On the topic of dry feet….

[syoungs]

I'm going into year 4 on my Lowa Tibets. Best boot I've owned so far, never had a wet foot in them. Couple those boots with some outdoor research crocodile gaiters, and I'm confident in any situation, including wading across creeks deeper then the boot is tall.

[Huskerwannabe]

I thoroughly enjoy my Crispis. Never had any water in them and they breath well. 

[pianoman9701]

I'm going into year 4 on my Lowa Tibets. Best boot I've owned so far, never had a wet foot in them. Couple those boots with some outdoor research crocodile gaiters, and I'm confident in any situation, including wading across creeks deeper then the boot is tall.

  10 years on my Rangers. Had them factory restored two years ago for $99 - good as new. I use beeswax. My feet stay dry even two or three seasons ago when it rained every day.

[Browndawg]

I used Danner boots for years until I had a couple pair not last more than a year. Granted, I was hunting the coast range, and when I told the guy at the factory store in Portland that, he said "Well they don't make a leather submarine". I switched to Crispi about three years ago and still still run the same pair. They are as comfortable as Danner. I should note that my Crispi boots are for archery season, so it's a lot drier. I still have three pair of Danner Pronghorns that I rotate in and out depending on how the conditions are. 1200 gram insulation in one pair are for the cold/snowy days. 600 gram for the cold in the morning but not too cold in the afternoon. Zero grams for warmer weather back ups. If one pair get soaked, I just grab a dry pair. There is nothing worse than soaked feet while hunting.

[huntnnw]

I'm going into year 4 on my Lowa Tibets. Best boot I've owned so far, never had a wet foot in them. Couple those boots with some outdoor research crocodile gaiters, and I'm confident in any situation, including wading across creeks deeper then the boot is tall.

what I have now and have been the best boot Ive owned. I keep hearing the same comments from many people on these boots

[C-Money]

The only hunting boots that truly keep my feet dry are boots that have the Gore-Tex label on the boot. I've had Gore-Tex boots in Danner, Wolverine, and Rocky...all kept my feet dry. I have been lured into buying boots with copies of Gore-Tex, and I was rewarded with wet feet. I don't buy hunting boots unless they say Gore-Tex.

[GASoline71]

I have a pair of Irish Setter "Rainier's" that have kept my feet dry and warm for nearly 25 years.  I've had them resoled twice and they just keep performing. 

Gary   

[blackveltbowhunter]

It seems like consistency or rather, a lack of it, is a common denominator in all of the boot brands. My experience is if its not rubber or neoprene its time to failure is ticking as soon as it comes out of the box. I never get boots in general to last longer than 2 seasons (especially if i am active shed hunting) so if they make it that far I consider it a success. I also believe from anecdotal evidence foot shape and how you walk plays a factor, as I have swore off both tibet and kenny mountain extremes, as pairs leaked within day one, yet crispi boots in general have been good to me, and plenty of opinions say they should not be. I have had good luck with hanwag, zamberlin, and early meindle as well. All leather boots will saturate eventually.  If multiple days of wet feet are planned, and rubber boots are out, I buy a half size up and run a few pairs of thin wool socks topped with sealskinz. That is the closest i have gotten to multi day dry feet when everyday is wet with no option to dry.

[Bullkllr]

Anybody else just keep 'em greased decently and tough it out? I'm not a "new boot" guy, but I've been through a bunch and I don't think I've ever seen a pair of leather or synthetics that would keep me dry through a wet side fall/winter. Wet feet eventually became a way of life. "Just keep moving, you'll be fine"

[Cougartail]

When your feet sweat like a 400lb woman on a treadmill staying dry isn't an option. Staying warm is what I work for.

[pianoman9701]

When your feet sweat like a 400lb woman on a treadmill staying dry isn't an option. Staying warm is what I work for.

My feet sweat a lot when I have been working hard. I found that wearing a thick merino or synthetic sock in the morning when it's cold and then changing to a thinner merino sock when my feet get hot and swollen before or at midday helps cut down on that. Just taking off the boots and airing them out helps. But fresh, light socks make a big difference. Trust the medic on foot care!

[OutHouse]

It seems like consistency or rather, a lack of it, is a common denominator in all of the boot brands. My experience is if its not rubber or neoprene its time to failure is ticking as soon as it comes out of the box. I never get boots in general to last longer than 2 seasons (especially if i am active shed hunting) so if they make it that far I consider it a success. I also believe from anecdotal evidence foot shape and how you walk plays a factor, as I have swore off both tibet and kenny mountain extremes, as pairs leaked within day one, yet crispi boots in general have been good to me, and plenty of opinions say they should not be. I have had good luck with hanwag, zamberlin, and early meindle as well. All leather boots will saturate eventually.  If multiple days of wet feet are planned, and rubber boots are out, I buy a half size up and run a few pairs of thin wool socks topped with sealskinz. That is the closest i have gotten to multi day dry feet when everyday is wet with no option to dry.

I second the bit about personal anatomy. I know fellas with big thick feet and I think the tongue up and down the boot doesn't get the right seal because of the thickness/size of the foot. They have leaking issues sometimes.

[Alchase]

About Greases and waxes, this is straight from the Goretex website:

Wash
Step 1

    Remove the laces, then shake out sand, gravel, and dirt from inside the footwear.
    If possible, remove and shake out the foot bed or insole.



Step 2

    Brush off loose dirt with a sponge or brush.
    Then use lukewarm water with a small amount of liquid detergent.
    For leather shoes, check manufacturer's instructions.
    Don't use bleach.
    Don't wash in the washing machine.

Dry

    Dry naturally at moderate temperatures.
    Avoid direct heat.
    Don't let the footwear stay wet too long.
    Convection-style boot dryers work well.

Re-apply

    Once water no longer beads and runs off, re-apply a durable water repellent (DWR).
    Use a water-based restorative, available as a pump-spray.
    Don't use waterproofing waxes or greases, as they can affect your footwear's breathability.

[fishngamereaper]

I have what I would consider early meindls. 18 ish year's old think...took like 4 year's just to break in ..
Haven't leaked in the slightest... just used em on my North slope caribou hunt... soaking wet for 7 days, bone dry on the inside.
They actually only see harsh environment's. I don't use them early season..only mid and late and or nasty mountain hunt's like central Idaho.

Of course now they'll probably leak...

[pianoman9701]

Propane Peet boot dryers are a godsend in a wet camp.