I'm shoppin for some moderately priced hunting boots for bein in the deer stand... requirements : Waterproof (goretex or something) Insulated (must be able to keep the feet warm sittin in a tree stand for hours on end in 30degree weather, i'll be wearing Merino wool socks to keep warm also) Lightweight Comfortable/Quiet to walk in a mile or so each way into the woods to the stand you guys know the drill here's one i'm considering from Danner Boot so you've got an idea of what I'm lookin for... can't afford a $200 pair but certainly don't want el cheapo's either... shooting for the ballpark of about 100ish +/- a few any thoughts???
http://www.irishsetterboots.com/shoe-zoom.cfm?style=3859ner best boot i've ever owned, went out and bought 3 more pair
I recently got a pair of Cabela's boots that look like they are made by Irish Setter. 600gr insulation and comfy as all getup. I also have a similar pair of Irish Setter that are 800gr. I scored the Cabala's boots in the bargain cave for 61.99 but they are normally 139.99. Scentlok and gore-tex included.
I had a pair of Danner Pronghorns(I believe), they were the most comfortable pair of boots I have owned. Last turkey season the goretex sprung a leak. I had them for a few years, not the boots fault. I decided to go the Dreamseason Route for replacements. The pro with the zip up side is a nice boot.
I have Rocky bearclaw boots that have always served me well. Just a tip for your merino wool sox. Read the "ingredient" list on the sox. The percentage varies greatly between manufacturers. I buy mine at Wally world for $7/pr., & they are 80% wool. That number makes a huge difference when you look at the amount of wool. Some are "wool" sox, but have as low as 25% wool.
Forgot one more feature you should include. Removable insoles, so that you can take them out to dry them and the boot. A dry boot is more comfortable than wet.
Do you still have the pronghorns JM? You can pretty easily fix the leak. Are you sure it isnt the leather leaking and not the goretex (some boots arent made with full goretex sock, meaning water can still penetrate). Im betting if you heat em up with a hair dryer and smear a lavish amount of mink oil, or other type of water repellent, allow the leather to cool and soak up the water repellent, then wipe off access and clean em real good. I bet the leak would dissapear.
Unless you have a lot of walking to do (3-4 miles) the Alpha Burly sport models from Lacrosse are very tough to beat. I have the 800 gram models and they fit well and are light enough to hike in to your stand without extra fatigue. They are a rubber/neoprene combination that really contain your scent well. I would only hunt in a rubber boot for this reason.
Danners have the full Goretex bootie, they just give up after a few years. Last time I wore mine in the dew my feet got soaked. They will replace them but it costs about as much as a new pair. They are awesome while they last. I got the 12" Dream Season pull-ons this year. They have a wool liner and are supposed to equal 1000gr. thinsulate. Lightest easiest to get on boots I've ever owned, I'm actually looking forward to it getting cold. It doesn't get real cold too often here in Ok land but when it does my feet are sissies! lp
SWEEET!!!!!!! went by bass pro the other day, they had a close-out Wolverine boot (forget the model name), goretex, 600g insulation, nice aggressive tread pattern, fairly lightweight... picked 'em up for $39.95... nice boot, great deal
