Recommended hunting boots

[hiyoh]

Hi,

After some recommendations on boots for hunting and camping in general.

Being waterproof doesn't have to be high on the list, just comfortable, tough and good quality.

Have a pair that's so old now the name has worn off the leather and I can't remember what brand they are

What are people walking in?

Cheers.

[headspace]

I'm currently looking for a new pair of hunting boots. My Scarpa's are still good to go but I'd like something with a little more height for better support.

I really like the look of the Apache boot Ridgeline have bought out but there's not enough gain in height.

I also have a pair of Aus Army issue boots which are great, but take too long to lace up. Budget could be up to around $300.

JD

[Monty]

headspace, hiyoh

You guys both posted the same question at the same time so I've merged your topics together.

[Blackened]

These are the best boots I've ever wore. A full week in armidale In the marsh chasing pigs & not a drop of water in them!

<removed broken images>

[upup]

I got a pair from The North Face for $90 or something...

They're hiking boots, water proof at the bottom and high supporting ankle bits with breathing mesh to not get hot.

Got them a few years ago, but I'm sure they do something similar still.

[Ariat]

I've got an old pair of Dakota boots that I've had for 10 years or something.

They're sort of "work boots" really, black leather etc. But have lasted this long and have been tough as nails.

Good arch support too for anyone who has that problem... I remember them being reasonably cheap at the time too compared to Colorado and the usual brands...

[headspace]

headspace, hiyoh

You guys both posted the same question at the same time so I've merged your topics together.

Hmm great minds and sore feet?
JD

[petemacsydney]

i've tried a lot of different boots over the last 20 years and nothing comes close to Scarpa's (for my liking). i dont mind paying the extra bills they cost, because they are so dam good

[Aster]

I've got an old pair of Dakota boots that I've had for 10 years or something.

I've got a pair of the same.

I have orthotics fitted so can't remember about the out of the box comfort, but they certainly last.

[stevy]

Check out the Hi-Tec V-Lite boots.

I ended up getting a pair after the review in shooters mag and they're great.

[Chronos]

For me water proof light weight boots are king. I wear steel caps day to day but I recently changed to light boots for hunting and its heaven.

Chronos

[petemacsydney]

the one, the only... Scarpa

[Swarm]

Nike Free Runs

[headspace]

This an old post now but I recently had my Scarpa's fixed. My "bootsmith" told me that losing the soles is a regular problem with Scarpa boots and so for $45 he removed the soles completely, cleaned off all the old glue and re-glued them.

He backed that up with nailing which I didn't expect, so I now have my boots back good as new. He also said that as mine were the older version of the Scarpa's this repar would last, however the latest ones are designed to be binned.

JD

[Gregg]

It's worth seeing about getting them repaired.

I've had a bunch fixed over the years and a $50 repair gave me another 2 years out of a $200 pair of boots that originally lasted the same time.

[south]

I really like the look of the Apache boot Ridgeline have bought out but there's not enough gain in height.

I'm wearing the Ridgeline Apache boots as well.

How much more height would you want from them though?

[headspace]

I'm thinking at least above the ankle. I've got an old injury there that bothers me from time to time, plus dodgy knees I need all the support I can get.

JD

[VICHunter]

JD,

Something you could try... I have a mate with a crook knee after an accident. He bandages his up tight for support and uses a kneepad for kneeling and protection.

You could do the same for your ankle with the boot for support. Or the knees as well.

[headspace]

Thanks Vic,

I usually fit up a knee brace when I go bush. Both knees are crook, but I had a torn meniscus repaired in the left one some time back and still get a reminder from time to time. I guess jumping out of helicopters back in the old days is catching up.

My Scarpa's are great since the repair, and I could probably forego the high top idea because ankle support is what counts most. Living in Northern NSW means it get pretty hot in the bush at times. There's some boots at the Cabella store at Tullamarine that look good called "Barefoot Boots", know anyone who's tried them?

JD

[Old Fart]

I guess jumping out of helicopters back in the old days is catching up.

Seems most of the stuff I did as a kid has come back to ruin me as an old man

[juano86]

Love the Scarpa's! definitely recommend.

[marksman]

work boots for bunny busting with a shottie
black volley tennis shoes for very quiet stalking
gumboots if there might be Joe Blakes about
have been guilty of wearing thongs spotlighting at times

[RoginaJack]

Love the Scarpa's! definitely recommend.

+! top boots...

[Bigjobss]

+1 for scarpas. Worth the spend if you do a few kms.
I prefer lighweight shoes and believe that ankle support is a myth but when doing long hikes with heavy packs full of meat you need good underfoot support.
I run 40-50km a week in runners that weigh 200grams and my feet and legs are tough but I will not not haul a heavy pack through the mountains without proper soles.

[marksman]

+1 for scarpas. Worth the spend if you do a few kms.
I prefer lighweight shoes and believe that ankle support is a myth but when doing long hikes with heavy packs full of meat you need good underfoot support.
I run 40-50km a week in runners that weigh 200grams and my feet and legs are tough but I will not not haul a heavy pack through the mountains without proper soles.

you have to start shooting them closer to the car, I like to drive right to them

[TBJ]

best hiking boots I've ever owned full stop are the Lowa Ranger GTX, cost me a fair bit, but by god they are the best boots I've ever owned, I've taken mine all over on day hikes to big multi week hikes, and many deer hunts, and they're holding up amazingly.

[bigfellascott]

I often wear the Chinese Safety Boots out hunting, cutting firewood and playin in the snow.

[Bigjobss]

+1 for scarpas. Worth the spend if you do a few kms.
I prefer lighweight shoes and believe that ankle support is a myth but when doing long hikes with heavy packs full of meat you need good underfoot support.
I run 40-50km a week in runners that weigh 200grams and my feet and legs are tough but I will not not haul a heavy pack through the mountains without proper soles.

you have to start shooting them closer to the car, I like to drive right to them

Wheres the fun in that?

[Stix]

I often wear the Chinese Safety Boots out hunting, cutting firewood and playin in the snow.

Sheesh...you're nuts...!!!
Only in NSW...

[bigfellascott]

Nah just used to the cold I guess, I wear shorts, T-shirt and thongs just about all year round, I've been out in the man cave all day listening to the footy, most of the day it's been around 6 Deg and from around 3pm it's been around 3 Deg, you get used to it but I do like seeing or the Terrorists come to town rugged up to the max with beanies, cloves, ugg boots, big jackets and scarfs and I walk down the road in my shorts and t-shirt and thongs I do get some funny looks from em at times

When I'm outside in the Carport I just sit near the Woodheater, it keeps me warm if wind ain't blown like a bitch with ice in it, then I have to put my Trackies on