Need some help...

[@fulldraw]

I'm going to Idaho for the archery only season in August. I have always worn rubber or muck boots to hunt. What is a good hunting boot for mule/elk hunting? I'm sure we'll be walking and stalking most of the time so I want a comfortable pair but don't want to break the bank. Thanks for input.

 

[UPSman]

Whats your idea of breaking the bank? For less than 2 bills these are a great boot.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo- ... ~b~1120%2F

If you are hunting in any kind of steep or rocky terrain, your feet and ankles will hate you if your wear muck/rubber boots.

 

[AT Hiker]

Lowa, research the style and purchase at shoebuy.com

Lots of options out there and I have owned a few pair of "high end" boots. IMO the Lowas have been the best combination of comfort, durability and stability.

My current pair of Lowas are the non insulated Tibets. They are great for early to mid season in the West and I even use them late season here quite often.


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[@fulldraw]

Whats your idea of breaking the bank? For less than 2 bills these are a great boot.
http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo- ... ~b~1120%2F

If you are hunting in any kind of steep or rocky terrain, your feet and ankles will hate you if your wear muck/rubber boots.

I can do $200 if need be. There's no way I would wear my normal hunting boots on this trip. Just looking for other options. Thanks.

 

[@fulldraw]

Lowa, research the style and purchase at shoebuy.com

Lots of options out there and I have owned a few pair of "high end" boots. IMO the Lowas have been the best combination of comfort, durability and stability.

My current pair of Lowas are the non insulated Tibets. They are great for early to mid season in the West and I even use them late season here quite often.


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Thanks for the recommendation. I'll check these out.

 

[nwsg76]

Kenetrek hardscrable Watch classifieds on archery talk. They are not cheap but will last for many many years. Mine are worn everyday for two years and look brand new.

 

[@fulldraw]

You need to go to REI and try on some different hiking boots. Boot fit is highly individual: narrow feet, wide feet, high arches etc. You might also look at some custom insoles. Do not sell yourself short here. If you trash your feet, your hunt is over. If your feet are hurting, you'll have a difficult time. I'd also get you a good pair of waterproof/breathable gaiters. In addition to keeping rocks and grit out of your boots, it'll keep your pants and socks from getting soaked in wet grass.

Thanks. My plan was to try them on before purchasing a pair. As for gaiters, I've been looking for them too. Any suggestions? I would think a quiet pair would be necessary.

 

[AT Hiker]

I purchased a pair of Zamberlan boots at the last REI garage sale in Nashville. Brand spanking new, returned because the buyer said they were to tight. Retailed for over $400, I paid $50. I also purchased a a Mammut rain jacket for $60. I got $700 in gear for $100, best deal at a garage sale for me.

 

[@fulldraw]

How often is the garage sale you speak of?

 

[UPSman]

Once a year in Late March - Early April

REI also has these Asolo boots on sale also. $189 I'm picking up a pair this weekend.

https://www.rei.com/product/830165/asol ... boots-mens

 

[turk870]

A lot of good advice above.
I have asolo saslongs(they no longer make,but are identical to the first pair ups man posted)I love them.
As far as the rei garage sale.look on there web site,last year seemed like they had one a month
Also be sure you get good wool socks as well

 

[AT Hiker]

REI does one at least once per year, sometimes more often. You need to get there early for the unpicked items and plan to stay late. I got my boots and jacket extremely cheap because they made it through until the end of the day, the kept marking them down. I got extremely lucky. The jacket said the zipper was broke, I have worn it a dozen times and for the life of me cannot figure out what zipper is broke. I think someone told a fib when they returned it.

Those Asolo boots are a sweet deal. Like Poser said, go try on a few pairs and see what your fit is.

