Good boots?

[Random guy]

Ok bird hunter lets here it for best boot. I have had Rocky's Stalkers, Cabelas Upland, Kangaroo, canvas, gore tex and space aged [PoorWordUsage] boots not to mention just about every all leather I can think of and I have yet to find a boot to hold up.

Trouble I have is I wear uninsulated boots year round and being from the northern mn swamps my boots are under water at least once a day. I also want a light, full hieght all leather boot in a 12EE.

My question is who has good boots they just love for bird hunting? I am now looking at higher end brands such as Danners or Masons, even custom made if I can get more then three months out of them before my feet start getting wet but wanted to ask around before I pull the trigger on $300 plus boots.

[CaptainMusky]

Danner Danner Danner.

They have several different styles to choose from so you should be able to find one for your liking.

I am on my second pair of Danners now, which I have had for 13 years. I wear the boots for pheasant hunting and deer hunting. Even when there is snow on the ground. I wear them from the beginning of pheasant season when it can be 60 degrees as well. These things just are flat out comfortable, warm, dry you name it, but the most important thing is they last.

I have had water come over the top of my boots on several occasions. Of course your foot gets wet, but the gore tex inside pulls the water away, so if I put dry socks on, it isnt too bad.

My first pair of boots were Danner Ospreys, good boot, but a seem came apart after about 8 years. I sent them in to the company for repair, thinking I would spend a few dollars to have it done right.

They sent me a voucher for a NEW PAIR of boots!!! Couldnt believe it.

[Wallydog]

Jonny,

I wear Whites. I have a pair of uninsulated 8" smokejumpers for dry conditions and a pair of their calf high packs for snow/cold.

They are made in Spokane,WA. I don't think you can own a finer boot anywhere and I've owned most of the others. They are anything but cheap, but the tops are better quality leather than to foot of Danner and any of the others.

My western 2 cents,

WD

[brittman]

Irish Setters by Redwing. Gore-tex the original is still the best, go with any other waterproof coating or technology and it is buyer beware for any brand.

My Setters have always outperformed any boot my brother wears from Rocky, etc... and he puts on half the distance I do.

[pureinsanity]

Im curious about this thread. I wear out boots in 3 months.

[charliepete]

Meindle alaskan hunters. 280 from the big c and wrth every penny. I got 5 years out of the first pair. I hunt 100 plus days. Year and was buying boots once a season before I bought the alaskans. The rubber surrounding the entire lower portion is what makes them so tough.

[grousehunter]

Irish setters have proven to last the longest for me, but I use danners. They just fit my feet better and are more comfortable.

[Random guy]

What model Danners are yous liking the best?

I am about to google thes suggestions as my feet dry out again.

[2thepointsetters]

DANNER VANISH... I had the danner pronghorn and thought they were the best until I bought the vanish in late August. I wore them on 2 North Dakota trips and multiple upland hunts already this year and I have no compliants. I just got back from the 4 day hunt and I wore the same pair of Danner Vanish each day and my feet never hurt or got wet. I have irish setters, rockys and lacrose and none of them compare to the danner vanish.

[Wallydog]

2 pairs of Danners = 1 pair Whites...........folks in the midwest don't know about them.

I'd wear out a pair of Danners in 2 years.

WD

[CRAZYEYES]

Even though I like danners the best I have been pretty suprised with the use I've gotten out of a couple pairs of cabels's boots. Reasonably priced and I always end up going over my boots in some slough phesant hunting anyway so I usuually carry two pairs out with me. Maybe I should get some moon boots with bread bag liners.

[CaptainMusky]

Danner Vanish is a new pair I just bought and they are amazing. I havent worn them a lot since I just got them, but already impressed.

The ones I have had for the longest and still holding up are Danner High Country.

Before I had Danner I had Rocky boots and they just did not hold up. They were comfortable, light, but no support and completely fell apart on me in only a couple years if that, one pair of Corn stalkers was shot in 6 months, seams separated, no longer waterproof and sole cracked. And I dont even wear these things every day.

I would be interested in the White boots mentioned here, but after all the good luck I have had with Danner, no reason to switch and they are available locally.

[LatLong]

I have been using Danners for about ten years now. My first pair were a set of Trooper II duty boots. They were awesome. I got 5 years out of them. I am hard on boots. They were still comfortable even when they were falling apart. I've got a pair of Danner Frontiers now that are starting to leak after @6yrs. I also have another pair of Danner duty boots, Striker II's that I absolutely love. They are going strong after 5 yrs. They are non-insulated non-Gore-Tex so not much to go wrong with them.

Anyone own the Danner Elk Hunters our there?

[Random guy]

Anyone own the Danner Elk Hunters our there?

I think I will. I spent the day in Bemidji looking at Danner boots and a few other brands and I have to say I really like how the Danners are built compared to others. I like the looks of the Elk ridge and the Rainforest models with the lace to toe and the tread design not to mention slighty heavier leather since I tend to rub out the sides. Looks like I will have order them in specail for my big wide swamp feet.

