I have a pair of Cabelas brand boots that I purchased over 10 years ago at a outdoor sale for $25. They are 10" full leather and great. with a vibram soles. they are stamped... Made in Italy. Don't have a clue what they are or who makes them. BEST pair of boots I have ever owned and still going strong. But I know I will need some new boots soon and wondered about your experience. Are Lathrop and Sons, Crispi, (insert name here) worth it. I totally know the boot is the key , but wondering about the quality and is a custom boot needed. For example, my boot is great, Cableas branded, but definitely a quality boot. Should I look for another one like it or go with one of the "elite" boot makers.
Boots - What do you wear
- Thread starter crumy
- Start date
There are a lot of threads on boots. You might check them out. Do a search. I have Crispi and Lowa. I like them both. I've had Lowa for years but picked up a pair of Crispi boots on camofire for $265 and I really like them.
Fink
Veteran member
The best pair of boots are the ones that fit your feet. I wear danners, I can go nonstop for a week without blisters.. But, they may not work for you. Try on a bunch before you buy.
jenbickel
Veteran member
I agree.. Try on a bunch! Find something that is light and doesn't feel like you're walking around with cement blocks on your feet. I wear kenetreks. I love them... I also wear Merrell barefoot shoes ( not the ones that have toes ) they are extremely light but only wear them where there is no moisture.. Lol
CoHiCntry
Veteran member
Are higher end boots "worth it"? In my opinion yes... depending on the type of hunting you do. It's nearly impossible to try several out. You need to try them on the mountain to see what your feet really like. I have been using Asolo for many years and they are great. Some people can't stand them though. You kinda have to bite the bullet trying as many on in the store as you can then roll the dice on which one's you think will work best. You won't really know until you spend considerable time in them. You might have to go through a couple pairs to find the right ones. Can get expensive.
slim jim
Active Member
When you try on boots make sure that the heel cups your foot well because if there is lift you will get blisters quick. I have the Crispi summit boot and love them for warm weather. They are light, roomy toe box, and feet don't sweat to much in them which will cause blisters as well because your skin will be real easy to tear when wet for to long. I use an all leather insulated Danner bighorn for late hunts when it's cold. The only problem with them are the toe box, there isn't a lot of room so if it gets warm and my feet sweat to much, my toes will get sore. I would spend the $ to get a good boot for the right weather. Your feet are #1 when backpack hunting
BKC
Very Active Member
whatever boot you buy make sure they are truely broke in. Mow your lawn in them, Rake leaves in them,Ride your bike in them ( this looks stupid so you may have to ride in another neighborhood so your neighbors don't look at you strange ). The other thing is if you are not use to spending 12 hours in a boot then your foot may not ever find the right boot. I work construction and my feet are always in boots but if I worked in an office cubicle then I think that my feet would have a hard time in boots. Make sure your feet are broken in as well as your boot.
RUTTIN
Veteran member
A great place to start your research is right here on Eastmans home page, Guy goes through what to look for in a boot in the tips and tactics section I believe. I bought a pair of Danner Pronghorns from Lathrop and Sons with the Synergy footbeds this spring, and for me they have been great boots. I don't know if it is the footbeds (as I have never had an aftermarket footbed before) but my feet have never felt so good when I get back to camp at night. Something else to look at is what goes on your foot first, a good pair of merino socks can help out a lot too! Good luck in your search, if you go with boots from Crispi keep an eye out on Camofire.com Kendall will take care of your on Crispi boots.
There is a ton of good advise and it's all the same. Every boot maker focuses on a little different detail. Try on as many as you can. Understand that on some of these higher end leathers there could be a breaking period. Don't be discouraged. I spend six months of the year carrying 45 to 80 pounds on my back up some great and challenging topography. My feet really like sportivas. I also have a couple pair of lowas I cannot part with. Best of luck. Your feet are going to like you.
trkytrack2
Active Member
Try on lots. Find a pair you like, buy them; wear the right sox and see if they work for what you want. One thing....buy them from Cabela's. If they don't meet your expectations, return them. Cabela's will take them back, no questions asked and refund your money.
T43
Active Member
I'm a huge fan of Zamberlans I have a warm weather pair and a cool weather pair and I think it would be hard to find better boots. For my feet that is.
cali_hornhunter
Active Member
I have been looking at return policies on some of the bigger names. I am considering just what you guys mentioned, buying a couple and "hiking the stairs" to see what they feel like and sending back the ones I don't want.
hoshour
Veteran member
JEandAsGuide
Active Member
Colorado Cowboy
Super Moderator
THEBuzz
New Member
Timberstalker
Veteran member
Kennetrek Mt Extreme for dry weather, Irish Setters for wet. I would just use the Kennetrek for everything if they didn't leak like seive.