Help me find my first hunting only boots

[adamR]

This will be the first time I've ever bought boots for hunting so if I'm going to spend the money I would like some helpful opinions... To start off, normally I wear my work boots (Georgia logger 8" low heel steel toes) when I'm hunting.  I typically walk 10 to 15 miles a day in sage and rock while sidehilling.  My feet flat out hurt every day after I get done.  During early elk I'm usually walking through creek bottoms getting soaked.  Or late archery my steel toes are freezing in the snow...

I plan on spending up to $300 but would like to be closer to $175.  I wear 13.5 wides and it seems to be difficult to find wides.  I want to maintain high boots at least 6 to 8" because I think my ankles are made of glass...  I don't have enough money to buy an early season and a late season pair of boots so I think I would go from non-insulated up to like 400 gram insulated to find the right boot and use it year round.
I've been researching on here and reading reviews but I'm just looking for extra advice while I continue researching.  Lastly, I have to be able to try them on before I buy, I just can't fathom spending that much on boots without trying them on.

[blackveltbowhunter]

Your may be a case of contacting Lathrop and Sons  it may be worth the money simply to avoid the hassle.

I have had good luck with the Meindle perfekt from cabelas. I have ran the hiker in the past but they make a hunter version as well that is a bit taller. I know they come in wides, but not sure how high they run in sizing. Good boots in your budget.

Lowa has a Tibet in a Taller version that runs up to 14 but is about a hundred more. REI carries them but I have only seen the tibet Physically at the Portland store. I have seen more kenetrek and lowa in stores than alot of other boots and they might be your best bet for locating to try on, but they are pricier.

How about running a boot similar to what you have been using, but more walking friendly without a toe, and maybe some insulation? 

[JBar]

At the 175 range I would suggest looking at the Irish Setter Elk Trackers

[Duckslayer89]

I have the Lowa Tibet GTX Hi in 14. I would let you come try them on but we are pretty far. I would get them off shoebuy.com. I wear a 13 usually and the 14 are slightly big but I like it for going downhill my toes don't slam into the front. Shoebuy has free shipping both ways so you can send them back if they don't fit the way you want. I went to REI and tried the Lowas on that they had and with heavy socks the 13 was just to tight I felt like. The lathrop and sons Cevedale Tech Lite Hunter will probably be my next pair just to switch it up. Super lite and they dry really fast I heard. Check them out.

[ffbowhunter]

Like you I have flat feet, I got lowa renegade gtx and love them. I put new inserts in which made a big difference. You won't go wrong with lowa imo.

[adamR]

I have had good luck with the Meindle perfekt from cabelas. I have ran the hiker in the past but they make a hunter version as well that is a bit taller. I know they come in wides, but not sure how high they run in sizing. Good boots in your budget.

These are on my list of boots to try...

At the 175 range I would suggest looking at the Irish Setter Elk Trackers

Also considering these but don't know where I can try any on... I don't leave the Yakima area very often...

I have the Lowa Tibet GTX Hi in 14. I would let you come try them on but we are pretty far.

Appreciate the offer, and I really like these but they are a little to rich for my blood...

Like you I have flat feet, I got lowa renegade gtx and love them. I put new inserts in which made a big difference. You won't go wrong with lowa imo.

These are also on my list...

[Jonathan_S]

Lowa and Scarpa have some great boots in that price range

[adamR]

Lowa and Scarpa have some great boots in that price range

I have been looking at these and plan on trying some out this week.... Any model specifically or just all of their stuff?

[adamR]

What about cabelas meindl ultralight hunters?
http://www.cabelas.com/product/footwear/men-s-footwear/men-s-hunting-boots/men-s-insulated-hunting-boots|/pc/104797980/c/104747580/sc/104826780/i/104841180/cabela-s-124-meindl-men-s-400-gram-ultralight-trade-hunter-boots/1394676.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fmens-insulated-hunting-boots%2F_%2FN-1102846%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104841180#tabsCollection
I like the idea of having somewhere I can take them if they get screwed up that is local.

[TomT]

I recently went to the Lowa Renegade GTX mid and really like them.  They have good ankle support and if you combined them with a good quality gaiter, you should keep your feet dry. 

They're $229 at shoes.com but if you can put the purchase off until Black Friday, you'd probably get about 30% off of that.

[ffbowhunter]

Depending on your size Amazon has the renegade for 159

[pcal]

 Go look at Sierra Trading Post; Asolo Pumori mountaineering boots for $279. I have worn Asolo boots for over 30 years.If you try them out and you don''t like them they are good about returning them,too.http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-pumori-gore-tex-mountaineering-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~5487d/?filterString=mens-boots~d~137%2F       One reviewer raves how they have survived 1 year in the Arizona desert with no problem.I have spent some time in the Quartzite area a few years ago and the cholla cactus spines will go right through a full grain boot leather like a hot knife in butter but my Asolos potected my feet because of the mud guards around the boot just above the soles. I have never had to break in a pair of Asolos as the fit my feet like they grew there,too. I wear a 9- 3 E boot and they are wide enough to fit me fine.If you are a 4E you might have a problem. GL

[Reidus]

Little bit of a drive but ranch and home in kennewick has Lowa zamberlan crispi and more.

[T-Dozzer]

Boots are one of those things you never go cheap on. Just like optics.
I would stay away from soloman type boots. Attractive at first due to instant comfort, but not great for stability, waterproofing or longevity.
Stick with a stiff shanked gortex boot If you side hill alot & get wet feet.
I have had everything from Danner to Kenetrek. Using a Meindl Perfeck Extreme this year. Once I got some issues sorted out with them, I'm happy so far (Im pretty picky).
Footbeds & socks are important too.
I like synergy and green superfeet. For socks, I switched from smartwool to Darn Tough socks. Much better.
Ofcourse, everyone has different feet so you will have to figure out what works for you.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabelas-Meindl-Mens-Perfekt-trade-Extreme-Gram-Hunter-Boots/1632151.uts?productVariantId=3510662&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03693913&rid=20&gclid=CjwKEAjw_LG8BRDb1JTxm8uP_UwSJADu_8pWNhzDTZZvN7-Z_p21WCYJhWwn_909z-tECcyjUTStpRoCcWLw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Darn Tough Hunt/Extreme Scent-Loc Full Cushion Boot Sock - Men's Charcoal Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AIV9YK2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_3KsJxbFAPM813