Boots

[ASH556]

I'll start by saying where I've been. I used to be the guy in full camo, unscented soap and everything with Lacrosse boots that I only wore in the woods (wore a change of shoes to/from the property). These last several years I kill deer wearing a pair of Mountain Khakis, a Carhartt Flannel shirt, and a pair of Timberland hiking boots.

Well, it's time for a new pair of boots and I'd like some input. I intend these to be general outdoor boots used for everything from hunting (deer, squirrel, turkey, upland birds) to cutting firewood, setting stands, etc. They need to be comfortable, waterproof, and quality built.

I do have a pair of Georgia Boot Moc toe Chelsea Chukkas that I like quite a bit. I wear them as an office casual boot, but have grown to like them so much that I wore them on a Quail hunt as well as deer hunts this month. The problem with them for what I'm wanting is that I think I'd like just a bit more ankle support and "bombproofness" for this new pair of boots I'm describing.

I've always heard good things about Danner and considered a pair of Pronghorns or Pintails, but then I found out that they're made in China and not re-craftable. That puts a damper on it for me unless you guys have experience to the contrary. Also in consideration is the Irish Setter "Wingshooter" but same on the China and cannot get a clear answer on "recraftable."

What I really want is a pair of Filson Uplanders, but $400/pair is hard to swallow. Then again, that's about what the US made Danners are going for.

Can anyone offer some advice?

Thanks!

 

[The mtn man]

I've had a pair of danner elk hunters for a couple years and love them, the elk hunters are made in the USA.

 

[NCHillbilly]

I like my Danners. I've had them for a few years now.

 

[Jim Boyd]

As with anything else, my advice is to buy once and cry once.

 

[joepuppy]

Never go cheap on your feet. I say this as a wildland firefighter who depends on his feet for a living. I'd stay away from GA Boots. My personal favorites are Kenetrek (Italy) and Crispi. Hard to find around here, but worth the money. Danner makes a nice boot for a little more affordable option.

 

[gma1320]

I don't know if they are are the same quality they used to be but the browning feather weights are a great all around boot.

 

[livinoutdoors]

I wear danner crater rims. Same boot got some military use in afganistan just called something different. My danners are not as comfortable as some others ive owned but the quality is hard to beat. I dont think you could go wrong with any of the better quality danners.

 

[175rltw]

If your in the hunt for $400+ And don’t need / want an actual heavy hauling/ mountaineering boot I’d be looking at Russell Mocsssins of one variety or another. If you want straight up mountain hiking boots I wore Alico summits this year which are the best deal anywhere on a real handmade rebuildable leather on leather boot. Italian imported by Sierra trading post.and like $180 a pair. They don’t fit me as well as my Lowa Tibet’s but they were in Germany being rebuilt or “recrafrfted” like people are so high to say now. And the alico was awesome. Packed out elk and mule deer many miles over rough terrain.

The USA Danners are all nice enough but none come with a leather lining. All are gortex or other crap

 

[crucible02]

My Danner Pronghorns are pretty great. If you aren’t wanting spend a ton of money but want quality, you can’t go wrong with Danner- China-made or not.

 

[Nicodemus]

LL Bean Maine Hunting Boots.

 

[oops1]

Irish setters . I'm on my second pair of these and will go to a third when these wear out.

 

[misterpink]

Danner East Ridge for the long haul and tough stuff.

I will go with a super light trail hiker if I know I'm just it the pines and hardwoods not the swamp. Keen and Merrell Moab are decent but disposable after a couple of years.

Rocky, GA Boot and Red Wing have all let me down.

 

[Major Wader]

I like and wear Danner boots.

I have owned and liked Filson uplander shoes, would think their boots are similar.

My next pair of uninsulated kangaroo boots, to replace my Browning (no longer made sold in USA) kangaroo boots, will be from Russell.

 

[lagrangedave]

I am going to share a secret. 22 years ago I was in Walmart and they had Herman Survivors camo 12” boots on closeout for $35. I bought 2 pairs and gave my best friend a pair. My feet were never cold nor wet for 20 years. They were light and easy on my feet. 2 years ago the sole separated. I then bought 2 more pair for $35 at Walmart. Nobody buys these shoes. My best friend of 53 years died before his first pair wore out so I gave this pair to another good friend who I now lease land with and he loves them.

 

[Nicodemus]

Chippewa snake boots for warm weather. LL bean boots and Merino wool socks for cold weather.

 

[Tugboat1]

Chippewa snake boots for warm weather. LL bean boots and Merino wool socks for cold weather.
View attachment 951377

Nick, Yours are obviously freshly cleaned. Mine are 27 years old, fresh from a ten day campout, resoled once and a sentimental part of me. Not the warmest and folks laugh at mine when I walk up, but for walking quiet like, I like em.

 

[Nicodemus]

Tug, I have the exact same pair of those 16 inch tall Bean boots put up as spares. That`s a fine boot.

Those boots are good as deerskin moccasins for slipping through the woods silently.

 

[NCHillbilly]

The LL Bean boots are good ones too, if they still make them like they used to.

 

[Nicodemus]

The LL Bean boots are good ones too, if they still make them like they used to.

They do.

 

[NCHillbilly]

I wear rubber boots most the time hunting, but for general purpose roaming, turkey hunting, and scouting or moving stands I prefer Merrill ankle high waterproof hiking boots/ shoes.

You wouldn't wear rubber boots if you hunted up here with temps in the teens and single digits.

I agree on the Merrills. Good boots.