New boots

Dogpopper

Dogpopper

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I know there's a million opinions on boots but thought I'd ask anyway. Looking at getting some new boots and really looking for comfort more than anything. Mainly looking at Kenetrek, Crispi, Lowa, Meindl's or Schnees. I've had Danner, Rockies, and Underarmor and their just not cutting it. Any input would be much appreciated.
 
What kind of Danner boot have you tried. The Danner Acadia Elites are the most comfortable field boot I have ever worn.

If you are in a dry climate or looking for a street boot the Nike Special Field Boot is the lightest boot I have ever worn and holds up reasonably well.
 
I used to wear danners, but they are not the boot they used to be, I couldn't get 10 monthes out of a pair of pronghorns
 
me as well as plenty of bear hunting houndsmen around here all ware meindls. I cant say enough about these boots. I been wearing the same pair going on 4 years now. they have had hrs under water and in rainy days and walked miles through country the devil would avoid but black bear love. and I have never put anything on them. mainly cause everybody told me they last longer if I don't oil them. my dad has some but he only wares them hunting which is usually just taking his time through the woods still hunting cause he don't chase hounds. anyways he has had his for 4 years and they still look bran spankin new. we both go the "perfect hunter" pairs
 
Originally Posted By: trapper2I used to wear danners, but they are not the boot they used to be, I couldn't get 10 monthes out of a pair of pronghorns

The trick to buying Danners is only purchase Oregon made Danners. Of course the cheaper Chinese made Danner's aren't going to hold up as well. Any boot with a glued on sole is not going to be as durable as a hand stitched Danner. Any Danner boot that is not the traditional style as pictured is going to be a Chinese Danner. Same thing with RedWings. The Chinese RedWings aren't as good as USA Redwings either.

http://www.danner.com/boots/hood-winter-light-200g-hunting-boots.html
 
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The only tip I would give you is to look out for the boots with Vibram soles. The last two boots that I've had have had these soles, and they have made me never want to get a pair with them again. You get many miles out of the soles, but the problem is they are way too hard, almost to the point of dangerous if you use them in a cold temperatures. Even in hot temperatures they can be sketchy at times on steep rocky inclines. On the current pair of Vasque's that I have now the soles show zero wear on them and the rest of the boot only has a 1/4 of it's life left. I would rather have the soles go before the rest of the boot. Just some thing you might want to look out for with your next boot purchase.
 
I'll keep the Vibram thing in mind. I've had two pair of Danners, both proghorns, one being the Gtx. They don't fit my feet well and in return cause bad for pain. Not sure about all Danners but hesitant to spend another two hundred bucks on boot I won't wear. I did notice the ones i have are made in Vietnam though. Looking at some other more expensive ones I've seen some made in the USA.

I hike an honest 15 to 20 miles a week almost year round, so I'd rather spend whatever it takes once a year, then several two hundred trips to the store.
 
Not all Danners are built on the same last. Once I found a last number that fit then I got only models built on that last. The american made are best.
I will also say the meindles are great. Have to be wise to the for cabelas built ones as the cut some corners. Socks need serious consideration also.
 
I just got a pair of Kenetreks, they look to be extremely well made with lots of support and a very good tread design. I cant give you a field test on them yet as I just got them about 2 weeks ago and currently have a broken leg so I cant even wear them around. The right boot does fit great on my leg that is not broke and is true to size. The boots are the Mountain Extreme NI. I have read countless reviews on them and there is not much negatives reviews. They are very expensive, but comparable to the other boots you are looking at.
 
Im sold on Meindls, I just bought a second pair, I wear them to work and for hunting. Im a lineman by trade, these boots are the most comfortable boots Ive ever owned. I have the same problem with Danners, they just dont fit my feet.
 
Im in the market for new boots this year as well. Iv had good luck with irish setters for hunting boots. this last pair lasted me 6yrs and a lot of miles.

Danners are too narrow in the for foot area for me. It was almost like a band aid wrapped too tight around your finger, its fine for the first 20 min but after that they were coming off!



 
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I picked up a pair of Crispi Nevada GTX last fall and they are by far the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. I even prefer them over my lighter weight un-insulated boots now. Mine really didn't require a break in as my first time wearing them was on my deer hunt last fall. By the looks of it they should last a long time. I have a year of use on them and you can hardly tell. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
 
I have been wearing the kenetrek boots going on 4 years. They are very well made (Italy), are a bit tough to break in but really provide strong support and I believe their is a steel bar through the shank of your foot. So far they have been great boots.
 
Lowa Tibets. Have had them for 3 years. Broken in out of the box, very waterproof, durable, and most importantly comfortable. Will buy another pair if these ever wear out. I use them for early deer season, coyote calling, turkey, phesant, dove, elk. I have un-insulated and love them.
 
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