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.