Hunting footwear preference
Contributors to this thread:Wisconsin
From: LilZim
20-Oct-16
I'm curious, as a boot designer/developer for various companies, what is your boot of choice? I've worked for Rocky, Browning, Red Wing (who owns Irish Setter). What do you loo for in a boot, and do you have a brand preference?
From: skookumjt
20-Oct-16
I love the fit of the Irish Setter Rutmasters. I have three variations at the moment. I am not happy with the durability though. I have become a master at putting patches on them.
My all time favorite hunting boot are the older Meindls by Cabelas. I've had several pairs of them and they are comfortable and last forever. The problem is they stopped making those styles and have gotten incredibly expensive. They don't stock anything in the stores and there is no way I'm spending $300+ on a boot I can't try on.
From: razorhead
20-Oct-16
I agree with skook, love the Irish Setters,, but they do not hold up on lots of use, made the mistake of using them for a ram hunt, glad I had my Meindls,,,,,,, for around here, Lacrosse Aeroheads,, love them,,,,, just got back from chasing mulies, used Cableas 9 inch upland hunters, great boot
From: Per48R
20-Oct-16
First my disclaimer, I don't tie my walking around shoes. Haven't in 30+ years. So I am not the kind of guy looking for "great support". I want a flexible = ie can feel the sticks below my feet/aka quiet light weight = less clunking when I walk breathable = until it gets cold, I don't want my feet warm. waterproof = I don't want wet feet, so I do use rubber boots (muck) when it is wet. My last purchase were fairly cheap camo what look like high top sneakers or hiking boots. If I could find a 5" waterproof ultralight hiking boot, with soft soles, I would definitely buy them. Something like a water proof Dwight Schuh boot.
From: Crusader dad
21-Oct-16
I like the Rockies. I'm not sure what the exact model is but this year I just got my second pair. They are very warm. Waterproof up to about 7 inches. They are also very flexible so they are comfortable to wear all day. My boots are the perfect combo of muck, pack, and hiking boots. All for around $160.
From: lame crowndip
21-Oct-16
It's difficult to beat Danner and also the old LL Bean "Maine Hunting Shoe".
From: Sam I Am
21-Oct-16
I am with lc - have been wearing Danner for my upland hunting boots for several years and like them. Still wearing Rocky for my insulated boots (stand and Ice Fishing) with no issues. Also have had good luck with Lacrosse knee high rubber boots for early to mid season bow hunting
From: Razwick
27-Oct-16
No brand preference. I want less expensive for what I am getting. For sitting I like rubberboots for scent control with a thick insulated bottom side and a zipper on the side to help the calves in and out. I also like a little space up front to throw in the hot hands thing to keep the toes warm and scrunch the toes to keep a little movement opportunity while sitting. Notice not really interested in too much insulation on top because too insulated=too warm for the hot hands things. The insulation on bottom helps when doubling for the day on the ice, ice fishing with the boot or just standing on the snow on the colder days. They work well for not over sweating the walk in with lower insulation too.
From: Badger4
27-Oct-16
My preference is Rocky boots; very comfortable. However, I also usually do the knee boots for scent protection. I'm not walking for miles so the lack of support is no big deal. I have bought cheap and expensive knee boots and both end of with rips after 2 seasons of good use.