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Q:
I'm always on the lookout for the best darn boots on the market. Anybody know a pair of boots that meets the following qualifications: durable (I want these things to last a couple of years with heavy use), completely waterproof, comfortable enough to wear all day, also comfortable to wear in conditions ranging from 70 degrees F to -30 degrees F, and priced less than $200 (If there is pair out there that is more than $200 I want to know about those too, as long as they meet the other requirements.)
Uses include: hunting, fishing, and hiking
Question by BioGuy. Uploaded on October 12, 2009
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Answers (17)
Wolverene, and Rocky both make a good boot.
I've heard good things about Irish Setters too.
I'm pretty familiar with the brands. I've been buying Danner boots the past few years, and they are durable, but nowhere near as waterproof as I need them to be. My new favorites are my 1000 gram insulated Lacrosse rubber boots because they slip on nicely, are warm, waterproof, fairly comfortabl, and fairly durable, but the tread isn't all that great for hiking.
What I'm looking for here is a solid answer from perhaps a rocky mountain or alaskan guide. If anyone knows anything about a quality boot that meets my description, I would be willing to bet they've got the answer. The only problem with asking now is that all the guides are probably in the woods :-).
I can recommend a pair but they would miss on your -30 requirement. Try a pair of Ecco Track II High boots. I have gotten about five years out of my current pair. I have a pair of Danners (the same Pronghorn GTX's that F&S reviewed) too but they feel like concrete blocks compared to these. I am a big guy and I'm rough on shoes to say the least. One of my sales reps turned me on to these about 8 or 9 years ago and I have truly never been happier with a pair of boots.
I gave my Dad a pair for his Canada trip(he's there now) and he has flipped out over them. He said they were the first boots he could ever remember not having to break in. He's bird hunting in New Brunswick and they are walking 5-8 miles a day.
Buy a pair of Lacrosse Alpha Burly Sport boots. The wear like tennis shoes and they are scent free. I have worn them in all kinds of weather. I love them!!!
BioGuy,
I've never heard anything bad about Danner boots, until now. I've owned a pair for over 10 years and they are without a doubt the best boots I've ever owned.
sgaredneck and anjadams...I'll check out the boots you recommended. It's a rare occasion that I'm out in -30 weather...but sometimes, and when I am I like to keep my feet toasty. I usually throw a couple handwarmers in my socks :-)
buckhunter...as far as hiking boots go, Danner boots are the best I have owned so far. Of course, these days if a boot lasts more than 1 year I'm fairly impressed. Although most Danners are waterproof when you first get them, it just doesn't last long.
For some budget boots, try the Irish Setter 'Gunflint' series. I bought a 800 gram insulated pair last year and they were as good as my Danner's. I have owned Danner's for the past 20 years, but they have gotten a little pricey. The Gunflints can be had for about $100.
I've had the sole of rocky boots fall apart with in one year, I wont buy another pair. I've had a pair of muck boots for about 6 yrs now, they look terrible but are still comfortable and water proof. I've owned a few lacrosse alpha burly sport boots and they stand up well to wear, they just require a good insert. Bought some wolverene 1000 gram boots last year, but I have'nt had to wear them to know how well they work, too warm in dec in arkansas.
i think the best boots i have ever owned and still wear to this day is my herman survivors
Check out the Cabela's Meindl boots. More than you want to spend but the best boots I have ever owned. I really appreciate being able to untie them and have them practically fall off my feet - that is worth the price alone. Uninsulated, 200, 400, or 800 grams insulation.
Look at the Belleville 700 boots. They were issued for some years by the USMC. They didn't want mine back when I retired, and I've worn them outside for the 10 years since.
Rocky "Bear Claw" Boots, Guaranteed!
I have a pair of Danners that fit all those criteria but they might have been alittle over 200 i dont remember
Scent Blocker dream season Pro boots
DON'T mind these other statements I tried this boot on and it's more comfortable than a warm fire place watching the snow outside and wearing wool lined slippers drinking a cup of hot chocolate. that's how serious I am about these boots I have a cheaper pair of the scent blocker boots and the shin length not knee and they are awesome.
Thanks for all of the suggestions! I'll check them all out.
