I'm wondering, with as much as we'll be on our feet, there.....how important (____gr thinsulate) ranks for importance. I'm on probably my 4th or 5th set of the same (style) Vasque's (Sundowners) in 15 or more years. I've never done CO terrain in them (naturally). But, for our terrain and temps they work great. I have no problem spending a little more for quality footwear, but I don't want to spend more, if it's unnecessary. I can get the Sundowners for +/- $170. That's the same price I was paying for them in the early 90's. I'm ready to pull the trigger on these or maybe the Meindle Perfekt hunters. I just KNOW what I'm getting with the Vasque's (fit). I don't know what I'm getting with anything else. http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/sh...pping&zmam=89081595&zmas=3&zmac=9&zmap=177165 ANY reason why I won't be fine with these?
If they're comfy and offer support I'd think that would be your best bet. The more advice I've read on posts lately, the more I have switched from looking for a Hunting boot to a Hiking boot...many hunting boots are upwards of 4.5 lbs. I do plan to try out the Meindle Perfekt you mention...as they have a hiking model that weighs less than the Hunting model I originally looked at. I have done some hikes over 10 miles above 12,000' in the Rockies, I always just wore quality running shoes - always served me well - but obviously there was good trail most of the time...but the light shoe was easy on the legs, and you don't necessarily want that ridgid sole that many hunting model boots come with. My main goal with picking out a footwear is avoiding blisters.
bz... Like I said....I'm on my 4th or 5th pair of these. I've never done much mtn. hiking, but I've put them through the ringer, nonetheless. I've never been disappointed in them. And honestly, CO in Sept. is not a temp. problem for them. I'm like everyone else. I'm intrigued with what else is out there. But, having a tried & true pair means a lot. These are that (tried and true). IF I had somewhere I could put the others on my feet to try them, it would be one thing. That's a toughie, around here, though.
These sound like great boots for you. Do they have a vibram sole or the like? If you are in rocky terrain (which I am assuming you are) you need a stiff, rigid sole, as a flexible sole will bend and twist over the rocks and you will eventually chew up your shoe, but more importantly, you will have sore feet at the end of the day. If these have a fairly stiff sole, I would go with them because you know they work for you. I always add a light pair of insoles to my boots for a little extra shock absorption and comfort.
The sole is described as a "medium density, solid, rubber sole". I have to put rigid inserts in most all of my shoes....and they work awesome in these. I've never had a pair leak. My only concern (and I think it's unwarranted) would be the warnth. I don't think I have to worry about CO temps, for the dates we'll be there. We see "cold", here (we just got out of a stretch of almost 25 days that never reached the freezing mark for highs). They're fine for those temps (with proper socks). I have to think they'll be fine, there.....then.
Jeff, I'd be surprised if I don't see you hunting in these in CO...I really wish I had the "tried and true" boot...all my hunting is done in rubber boots around here. ...I'm at square one still...
One other thing to consider.....In the area I hunt there are numerous streams that a person crosses throughout the day that a normal height hiking boot wouldn't work for without water going over the tops. I would think you'd want at least a 9 inch boot. But, your area may be drier and it not be of concern.
Anyone ever try Timberland's? Back In the day this boot rocked but the last pair I got 6 to 7 years ago I didn't care for much. To noisy and the boot just didn't last more then a couple years. Very spendy boot too ($200.00)+ I think I paid. I found out spending more money doesn't always get you quality with boots.
Fit & comfort IMO far and away outweighs every other aspect. Especially considering the temps aren't going to be too bad. Waterproof could be important depending on your terrain & weather. Durability is important but I think about any decent boot is durable enough. In my 3 trips I split time between normal hunting boots & lightweight hikers. I do like having a little taller boot, because we run into a lot of low ground brush & my hikers get crud in them.
Another Meindl to look at is the Island Pro , which is a hunter specified Boot . 10"high for great support .
I can vouch for Meindl Boots! There are sevaral quality boots that would work well. Just make sure they are well broken in. :-) Dan
My buddy has a pair of Meindl and I can say that they are exceptional boots. He is on year 9 with the same pair, and these aren't strictly for hunting, he wears them for casual use on a regular basis. He treats them on a regular basis and takes good care of them, but he doesn't baby them. He has convinced me, and I will be purchasing a pair before turkey season opens. As far as comfort goes, he has had them on hiking trips and after the initial break in, he said they are the most comfortable boots he has wore.
