What does everyone think is the best bowhunting and hiking boot? Im finding my alpha burlys are great when cold or for summer trip in to the stand but I want something super comfortable that I could walk ALL day in if need be.
I had a pair of these for a while. They were absolutely the most comfortable and lightest weight boots I have ever owned. Their only problem was they lost their waterproof after about a year. I've since heard that they fixed that problem. They're called Dream Season boots. Blessings......Pastorjim
Rubber or Leather? For leather boots you can't go wrong with Meindl Denali's. They're uninsulated and by far the best pair of boots I have ever owned. In the last three years I have put countless miles on them and have beat the tar out of them. Dustin liked them so much when I was there in April that he bought a pair himself. They are expensive, but well worth it.
I think you'll be hard pressed to find a knee high rubber boot that will be comfortable walking in all day. I haven't found one at least. My Lacrosse Alpha Burly's don't see a whole lot of action anymore. They're just not made for walking great distances in. I've been wearing a pair of Irish Setter leather boots mostly. They're 800gram and I can usually wear them all season, even in warmer temps without being too hot. Plus, they're simply more comfortable and lighter. I spent a great deal of time and energy getting the "new boot" smell out of them and found something that actually worked pretty well. However, I've yet to witness any ill effects of wearing leather boots in the woods as opposed to rubber when it comes to scent. In the 3 seasons I've worn these leather boots, I have NEVER had a single deer spook or even act remotely on edge when they come across where I walked in.
Def not rubber, something durable like leather or gore tex I want something that can last several years and not fall apart.
Here's the link to the Meindls.... http://www.cabelas.com/product/Footwear/Mens-Footwear/Mens-Hunting-Boots/Mens-Uninsulated-Hunting-Boots|/pc/104797980/c/104747580/sc/104826780/i/105543180/Cabelas-Denali8482-Hunting-Boots-with-Fit-IQ-by-Meindl/721726.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffootwear-mens-footwear-mens-hunting-boots-mens-uninsulated-hunting-boots%2Fcabelas-meindl%2F_%2FN-1102520%2B1000005625%2FNe-1000005625%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_105543180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104797980%253Bcat104826780%26WTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104797980%3Bcat104826780%3Bcat105543180 When I was in Wyoming back in April I looked at a pair of these Kenetreks and they were an awesome boot. IF I ever wear out my Meindls, I'll look at getting a pair of these. They were even almost 1# lighter than the Meindls. http://www.kenetrek.com/prodinfo.asp?number=KE-420-NI
Rutin, I've had outstanding luck with Irish Setter boots. I've had a couple pair over the years and the only reason I bought a new pair a couple years ago was because the old ones I started wearing for working around the yard, cars, etc. I just wanted a new pair too. ;-) Honestly if you use the boots only for hunting most better brand boots will last a very long time. Hunting, especially if you're a treestand guy, isn't what I'd call abusive to boots. My old pair of Irish Setters got me through 8 hunting seasons and are still in excellent shape.
Another point for meindl great all around boot. I have the Denali for hunting and the lineman for work. By far the best boot.
Rubber boots go with the Alpha from Lacrosse Hiking or Trail boot have to have the Pronghorn from Danner. They are expensive but worth every penny.
I just wear a pair of Redwing work boots in the warmer months and pair of insulated Danner Pronghorns in the winter. I've had the Redwings for three seasons and they're in great shape. I need to get them re-soled next year, but they're good to go otherwise. I have the onus of trying to find boots in a size 15, so I have limited options.
I have a pair of muck boats but well they are great water proof comfy warm boots I pretty much use them all purpose so for this season I'm lookin at those alpha boots.
I really like the new danner jackel's, awesome looking boots. great looking bowhunting boots. of course its not but 5 or 6 days a year hear in ga. where you need a warmer boot.
Converse stealth combat boot. lightweight very comfortable. uninsulated but that is compensated with a good pair of socks and proper foot care. plus having two screws/rods in the ankle doesn't help because certain boots rub too much over the spot and cause irritation, these are one of the few boots i tried that did not do that.
Like Dan said....x2, I would go with the Kenetreks if $ isnt an issue.. They will be my next set of boots once I wear our my Columbia Titanium Hikers.. which for the money the Columbias are very nice boots, I shed hunted my arse off this spring in them and they are great boots.
Danner Pronghorns are a great boot and have a wide range of insulation to choose from. I wore them on my NM Elk hunt and never had a complaint with a ton of hiking. http://www.danner.com/boots/pronghorn-gtxr-6-mossy-oakr-break-upr-hunting-boots.html
Being from the Midwest, I never knew what a truly good boot was until I actually wore one. Its no surprise that the two guys who agree with my assessment of the Meindl and Kenetrek boots are from out West.
