What boots?

[elk_sniper]

I want some hunting boots that are lightweight most importantly flexible not stiff and waterproof. What are my options?

[pickardjw]

Schnee's Timberline have been my go to for a few years now. Not sure if they count as "lightweight" but with proper care and nixwax treating both pairs I've owned have been waterproof.

Great customer service if you end up not liking them. I tried the Beartooths in 2024. Packed out a spring bear in them and had issues with pressure points. They let me return them with a couple hundred miles on them (and bear blood) for the v3 pair at their recommendation. Had the same issue and they replaced with a new pair of Timberlines.

I'm tempted to buy a dozen pairs to last me a lifetime.

[JakeLand]

I’m a crispi Idaho gtx favorite boot

[Weehunt66]

Crispi Altitude.... great early to mid season boot.

[Mtnwalker]

Options are almost endless for that category of boots, just depends on your definition of light and flexible. Nobody can recommend what is going to fit your foot right, you might hate a boot that your buddy loves. Just gotta try a bunch on and see what feels good. Crispi Lapponias seem to be a popular option for a more flexible mountain boot, but they don't work for my hobbit feet.

[Stein]

I'm a big lightweight, flexible boot fan myself.

I currently use Crispi, can't remember the model but they apparently don't make them anymore or have something similar.  They are not heavy, not truly light and the waterproofing has lasted 3 seasons so far.  They aren't flexible compared to Altras, but much more flex compared with the normal hunting boot.

I tried the waterproof version of the Altra Lone Peak and the waterproofing lasted about two days on the right boot.  The breathable version are awesome early season boots, super comfortable, flexible and light.

Like you, I'm still on the lookout for a great boot to use before it gets really cold and I need to move to a heavier insulated boot.

[cjc23]

Crispi lapponia is a great boot for lightweight and lighter flex. Not quite tennis shoe but not quite boot. If you feel like that is too stiff and want almost more of an athletic shoe feel, I've ran the salomon X Ultra's in the past and they are a great boot as well. Don't quite hold up as good as a crispi but I still got a few seasons out of them.

[EnglishSetter]

I really love my Thorogood Infiniti FD's.  I have the 9" with 400g thinsulate.  Unfortunately I think they're discontinued.  I find some 8" and some 800g, but nothing on Thorogood's site.  While Thorogood has numerous USA made boots, these were offshored.  This well may be why.

Previously I enjoyed my Cabela's Iron Ridge though the soles disengaged after about 8 years.

Neither are expensive as boots go.

[BeerBugler]

Crispi Lapponnia for me but boots are a very individual piece of gear. Definitely not the most durable boot but the best I’ve found in every other category.

[EnglishSetter]

I really love my Thorogood Infiniti FD's.  I have the 9" with 400g thinsulate.  Unfortunately I think they're discontinued.  I find some 8" and some 800g, but nothing on Thorogood's site.  While Thorogood has numerous USA made boots, these were offshored.  This well may be why.

Previously I enjoyed my Cabela's Iron Ridge though the soles disengaged after about 8 years (IME the Achilles heel of any bonded or partially bonded sole vs a full welt).

Neither are expensive as boots go.

[jamesjett]

I’ve been a fan of Meindl’s for years.  Way back Cabelas used to sell them but now can buy off their website.

[fishngamereaper]

I’ve been a fan of Meindl’s for years.  Way back Cabelas used to sell them but now can buy off their website.

I just wore out my original Meindls after 18 years...the tread is still solid, but I finally spilt the leather around the ankle..I'm torn on what to go with next. Don't think I'll ever find a better pair of boots.

[Hunting Cowboy]

fishngamereaper, I retired my Meindl’s boots after the 2023 hunting season after about 15 years. I loved everything about those boots but Meindl’s discontinued the model of boot I had. They carried boots that were similar but not same. After much thought and research, I purchased a pair of Schnee’s 200g Beartooth’s and have used them right out of the box and they have performed as good or better than my old Meindl’s for the 2024 and 2025 hunting seasons.

[carlyoungs]

I recommend you buy several different pairs from REI this week since they will have their big sale. Try all different brands and see what fits and is comfortable. You can return the ones you don't like.

[Gentrys]

Don't go Kenetrek.  Heavy and stiff.  Good boots though after you break them in 40+ miles.

[carlyoungs]

I usually buy a couple pairs that are 70% off retail and find ones that are comfortable and fit the way I like.

[MADMAX]

I got a pair of boots on the classifieds that meet your requirements for 50 bucks you pay shipping. I’ll even ship them to you if they fit size 9 1/2.

[C-Money]

I first look to see if they have a Gore-Tex label on the boot. Deal breaker if they don't! I've had good luck with Danner, and have a good pair of Wolverine...

