear Whites/Nicks to work every day. They are good boots. My feet are in a $100 pair of Rocky's, Danner, or Wolverine gortex boots when I hunt. For the most part, only time I am off road in my Whites or Nicks is when the job makes me. They just don't feel as good as the light weight gortex hunting boots while hiking out in the hunting grounds.

[jackelope]

I can't picture hiking all day in those Danner's.
 

I think my feet would be ruined at the end of the day.

[Humptulips]

I can't picture hiking all day in those Danner's.
 

I think my feet would be ruined at the end of the day.

I've always wore my caulk shoes for elk hunting. The prerequisite for a good pair of shoes is comfort and my caulks wear like slippers all day. I've often worn them for 12 hours straight and didn't particularly feel the need even then to take them off.
I'm retired now but I still have my caulks for hunting.
Wouldn't have Danners though.

[Jonathan_S]

I can't picture hiking all day in those Danner's.
 

I think my feet would be ruined at the end of the day.

It's a toss-up on what would be ruined first, feet or boot

[Stein]

I have moved completely away from heavy, inflexible boots.  I use light goretex hikers and wouldn't go back.  Hunting this side, I don't expect my feet to stay dry and the extra ankle mobility and agility can't be beat.

I do quite a bit of exercise for ankle strength and mobility though, so it probably depends on your specific needs.

[fisheral87]

I've been considering going Steins route, lighter hikers.

For the wet side, xtra tuffs?

Hunted blacktails in AK and WA in them and they can be good depending on the terrain and your ankle strength as previously mentioned.

Al

[Curly]

Yep.  For the westside, best thing I ever did was to switch to knee high rubber boots.  Can't believe it took me 30+ years of hiking around in leather boots before finally got smart and tried rubber boots.