Plastic Boots?

[HUNTaHOLIC5]

What are your thoughts and experiences with plastic boots?
How do they do on relatively flat ground?
How long do they last compared to leather boots?
Any models to look at or stay away from?

I was dead set on the Scarpa Wrangell gtx but after hearing a guide and the guy in Barneys sport store I'm now considering plastic boots.

They'll be used throughout Alaska from moose to mountain goat. So I'm mostly worried about how they will do on long stretches of flat ground.

[Fl0und3rz]

I was of the understanding that these were primarily mountaineering boots, used in snow.  Unless I am mistaken there is no flex in the upper, which is fine in snow, because snow gives, and you can dig your heel or toe in on descents and ascents.  The ones I have seen also have a forward cant, which would seem to be murder on the knees on hard flat ground and descents.  Am I missing something?

If your a size 9, I have a set of leather upper mountaineering boots in near new condition.  I've used them in  hard surfaces a few times and they are probably better than plastic, but the stiff sole has similar issues in that your foot does not flex as in a normal boot.  I wouldn't trade my PACs, hiker, or rubber boots for them for hunting.

[Shawn Ryan]

I've worn Koflach plastic boots many times climbing, including a few miles of approach. Fantastic boots for what they are made for. Stiff, warm, and waterproof.  If you are packing off trail, they may work well for you. If you are going to use them on flat ground, you probably don't need that much boot.

Likely to outlast most leather boots.

Alaska would probably be a great place for them. Rent some from a mountaineering store before you buy.

[j_h_nimrod]

I also used Koflachs and they are like the stiffest leather boot before it has been broke in, sort of like ski boots with the top bindings releases. They make you go a lot of heel to toe and would certainly not be my flat ground/approach boot. They are also dead tough, intrinsically waterproof, and versatile. Unless you are in a lot of rock or on a lot of steep slopes I would opt for a good leather boot and be much more comfortable. Leather boots have come a long way and you rarely see plastic boots except in extreme mountaineering any longer for a reason.

[Special T]

I did a bunch of mountaineering  and hiking. They guys that had plastic saved them for Glacier travel. That is where they excel.  Al the guys that i climbed with them used comfortable hiking boot/tennis shoes with no shank for their "Trail Shoes" because they are so much more comfortable than Plastics.
What is the problem your trying to solve? What kind of boots do you have now? Do you know the time of year and conditions you plan on facing when up hunting mountain goat?

I used a set of Full shank leather boots that work really well in cross country terrain. If you dont have a full shank boot right now you will find that they are much less comfortable to hike in on level ground or trails. They protect your feet, are crampon compatible and make it much easier to use just the tip of your boot to climb because the whole bed of the boot is rigid. 

I highly recommend going to REI and try on a pair of full shank leather and Plastics if you really think you need them.  In my humble opinion you would be sorry if you bought them. they are fairly expensive and there arnt other reasonable uses for them.

[HUNTaHOLIC5]

Thanks for all the info guys. It sounds like the best choice is to rent before I buy. And leather boots should be better suited 95% of the time for what I'll be doing.
Flound3rz- I'm not a size 9.
Special T- The mountain goat hunt will be in November. That's mostly why I was looking into the plastics. I also spend quite a bit of time in sheep country both in WA and Ak and I can see where the plastics would come in handy. Right now I'm using US made danners that won't last to much longer.
I guess to REI and see which boot fits best. I'm leaning towards something like this

[pd]

I will second what most of the previous posters wrote.  I climb with plastic Scarpas.  They are unforgiving on your feet!  You do not want to wear them unless conditions force you.  As a rule of thumb, unless I need crampons, I will not wear my plastics.

[follow maggie]

I think you'll like the scarpa boot. Very well made & worth the money.