Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: deerslyr on October 24, 2010, 11:26:42 AM

Title: Boot question
Post by: deerslyr on October 24, 2010, 11:26:42 AM: I need some help finding a good WATERPROOF boot that will last a while. Im tired of buying a pair of boots and having them leak a year later. Im going to be using them this year during late mule deer season where theres going to be a good amount of snow and I dont want a boot that leaks. I dont want an extremely insulated boot either because I will most likely use them earlier in the fall also. any suggestions? Also does anybody know where I can get some pull over snow camo at?
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: high country on October 24, 2010, 11:30:27 AM: I have yet to see a pair of meindl's that leak.......but they don't give them away.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Shootmoore on October 24, 2010, 11:47:48 AM: I would say Danners, but I would wait till they bring the production back from over sea's. Someone said in another post that they were going to bring all production back to oregon "Soon". Anyone remember when it was that they were bringing them back? I am holding out myself till that day.

Shootmoore
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: coop2424 on October 24, 2010, 11:55:11 AM: Meindl perfekts no leaks and a absolute awesome book with very little break in time. Was out all day yesterday in the rain and no leak what so ever and even walked through a small stream and still had dry feet..
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: deerslyr on October 24, 2010, 12:25:18 PM: What model of danners shootmore? I need to look into the Meindl
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: ribka on October 24, 2010, 12:54:07 PM: Two pairs of Meindls. Can sometimes find on sale at Cabelas. Check in the store after hunting season. I think I paid around $150 for them.
Nice boot for the money. I put the green super feet beds in mine. Can wear all day and no foot problems. I use a good quality water proofing agent on mine
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: deerslyr on October 24, 2010, 01:13:18 PM: Do you guys think 400 grams of insulation is too little for late season up north? I like the looks and sounds of the prefekts but im not sure if they will hold up to okanogan county in late november
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: jackelope on October 24, 2010, 01:15:17 PM: danners leak all the time.

what's your price range.

I have Meindl perfekt hunters and I was standing in a creek last weekend with them letting the kid use my boots as stepping stones and they didn't leak.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: coop2424 on October 24, 2010, 01:17:41 PM: Quote from: deerslyr on October 24, 2010, 01:13:18 PM
Do you guys think 400 grams of insulation is too little for late season up north? I like the looks and sounds of the prefekts but im not sure if they will hold up to okanogan county in late november

I do not think you would have a problem. They are very well made and great for hard country. I use mine summer and winter just adjust with my socks and they perform great. I had them in 12" of snow last year and had no problem and they are the 400 grams.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: deerslyr on October 24, 2010, 01:22:44 PM: I really dont wanna spend much more than $200 but considering that I need a pair this season I cant shop around too much lookin for a sale
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Whitelightning on October 24, 2010, 08:44:06 PM: Just bought a pair of zamberlan Wild. I wore them all weekend in the rain, through grass and mud, they never leaked a drop!! They are comfortable and break in time was not painful. $199 at Baker boots.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Rick on October 24, 2010, 09:10:31 PM: Quote from: deerslyr on October 24, 2010, 01:13:18 PM
Do you guys think 400 grams of insulation is too little for late season up north? I like the looks and sounds of the prefekts but im not sure if they will hold up to okanogan county in late november

Nobody but you can answer that. 400 grams would be plenty for me,but I also wear shorts and flip flops year round.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: bowtech721 on October 24, 2010, 09:29:52 PM: ive always worn danners but this year finally broke down and spent the money on the kenetrek mtn exteme 400s... they are awsome and so far so good no leaks at all even crossing small creeks. I wore them even in the early season with a lighter sock. great boots imo but i have also heard lots of good things about meindls from a bunch of guys
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Shootmoore on October 25, 2010, 06:27:46 PM: Quote from: deerslyr on October 24, 2010, 12:25:18 PM
What model of danners shootmore? I need to look into the Meindl

I have a pair of arcadia's and Pronghorns, I like both and have not had a leaking problem with either. However they are both US built. Not sure if those two models are still made down in Oregon. In fact I should call down there tomorrow and find out, I need a new pair of arcadia's.

