WETside hunting boots

[ICEMAN]

I think alot of us expect too much out of boots in rainy weather. There is no perfect boot. It either keeps too much moisture inside the boot (perspiration) as it attempt to keep moisture out (rain)....or vice-versa.

Good quality leather boots with goretex or other proprietary fabric water"proof"ing layers are a good investment. I have used double layer leather boots (no goretex) for years and have stood in slush and stayed dry. Two or three days of this and I get moisture finding it's way into the foot... (physics). It is going to happen and I do not blame the boot maker. They are trying to achieve what we want, at an affordable price.

I have a different approach to relying on one boot.

I buy two pairs of my most favorite boot. I buy two pairs and break them both in, seal them well before season, only wear them to hunt in, not in the back yard, not at my job but keep them as a dedicated hunting boot. Benefits;

*Same cash outlay in the long run.
*Ability to put one pair on the propane boot dryer at camp if it becomes wet.
*Ability to always have a backup boot at camp if needed.

In five or six years you would have bought a few pairs of boots anyway, why not do it up front, and provide yourself the assurance that you can switch into dry boots at camp if your feet do get wet. Nothing ruins a hunt faster than wet feet, I have seen many guys go home mid-hunt and spoil their vacation because their feet were wet, swollen and blistered over cheap footwear. Instead, if they had simply doubled their investment in boots up front, they would still be hunting.

To go home over a few hundred bucks is stupid. Most guys I know keep a spare gun in camp, or a spare binocular, spare tire on the truck.... get my point?

Find a pair you like, go buy a second. Break them both in, maintain them both for hunting. Keep your spare at camp. You will be a happy boy if your feet get soggy and you can change into great new boots.

Same cash outlay over a few years, better results.

[huntnnw]

I do expect ALOT from $300+ boots! if they are going to get me wet in wet conditions than why in the world would I dump the money on them? Hell I would just go buy some Keens for $100

My boots are worn all year.. springer, steelhead fishing,shed hunting,scouting, backpacking and hunting thats what there for..going to have to wear some sort of boot and wear out one or the other

[ICEMAN]

What does your average hunter/fisherman budget yearly for quality footwear to keep their feet dry?

[huntnnw]

no ideas it varies greatly on each person and how much they use and value have dry feet and support. Its not acceptable to have wet feet in the backcountry 7 miles to me

[bobcat]

When it's really wet, I wear rubber boots. I have two pairs of Lacrosse boots with the air bob soles and my feet are never wet when I wear those boots.

[Alchase]

After hunting the first half of my life strictly on the wet side, I used Wolverines, Danners, Redwings all "waterproof" and never really had any issues with any of the boots.
When I started hunting the East side, I blew out a pair of Redwings, took a rock straight through the sole. Then two pairs of Danners both had side blowouts on shale, before I realized the East side (for me) is much harder on boots then the west ever was. Since then I have use Vasque (love the fit) and now Asolo GTX's, and have had extremely good luck with them.
I still do allot of hunting on the Wet side, but the only worry I have here is being wet.

[Icdeadelk]

I had 4 pair of Danner's and liked then a lot. Went to the Cabelas Speed Hunter 2's and they were ok. Started to hurt the back of my heals when climbing steep terrain. Went out and bought the Under Armour Speed Freek's last year for archery elk and all I can say is "WOW"!!!!!!! These boots are the best I have ever hunted in. Light weight, waterproof, great support for ankle's and arches. Hunt all day and feet feel great when I get back to camp. Sometimes I would forget to take them off when back at camp around the fire. Old boots..... Always took off as soon as we would get back. Gonna get a 2nd pair very soon for back ups.......... Great idea ICEMAN. Thanks.

[FC]

I really wanted to try a pair of those Speed Freak boots last year but they had none in my size. How is the sole support in them after a season of hiking/hunting?

[RadSav]

I haven't owned a pair of Danner that I was happy with since the Sasquatch around '86.  The imports just never seem to remain waterproof after a week or so.  Plus, the fit for me has never been right with the molded sole.  Wife has had three pair of the Pronghorns and all of them leaked within a few days.  She now has the Kennetrek and is enjoying hunting in the rain again.  Very nice boot!

A few years ago I opened up the wallet and purchased two pair of HanWags with the Lathrop & Son insoles.  Has not been one single moment when I've regretted that purchase.  I still wear La Sportiva Alps during the heat of the early season and when chasing sheep.  But as soon as fall turns cold and wet I'm in the HanWags.  I've owned Lowa, Meindle and Kennetrek and all have been good.  But the HanWag - for my foot - absolutely the best!

[Icdeadelk]

FC
the boot is amazing. Feels like wearing tennis shoes all day long. My feet felt awesome at the end of the day. Are you asking how the boot handles impact from rocks and sticks on the bottom of the boot? I never had any issues pain in bottom of my feet.

[Wanttohuntmore]

Meindle's Canada hunter for the last 20 yrs, 2 pairs, treated w/love, but worn thin.   Just bought some kenetrek mountain extremes (very similar to the meindles).  A little stiffer but think they will work great!  For hot weather I'm using Vasque breathables that are decent for road/trail work.

[FC]

FC
the boot is amazing. Feels like wearing tennis shoes all day long. My feet felt awesome at the end of the day. Are you asking how the boot handles impact from rocks and sticks on the bottom of the boot? I never had any issues pain in bottom of my feet.

That is exactly the kind of information I was looking for!

I'm pretty spoiled now by my Asolo's, they are like foot armor but I would like to be able to try a lighter boot.

[huntnnw]

Under Armour shoes and boots are junk...the most returned brand to Cabelas in post falls. I was talking to the dept manager about it..I owned 1 pair of under armour shoes..they were horrible

[windygorge]

saw a really cool pair of vans yesterday.  but i think i will stick with my high top converse.  the support is amazing

[Cylvertip]

A pair of H2O proof gaiters goes a long way to help keep your feet dry too, combined with good boots.