Boots - recommendations?

[wildfowler.250]

Right folks, I know the main points are:

-Something that fits the individual/you

-Wear the boot in before you go.


Now I don’t know if I’m being ambitious but I’m looking for something lightweight and waterproof.

I’ve got big, heavy, shin height boots for stalking in heather in the uk. But the rest of the time, I just need something for a hike on a weekend or that I can put gaitors over to achieve the same thing with less weight.

I’ve got 8 days in KZN in May.
I’ve got a few weeks,(non hunting) in NZ in their summer.


Is there anything lightweight and waterproof that would cover both? I’d have thought waterproof would still be an advantage for Africa as well?


Thanks!

 

[Bandera]

Danner Sharptail. The pair I have is about 15 years old. They have held up well and been walked in many a mile upland hunting.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Most comfortable boot I've owned in my life are Eagle Trail from Georgia Boot Company. And very affordable too. They were like moccasins on my feet right out of the box. Waterproof held up for two seasons, maybe three, which is better than average. The tread is okay. Good enough for six weeks of hard upland hunting every fall for three years. And I was in them almost daily the rest of the year. Finally wore the soles out. Only drawback is the paracord laces. Paracord is crap! Won't hold a knot and lace hooks eat the stuff. I threw those laces away as soon as I was home. Bought some expensive waxed braided nylon ones at an outdoors store. I've owned some high end expensive boots over the years but these are by far the most comfortable. And they are lightweight. Not a lot of insulation which is fine for a hiker. I'm not climbing Mount Everest. Probably not the best for still hunting in cold weather but for stalking on the move (e.g. upland hunting) they are great.

 

[UKHunter]

https://www.salomon.com/en-gb/shop-emea/product/quest-4-gore-tex.html?srsltid=AfmBOorKTer6KHtxfCIvTcOf2HPuDcwWc9ChiF-TvNOBtdscDH-iX1ljPic#color=49281&size=26970

 

[HankBuck]

Right folks, I know the main points are:

-Something that fits the individual/you

-Wear the boot in before you go.


Now I don’t know if I’m being ambitious but I’m looking for something lightweight and waterproof.

I’ve got big, heavy, shin height boots for stalking in heather in the uk. But the rest of the time, I just need something for a hike on a weekend or that I can put gaitors over to achieve the same thing with less weight.

I’ve got 8 days in KZN in May.
I’ve got a few weeks,(non hunting) in NZ in their summer.


Is there anything lightweight and waterproof that would cover both? I’d have thought waterproof would still be an advantage for Africa as well?


Thanks!

@wildfowler.250 - I like Merrell because they are cheap, lightweight, come in “widths” (I have a Wide foot) and reasonably sturdy, all have been very comfortable.
For a nice “walking hiking” boot they have been good. Downside: For stand hunting they are Not warm and they don’t last as long traditional ALL LEATHER BOOTS with a “sewn on sole”….Merrell soles are GLUED on like many modern boots made today, eventually the glue degrades and soles separate and fall off. While this can take years (mine lasted 11 years) when it happens it can be quick: I was stalking Mule deer in Wyoming and about a mile from the truck 1 sole fell off, walking back to the truck the other sole fell off !! Other than that - they were Great Boots !! Lastly, any “fabric” boot vs All Leather can be easily punctured and I found cactus needles occasionally poked thru, so when I hunt out West, usually wear all leather. Fabric boots with Goretex also seem to lose their “waterproof” ability after a few years —- if you walk a lot, the “flexes” eventually seem to wear out that Goretex membrane and the boots don’t keep your feet as dry. My leather goretex boots keep their waterproof ability much longer and a pair from Cabella’s (Guide series 800 grams thinsulate) 15 years ago are still waterproof…although, I don’t walk as many miles in my All leather 800 gram thinsulate boots as I do the light Hikers so that might be the reason - More MILES = More wear.