Shootmoore
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: wapiti hunter2 on October 25, 2010, 06:38:43 PM: I have a pair of Danner's. They were great the first year (10 day elk hunt in the rain) The last three years they have leaked. This year I might as well just fill them up before I go out. Tonight I just wore my old Extra Tuffs and have dry feet. I'm looking for new boots too. 60-80 days from a pair of boots is pathetic. I have an old pair of Red Wings that I had for 30 years and 3 sole replacements. Now that's a quality boot. You get what you pay for. Now days it is $250-300 at least. :twocents:
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: tlbradford on October 25, 2010, 07:14:18 PM: Get a pair of Lacrosse Rubber Pacs, If waterproof is the most important feature for you.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: rasbo on October 25, 2010, 07:20:18 PM: Quote from: deerslyr on October 24, 2010, 01:13:18 PM
Do you guys think 400 grams of insulation is too little for late season up north? I like the looks and sounds of the prefekts but im not sure if they will hold up to okanogan county in late november
thats all I use 400 on the elkhunter danner,thats the only good danner boot left.If Im sitting I wear pack boots.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Ihuntelk2 on October 25, 2010, 07:25:34 PM: I would personally get Danners, but they would have to be the rainforest one's. They have and american flag on them..made in america the other danners are knock off's. I wear work boots in the woods cause they dont leak. Every pair of " Hunting Boots" I have bought have leaked Horribly.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: bow-n-head on October 25, 2010, 07:34:09 PM: I have tried soooo many, Danner mountain lite's, Danner GTX, Lacross packs, Lacross hiking boots, Vasque sundowners, a couple of different Rocky boots, Technica's, and probably a couple of others I can't remember. So far my favorite are the ones I am wearing now. Kennetrek Mountain Extreme 400's I have had them 3 years, they have packed out 5 elk. I was tromping around in the mud and water last weekend, and my feet were dry and warm. They are a little more than 200 dollars though.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Gutpile on October 25, 2010, 07:38:45 PM: I'm in the same boat. i'm sick and tired of buying new boots. My feet got soaked this last weekend with my irish setters. These were really nice boots but sprung a leak and my feet were soaked. I'm trying the meidl's next.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: coop2424 on October 25, 2010, 07:44:01 PM: I had the danner pronghorns and then found a deal on the meindl perfkts after that I did not wear the pronghorns once and sold them. Then went out and got another pair of meindle. I think you will really need to go try the different boots on and see what feels best for your feet.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Gutpile on October 25, 2010, 07:53:05 PM: Danners are very comfortable but I always seem to get leaky ones.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Axle on October 25, 2010, 07:56:29 PM: What about White's boots? I've heard they are good.
Are they still made here? Or did they give in to the Chi-Coms?
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Gutpile on October 25, 2010, 07:59:31 PM: I should go check them out I suppose but never have. they're still here. Off of fancher on Ferry street by the ballpark/fairgrounds. I guess I associate them more with logger/ work boots
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: tlbradford on October 25, 2010, 08:17:24 PM: Quote from: Gutpile on October 25, 2010, 07:59:31 PM
I should go check them out I suppose but never have. they're still here. Off of fancher on Ferry street by the ballpark/fairgrounds. I guess I associate them more with logger/ work boots

Check them out. It is a great place to try out a lot of the upper end hiking/hunting/mountaineering boots from many manufacturers. The "White" brand boots are more geared towards work boots than hunting.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: CountryslickR on October 25, 2010, 08:17:46 PM: Look into Hanwag's Alaska GTX's.....never had a leak and have walked through the wettest of country..
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: bobcat on October 25, 2010, 08:24:33 PM: Quote from: tlbradford on October 25, 2010, 07:14:18 PM
Get a pair of Lacrosse Rubber Pacs, If waterproof is the most important feature for you.

:yeah:

If you really want leather boots I'd recommend the same Cabela's Outfitter boots as someone else did. Since you only want to spend $200. They're made in China, of course, but that's why they're so cheap. But in really wet weather I've never had any leather boots really keep my feet dry all day long. Another good boot to look at would be Schnee's pacs.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: deerslyr on October 26, 2010, 07:38:15 PM: thanks for all the help guys. I appreciate it
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: clindsayrun on October 26, 2010, 09:39:10 PM: I've been wearing Danner arcadia for over 7 years now... two pair a year for work. I also have been hunting for a couple of years in the Danner Pronghorn.

