Best Boot for the Buck??

[WDFW-SUX]

I love my Filson highlander boots most comfortable to me. I use Merrill's for light weight scouting stuff.

[littletoes]

Merrell use to make a very good boot, to me, but their quality seems to have lapsed a bit.

I'm needing a new pair now after about 9 years in a pair of Solomon's that I paid over $300 for. They have seen some very rough miles that have involved quite a few rocks.

Mountaineering Boots work best for me. They are heavier built than the regular hiking boots. Made to take heavier packs too.

All boots have a "load rating", and another rating for what type of terrain.
If you get away from the groomed trails at all, you need something with a bit more "bite", and strength. Soles are stiffer, and are uncomfortable to drive in (at least I think so), but they sure make general "humping" a lot more comfortable.

Good Luck, and tell us about your decision! Just be sure to break them in well before the hunt!

[shag]

I like Redwings warrentee.  They need it cuz i've never had a pair i owned survive a whole year. Got tied of the things fallin apart and the gortex leakin.  after about the 5th pair I took back I felt so bad for the owner I just could let him(Redwing) replace anymore.  i'm done with them.

Danner's seem to last a year and are comfortable from the get go.  They do stretch quite a bit though.

Had quality issues with rockys.

I'm looking into the mendli from cabelsas.  Heard great things for years about lowa's.

About ready to give white's a try.

I'm still looking for the perfect boot.  In all reality I'll prolly be stuck with another pair of danners this year.  I know I'll get one dependable season outa them.

My biggest problem is I have to have a lace to toe boot.  That makes it tough.

CD

[Blacklab]

Love my Danners!!!

Just like walkin on a field of titties 

[Shadow Cat]

Rocky Deer Stalker II with the Scent Control System.

[high country]

Whites for winter use.  I use Meindles Hunting Boots.

mee too.

add a few of cabelas for bird and after work deer hunts.

[Alchase]

I use to swear by Vasque GTXs, until I had problems with two different pairs (thanks to REI'S return policy, LOL) I now use Asolo Power matic 400s, Like others have said the fit is the difference. If you find a boot that fits your feet well, stay with it. If you can't wear you boots days on end without hurting...you need a different pair of boots. I would suggest you invest in some nice liners as well. They really make a huge inprovement.

http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=3&idMen=419

[GoldTip]

I have always had good luck with Rocky's.  But got tired of them continually changing styles and models.  I'd find one I liked and 2-3 years later, they didn't make it anymore.  Last year I bought a pair of the Danner Pioneers.  Absolutely loved that boot.  Put 12 hard miles on the first day and feet felt great.  Guess what, they changed it when I went pack to the Sportsmans Warehouse this year.  I was pi$$ed .  Got lucky and found the same ones I have in Cabela's .  Don't need a new pair, but ordered 2 new pairs anyway, just to have in the closet for when the current pair breaks down.   

[Alchase]

GoldTip, I totally agree, I bought a couple pairs of danners a few years back for the same reasons you stated. My feet had been a size 10 for twenty plus years. Two years into the first set of danners my boots felt like they were shrinking. I go size my feet and now I have size 11.5? What the heck? Nobody told me the midlife spread would be in the feet!

[Skyvalhunter]

Each persons feet are different but for me it's Meindl. I do alot of hiking and backpacking and they seem to work very well for me.

[high country]

Whites for winter use.  I use Meindles Hunting Boots.

same here, however I may go to hoffmans pacs this year. good folks, good prices and better rubber. my white always seem to crack after a couple years, hoffmans says their will not. add they also have more sole choices......but whites is only 15 miles from me and hoffmans is 35.

meindl has to be the best kept secret in the hunting boot industry.

[HuntingFanatic]

Second year for me and my Irish Setter Elk Tracker Boots. Love 'em! I had Vasque before that....they lasted 6 Years before they had a major "Blowout". Hopefully these will last a bit longer.

[DBake]

I got some Danners a few months back when they were on close out at sportsman.

[Falcon]

Another vote for Lowa.

They are a littlle pricey, but they fit like a glove, have great support in the steep stuff with weight on shoulders, and are very waterproof. I have the Tibets which are 8" high. Some guys like the sheephunters model which are 10".

[Hunting Cowboy]

Whites for winter use.  I use Meindles Hunting Boots.

I agree 100%. Whites smoke jumpers for working, Whites packers for horse trips. I have a pair of Danners and Meindles for hunting. I like the air bob sole on the Danners. The Meindles really supported my bum ankle this past couple of weeks. Great ankle support, almost like wearing a cast (with more mobility than a cast)