 

[DieJager]

https://www.salomon.com/en-gb/shop-emea/product/quest-4-gore-tex.html?srsltid=AfmBOorKTer6KHtxfCIvTcOf2HPuDcwWc9ChiF-TvNOBtdscDH-iX1ljPic#color=49281&size=26970

I second that. This or something similar. Not to warm would be great.

 

[Bejane]

Merrel Phaserbounds are lightweight and very comfortable

 

[wildfowler.250]

Thanks folks! Neither a brand I’m familiar with so will look them up.

I had a pair of lowa years ago that were pretty comfy. A popular brand across the pond?

 

[uplander01]

Salomon hiking boots, gore tex/ non gore tex based on breathability you like. They also make some military models that thorns will never go through the bottom. Its like wearing a pair of tennis shoes

 

[bakerb]

I’m a big fan of Crispi Monaco boots. I have 4 pairs and wear a pair almost every day.

 

[Russ16]

Crispy Wyoming GTX. I regularly put 10 miles a day in them chasing prairie grouse.

Best I ever had was a pair of custom fit Russell’s. Had them 16 years and my foot finally got bigger and they got too tight. If they still fit I’d still be wearing them. Had a new pair made and the quality wasn’t the same.

 

[BeeMaa]

I wear a military style boot from Rocky, the S2V. I get them uninsulated, non-waterproof and no steel toe. I’ve found them to last about 2 years with daily wear.

Although not waterproof, with a quick application of some NikWax spray they will survive a week of damp conditions but by no means submersible for any length of time.

Other advantages are good ankle support and comfortable (for me) on a wide temperature range. If active, they are good to about 20F. My feet run a little hot but that’s something you need to consider.

They are relatively lightweight but not inexpensive. I’ve used other similar brands but have always been disappointed. I’ll stick with the S2V.

 

[MRodrigues1991]

absolute favorite boots, been on 3 hunts now and use randomly for hiking and outdoor use. Same original pair since 2019 and still going strong.

Moab 3 8" Tactical Zip Waterproof Boot

Stay comfortable and protected with the Moab 3 8-Inch Tactical Zip Waterproof Merrell boots, designed for long days on duty.

www.merrell.com

 

[samson7x]

I’m a big fan of Crispi Monaco boots. I have 4 pairs and wear a pair almost every day.

You have the regular or the premium version? How flexible is the sole on them? Quiet enough for stalking? I have several Crispi boots but haven't tried those yet.

 

[Nyati]

Merrell, Salomon, Columbia, Hi-Tec, all make good hiking footwear, just a question of trying them for a confortable fit.

 

[HUNTROMANIA]

CRISPI SPORT s.r.l - HIGHLAND PRO BLACK

HIGHLAND PRO BLACK - Ideal for hunting waterfowl and birds in general, ideally on plains.

www.crispi.it

Extremely light hunting boots.
Don’t look for a pair who last forever. The boots sole is not keeping the elasticity forever even the other parts are unbreakable.

 

[ftrovato]

I wore my Keen Targee low hikers on my Safari this past September. My observation that as soft as the souls are I could not come close to walking as quietly as the Trackers or PH. I would attribute this to two things.
1. They are simply better at walking in the bush than I will ever be. It's what they do for a living & practice makes perfect!
2. The souls on Jim Green's & Courteney's are softer and equally as important make a big footprint which helps distribute weight better.

I since bought a pair of Jim Greene Rangers and are breaking them in. I clearly see that I will be do better tracking in these boots.

 

[bakerb]

I have the regular version. The sole is fairly stiff. I wouldn’t say they’re the best for stalking. But they seem to fit my feet the best if anything I’ve tried

 

[Killo]

Lowa
Renegade

Ttust me!!!

 

[Datchew]

Another vote for salomon
I wear their trail runners almost daily and even when bow hunting in Texas.
Wore the gore-tex versions when i hunted and hiked Oregon and Washington.

Short of my kennetreks, which i use for cold "do it all" hunts/hikes, salomon is my favorite brand. They just do everything well. But they're getting expensive!