I'll be switching to another brand... I'm tired of leaky expensive boots. My danners used to be rock solid. Three pair in a row, two arcadia and one pronghorn all leak. My feet get wet in my pronghorns just walking through wet grass. FORGET DANNER! I'm done with those guys.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Alchase on October 27, 2010, 11:42:40 AM: I have had two pairs of Danners, one Vasque, one Kennetrek, one Wolverines, all advertised 100% waterproof, all leaked.
The only pair of hunting boots that has not leaked....yet, is the Asolo Moran GTX Hiking Boots
Going on four years now both wet side and east side hiking and hunting.

http://www.rei.com/product/796770 (http://www.rei.com/product/796770)
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: bonkellekter on October 27, 2010, 12:33:26 PM: I can't give too much of a report as of yet but I Just bought a pair of whites outdoorsman waterproof 400 gram insulated hunting/work boots with claws airbob sole. Very comfortable, fairly light - been wearing them everyday now for 2 weeks easy break-in no sore feet (not typical of whites boots). But have not been on any serious treks yet and cannot say wether they are waterproof or not. Whites boots sales alot of customer returns, non-stocks and discontinued items on ebay for an exceptional price (picked mine up for $125) retail is $376 - $359 uninsulated. I spoke with their customer service rep before buying from their ebay store, these boots are no longer being stocked with the airbob sole but come with the full warranty and are not blems or factory seconds. You may want to check them out as well

I could always go stand in a creek to see if they are "waterproof" :chuckle:

The list of boots on the ebay store is constantly changing so you may have to watch it for a few cycles to get the size and model your looking for.

http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29869 (http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php?dispatch=products.view&product_id=29869)

ebay store:

http://shop.ebay.com/whitesriver/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25 (http://shop.ebay.com/whitesriver/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=25)
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: mikemc on October 27, 2010, 06:52:01 PM: I have Dry Foot Whites and I love them. Everything gets wet but my feet! Great boot.
Mike
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: bonkellekter on October 27, 2010, 07:56:51 PM: Quote from: mikemc on October 27, 2010, 06:52:01 PM
I have Dry Foot Whites and I love them. Everything gets wet but my feet! Great boot.
Mike

how long have you had them? they seem great right now but I always wonder how they will hold up in the long run. I put on alot of miles in a year and have a hard time finding boots that will hold up for more than 1-2 years. These seem like they might be the ticket.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Alchase on October 29, 2010, 01:52:23 PM: Be careful buying "returns" not knowing why they were returned. When I returned The Vasques to REI for leaking I asked what they do with returns. She responded they sell them at the Twice yearly sale at a reduced price. Those boots leaked, so whom ever bought them on the assumption they were buying waterproof boots would get burned even at a great price.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: bonkellekter on October 29, 2010, 02:47:05 PM: Quote from: Alchase on October 29, 2010, 01:52:23 PM
Be careful buying "returns" not knowing why they were returned. When I returned The Vasques to REI for leaking I asked what they do with returns. She responded they sell them at the Twice yearly sale at a reduced price. Those boots leaked, so whom ever bought them on the assumption they were buying waterproof boots would get burned even at a great price.

