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Early season elk/deer boots?

Discussion in 'Bowhunting Talk' started by rednas5, Jun 11, 2009.

  1. rednas5

    rednas5 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    I'm going bowhunting in Colorado again this year and am in the need for a new hunting boot. I was looking into getting a nice hiking or low cut boot for both hunting out in Colorado and for bow season here in Missouri. I want something light but tough. I had a pair of Irish Settler's but the heal of the boot has began digging into my heal. So those are scrapped. I also have some Danner Pronghorns that I only want to use during the colder months. Any of you guys have any suggestions. I've read plenty but thought I would ask my fellow bowhunters who go through the same conditions as me.
     
  2. mnbowhunter

    mnbowhunter Die Hard Bowhunter

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    i wish i could tell ya im in the market too. im looking more for a highly insulated shoe. it gets cold in minnesota winter haha
     
  3. rednas5

    rednas5 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Yeah, I have the rough winter boots. I just want something light, durable, waterproof and can get me through the tough terrain. I know there are quite a few boots out there from all price ranges. I just want to hear first hand from some people on here what they use.
     
  4. buckeye

    buckeye Grizzled Veteran

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    Rocky S2V Tactical Boots are pretty sweet.


    They have vibram soles, Gore-Tex, 200 grams of insulation (also scent lok lined if that matters to you) and are very light weight. I wore them a good bit shedding this spring.... They are pretty sweet!

    Here is a link where I found them on clearance for less than $100.

    http://www.dunhamssports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3087558
     
  5. Dan

    Dan Senior Member

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    I don't know how much you want to spend, but I would recommend a pair of Meindls from Cabelas. I bought an uninsulated pair two years ago to wear in the mountains of Alberta on an elk hunt. I have also put a pile of miles on them shed hunting over the rocks here in Ontario. They have awesome support, and are damn near bullet-proof. I have owned a lot of Rockys and Danners and doubt I will ever buy a pair of them again after wearing these.

    The only downside to them is the price, $250 a pair. Then again, after what I have put them through, I would have gone through 2 pairs of any other boot.

    Here's a link to the ones I have.....

    Meindl Denali Boots
     
  6. Dan

    Dan Senior Member

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    What kind of Danner's you have Jeff? I had a pair of uninsulated Pronghorn's the year before in Alberta and they were great, but they leaked.

    I agree that it is a lot of money to drop on a pair of boots, but for the ammount of walking I do on uneven terrain and over rocks up here, its well worth it. Plus, like I said earlier, I have never had a pair of boots last this long. After two hard years, they still look new.
     
  7. Dubbya

    Dubbya Moderator

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    Dan is spot on, Meindl boots are second to none. With that being said, I have a pair of Danner Pronghorns (uninsulated because my feet stay unusually warm) that I've worn on two elk hunts, mule deer/antelope hunts and for two seasons of whitetail hunting. I hunt upland birds in them as well and can't say that I've ever had a leak. I love these boots and will absolutely buy another pair when these are retired.
     
  8. TEmbry

    TEmbry Grizzled Veteran

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    BINGO. I LOVE my pronghorns, but they leak, bad. After reading a lot of reviews, I am not the only one.

    I am dropping the coin for some Kenetrek Hardscrabbles probably within a week. Uninsulated, perfect specs as to what I am looking for. A strong ankle support, stiff, backpacking boot that will last a decade easily. $295 certainly isn't cheap, but if it outlasts two pair of $150 Danners, I guess I came out the same in the end.

    I'll continue wearing Danners around here where boots are FAR down the list of important gear for a hunt, but when I head north or west for a backpacking type hunt, I can list on one hand things more important than your boots, and the list is even shorter on things that can ruin a hunt quicker.

    I'll post a report on em once I run them through the ringer.

    If I don't like the feel of the Kenetreks, my number two boot on the list to try is a set of Meindl Perfekts...then I will check into the likes of a set of Lowas.
     
  9. Dan

    Dan Senior Member

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    If its only for a week, your Pronghorns will be fine. Just be sure to waterproof them well.
     
  10. Hardcorehunter

    Hardcorehunter Weekend Warrior

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    Your pronghorns are not too warm for early season. Anything with the Danner name imo is the ticket. I would bet that more elk hunters wear Danners than any other boot.I wear a 6" TFX Hunter by Danner and they have held up through two elk hunts and two whitetail seasons, and still look and perfrom excellent.
     
  11. rednas5

    rednas5 Die Hard Bowhunter

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    Well the pronghorns are 1000 gram insulate and are a heavier boot. Too heavy/warm for early season whitetail and elk. I would prefer a lighter boot with all the other amenities.
     

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