Waterproof Hunting Boots?

[WapitiTalk1]

Well, what manufacturer(s) actually makes waterproof hunting boots? I'm talking about leather boots not rubber boots here .  In your experience, which manufacturers have passed the waterproof test and which have not? Just wanted to get a good discussion going, for HuntWA members, on what is out there that has worked for you. Does a person have to spend $350+ to get said WP boots?

[Jacque]

Danner does pretty good, but like all things after a few seasons I find one foot or the other gets wet.

[Bob33]

I've had good luck with these: https://www.rei.com/product/881782/salomon-x-ultra-mid-ii-gtx-hiking-boots-mens

Breathable/waterproof membranes work well, but aren't perfect. For example, a puncture in the membrane destroys the waterproofing. The "breathable" aspect is much better than rubber, but some perspiration moisture not getting out does occur.

I'm a fan of genuine Gore-Tex for several reasons, but there are others that do the same thing.

[pianoman9701]

I keep my Lowa Ranger GTX Gore Tex boots beeswaxed and they're waterproof enough. For weeklong trips, I have two pairs so I can put one on the propane dryer when the leather gets saturated.

[lamrith]

Great timing Phantom!  I am curious if those higher end boots stay waterproof longer?

I bought Danner Pronhorns last Aug, they were the only boot that did not hurt my feet testing in stores.  I put a total of 25 days hunting, another 7 or so scouting over the course of a year, bunch of days when I was going out someplace I knew might be sloppy muddy.  I wore them to range last weekend as it was going to be muddy and they are leaking somewhere between the sole and upper, 1yr 2 mos out of them.  I am debating buying another pair or look at another brand/model.

[jackmaster]

Danner does pretty good, but like all things after a few seasons I find one foot or the other gets wet.

my Danners after the 7th season this year get wet inside after a soaker type day or huntin in real wet stuff, like creeping down old grassy roads or the like, on real bad days I wear my neoprene muck boots and they kick arse!!

[cavemann]

I have the Danner Pronghorns gore-tex as well but they are the camo version with half canvas...  comfort wise they are great, waterproof they are not.  Even with the Gore-Tex, I got one good season out of them before they started leaking.  My next ones will be all leather so I can do the old oil cure.  My danner rainforest lasted years on their waterproofing and they were everyday work boots.

[andersonjk4]

My full leather, Gore-tex, Crispi Wilds have been waterproof so far.  I have crossed the Palouse River 4 times this season.  No leakage until the water got above the boots and even then my gaiters helped keep them from totally filling with water.  This is my first season with them, so we will see how they hold up over time.   

[Mark Brenckle]

I'm a cheap b'stard, so I'm not spending a lot of money on anything. I purchased some Georgia boots, mens hikers I think, three years ago. I've trudged through streams, wet grass and brush, slushy snow and never had water inside. I think they were $99. I almost always wear gaiters with them so maybe that helps when they're fully submerged.

[bobcat]

My Schnees pac boots have stayed dry even when wading rivers. My Lowa Sheep Hunters have been good too. Most of the others, not so good. I mostly wear rubber/neoprene boots now for really wet conditions. But I think the Schnee pacs are a good choice for dry feet if you don't want to go all rubber.

http://www.schnees.com/category/Schnees-Pac-Boots

[thinkingman]

I have the Danner Pronghorns gore-tex as well but they are the camo version with half canvas...  comfort wise they are great, waterproof they are not.  Even with the Gore-Tex, I got one good season out of them before they started leaking.  My next ones will be all leather so I can do the old oil cure.  My danner rainforest lasted years on their waterproofing and they were everyday work boots.

I had a pair of Pronghorns that I got about 30 days of hunting out of until they both cracked across the soles.  Danner knew of the defect and offered me a 30% discount off of any full-price pair(thanks a lot).
I bought the USA-made Danner East Ridge in all leather, thinking it would be a big upgrade.
It is not.
The East Ridge fits at least a half size larger, probably full size larger than the Pronhorns.
The leather and construction seems better, but they don't fit.
That's my last pair of Danners.
My $99 Cabelas Iron Ridge boots are still giving great waterproof service after 12 years.
No kidding.

[JimmyHoffa]

I have the Danner Pronghorns gore-tex as well but they are the camo version with half canvas...  comfort wise they are great, waterproof they are not.  Even with the Gore-Tex, I got one good season out of them before they started leaking.  My next ones will be all leather so I can do the old oil cure.  My danner rainforest lasted years on their waterproofing and they were everyday work boots.

I had a pair of Pronghorns that I got about 30 days of hunting out of until they both cracked across the soles.  Danner knew of the defect and offered me a 30% discount off of any full-price pair(thanks a lot).
I bought the USA-made Danner East Ridge in all leather, thinking it would be a big upgrade.
It is not.
The East Ridge fits at least a half size larger, probably full size larger than the Pronhorns.
The leather and construction seems better, but they don't fit.
That's my last pair of Danners.
My $99 Cabelas Iron Ridge boots are still giving great waterproof service after 12 years.
No kidding.

I got a new replacement pair of Cabelas Iron Ridge boots this summer.  Previous pair performed great for many seasons and miles, spending lots of time in the rain/streams/creeks.  The new pair have done well so far, but sure take their time to dry out.  Cabelas decided to redesign the boot and I don't think the new version will hold out as long, but maybe they will.  Different stitching patterns, different lacing system--rivets through the boot interior opposed to eyelets on exterior edges, the upper trim wicks in moisture from inside rain pants the old style didn't, feels like the leather is a little thinner and saturates faster....and other changes.  Wishing I had a bought a few extra pairs of the older design.

[bobcat]

I almost forgot about my Cabela's boots. I also have the Iron Ridge boots, bought a pair 6 or 7 years ago when they were on sale for $35. 

They've been great, never got wet feet wearing them. The bad thing is they're made in China. But, I recently bought a new pair for $100 just because for a cheap and they worked so well.

The old pair is still good but is beginning to come apart in some spots at the seams. The new boots feel different and I haven't worn them enough to break them in. I feel like I'm going to get a blister wearing them so I haven't worn them much yet.

The old ones never required break in. They felt good from the beginning. But for a cheap, leather, gore Tex lined boot I'd recommend them if you're on a budget.

[Buzz2401]

Had really good luck with Danners over the last 25 years.  Their China made stuff is OK at best but the USA made boots seem to last years and are super comfortable.  As one other poster said there is a size difference between their China and USA made line so make sure you make sure you get the right size.

[vandeman17]

I have been happy with my Irish setter vapr trek.  I got them on sale last year and have put them to good use.