That is exactly why I talked with the whites service manager to see what was up and make sure it was lagit. The specific boots I bought were a line that was changing from a stock item to a special order item (no longer stocking this model with the airbob sole). They are factory new with full warranty - that coming from their service manager was good enough for me. But that is good to know about REI - that is a pretty sh**ty thing to do.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: ridgefire on October 30, 2010, 09:54:05 PM: check out the meindl denalis love mine
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: spin05 on October 30, 2010, 11:13:43 PM: Got 3 pairs of Danners and none of them leak. So i :dunno:
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Alchase on November 01, 2010, 11:34:50 AM: I loved the Danner airbobs
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: wsucowboy on November 01, 2010, 11:41:41 AM: Quote from: spin05 on October 30, 2010, 11:13:43 PM
Got 3 pairs of Danners and none of them leak. So i :dunno:
same here. I've always worn Danner's and never had any problems. I love them.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on November 01, 2010, 12:12:05 PM: Had similar problems with boots leaking and not holding up. Have tried wolverine, lacrosse, rocky, georgia, and danner the best of these were shot in one season. Get meindls. I bought a pair of perfekts after so many other failures and love them. 4 bucks packed out, all in several inches of snow, 3 roosevelt bulls in rain and mud. Not a blister or hot spot and no leaks. No significant sign of wear and I have ABUSED these boots. Gonna get the alaskan hunters for a little taller insulated late season boot.
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: Shootmoore on November 01, 2010, 12:15:40 PM: I don't personally know any of the people that have had the boots leaking.

Could the problem be driving on 4 ply tire with a 1 ton truck? :chuckle:?

I kid, I kid!

Shootmoore
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 01, 2010, 12:33:06 PM: I have 3 pairs of Cabelas pac boots with the cleat type sole. Not the usual sole you normally get. They are insulated and noninsulated. Lace up and pull on. These boots work great, light weight and waterproof. I use the insulated ones hunting Bobcats in the winter with good wool merlino socks. The other I wear when the weather is wet but not really cold. You can get them for $70 ish I think. :twocents:
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: colockumelk on November 02, 2010, 04:35:48 PM: Ive owned three pairs of danners and none have ever leaked. My current pair is the Danner Frontier which is now called the Danner Elkridge. My Dad has the Elkridge and loves the boot. They are in the 600gram range. I have worn them in the summer chasing yotes in WA. In the summer here in Alabama after hogs an they never got too hot. I've also chased elk in the late season and they stayed warm and dry. Hardly any break in period as well. Ive had mine for three hunting seasons now and no problem. From lowlands to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area they've held up great. So as far as leaky Danners :dunno:
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: MikeWalking on November 02, 2010, 04:51:43 PM: I've worn off 2 pairs of soles on each of 2 pairs of Vasque Sundowners over the course of 20 years of backpacking, and I pack way too much...used one pair on a few 5-7 day snowshoe trips too My feet never got wet, never had a leak.... :dunno:

Currently doing everything, hunt, hike, snowshoe in a pair of Cabela's Trail Runner Pacs (discontinued I think) have had them for 6-7 years now, first lace broke last week. Never a leak, soles look great (NEVER wear on pavement unless theres snow)
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: dbur525 on November 27, 2010, 07:36:08 PM: i bought a pair of mendels perfects, loved the boot very waterproof comforable however they sqeaked so loudly i 'am returning them to cabelas tomorrow, i hunted elk in them this past season and i sure i chased every elk away within 1/4 mile. if anything they are a great excuse for not getting my elk lol
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: olsy on November 27, 2010, 08:10:38 PM: Quote from: dbur525 on November 27, 2010, 07:36:08 PM
i bought a pair of mendels perfects, loved the boot very waterproof comforable however they sqeaked so loudly i 'am returning them to cabelas tomorrow, i hunted elk in them this past season and i sure i chased every elk away within 1/4 mile. if anything they are a great excuse for not getting my elk lol

The first season I wore my Meindl's they squeaked as well. Then I used some mink oil on them and haven't had a problem since. :twocents:
Title: Re: Boot question
Post by: coop2424 on November 27, 2010, 09:57:10 PM: Quote from: olsy on November 27, 2010, 08:10:38 PM
Quote from: dbur525 on November 27, 2010, 07:36:08 PM
i bought a pair of mendels perfects, loved the boot very waterproof comforable however they sqeaked so loudly i 'am returning them to cabelas tomorrow, i hunted elk in them this past season and i sure i chased every elk away within 1/4 mile. if anything they are a great excuse for not getting my elk lol

The first season I wore my Meindl's they squeaked as well. Then I used some mink oil on them and haven't had a problem since. :twocents:

I did then same and also used some leather conditioner and have good ever since. I still do mink oil every month or so but meindle perfects are the only boot I will ever have...