New pair of boots wanted for low desert hot hunting

[CouesWhitetail]

I got new boots last fall and went with Kenetreks for the first time. Wow, great boots!! They do run smaller than most, so you might have to order 1 size larger than normal. In trying on boots last fall, I was really impressed with the Meindl Perfekt hikers....almost bought those.

 

You might call some of our sponsors and ask their opinions. I know Eric Santana is a great source of info on boot selection. That's where I got my Kenetreks from and I believe Gila Outdoor carries Lowa's and their store manager really recommended those. Many of our sponsors give discounts to CouesWhitetail.com forum members, so make sure you mention your from CW.com.

 

http://www.santanaoutdoors.com/servlet/StoreFront?affiliate_no=1

 

http://www.gilaoutdoor.com/

[Mocha1545]

I've had the Meindl Perfekt Hiker for 3 years now. Love 'em! Not too hot, great support, waterproof, holding up great. But, I have to wear a set of short gators to keep debris out of them...not a big deal.

+1 on the Perfekt Hikers.

[scoutm]

Don't give up on Danner too quickly but by all means stay away from the ones made overseas (molded soles) they are total junk. I have a pair of the light hikers and love them. They were tough to break in but they hold up real well and they a breathable so comforatable in our heat.

 

http://www.amazon.co...c_df_B002OSY0D4

[308Nut]

Wool socks are a must for all seasons. I hike for a living in the desert, and wouldn't wear anything but wool socks. You can get thin, medium, or heavy socks. I usually wear the thin, or medium, depending on the boot.

 

Amen to that. I previously thought wool socks would be too hot for early season hunts even up here but started using them just for the extra cushin while wearing stiff mountaineering boots under heavy loads in the back country. What I found was that my feet never overheated and I could wear 1 pair for 2 or even 3 days before they really took on a foul odor. Last year during my September muzzleloader hunt in 22 South I thought this thick blooded person who ended up drinking 2-1/2 gallons of water a day (and needed more) would definately have my feet over heated in them and it just was not the case. I only packed a few pair since I was pretty much in the back country and even with all the sweating I did (which I was in a constant state of sweat) still did not stink like I thought they would. Maybe I should have been wearing wool shirts and pants??!!

[PRDATR]

Get socks made by Smart Wool. You can wash them out at the end of the day and they will be dry in the morning. Good boots with crappy socks are going to give your feet fits.

[maximus]

Read this article has some info, i think you should try a few pairs at the store and see what feels good.

http://www.dailyhiker.com/news/how-to-choose-the-right-hiking-boots/

[rcdinaz]

Good advice! Go to REI, Cabela's, Bass Pro, Sportsmans, etc try on everything that you think will fit your needs and don't worry about who makes it. After you get a list of which ones fit your foot the best go with the ones that have the most features you are after. I don't buy hunting specific boots anymore, so no more cool camouflage colors. I have bought the last two pairs from REI and could not be happier because they fit. I keep going back to my Asolo boots because they fit my foot the best, are lighter than my others, and have been bomb proof. In the past I would have never wore this kind of boot and I have boots that cost twice as much.

 

After you find your boots order a pair of inserts from Lathrop and Sons and they will morph into super comfortable boots. You can allow a little room in the fit if you will add inserts. Even boots that cost $400 - $500 have pretty crummy insoles with a few exceptions, which is still a mystery to me.

[vegasjeep]

Good advice! Go to REI, Cabela's, Bass Pro, Sportsmans, etc try on everything that you think will fit your needs and don't worry about who makes it. After you get a list of which ones fit your foot the best go with the ones that have the most features you are after. I don't buy hunting specific boots anymore, so no more cool camouflage colors. I have bought the last two pairs from REI and could not be happier because they fit. I keep going back to my Asolo boots because they fit my foot the best, are lighter than my others, and have been bomb proof. In the past I would have never wore this kind of boot and I have boots that cost twice as much.

 

After you find your boots order a pair of inserts from Lathrop and Sons and they will morph into super comfortable boots. You can allow a little room in the fit if you will add inserts. Even boots that cost $400 - $500 have pretty crummy insoles with a few exceptions, which is still a mystery to me.

REI is very anti hunting

[rcdinaz]

Depends on who you talk to a few have been really interested in what I am doing and a few are tree hugging PETA goofballs. From a service and product knowledge standpoint you could roll up cabelas, bass pro, and sportsman's and they still would not come close. For now I will keep going there who knows I may deviously convert a few of them to full on meat eaters.

 

One of my hunting buddies refuses to step foot inside their stores as well.

[ruffcountry]

I am going with Danners this year .

[Coach]

I am going with Danners this year .

 

 

Be careful about the GTX - I'm on my 3rd pair. Danner was good enough to replace them when the seams broke out - twice, but this pair did exactly what the first two did and split out where the leather hits the nylon at the flex point, and the waterproofing won't take more than a week of hard hunting. Great customer service, but my GTX have become my "around the house" and woodcutting work boot - I don't take them hunting anymore.

[dalbo413]

I'm a fan of non-Goretex, desert combat boots for hot weather hunting/hiking. I was issued a few different brands while I was in Iraq. I purchased a pair made by Corcoran for myself when I was over there, they were the best of the bunch and made in the USA.

 

http://www.corcoranandmatterhorn.com/ItemDisplay.asp?Style=4390&CategoryID=28

 

If you shop around you could probably find them for $120-$150.

 

The Lowa Desert Elite boots look like a sturdier/more supportive option, but a bit out of my price range right now.

 

http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/ShowBoot.cfm?StockNum=2108780411&Category=8&Type=M

[AZLance]

http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/ShowBoot.cfm?StockNum=2118400999&Category=8&Type=M

 

Best boots on the market, and no gortex lining !

[ruffcountry]

I am going with Danners this year .

 

 

Be careful about the GTX - I'm on my 3rd pair. Danner was good enough to replace them when the seams broke out - twice, but this pair did exactly what the first two did and split out where the leather hits the nylon at the flex point, and the waterproofing won't take more than a week of hard hunting. Great customer service, but my GTX have become my "around the house" and woodcutting work boot - I don't take them hunting anymore.

 

Yikes , hope they will hold out for my hunt , thats probaly the most use they will see as i dont get to scout much . Last year I wore a pair of bird hunting boots and they worked pretty well , i will take them as backup .

[Coach]

They hold up decently - for a while, and are a pretty comfortable boot, but don't count on them being waterproof. Once the seams split, your feet will be swimming, even in high grass with a lot of dew.

 

I've never found a pair of boots that are half leather and half nylon/cordura that can take heavy use. Solid leather uppers by Lowa, Meindle, Kenetrek are the only way to go for a serious boot.