Also, wool socks are the cats meow. Trealtree wore his for over a month without washing. Swift wick is the brand I really like them as well, http://www.swiftwick.com

 

[Buzzard Breath]

I can't add much to what's already been mentioned, other than get a REI membership. Between member discounts and my dividends check, I paid just under $100 for a pair of Salomon Quest boots this past March. Best fitting boots I've ever owned.
https://www.rei.com/product/881783/salo ... 1822&lsft=

To expand on Poser's rand comment. This is very important in rocky areas. Once my warranty runs out on a pair of boots, I build the rand up with KJ's boot guard. This stuff is awesome. I use it on all my wading boots also. I usually put a rand around the entire sole and toe box. I've got a pair of boots I just scrubbed down and will be putting a rand on them tomorrow. I'll try to remember to grab some picks and post them.
http://www.kgsbootguard.com/fnimall/boot_guard.phtml

 

[Buzzard Breath]

I went ahead and grabbed some pictures now. These are a pair of Italian made Cabelas brand boots that I picked up in the Bargain Cave at the Dundee store 5 years ago. Between hunts (elk, deer, turkey, antelope, bear, etc) backpacking trips, and hiking; they've easily seen over 1,000 miles in the mountains. I put the KJ'S rand on them before I even wore them. I also took care of the leather with Sno-seal. The only reason I've replaced them is the soles are wearing out.

You can see where some of the rand has come off on the one boot. That is why I'm redoing them.

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[UPSman]

A lot of good advice above.
I have asolo saslongs(they no longer make,but are identical to the first pair ups man posted)I love them.
As far as the rei garage sale.look on there web site,last year seemed like they had one a month
Also be sure you get good wool socks as well

I wish I would have bought every pair of Saslongs I could have got my hands on. I wear them for work boots now when its rainy, cold. I guess my next pair of work boots will be the 520 TPS when I wear out my Saslongs.

 

[@fulldraw]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for all the help. I'll be heading to Nashville in the next week or so to try different boots.

 

[TNRifleman]

I can't add much to what has been said on the boots but will certainly second the recommendation of sock liners, Kuiu Gaiters and Leukotape. All were put to great use elk hunting in Colorado. Leukotape is a $7 way to save a hunt.

 

[user 14220]

After you try on the boots make sure you tap the toe portion on the ground. Your toes shouldnt touch the inside of the front of the boots. If they can, you are going to loose some toenails :(

 

[AT Hiker]

After you try on the boots make sure you tap the toe portion on the ground. Your toes shouldnt touch the inside of the front of the boots. If they can, you are going to loose some toenails :(

Good point. Toe nail clippers are a must before you set out, trim them puppies back. Or go get a pedicure with the wife.


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[Blackdog416]

Not much more I can add but I'll give a shout out to Kennetrec. Expensive but a superior product. I have the Mtn. Extreme uninsulated in my regular size but in a wide(2E) style. Really like that as there is plenty of room for my othotic and toe clearance. I regularly use them in the Idaho desert- lava beds and up to 11,000 feet in the steeps and scree. Toe rands are a must for me.

 

[@fulldraw]

Update....I tried several brands and really liked the fit of Asolos. I was able to try on the Bajuras suggested earlier but I did not like the extreme stiffness of the vibram sole. My work and fire boots have vibram soles and are no where near as stiff. So, I ordered the powermatic 100 from Sierra. I have not tried these on but hope they fit the same with a better feeling sole.

 

[turk870]

Good deal,they are having a garage sale Saturday at REI

 

[LanceS4803]

I can't add much to what has been said on the boots but will certainly second the recommendation of sock liners, Kuiu Gaiters and Leukotape. All were put to great use elk hunting in Colorado. Leukotape is a $7 way to save a hunt.

As I'm not familair with it, I looked up Leukotape. I saw where people use it for treating/taping over blisters.
What all can this be used for?

 

[@fulldraw]

Good deal,they are having a garage sale Saturday at REI

I saw that. Unfortunately, I won't be able to make it due to my son's t-ball.

 

[TNRifleman]

I can't add much to what has been said on the boots but will certainly second the recommendation of sock liners, Kuiu Gaiters and Leukotape. All were put to great use elk hunting in Colorado. Leukotape is a $7 way to save a hunt.

As I'm not familair with it, I looked up Leukotape. I saw where people use it for treating/taping over blisters.
What all can this be used for?

If you are going to be hiking hard, I would use it proactively. It is incredibly adhesive and can be worn for days, even if your feet end up sweating. It just takes the variable of blisters off the table.

 

[MackPC]

I made the mistake of wearing my muck boots on the trail in Colorado chasing elk one year. They don't fit your foot tight enough and I had blisters by the end of the day. I don't think you have to spend a ton of money to be comfortable. From what I've learned, you just need a good tight lace up boot with deep grip or tread. If its not deep it will get filled with mud if you have rain and will get slick. Good luck hunting.