Hunting Washington Forum
		Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: vandeman17 on June 20, 2013, 09:57:25 AM
		
			
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				Just wondering if you guys had any recommendations for boots on a budget. I have a pair that I like but they are getting worn out so I am going to bring them as my back up pair. I am going to use them on a late september archery elk hunt in Oregon. I want a pair that is waterproof and lightweight. I am looking for some insulation but not too much. I have a few things to buy and still have to buy my tag so I am trying to not spend a fortune on boots. 
			
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				How much weight do you pack around and how are your ankles? You can get really good deals on hiking boots on amazon, I have a pair of goretex Northface hiking boots I use for early season, there light, water proof and have vibram soles, only cost me 100 bucks or less. Just spend some money on some good Merino wool socks you should be ok. Im from Maine so to me i dosnt get cold enough to wear some of these really insulated hunting boots.
			
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				My ankles are good to go and I carry around a day pack all the time but want/hope to be also packing out an elk or two during the trip.  :tup:
			
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				What boots do you have now and whats your budget. Ive been researching boots allot lately lol.
			
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				Tagging - The puppy got to mine this off season and need new ones. 
			
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				Danner has a good lineup of ltwt boots for under $180. Rocky has a couple that look decent as well. Substitute 60/70% merino socks instead of boot insulation. 
			
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				I have a pair of Merrill lightweight hikers that I really like.  Got them at REI for about $80.  Very light weight, waterproof (Goretex) and enough warmth for that time of year.
			
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				What boots do you have now and whats your budget. Ive been researching boots allot lately lol.
 
 
 I have a pair of Wolverines that I got on clearance a few years back. They were really good for the first few years but after they are getting worn out. They aren't waterproof anymore, even with the sno seal I put on them that lasts a while but fades eventually.
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				You can save money on packs. Buy cheap camo or no camo at all. Drink cheap vodka in camp. You can even buy a cheap bow or gun that will do the trick just fine. But after years of hunting and hiking and buying cheap boots like Rocky, Danner, and others, I'll never go back again. My Lowas are $400 boots and will probably last and support my feet comfortably for 20 more years if I take good care of them. That's 20 bucks a year. Spend your money wisely.
			
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				If you wear a size 9, I have some lightly used (two outings) Danners that are too narrow for my feet (they are width EE but still too narrow).  I would get rid of them at a reasonable price.
 
 They are Dark Brown Danner 48152 Men's Full Curl GTX 8" Hunting Boots in size 9EE.  Discontinued.  Originally about $220.
 
 I now have some Lacrosse AlphaBurlys and some White's pac boots that serve me better.  So these are not getting anymore use.
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				Look for boots that the military uses.  They are USA made and good quality for fair prices.  I can't remember the brand names, but I got a pair off of Ebay and they really good quality.
			
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				I have Lowa bighorns for my backpacking-backcountry boots and I love them, but when im only going in a few miles or not carring more than 40lbs I go to my light hikers everytime. Just my  :twocents: :
 
 Also, hiking boot technology is way ahead of hunting boots, plus you are paying allot more for the camo most of the time, so you usually can get more boot for your buck with hikers.
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				I actually wear a size 12 so sorry those boots won't work. I agree about not skimping on boots. I am not planning on buying $40 boots or anything but just don't have the coin for $400 boots right now. I would like to spend between $80-$100 and am fine if they last me two years
			
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				I actually wear a size 12 so sorry those boots won't work. I agree about not skimping on boots. I am not planning on buying $40 boots or anything but just don't have the coin for $400 boots right now. I would like to spend between $80-$100 and am fine if they last me two years
 
 
 Look at some sites like REI Outlet, Backcountry.com, and Sierra Trading Post.  You can always find high quality hiking boots like Merrel, Asolo, sometimes Lowa, Scarpa, etc. for 130-180 bucks.
 
 REI just had Lowa Zephyrs on sale for 140 dollars.  I have a pair and love them.
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				I will check those out! Thanks  :tup:
			
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				You might try these:  Ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bates-Military-NIB-Combat-Leather-Boots-Gore-Tex-Inserts-Cold-Winter-waterproof-/200875203670?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item2ec5185c56)  (You may think they can't be any good for that price, but it might surprise you).
			
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				You might try these:  Ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bates-Military-NIB-Combat-Leather-Boots-Gore-Tex-Inserts-Cold-Winter-waterproof-/200875203670?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item2ec5185c56)  (You may think they can't be any good for that price, but it might surprise you).
 
 
 I will check them out at home! Ebay is restricted at work.  :chuckle:
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				Go on Sierra Trading and look at their Asolo.
			
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				Go on Sierra Trading and look at their Asolo.
 
 
 I second this. Look at the fugitives.
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				You might try these:  Ebay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bates-Military-NIB-Combat-Leather-Boots-Gore-Tex-Inserts-Cold-Winter-waterproof-/200875203670?pt=US_Men_s_Shoes&var=&hash=item2ec5185c56)  (You may think they can't be any good for that price, but it might surprise you).
 
 
 I will check them out at home! Ebay is restricted at work.  :chuckle:
 
 
 I thought I heard some of the Bates boots were recalled/rejected by the military. Danner also was making these and got much of the Bates share of the contract.
 At least that is what I heard.  Danner RAT Gortex boots are also on Ebay or directly from the local outlet if you are ever in Portland.
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				Go on Sierra Trading and look at their Asolo.
 
 
 I second this. Look at the fugitives.
 
 
 x3.
 http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-fugitive-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~83990/?filterString=s~asolo-fugitive%2F&colorFamily=168#11_6,6_0_fc71202f165a4_%7B%22id%22%3A3%2C%22result%22%3Atrue%2C%22jsonrpc%22%3A%222.0%22%7D (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-fugitive-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~83990/?filterString=s~asolo-fugitive%2F&colorFamily=168#11_6,6_0_fc71202f165a4_%7B%22id%22%3A3%2C%22result%22%3Atrue%2C%22jsonrpc%22%3A%222.0%22%7D)
 
 Looks like there's an extra 20% off right now on them too.
 
 Asolo's are awesome boots right out of the box and STP has a great warranty and customer service.
 
 I also bought a pair of Meindl Perfekt Hunters out of Cabela's bargain cave for $62.00 a few years back. They're the 400gram thinsulate ones and are perfect for just about everything so far. I've hunted september elk and high country mule deer to single digits in 2' of snow in the Blues with them. Zero complaints. My point is to check the bargain cave at Cabelas.
 
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				Last post was about Danners but I have actually been wearing Lowas ( gtx hiker around $220 for REI )
 
 I went onto St Helens twice and wore them in all terrains and weather for 2 heavy hunting/scouting seasons. No break in period and feet felt better than ever these last 2 years.
 
 They did start leaking after my second season so I may contact REI / Lowa to see if there is a rebate or trade in. But even with that I will still wear them as my first choice for almost any hike/hunt. If there is no trade in I might just buy a second pair for the really wet days.
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				Save you money and buy the one pair that will last you forever! I have them, I swear by them, and have sold my friends on them. Kenetrek rocks!!!
 
 http://www.kenetrek.com/mountain_boots.asp?gclid=CLvSrq2r87cCFaU5QgodMn4A8g (http://www.kenetrek.com/mountain_boots.asp?gclid=CLvSrq2r87cCFaU5QgodMn4A8g)
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				Go on Sierra Trading and look at their Asolo.
 
 
 I second this. Look at the fugitives.
 
 
 x3.
 http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-fugitive-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~83990/?filterString=s~asolo-fugitive%2F&colorFamily=168#11_6,6_0_fc71202f165a4_%7B%22id%22%3A3%2C%22result%22%3Atrue%2C%22jsonrpc%22%3A%222.0%22%7D (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-fugitive-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~83990/?filterString=s~asolo-fugitive%2F&colorFamily=168#11_6,6_0_fc71202f165a4_%7B%22id%22%3A3%2C%22result%22%3Atrue%2C%22jsonrpc%22%3A%222.0%22%7D)
 
 Looks like there's an extra 20% off right now on them too.
 
 Asolo's are awesome boots right out of the box and STP has a great warranty and customer service.
 
 I also bought a pair of Meindl Perfekt Hunters out of Cabela's bargain cave for $62.00 a few years back. They're the 400gram thinsulate ones and are perfect for just about everything so far. I've hunted september elk and high country mule deer to single digits in 2' of snow in the Blues with them. Zero complaints. My point is to check the bargain cave at Cabelas.
 
 
 
 :yeah:
 That is a great price on those Asolos!
 
 Which type of boot do your feet like most?
 
 I use Merril Moabs as by everyday walk arounds, great boots.
 But out Hunting my feet need a stiff shank for support. If I tried using my Merrils for trails or up and down the steep inclines and rocks, my feet would be a mess at the end of the day. I wear Asolo FSN 95GTXs when hunting or hiking.
 
 
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				Wholesale Sports in Spokane North Town Mall  has all boots at 50% off. I had great luck with my Rocky boots, however I was not able to have the tread resoled so i switched to Danner. 
			