Go shopping and try on several pairs and make sure what you get is comfortable, has good ankle support, and a flexible, yet supportive arch. I bought a pair of boots from BassPro a couple years ago that are without a doubt the MOST comfortable boots I've ever worn. I found them on sale on closeout this past fall, and got 2 more pair. Beyond the boots, the SOCK you wear are important as well. I wore a pair of ankle socks that were mostly spandex/nylon material, then put on my boot socks right over top of them. Having spent a few years in combat boots, I learned some valuable lessons about taking care of my feet, and if you make sure your boots are well broken in, and you take good care of your feet, you'll have a much better time out there. First time out, I wore a cheaper pair of boots on my hike into our base camp, and less than halfway in, I was feeling hotspots. I finished that hike and had a handful of blisters on my feet by the time I was pulling my pack off my back!!! I learned not to do that again, wear good quality, comfortable boots, and you'll be a much happier camper and hunter.
I recently lost my "tried and true" boots. They were made by FIlson. They took production overseas and I won't take a chance spending $250.00 on an unknown. I am back at square one. They are all I have put on my feet for the better part of a decade when I haven't had my Mucks on.
These were what I had been beating on 250-275 days a year for roughly 3 years a pair. Checked your link, The style of the Vasque is very similar and has my interest. Does it have steel arch support? Really sucks that these are now imported. I tried to buy a few pair to get me further down the road, but my size was no where to be found when I called a ton of dealers to check for "domestic.'
Not sure about the steel arch supports. I get about 3yrs use out of mine (that's back when I wore them to work every day and hunted/fished/etc)....and I KNOW I'd get maybe 2X that if I took better care of them. I admittedly don't (take great care). I bought my first pair in 1995, when I first got into the construction industry. A friend told me I wouldn't be disappointed. I spent my 1st 6mos. in the industry doing grunt work. I'll never forget paying $170 for a pair of boots one day....and realizing what the end of a concrete reinforcing bar would do to them, the next....lol. I almost got a through-and-through tear unloading rebar on day 1. After 2 or better more years with them, I knew I'd found a good boot for ME. My only reservation with these in the CO hills was.....I have NO experience with anything close to that terrain. But, the more I read, the more I think I had my answer before I started looking. I don't think I've been giving them their full due. I appreciate ALL of your input(s). Thanks to all.
Meindl, Kenetrek, Lowa, among 10 other brands make AWESOME Hiking boots. If you are early season elk hunting, IMO you would want ZERO insulation. Hell I wear non insulated year round no matter the temps....unless you are in a treestand type setting, your feet won't get cold. Idk how much it can be stressed though that the fit and comfort is the best aspect like Rybo said. You can fork out $600 for the best pair out there, but if they don't fit your foot well, you might as well have spent $20. try a local outdoor shop, if no luck there, read alot of reviews online about how a particular boot fits. Buy from somewhere with a no questions asked return policy if buying online. For quality of boots, I'd put my Kenetreks against any boot out there....any. They are stiff enough to be supportive under major weight loads, but light and flexible enough to be comfortable for everyday hiking. I've worn them for 2 weeks in AK packing weights up to 80+ lbs at times, and out in AZ for a week putting the boot leather to work moving around. I Love these boots. BUT, if they don't fit your foot as well as they do mine, they couldn't be farther from the right choice.
Jeff, The BIG thing you need is a boot that your foot won't slide around in if you are going on extreme up or downhill grades, if you have any slop at all, you're gonna smoke your feet, then it's gonna be the end of the hunt. Also "knowing how to tie the boots" makes a little difference as well. I have WIDE feet, and I snug the "shoe" part of the boot to my foot, and put a half hitch in the strings at the top of my ankle, then lace them a little more loosely up my calves (not trying to be insulting if you already do this, but I know quite a few guys the didn't know this). Part of why I mention the little nylon/spandex footie socks that go on me feet before amutjomg else. Also even w/ the best fitting boots, you want to take along some Mofeskin/molefoam to put on hot spots to protect them. The extreme difference in terrain will likely get you a few hotspots even w/ good fitting boots if you haven't worn these boots in this steep of terrain.
