Hunting Washington Forum
Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: syoungs on July 08, 2016, 10:04:20 PM
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Need new boots this year. I've been just wearing whatever I've had laying around for work forever, but I'm tired of frozen steel toes and sub par waterproofing.
I wear a size 15, so it really limits what's available.
So far it's between the Irish setter elk tracker, the Cabela's iron ridge, or the Columbia bugaboo with omniheat.
These will be worn from lare Sept through the winter, spot and stalk, still hunting and in the duck/goose blind.
I know I really outta buy a couple pairs to cover All my usage, but for now I'm going with one, and would like to have warmer feet when sitting if I had to pick. Budget is about 200-250, I'm open for all suggestions!
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I'd go for the Irish setters. Love my pair! A bit to warm for Sept. Archery season though.
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I'm personally a huge fan of danner pronghorns. I think they are definitely a worth contender if you're taking the time to shop around. Fast breaking, held up well, look nice, light and dependable from early October to January
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My Irish setter vapor treks would be soaked with a short walk thru tall grass.
My Danner Pronghorns went a few years before I would get wet.
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I will never own another set of pronghorns had 3 sets all leaked within a month of purchase.
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I have pronghorns also and leaked after 2 years of heavy use then I put some sno seal on them and they haven't leaked since and have been a great boot for the money
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Of al the things you spend money on, I'm not proud to say that I'm cheap when it comes to boots. But 2 pairs of Irish Setters have lasted me 4 years. No record there, but they fit well, affordable enough and really don't leak.
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I've been happy enough with the Iron Ridge from Cabela's that I plan to get a new pair soon. My existing pair just started to leak last season. Had them since 2010, probably put somewhere near 2,000 miles on them. Had to use the black toe guard on them, the toes got eaten away fast kicking through logs and cuts. My main reason for them is the tread pattern bob sole---not really the most comfortable (almost like wearing caulk boots), but sure beat slipping and falling on all the wet limbs on the steep slopes.
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I started wearing Thorogoods last year, best boot I've worn!
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Second the Cabela's. I'm on my second set over the years and they hold up well. I have a number of other boots and as far as value for quality the Cabela's are at the top. With Cabela's stores being fairly common it makes returning them if there is a problem a bit easier as well.
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Cabelas Iron Ridge are wayyy better tha Danner Pronghorn.
I own both and the Pronghorns split both soles across the arches long before the boot was close to being worn out. Danner gave me a discount coupon toward a full-price pair and I don't feel the love.
Cabelas Iron Ridge have lots more miles and are still waterproof.
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I think I'll order a pair of the iron ridges into the store to try out when I go to pick up my waders.
So next question, all leather or not? I kinda like the all leather cause it seems more robust, but. Maybe I'm missing the point of the synthetics?
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I LOVE my Irish Setters!!!!!! Will never buy another pair of Danners after having several pairs fail in less than one hunting season. I have hunted in the same pair of Setters for 5 years now and they are still like new, just scuffed up a bit. I prefer to stay away from all leather. The nylon seems to stay breathable and waterproof longer,
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Nylon is lighter than leather.
Those ounces add up.
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In my experience my all leather boots have held up better and remained waterproof longer. I have a pair of Danner Rainforests that are 18 years old and still working great. I have had numerous boots with nylon that have completely broke down and leak badly.
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Spend as much as you can on your boots and glass. You'll never regret the expenditure.
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I have had good luck with Rocky, Danner and even Wolverine boots, as long as they have a Gortex tag on the boot. If it doesn't say Gortex, I won't buy. Waterproof, usually is not, as I've been burned when purchasing "waterproof" boots. If the boot says Gortex on it, I have not had a leak issue.
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Take a look at REI when boot shopping. I think they have a pair of Lowa's in your size/price range. The beauty of REI is that you can return any item, up to a year, if it does not live up to your expectations!