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				Save you money and buy the one pair that will last you forever! I have them, I swear by them, and have sold my friends on them. Kenetrek rocks!!!
 
 http://www.kenetrek.com/mountain_boots.asp?gclid=CLvSrq2r87cCFaU5QgodMn4A8g (http://www.kenetrek.com/mountain_boots.asp?gclid=CLvSrq2r87cCFaU5QgodMn4A8g)
 
 
 I will second this.  Took me a while to convince myself.  I have never worn a better boot.  Ever!
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				Asolo Fugitives, freaking awesome boot.
			
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				Just wondering if you guys had any recommendations for boots on a budget. I have a pair that I like but they are getting worn out so I am going to bring them as my back up pair. I am going to use them on a late september archery elk hunt in Oregon. I want a pair that is waterproof and lightweight. I am looking for some insulation but not too much. I have a few things to buy and still have to buy my tag so I am trying to not spend a fortune on boots. 
 
 Id pick up the full leather Brahma's from walmart. To this date they were still the hardest working longest lasting boots Ive ever owned. Just get them in Non-steel toe, and pick up some obenaufs LP and apply two generous coats.
 I had them for 3 years and stomped around in snow, water to my ankles, and worked for a pvc manufacturing company where I was wet from my waist down 10 hours a day for 5 days a week for 6 months. That was just the start of they're life to. Lasted another 2 1/2 years after that. The leather was still holding up good but they started to have the perma stink where it felt like you were sticking your feet into a swamp. So I tossed them for some Danner's
 
 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brahma-Men-s-Defender-Work-Boots-Extra-Wide-Width/21611111?srccode=cii_5784816&cpncode=30-205841466-2&adid=1500000000000029469730&veh=cse (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Brahma-Men-s-Defender-Work-Boots-Extra-Wide-Width/21611111?srccode=cii_5784816&cpncode=30-205841466-2&adid=1500000000000029469730&veh=cse)
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				I always check REI garage sales first. You will find boxes and boxes of footwear in all sizes for all applications, all returned items of very high quality marked down by as much as 90%. You may find exactly what you're looking for, provided you don't need camo. I get my trail running shoes there and pay $15-$20 instead of $110. You do need a membership but it pays dividends.
 
 I suppose I should add that you won't find boots made specifically for hunting.
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				Check out some of the Rockys. My best pair I literally used for 8 or 9 years. Only reason I turned em in is because all the lugs were worn off. I had a pair of kenetrek mt extremes. I kid you not I sold them and replaced them with a $99 pair of rockys and crawled all over the ruby mts in them in Nevada and my feet were super comfortable. The only break in I did was wear them to work for a week. 
			
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				Check out some of the Rockys. My best pair I literally used for 8 or 9 years. Only reason I turned em in is because all the lugs were worn off. I had a pair of kenetrek mt extremes. I kid you not I sold them and replaced them with a $99 pair of rockys and crawled all over the ruby mts in them in Nevada and my feet were super comfortable. The only break in I did was wear them to work for a week. 
 
 'I have a pair of Rocky Silent Stalkers also, theyre INSANELY lightweight, Amazing traction on the bottom and Gortex lined. Ran me about $89 on sale.
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				Asolo Fugitives, freaking awesome boot.
 
 :yeah:
 I have more than 1000 miles on mine (probably more than 2k) and they are in great shape, with no sign of breaking down. My only complaint was they were a little stiff but I think they are the best boots I've owned. I would go to REI and have them line up the boots, they all fit so different and have strengths and weaknesses. I really like the stiff lasts.   :twocents:
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				Go on Sierra Trading and look at their Asolo.
 
 
 Is there any retailers in the U.S. that sell these boots? I'd like to try on a pair, and find the rite size.
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				I would look at some used kennetrek or any other highend boots.  You have to be patient.  but some will turn up.  
 
 I wasted many a seasons on cheap boots.
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				If you don't have happy feet you will not have a good hunt. Gauranteed!
			
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				You can save money on packs. Buy cheap camo or no camo at all. Drink cheap vodka in camp. You can even buy a cheap bow or gun that will do the trick just fine. But after years of hunting and hiking and buying cheap boots like Rocky, Danner, and others, I'll never go back again. My Lowas are $400 boots and will probably last and support my feet comfortably for 20 more years if I take good care of them. That's 20 bucks a year. Spend your money wisely.
 
 
 :yeah:
 
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				Go on Sierra Trading and look at their Asolo.
 
 
 Is there any retailers in the U.S. that sell these boots? I'd like to try on a pair, and find the rite size.
 
 
 REI sells Asolo boots.
 
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				Maybe look at some keens. They have waterproof hikers and taller boots. 
			