My Danner boots seemed expensive at the time, but they've lasted ten years through multiseasonal activity so I surely can't complain. They might cost more than $200 to replace now, but I'd do it if it was necessary.
nothing last that long, i wear boats everyday. one thing for sure, if it don't say goretex you will get wet. everything else will leak. period. 50 years in the boot wearing business.
Post an Answer
Wolverene, and Rocky both make a good boot.
I've heard good things about Irish Setters too.
I'm pretty familiar with the brands. I've been buying Danner boots the past few years, and they are durable, but nowhere near as waterproof as I need them to be. My new favorites are my 1000 gram insulated Lacrosse rubber boots because they slip on nicely, are warm, waterproof, fairly comfortabl, and fairly durable, but the tread isn't all that great for hiking.
What I'm looking for here is a solid answer from perhaps a rocky mountain or alaskan guide. If anyone knows anything about a quality boot that meets my description, I would be willing to bet they've got the answer. The only problem with asking now is that all the guides are probably in the woods :-).
I can recommend a pair but they would miss on your -30 requirement. Try a pair of Ecco Track II High boots. I have gotten about five years out of my current pair. I have a pair of Danners (the same Pronghorn GTX's that F&S reviewed) too but they feel like concrete blocks compared to these. I am a big guy and I'm rough on shoes to say the least. One of my sales reps turned me on to these about 8 or 9 years ago and I have truly never been happier with a pair of boots.
I gave my Dad a pair for his Canada trip(he's there now) and he has flipped out over them. He said they were the first boots he could ever remember not having to break in. He's bird hunting in New Brunswick and they are walking 5-8 miles a day.
Buy a pair of Lacrosse Alpha Burly Sport boots. The wear like tennis shoes and they are scent free. I have worn them in all kinds of weather. I love them!!!
BioGuy,
I've never heard anything bad about Danner boots, until now. I've owned a pair for over 10 years and they are without a doubt the best boots I've ever owned.
sgaredneck and anjadams...I'll check out the boots you recommended. It's a rare occasion that I'm out in -30 weather...but sometimes, and when I am I like to keep my feet toasty. I usually throw a couple handwarmers in my socks :-)
buckhunter...as far as hiking boots go, Danner boots are the best I have owned so far. Of course, these days if a boot lasts more than 1 year I'm fairly impressed. Although most Danners are waterproof when you first get them, it just doesn't last long.
For some budget boots, try the Irish Setter 'Gunflint' series. I bought a 800 gram insulated pair last year and they were as good as my Danner's. I have owned Danner's for the past 20 years, but they have gotten a little pricey. The Gunflints can be had for about $100.
I've had the sole of rocky boots fall apart with in one year, I wont buy another pair. I've had a pair of muck boots for about 6 yrs now, they look terrible but are still comfortable and water proof. I've owned a few lacrosse alpha burly sport boots and they stand up well to wear, they just require a good insert. Bought some wolverene 1000 gram boots last year, but I have'nt had to wear them to know how well they work, too warm in dec in arkansas.
Check out the Cabela's Meindl boots. More than you want to spend but the best boots I have ever owned. I really appreciate being able to untie them and have them practically fall off my feet - that is worth the price alone. Uninsulated, 200, 400, or 800 grams insulation.
My Danner boots seemed expensive at the time, but they've lasted ten years through multiseasonal activity so I surely can't complain. They might cost more than $200 to replace now, but I'd do it if it was necessary.
i think the best boots i have ever owned and still wear to this day is my herman survivors
Look at the Belleville 700 boots. They were issued for some years by the USMC. They didn't want mine back when I retired, and I've worn them outside for the 10 years since.
Rocky "Bear Claw" Boots, Guaranteed!
I have a pair of Danners that fit all those criteria but they might have been alittle over 200 i dont remember
Scent Blocker dream season Pro boots
DON'T mind these other statements I tried this boot on and it's more comfortable than a warm fire place watching the snow outside and wearing wool lined slippers drinking a cup of hot chocolate. that's how serious I am about these boots I have a cheaper pair of the scent blocker boots and the shin length not knee and they are awesome.
Thanks for all of the suggestions! I'll check them all out.
nothing last that long, i wear boats everyday. one thing for sure, if it don't say goretex you will get wet. everything else will leak. period. 50 years in the boot wearing business.
Post an Answer