Well I'm on the verge of buying some boots. I have had Mucks for the last 4 years and they have served me very well. In fact, I may get another lightweight pair for the early season. I currently have the Woody Max and it leaves a lot to be desired for late season tree stand hunting. I'm undecided if I want to go back with a rubber/neoprene boot or go back to a traditional leather boot. I'm between the Lacrosse Aerohead 7mm or the Danner Pronghorn 800's. Either way, it will be a pair of Lacrosse or Danners and they will only be used when the temps start to drop. I don't generally have to do a ton of walking either so sweating is usually not an issue Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hunting in LA, I typically always wear rubber boots. My 3.5 aeroheads are super comfortable and seem to be pretty warm though i have not had the chance to test them out yet
Are you willing to consider something else at all? I got a set of 400gr Cabela's By Meindl Perfekt Hunters last year. Along with a set of Smartwool Extra Heavy Hunt socks I'm good down to mid 20's for temp. I can also wear them in temps up to mid 40's and be comfortable as well. When I know it's in the 20's or lower, I have a pair of Hotmocs that pack up the size of a grapefruit. When I slip those on and throw in a disposable hand warmer in each, I was warm for some pretty long sits last year down to single digits. I believe with this setup I could do all day sits below zero. I really think this is the best option for me. Up until last year I was using neoprene and the difference in weight, stability, and ability to breathe is significant. I had 800gr Alpha Burly's, Woody Max's, and 1200gr Rutmasters. The leather/hotmoc combo is warmer than all of them plus they are MUCH easier to walk in for any length of time.
I want to go Danner if I go with leather just because of a deal I'm able to get. What do you wear early season. I've never had comfort/walking issues with the mucks. Other than sweating if I wear them when it's warm Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ive got a pair of un-insulated pronghorns. I loved them so much they became more of an everyday all purpose boot. Theyre the made in China grade danners but ive been wearing them for 5years with mo issues.
I have the pronghorn 1200s, depending on how cold you hunt I would consider going higher than 800s. Love the pronghorns I have Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Makes sense on the deal, didn't realize that was the case. I liked the Perfekt Hunters so much that I got a set of the Ultralight Hunters that are uninsulated this summer. I've got quite a few hikes in them now including a few 5+ mile days and I love them. Got them a half size smaller than the Perfekt Hunters and I'm wearing an ultralight Smartwool sock even in the hottest weather. Actually did a 4 hour sit with them yesterday morning in the low 40's and was plenty warm. The ability for your feet to breathe and better regulate temp in the leather is awesome. My feet were never warmer in cold weather with neoprene, and never stayed as cool wen it was hot. I'll never go back.
I'll probably go with Danner Matt. Would you do the 400 or 800? I always struggle with cold feet Thank you for the input. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
How cold do you hunt in and how cold do your feet get? I can count the times on one hand that I've hunted mornings that were 10 degrees or under. Cold here would be in the teens-20s Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Where I hunt in NC might be a bit warmer than TN. But I wear them from early Sept (80s) till around Nov. If it's below about 20-25 (generally tail of Dec) and I'm sitting all day I go with a warmer boot (I don't recall the brand but it's some cheap ****s boot with the neoprene sock built in) , but that's only a small part of my season. Like you seldom much colder than 20 in central NC before the EOY. Regardless of which you get, I always tell folks to go try them on first as sizes vary by brand. Make sure you account for a heavy sock and it's not too tight.
I would get the 400 and a pair of HotMocs. If you aren't getting the HotMocs then get 800's and make sure whatever you do.........get a top shelf pair of high wool content socks.
Yeah I'm in the foothills near WNC and Bristol. So we might be a little colder. Average November morning would be low 30s Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Matt, I bought a pair of aeroheads this year, and while I can't speak on durability, or warmth, they are the most comfortable boot I've ever had. Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk