I'm looking for new hunting boots for non-winter use. A little insulated might be fine, but I'm thinking more spring turkey, September squirrels, and summer coyotes. They'd need to be tan, brown, or camo, and under $100. Water repellent would be great too. I'm open to any hunting boots, hiking boots, work boots, or good sneakers that fit the bill. What do you use and why? What was the cost?
I'm looking for new hunting boots for non-winter use. A little insulated might be fine, but I'm thinking more spring turkey, September squirrels, and summer coyotes. They'd need to be tan, brown, or camo, and under $100. Water repellent would be great too. I'm open to any hunting boots, hiking boots, work boots, or good sneakers that fit the bill.
I'll go a step further as someone who has sweaty feet issues, grab boot liners for wicking faster even and then high quality socks (I use merino or brand WillowAce). Those panty hose type sock liners changed my entire feet game! That liner trick was even after I switched to non-rubber boots and went to Pronghorns by Danner and it made it even better! I also sprinkle carbon powder in my boots, small part for scent control which it does excellent at but it also combats any moisture also.
I think I disovered the perfect boot setup for me and how I hunt. I too was a rubber boot guy for years and had the same issues as everyone else. Sweaty feet and in cold weather... sweaty, cold as hell feet. I tried all sorts of tricks and some did help, to keep my feet drier and warmer, but in the end, it was still a battle. I picked up a pair of uninsulated Crispi Nevada boots for a western hunt a couple years ago. I fell in love with how the boots fit and how awesome they were to wear. But, once temps dipped, I had to switch to my old Irish Setter 800s. They're warm, but big and cumbersome. I hate saddle hunting with those boots. I bought a pair of Artic Shield boot blankets last year and figured I'd try it. Holy smokes, they are incredible for warmth. I know wear my Crispis all season and add the boot blankets when temps drop. If its brutal cold, throw a hand warmer in there with them. A lot of the places I have to get to, it required a good walk and most often up a mountain. Heavy boots sucked and rubber boots were out of the question. The Crispi's are a mountain boot, exactly for walking a lot in steep terrain. They're light and nimble and very comfy to me. Now with the boot blankets, i have the best of both worlds.
I got a buddy that hunts similar out west and he lives in his uninsulated or at most 400gram Pronghorns by Danner with those boot blankets too. Swears it changed the entire comfort of the hunt for him.