[LovenLifeGuy]

I bought a pair of pronghorns 5 years ago and they were by far the best boot I have ever worn straight out of the box. Fit great, super light and dry. The problem is I go through one pair a season. Two years ago I purchased the warranty at cabelas for $50. Full replacement under a year. I just picked up my 3rd pair for that $50 and this time I got these new ones with the protected toe, that is where I wear mine out going through cattails and hard packed snow. I also only wear uninsulated all year long. I would buy new ones every year anyway. These boots just fit like no other I have put on my feet.

[fishinfey8]

I'm partial to my danners as well. I've tried other types of expensive boots and danners are the most comfortable. I wear mine when I work, hunt, fish, hike etc. and am on my 4th yr. with them. They have wear and tear but continue to keep my feet dry and comfortable.

[pulleye16]

MUCK'S....I could walk all day in them and 100% water proof. I asked this same question a while back on this forum and this is what someone had suggested. I tried on the Irish setters, la Cross, and a few other and the Mucks were by far the most comfy. Easy on and off, light weight, and comfy for all day walking...was just what I was looking for.

I've tried gore tex products in the past and came to realize they ARE NOT waterproof. I will never purchase them again if I need 100 % water proof protection, IMO.

[Ferny]

Two thumbs up on the Danner Pronghorns. Second year of Grouse/pheasant/deer hunting. The only thing I didn't like was the color came off the toes on the first outing. Not that it matters, I just thought it would last more than 1 trip through the woods. No break in to your feet either! Now where do people buy there good boots? Sportsman's Warehouse was my favorite for prices and selection but they're gone now.

[311Hemi]

I bought a pair of Danner Pronghorns last year and and wore them out in about 14 days of bird hunting, I was not overly impressed. The stitching on the toe box of both boots wore through after about 10-14 days in the field hunting and they needed to be replaced. The rest of the boot was still in good condition, but I could not take the chance on this happening again after one fall of hunting...especially when spending that kind of money. Danner refunded my money and I spent the last couple months looking for a really good pair of boots to fit my very narrow foot (the Pronghorn didn't fit my foot properly I later found out...OUCH!). The Pronghorn did keep my feet dry in some very wet conditions though, and this year they have redesigned the boot to help the issue off the stitching wearing out.

In my searching for a good boot to fit my foot, and one that will last...I came across the following that I was considering:

- Hanwag Trapper Top GTX or Alaskan GTX (Had to order and have shipped, but fitted over the phone with measurements)

- Whites Outdoorsman (or other models)

- Kenetrek Mountain Extremes (Joes Sporting goods carries these)

- Russle (not sure which model)

- Cabela's Meindle Boots - Alaskan Hiker or Denali (good boots but might not hold up as well as the previous brands)

Granted, these are all in the higher end price range for boots so it really depends what you are looking for. Many people like the Danner Pronghorns and I thought they were a comfy boot, just didn't seem hold up to my abuse (pheasant hunting). I ended up going with the Hanwag Trapper Tops, mainly because they have a narrower fit and the place I ordered them from is run by a couple of foot Dr.'s that will rework the boot to fit my foot after I get the broken in, which is required for my foot. I was seriously considering the Whites, but didn't have time to Drive to St. Cloud to try them on and I don't think they have any stores in the Twin Cities. The Kenetrek are a very good boot and have good reviews, they just didn't fit my foot right.

[fivebucks]

My pronghorns leaked the 2nd season I owned them and I only wear them for pheasant and grouse hunting. This is their 3rd season and they leaked again just from the morning dew. I emailed Danner and they said to send them back to them and they will evaluate them and see if I get a new pair or some money towards new boots. If they wouldn't leak they would be the best hunting boots I've owned. I wrote off Red Wing Irish Setters years ago as their quality declined from my first Red Wing and finally on the 3rd pair I took them back after a couple of weeks and haven't been back to them since. Depending on what Danner does for me I might have to consider Whites (never heard of them).

[CaptainMusky]

Lace to Toe is a must in evaluating ANY boot for walking. This is what initially sent me to Danner after being so frustrated with the Rocky boots I owned, foot sliding around and absolutely no ankle support.

I have not tried the pronghorns, but it definitely isnt right that they leak, and as I said, I owned a pair of Danner Ospreys for 5 years and sent them back, intending to pay for repair and they sent me a voucher for a new pair of boots (which I bought the high countrys).

If your feet get wet with gore tex it is likely your feet sweating and not wearing proper socks to pull the moisture away. My feet were we and I hadnt even set foot into the grass on Saturday, but that is because I was wearing cotton socks.

If I wear wool, its never an issue.

[TylerS]

I had a pair of Irish Setters since ninth grade (1999) that I just replaced this year. I'd say it was the best pair of boots I'd ever owned...but it was the only pair I'd owned since my most recent purchase. They honestly still work, but after so many years, the leather wore out on the toes and cracks formed at the creases. A chunk of leather fell out, so there went the water proofing.

