Hiking And Hunting Boots

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Looking to spend up to 175 on some new hunting/hiking boots. The soles finally came unattached from my current boots. I got some low top merrells that I can wear with my snake garters until I find something else. I would like something else in camo. My only issue is insulated and gortex boots, require me to go up to a 15 in gortex. Or a 15w or 16 in insulated. Any recommendations?

[MrSwimJig]

I would look at Danner High Ground 8 inch insulated and Gore-Tex hunting boots. In Mossy Oak Break Up Infinity pattern.

[Traveler2586]

I'll tell you up front I don't know a thing about hunting boots, but I have been using hiking boots for many, many, decades; in fact I worked in them, or should I say I lived in them for years.  The best ones I've had are by Vasque.  Their hiking boots fit like a glove (with the proper insert) and wear like iron.  I currently have the Vasque Clarion GTX. 

 

http://hikingboots.com/mens-vasque-clarion-gtx

 

 

Tip, once a year give the boot a good cleaning and then two coats of water proofing spray 24 hrs apart.
 

[shootermcbob]

I have had a pair of Asolo 520's for over 7 years now. They are not camo, nor are they goretex. I treat mine with obenaufs, and they have been in the water several times and are waterproof...completely. Best boots/shoes I have ever owned, period. Comfortable, great sole support, great ankle support, and they are built too last.

[roadwarrior]

I'm a HUGE fan of Danner Boots. There are plenty of styles to choose from and something is

usually on sale. These might be the ticket: http://www.danner.com/boots/dannerr-453tm-gtxr-hunting-boots.html

[flyfisher]

So do you want Gore-tex & insulated boots or does that even matter?

 

There are a lot of good boots out there but be sure to get them fitted well and break them in over time before using them on a longer trip.  I would also say that a good quality footbed like superfeet will make light years of difference in the fit and comfort and also warmth of the boot.

 

I am not a fan of Gore-tex in a boot for a few reasons. 

-They don't breathe that well or at least not any better than a good leather boot.

-If water does get in the boot it is there till you dump it out

-In a long term investment like a pair of good boots, it will break down in your major flex points over time, long before the boot itself wears out

 

They do offer good waterproof ability but to me a well made leather boot that is treated is just as good, breathes better and forms to your foot better.

 

Danner does make nice boots as does Vasque, Asolo, Scarpa, Boreal among others.  Really it is all about the fit and that is more mportant than anything as all bots in a given price point will be generally the same quality.  

[Traveler2586]

So do you want Gore-tex & insulated boots or does that even matter?

 

There are a lot of good boots out there but be sure to get them fitted well and break them in over time before using them on a longer trip.  I would also say that a good quality foot-bed like superfeet will make light years of difference in the fit and comfort and also warmth of the boot.

 

I am not a fan of Gore-tex in a boot for a few reasons. 

-They don't breathe that well or at least not any better than a good leather boot.

-If water does get in the boot it is there till you dump it out

-In a long term investment like a pair of good boots, it will break down in your major flex points over time, long before the boot itself wears out

 

They do offer good waterproof ability but to me a well made leather boot that is treated is just as good, breathes better and forms to your foot better.

 

Danner does make nice boots as does Vasque, Asolo, Scarpa, Boreal among others.  Really it is all about the fit and that is more important than anything as all bots in a given price point will be generally the same quality.  

 

X2, This is very important,you need a foot bed that fits the socks you are wearing, i.e. in winter when your wearing a thicker sock you need a thinner foot bed, conversely in summer when your wearing a thin sock you need a thicker foot bed.  When hiking I always wear a thick sock for the padding and the wicking action.

[Siebert Outdoors]

I'm a HUGE fan of Danner Boots. There are plenty of styles to choose from and something is

usually on sale. These might be the ticket: http://www.danner.com/boots/dannerr-453tm-gtxr-hunting-boots.html

 

Thats the brand I was going to say.

[Fisher_C]

:Lowas..thats all im goona say..Put them through everything in Afghanistan. Well worth the money.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

So do you want Gore-tex & insulated boots or does that even matter?

 

There are a lot of good boots out there but be sure to get them fitted well and break them in over time before using them on a longer trip.  I would also say that a good quality footbed like superfeet will make light years of difference in the fit and comfort and also warmth of the boot.

 

I am not a fan of Gore-tex in a boot for a few reasons. 

-They don't breathe that well or at least not any better than a good leather boot.

-If water does get in the boot it is there till you dump it out

-In a long term investment like a pair of good boots, it will break down in your major flex points over time, long before the boot itself wears out

 

They do offer good waterproof ability but to me a well made leather boot that is treated is just as good, breathes better and forms to your foot better.

 

Danner does make nice boots as does Vasque, Asolo, Scarpa, Boreal among others.  Really it is all about the fit and that is more mportant than anything as all bots in a given price point will be generally the same quality.

I like the insulated boots for winter time. Nothing over 1000 or 750 thinsulate though. It doesn't get that cold down here. I prefer 250 or 500. Basically just enough to take the chill out of the boots.

Again though finding boots in my size is a nightmare.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Thanks for all the input fellas. I greatly appreciate it. I'm really liking how the danners look right now. Right behind them are the a solo an lowas.

[flyfisher]

Asolo and lowa make great boots too. You might want to look at the vasque sundowners too because I know they used to make boots in your size but aren't insulated if that is a deal breaker.

[Raider Nation Fisher]

Asolo and lowa make great boots too. You might want to look at the vasque sundowners too because I know they used to make boots in your size but aren't insulated if that is a deal breaker.

I like uninsulated as well. That way I can wear them year round.