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				Go on Sierra Trading and look at their Asolo.
 
 
 Is there any retailers in the U.S. that sell these boots? I'd like to try on a pair, and find the rite size.
 
 
 REI sells Asolo boots.
 
 
 
 They have some great boot fit staff as well
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				What size do you wear?  I have a pair of real nice boots in 11.5, but they're too narrow in the front for me.  
			
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				What size do you wear?  I have a pair of real nice boots in 11.5, but they're too narrow in the front for me. 
 
 
 I actually wear between an 11.5 and 12. PM sent
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				I agree with the guys who buy high quality boots, I have bought Danner and UA boots and they both leak like crazy. This year I'm buying a pair of Kenetrek boots. A pair of boots that lasts 10+ years pays for a lot of cheap boots. :dunno: :twocents:
			
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				I agree with the guys who buy high quality boots, I have bought Danner and UA boots and they both leak like crazy. This year I'm buying a pair of Kenetrek boots. A pair of boots that lasts 10+ years pays for a lot of cheap boots. :dunno: :twocents:
 
 
 
 The key is finding one that fits well. Kenetreks are horrible for people with narrow heals (like myself)
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				I have worn both Merril, and Asolo's they will fit in most working man's budgets.  I have clinically bad feet, and I have worn them for years they serve me well.
			
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				look at Keen boots...most comfy hiking boot I have ever worn..I  paid $100 for mine they were not waterproof, but they do have them
			
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				I bought a pair of Irish Setter boots last year for around $100 on sale and they are without a doubt the most comfortable boots I have ever hunted in!  They are waterproof, lightweight (as light weight as size 14 EW can be) and surprisingly warm.  I used the during a couple of seasons from warm/ dry weather to knee deep snow to torrential downpour and mud and my feet never got wet, cold or achy.  I have some old Rocky Bearclaws as my back up pair hand have had very good luck with them as well.  Both the Irish Setter and Rocky were better boots than my Danners.
			
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				Is it me or has the quality of Danner boots sucked in the last 5 years or so. My problem is that I have a wide foot (4e) and most of the brands don't carry wide boots. Had to buy boots from a local shoe store and has worked out well. As in the other posts, it costed more up front, but the average cost over time is much cheaper.
			
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				If you can't take Pianoman's advice because price is a barrier, then don't buy a pair of boots because they worked for someone else.  Most every brand makes their boot volume to that brand's specifications.  Find a brand that makes its volume fit your foot--that is probably the most important fitting issue that doesn't get addressed by retailers.  A really great boot store can help you with that, but is hard to find.  I wear La Sportivas because they fit my foot, but that doesn't mean they will work for you.
 
 Spend your money on good insoles, they may be more important than the boot!  Superfeet, Sole, or Lathrop custom insoles are worth the coin--about $50/pair.  Lathrop's website has some good basic information on boots, fitting, and foot care in the backcountry.
 
 The money you spend on your feet (boots, insoles, socks) is the most important money you will spend.
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				Is it me or has the quality of Danner boots sucked in the last 5 years or so. My problem is that I have a wide foot (4e) and most of the brands don't carry wide boots. Had to buy boots from a local shoe store and has worked out well. As in the other posts, it costed more up front, but the average cost over time is much cheaper.
 
 When Lacrosse bought Danner, quality tanked and lots China boots appeared. Still wear super rainforest for work, but not the same as before.
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				Thanks Forks for the explanation on Danner. Had some mountain lights in my younger years and loved them. That is great, another company going down the drain because of China
			
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				Is it me or has the quality of Danner boots sucked in the last 5 years or so. My problem is that I have a wide foot (4e) and most of the brands don't carry wide boots. Had to buy boots from a local shoe store and has worked out well. As in the other posts, it costed more up front, but the average cost over time is much cheaper.
 
 20 years ago I went through 3 pairs of Danner Ft. Lewis boots in less than a year.  Back then $150 was a lot for boot and you would expect them to hold up more than a couple of hikes.  They were never waterproof, not even brand new.  I swore that I would never buy another Danner product again.
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				danners squeak ! I love merrells light hikers but only get a year out of them . I have a pair of underarmor speed hunters that are comfy and light , they seem to be a good boot so far.
			
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				danners squeak ! I love merrells light hikers but only get a year out of them . I have a pair of underarmor speed hunters that are comfy and light , they seem to be a good boot so far.
 
 They are great until the first time you walk in wet grass. :bash:  :bash:
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				Boots are your most important piece of equipment.  Regardless of brand they have to fit.   I wear the perfect  boot by miendle (cabelas).