I wanted to stick with Irish Setters, but couldn't find a pair that fit well. So, based on reviews, I tried on some Danner Pronghorns. They seemed to fit well and, after a dozen hunting outings, have broken in nicely. Only caveat: the finished rubbed off the toes after the first hunt. Certainly not a deal-breaker, but I'll probably have to SnowSeal them a couple times a season.

If they last as long as my Irish Setters, I'll give them a passing grade. Look for my feedback in 2021!

[Blaze]

After reading/hearing all the hype about Danners, I bought a pair of Elk Ridge boots for grouse and pheasant hunting. I cannot begin to tell you how severely disappointed I have been with them. Extremely comfortable out of the box, but they looked 10 yrs old after my first trip afield and have leaked since day 1 (and no, not foot-sweat, thanks). I want to like them sooooo bad, but they keep killing my mojo.

Hemi - thanks for posting that list - those are some excellent boots to choose from and I have been moving down that path myself.

Blaze

[NoWiser]

If you do a little research you will find that there is a very big difference between the American made Danners and the non-American made Danners. I believe the Pronghorns, Elk Ridge, and a few others are made in China. I just got a pair of American made Danners and paid for them. I fully expect them to last me years. I have quite a few miles on these new ones and couldn't be happier now that they are broken in. On multiple occasions I've stood in water 6 to 7 inches deep and not a drop made it through them. Just by looking at them there is no question they are well built compared to the cheaper ones.

That said, my Cabelas Outfitter boots seemed every bit as good, and were a whole lot cheaper.

[CaptainMusky]

Only caveat: the finished rubbed off the toes after the first hunt. Certainly not a deal-breaker, but I'll probably have to SnowSeal them a couple times a season.

Danner boot dressing has worked well for me. Apply every so often and they will look close to new again. I apply maybe twice a year, but thats cuz my boots are so old now I really dont care what they look like. There are other products that work, but I would personally shy away from snowseal on a boot with gore tex. I havent personally experienced it, but I was told by several people that it inhibits the effectiveness of gore tex. Can't be sure for myself since I didnt use it, but I have been happy with the other product I did purchase.

[muc33]

Irish Setter guy through and through. I don't hunt in heavy insulated ones either, the field leathers for early season and the 200 grams for mid to late season. Love them, they are durable, breath good and great traction and sole wear with solid ankle support.

[life=outdoors92]

u might think i am weird....Timberland. the rappers wear them now but u know, its the best boot i ever wore. and my dad also had a pair for almost 20 years with no problems (grouse and pheasant hunting). and i have had a pair of wingshooters and danners

http://shop.timberland.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4064123&orderSourceCode=0

-if that doesn't work, its the Timberland 6 inch premium boot (wheat)

[Random guy]

Well I thank everybody for all the info, this is great! I have looked, researched and have been staring at everybody's feet asking "How do you like your boots?" I have heard the same thing over and over, Danners are great but make sure they are American made and NOT the Pronghorn. I like the feedback and looks of the Whites but $400+ breaks my price point. After lots of consideration I am going with the Danner Rain Forest; its a bit heaver at 74oz vs the pronghorn 54oz but only 14oz more then my Rocky's I have been wearing since they leak the slowest. The Rain Forest is more of a work boot then a light hunting boot but I think for a guy that wears his boots everyday like I do they will hold up better. They are also lace to toe and that is a must for me as I need full support in the cedar swamps and elder thicks of bog country, for us its not the stuff the ontop of the ground its the hidden holes in the ground that twist up ankles...and submerge your boots.

I am pumped for them to arrive, no more wet feet and wrecked socks.

[Ferny]

Speaking of socks don't forget to spend $25 or more on some nice Danner or other higher end wicking socks. It makes a huge difference in your comfort level of any footwear. Absolutely do not wear cotton socks in hunting situations it's a big mistake in my opinion. There are many styles of wicking/wool socks out there to keep your sweaty feet dry. Just like using using Under Armor or knock off brand wicking type shirts and pants under your hunting clothes. Such a huge difference.

I did mention to the local dealer that the Pronghorn toe color wore off after my first weekend. He gave me a free can of Danner Boot Dressing, free. I haven't had the time to try it out yet Heading out tonight tonight for MEA weekend to wear more color off them.

Good Luck,

Ferny.

[Pinusbanksiana]

I have been wearing Danner Super Rain Forest for a couple years now, but I work in the woods. They make your feet feel indestructible and are very tough. However, if your looking for a pair of leather boots that will keep your feet dry, you might as well give up and buy some rubber boots. These Danner rain forests are good, but the shear weight of them will kick your butt bird hunting with them on your feet. For the comfort and for the money, buy a new pair of pronghorns every few years and accept the fact that boots wear out.