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If you are asking about the Irish Setters, Sail has them for a good price. I bought a pair of Irish Setter Black Bear boots (400 g of thinsulate) a few weeks ago for $140 + tax. I can't speak about their durability though. Irish Setters have really mixed reviews. Personally, I have had really good luck with Zamberlan Trek Lite hikers, which are sold at Mountain Equipment Co-op on Richmond Road. They are at the top of your friend's price range though.
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Originally Posted by greatwhite
+1 on the Danners. Irish Setter gets a nod as well.
I've got a pair of Danners I've had for 9 years, had them re-soled 1x. But I think they were in the $300 range when I bought them.
Irish Setter makes a good boot as well. Another make that I have been buying a fair bit is Rocky. They have more than a few in that price range as well.
I cringed when I saw someone said Wal-Mart. Never buy quality footwear at the same store you can buy milk or feminine hygiene products.....
Very good info guy's I will pass along to my buddy about the Danners.
Years ago LLBEAN use to have a good boot that the soles and stitching was warrantied for life. Does anyone make anything like that anymore?
Myself I just use the ones from Walmart with Thinsulate I only wear mine when hunting or hiking.
The way I look at it. Pound for pound ( $ for $). What we wear has far greater impact, and importance over any peice of hardware (gun, rod/reel) or gizmo or doo dad.
If it doesn't do what you want, fails, or other. It can make for a uncomfortable or miserable day, and in worst case scenarios might be the difference between making it home to tell the tale and not. The worlds best, fanciest gun/scope dont do squat when you stay home because its raining/cold, or your going home early because your wet/cold, nor if you end up spending a night in the bush, will it help keep you warm and dry.
One good pair of boots is worth the 200-300. Other boots (hiking, rubbers, etc) you can save on.
Ive got no complaints with Irish Setter after 3 pairs and roughly 15 years . I think the most expensive pair I bought set me back 230ish and the least 180ish. All have lasted me many years, and have seen hard use. I got my money's worth and then some. There are a few choices beyond IS in that range. My guess is, they are about the same...Trade a little this, for a little that.
Spend where you have to, save where you can imo.
I've had a couple pairs of those - I like how light and warm they are - but that tough canvas like material they are made of isn't so tough in the bush. Both pairs wore holes through along the sides of the toe of the boot - mind you I walk a lot of miles through pretty rough terrain.Quote:
Originally Posted by greatwhite
I usually wear the kamik 'swampers' for wet or cold weather.
I've heard good things about Danners. I went with a pair of Rocky boots that were on sale at Sail. Really happy with them and they keep me dry and warm. I would buy another pair.
I bought a pair of Kenetreks in the spring, they are expensive but worth it.
Buy a pair of "Danners" , comfortable and they will last , mine are now over 12 years old , have had Rockys , soles went for a walk within 2 years and were uncomfortable , found the same with Irish Setters , Danners plus Muck Boots and pair of LL Bean , rubber bottom leather tops for use with snowshoes.
I find that just one pair or one type of boot does not fill the bill for all types of weather and terrain.
Agree with one pair of boots not fitting the bill...Quote:
Originally Posted by jaycee
Most areas I hunt have some water / muck that I wouldn't feel good taking a $300 pair of boots into - lots of beaver pond muck etc. I need boots that can be cleaned with a garden hose and/or thrown into a washing machine. I do have one 'good pair' of leather hiking boots, but almost never wear them hunting.