REAL footwear

[Cucuy]

Subdoc's post (member FS: Knives/Boots/Jackets FS), particularly the formerly $400 boots, has me thinking about what I'm standing on. Happy feet = happy camper. I destroy boots. Everything I've used lasts maybe a field season or two and it doesn't matter if I spend $30 or $300. I'm all about "you get what you pay for", but I tend to think that the expensive boots are marketed for those who actually use them for only day or two out of the year. Knowing that they are going to die shortly, I tend to go cheap and not worry about the brand label. Mil surplus was fine, but they stopped meeting my needs. I now use the "fancy" Wal-Mart specials, but they're not especially supportive. Since I've become more mature (i.e., older, fatter, weaker), I need a really good base underneath me.

What is the best footwear manufacturer for people who are REALLY outside? I have given up on the high priced stuff, but would be open to suggestions. I would gladly spend $500 for a boots that would last 5+ years. If they don't exist, I reckon I’ll stick with the CCI Blazers of boots. Your thoughts?

[Ken O'Neill]

For moderate weather I use a couple pair of Vasque boots. For snow and cold (probably in darned short supply in deep south Texas) I use Schnee.

[COR]

I really like the Danner boots and they have a refurbishing/resoling program that allows you to get your boots a second life. Danners are very comfortable for my feet and are well made.

[nitro577]

Cucuy,
I like Whites. The first pair I bought 11 years ago. And still have them. The last pair I bought was two years ago. I will buy an insulated pair later this year for next winter. They will rebuild the boots when they need it. We all wear out boots or clothes at different rates. You can not beat the fit, and comfort, if you measure your foot right. They are nice people and will answer any questions you have.

[ronegg]

I love Merrell and Danner but the lasts are too narrow for my feet and have never found a pair that would fit. Vasque and Asolo are tough and I had one pair (Asolo) that I wore almost everyday for 8 or 9 years. I have heard very good things about Schnee but I wouldn't accept as a gift a pair of Rocky's. I had two pair of Rocky's and both pair the soles just erroded. Both pair felt as if I had mud built up in the treads and as I scrubbed them on a mat the sole just wore away until all I had left was the upper, which I must say was in tremendous shape.

[blacktailslayer]

I second the Danner recommendations. I have worn Danners for over 20 years (not the same pair) and have had great success with them. You can take a brand new pair right out of the box and wear them all day without any issues with discomfort. I am not talking about the lighter "hiking shoes" but the heavier work boots like the Rain Forest model and other like models.

I have a pair of Raptors that after 10+ years of hunting only use are finally ready for lighter duty. I hunt all over Oregon and not from my truck. I hike many miles a day in snow and rain so I am not easy on boots either. Last deer season they finally started to leak so it is time for a new pair.

I am also very lucky as the Danner Company store is about a 15 minute drive from work.

Don D.

[the priest]

I would suggest you get some good boots for the woods and another pair of crappers for work, etc. You don't usually fet cold working,.....different story hunting, fishing, etc. I have a pair of upland boots that are lighter and meant for long walks, another pair for cold cold winter hunts/walks, then the mudders for work.

I have a great OLD pair of Timberlands that I love. Danners are great too. Look for the Vibram sole.

I personally think footwear makes or breaks your hunt.

[bloodhound]

PRETTY GOOD BOOTS MADE FOR HARD USE.....A LITTLE EXPENSIVE.....BUT KEEP AN EYE ON THEIR CLEARANCE ROOM..... ;D
www.kenetrek.com/

[brionic]

Here in the ice fields I hunt in my Sorrel pack boots this time of year... fat, heavy, and clumsy, but WARM, and with leather uppers. I have had good success with Vasque Sundowners under more... mild... conditions.
--
Brian

[Cucuy]

Sorry for the delay and thanks for all of your suggestions. I'll do some poking around and let y'all know if I have any additional revelations. Have a good week!

[Aggie01]

When I think boots, I think of ropers or the like, nothing with laces.

I wear plain ol' $100 to $150 a pair Justin workboots most weekends. My current pair is on year 5.
For cold weather, I have a pair a half size larger and wear extra socks.
I wear boots to work every day, nicer than my workboots, but still under $200 a pair. My last pair of Justin black bullhides went to work with me every day for 7 years before I couldn't put another new sole on them. My current pair is on year 3.

[bobke]

herman survivors still around? i have a pair that i used to hang steel through high school, college and a couple of years after getting back into construction during a interim period. and hunting all during that timeframe. i've still got them and with a bit of cleanup, are still usable. my foots changed shape over the years, but the herman's are now 40+ years old. think they were aptly named...survivors.

[Robster]

If you want pac boots, try Schnee's pac boots. As far as leather work style boots, I have never had a pair last for more than a year or two. cant figure out how these guys have boots that last them so many years. Never needed to resole a pair as they fail where they flex. The leather cracks and eventually splits. I ordered my first pair of custom style boots that are rebuildable from Whites. I am hoping they will last longer than two to three years. stop back in a few years and I will give you an update on them. BTW, I work outdoors so they are constantly wet and dry from rain and dew, saw dust, fertilizers, mud, snow, manure.........probably why the leather does not hold up. BTW, the customs are coming from www.drewsboots.com might be a good place to do some internet browsing for boots.

[odis]

I am waiting on a pair of boots for my wife. custom made by a gentleman in Moose Lake Mn. I believe he used to work for Gokey in St. Paul before they got bought out by Orvis. Orvis still sells the Gokey uplander custom made and they charge 500 bucks for them, beautiful boots that will last for many years if you take good care of them. Beaver Tracks in Moose lake Mn. sells them for $375. I used to wear boots made in Grand Rapids Mn. that were the same style at work and I would put a lot of stress on them, had them resoled twice a year, they would last for about ten years before wear out, breaking in boots takes a lot of the life out of them where as custom fit do not need near as much break in.

[gsp7]

I like my Danner proghorns. Another good durable boot I found that you dont here alot about is Hi-Tec Altitude for under 100 bucks. I bought my first pair last year and wore them every day for almost a year. They hold up great after thrashing the hell out of them. Inside dont come apart, comfortable, durable, great all around hiking, bird hunting boot etc