Hardcore boots?

[bonkellekter]

I love my Russell Moccasin Sheep Hunters.  While they do not have the arch support of my Whites which I wear for early season, they absolutely keep my feet dry, warm and comfortable no matter the weather or terrain.

My dad has used these boots for several years - very good boots. Since I have the same size foot as him I have used them a few times. If I had a little deeper pockets I would pick up a pair for myself.

[colockumelk]

In my opinion Danner Boots should not be considered hardcore boots.  I used to have both the pronghorns and elk hunters.  Both boots will fail when subjected to hardcore offroad hunting.

JPhelps this isn't directed at you.  You just happened to be the one that gave me a good quote to start with.  So no offence.  This is more aimed at all the guys who say that Danners are crap.  So just everyone who thinks that think about this little bit of info:

Would any of you consider a boot that lasted an entire year while being subjected to foot patrols in Afghanistan almost daily with 70lbs+ on your back at elevations from 6,000-12,000 feet in terrain that is far more rugged, harsh and rocky than any place we'll hunt in Washington  count as a "rugged hard core boot."  Or that this boot put on more miles in one year than any of us will put on while hunting in 3 years count either.  FYI here's the "not hardcore boot" that was able to do this. We are all entitled to our own opinion.  But facts are facts.  A year of foot patrols in Afghanistan is far more hardcore than any of us will ever see in one year of hunting.

http://www.danner.com/boots/desert-acadiar-mens-womens-temperate-military-boots.html

[colockumelk]

If I came off arrogant in my last post I appologize.  That was not my intent.  I was just trying to convey that Danners are an AWSOME boot and have served me and my fellow 0311's and 11B's well. I don't undestand why people talk smack about them.  Because in my experience and my buddies experience I have seen just how EXTREMELY durable Danners are.  

I guess some people's feet are different.  Many say the Meindle AK Hunters are really comfy.  To me they felt like concrete when I tried them on at the store.  Each and to their own.  As long as they get you where you need to go comfortably and safely that is all that really matters IMHO.   

FYI this is most likely gonna be the boot I deploy with next.  This thing looks AWSOME!!!!!  I think it was designed specifically for Afghanistan.  

http://www.danner.com/boots/danner-ich-7-tan.html

[JPhelps]

Clockumelk - No hard feelings.  I may be in error on calling every pair of Danners "not hardcore". I based my opinion solely on the two pair of danner boots that I have tried.

The two pair of boots I have now have met or exceeded all of my expectations for a mountain hunting boot.

When giving examples of hardcore boots though, I would like to see comparisons of boots used in mountains summitted.  I would be willing to bet that the Scarpa, Lowa, Lathrop, Asolo, Meindl and La Sportiva mountaineering boots out number Danner by a considerable margin.  Once again this is just my opinion from seeing people in the mountains hiking.

[high country]

FYI this is most likely gonna be the boot I deploy with next.  This thing looks AWSOME!!!!!  I think it was designed specifically for Afghanistan. 

http://www.danner.com/boots/danner-ich-7-tan.html

that is more like it. the killer for me and boots is the lack of a rubber rand. I have a knack for cutting the vamp and counters all to heck on rocks. boots that are wrapped in rubber tak those knocks well.

[colockumelk]

Clockumelk - No hard feelings.  I may be in error on calling every pair of Danners "not hardcore". I based my opinion solely on the two pair of danner boots that I have tried.

The two pair of boots I have now have met or exceeded all of my expectations for a mountain hunting boot.

When giving examples of hardcore boots though, I would like to see comparisons of boots used in mountains summitted.  I would be willing to bet that the Scarpa, Lowa, Lathrop, Asolo, Meindl and La Sportiva mountaineering boots out number Danner by a considerable margin.  Once again this is just my opinion from seeing people in the mountains hiking.

Okay I misunderstood you.  I would agree that the Danners except their latest one (see link below) are not mountaineering boots like the ones you listed.  I appologize as I misunderstood your post.  You are correct in they are a slightly different design. I also understand some Danners are now made in China and are not as good as the ones made in the USA.  Mine have all come from the Portland, OR plant.  So maybe that's why I have a different experience than you do.  Like I said I guess all that matters is that a guys boots get him where he needs to go comfortably and safely.   

http://www.danner.com/danner-combat-hiker-military-boots.html

[Alchase]

I had horrible luck with my Danners. I bought the insulated with bobs, I loved the fit so much I bought another pair. Then one pair got all cut up on the shale and I lost a couple of the eyelets. I went to my back up pair and I lost the eyelets in that as well. Two out of two within the same hunting season was just to much. I do love that bobbed sole though.
Then I went to Vasques, they fit fantastically but were not waterproof as advertised. I then found out that Vasques are now made in China and their quality control is not up to the Vasque reputation.
Now I use Asolos Moran GTX Hiking Boots, they took a couple trips to break in, so far the best boot I have worn.

http://www.rei.com/product/796770

[whacker1]

I have been wearing a pair of Elk Hunters for 4 years now and like them a lot, but the week point is in the ankle support when it comes to side hilling.  I need something with more ankle support.  All of the Danner's I have had over the years role right at the ankle.  I did put a pair of superfeet insoles in them and that helped considerably, but still lacking ankle support where it is needed most. 

My Raichle boots are better, but only good for the early season.  I will be picking up a pair of Kennetrek's as soon as the Elk Hunters blow out, but I am just not ready to drop $400 on a pair of boots. 

[arrowflinger]

I have a pair of Elk hunters. After about 10 years (guessing) of use I sent them in for repairs. I had lost a few of the bobs. The replaced the soles and fixed the stitching for 75 bucks. I figure I have another few years to use them. I like them alot.

[WAcoyotehunter]

My wife walked out of two pairs of elk hunters in two years.  I wore out two pairs of pronghorns one year and a pair of the GTX boots in a few months.  I went to meindls and got a good year out of them.  Now wearing a new pair of whites...kinda ugly but hopefully tough and durable.   I will not own another pair of Danners, but would probably buy more meindls in the future.  I think all the sidehill walking is what wipes out my boots... 

[rasbo]

I have a pair of Elk hunters. After about 10 years (guessing) of use I sent them in for repairs. I had lost a few of the bobs. The replaced the soles and fixed the stitching for 75 bucks. I figure I have another few years to use them. I like them alot.

love that boot

[colockumelk]

Hey Rasbo what do you like about the elk hunter. Someday when my Danner Frontiers wear out on me I plan on buying the elk hunter.  What are its pros and cons?

[high country]

My wife walked out of two pairs of elk hunters in two years.  I wore out two pairs of pronghorns one year and a pair of the GTX boots in a few months.  I went to meindls and got a good year out of them.  Now wearing a new pair of whites...kinda ugly but hopefully tough and durable.   I will not own another pair of Danners, but would probably buy more meindls in the future.  I think all the sidehill walking is what wipes out my boots... 

which meindl's? I have the perfekt and denaili's currently. I went to the denali after the lalaska hunters. the alaska hunter is as bulletproof a boot as I could ever imagine. the denali is close, the perfekt is a fancy hiker. I bought the denali's because they were in the cavefor 100bux and were new.....I am pleased....but will buy another pair of ak hunters.

[WAcoyotehunter]

they were the perfekt hunters i think.  They were comfy, but not durable enough.  I should have tried the ak hunters...

[Machias]

I'm breaking in a pr of AK Meindls right now, I like them alot so far!