[ljsommer]

Zamberlain GTX. I bought a pair back in (many years ago) and have been so incredibly abusive to those things. They've been my hiking, hunting, and mostly work boots. They're shredded and scuffed and I've destroyed the soles but they're insanely comfortable right off the bat.

https://www.zamberlanusa.com/product/9789427/vioz-gtx-r-men-s-hiking-backpacking-boots-dark-grey

[mboyle0828]

Zamberlain GTX. I bought a pair back in (many years ago) and have been so incredibly abusive to those things. They've been my hiking, hunting, and mostly work boots. They're shredded and scuffed and I've destroyed the soles but they're insanely comfortable right off the bat.

https://www.zamberlanusa.com/product/9789427/vioz-gtx-r-men-s-hiking-backpacking-boots-dark-grey

I’ll second this recommendation. This is my second year with the GTXs and I couldn’t be happier. I hunted in all day downpours and my feet stayed dry. They are expensive but I’m a believer, especially after having leaky boots for years. 

[HntnFsh]

Absolutely love my Meindl and Zamberlan boots!

[HntnFsh]

Zamberlan is having some decent sales right now!

[brokentrail]

I ordered a pair of Zamberlan's and a pair of Crispi's to see which fit better but based on some reviews, I am hoping the Zamberlan's do, as I have read the Crispi's leak after a couple seasons and I already have boots that leak.... don't need another expensive pair.

[buglebuster]

I’ve been a fan of Meindl’s for years.  Way back Cabelas used to sell them but now can buy off their website.

I just wore out my original Meindls after 18 years...the tread is still solid, but I finally spilt the leather around the ankle..I'm torn on what to go with next. Don't think I'll ever find a better pair of boots.

18 years? Do you get out of the truck?  I’m kidding. But that is impressive. I’ve tried many high end boots and never got more than a couple seasons out of them, and I take good care of them. The best set I’ve had so far are my kennetreks and I’m on season 6.

[jamesjett]

I’ve been a fan of Meindl’s for years.  Way back Cabelas used to sell them but now can buy off their website.

I just wore out my original Meindls after 18 years...the tread is still solid, but I finally spilt the leather around the ankle..I'm torn on what to go with next. Don't think I'll ever find a better pair of boots.

18 years? Do you get out of the truck?  I’m kidding. But that is impressive. I’ve tried many high end boots and never

got more than a couple seasons out of them, and I take good care of them. The best set I’ve had so far are my kennetreks and

I’m on season 6.

I usually get about 7-8 seasons out of my Meindl’s.  They have changed the sole a bit over the years but still a great boot and I will buy again when needed.  No road hunter here lol!

[Mtnwalker]

I ordered a pair of Zamberlan's and a pair of Crispi's to see which fit better but based on some reviews, I am hoping the Zamberlan's do, as I have read the Crispi's leak after a couple seasons and I already have boots that leak.... don't need another expensive pair.

The goretex liner is going to be the weak link in almost any of the big name boots

[HntnFsh]

Use the Gortex warranty if you have an issue.
I havent with my Meindls or Zamberlans.

[dreadi]

Short Muckboots?


Black Hammer Arms
www.blackhammerarms.com
The Guy On HuntWA Selling Suppressors
@blackhammerarms

[WildfireArcher]

My all time favorite boot has been the Schnee Timberline. Flexible, comfortable and have remained waterproof for the last 2 years.

Wildfire


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fishngamereaper]

I’ve been a fan of Meindl’s for years.  Way back Cabelas used to sell them but now can buy off their website.

I just wore out my original Meindls after 18 years...the tread is still solid, but I finally spilt the leather around the ankle..I'm torn on what to go with next. Don't think I'll ever find a better pair of boots.

18 years? Do you get out of the truck?  I’m kidding. But that is impressive. I’ve tried many high end boots and never got more than a couple seasons out of them, and I take good care of them. The best set I’ve had so far are my kennetreks and I’m on season 6.

Well ya .. obviously
At least 3-4 bathroom breaks a day....

[Kingofthemountain83]

I got a pair of ankle high Danners for light hikers... Been 5 years now and they're going great... Even wear them late season if there isn't deeper snow... They're so comfortable and with wool socks plenty warm... Best part about them was there was no break in period that I ever noticed, and they're light... They weigh 3 pounds even...

[brokentrail]

I have had horrible luck with Danners and staying waterproof.

[fishngamereaper]

I ended up with some crispis for now....guide GTX insulated
North 40 had a BF 25 percent off sale and I had a couple gift cards... figured for 300 bux what's the worst that could happen..
If they fail I'll switch. So far out of the box comfort is pretty good..way more flex than my meindls.