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A buddy of mine want's a very good rugged boot same style as a work boot. A good hiking boot. He rarly wears sneakers or shoes. He want's something that can stand up to being worn as a main foot wear. Rugged for the outdoors and somewhat waterproof and warm. He wants something that will last at least 3 years max 250.00. He wears boots like most wear sneakers.
What do you recommend can he find something good?
I wear Danner made in America boots for off road and longs walks. Not for deer hunting though - I have rubber boots for that.
Danners are a real good choice, I had a pair for a few yrs, my current are Irish setters. I wear red wings everyday for steel toe work boots and they are the most comfortable work boot I have ever had. The setters are their outdoor line
He mostly hikes but just sent for his PAL and purchased a small game license, he hates winter pretty much any hunting he does will be grouse as he is intrigued with them. His nick name for grouse is "M tastey little birds".
Wow they have a very large offering I'm sure he could find something in there. I use just the Walmarts and he tried those they only lasted for 6 months as he wears them daily. Who would sell them in Ottawa or would he have to have to order them. They are right in the price range between 2 and 300 hundred..
I too have a pair if Irish setter boot. They are very comfortable and waterproof. There light enough for long hikes in the wood and warm enough in the winter. They also have a good tread on them that's not slippery in the mud and snow.
I have a pair of these hiking boots:
http://www.lowaboots.com/catalog/ren...d/3109459999/3
I have used them for hunting but they are primarily a hiking boot. They are currently 4 years old and still going strong. Used them to climb Kilimanjaro (80k round trip with everything from jungle to rock to glacial ice), Longs Peak and a bunch of other trails in Colorado, Grand Canyon Rim to Rim plus a whole bunch of shorter trips in Ontario.
I don't know for sure but maybe he should look at Sail...and then maybe LeBaron..:eek:
GW, I don't thing there is anything in the market that can last 3 years and been wear a lot (like seven a week for 4 month). I spent from $250+ to 89.99 in hiking boots, and the they last pretty much the same. Maximum four month before the first tear and wet feet. So, all I do now it's look for the one on sale and that fit me well under 100$.
Regarding robbers, the disposable Kodiak from CT at $29.99 are ok to last at least a year without holes and I get a new pair every years.
I have rubbers, I have a hiking boot.
I'm on my 3rd pair of Irish Setters as my main boot. Wear them solidly from about Oct through March. As with almost anything, there are simply way too many variables from temps and uses to terrain (lots of wetland/bogs vs rugged and rocky) for a one stop, do it all boot. So for the past 15 years give or take I've worn IS. If I average 5-6 years out of them I'm happy aka "no complaints". If I get 3 years, I've gotten my money's worth.
incidentally, and maybe it's age, but each pair I've bought, the thinsulate rating has increased.
800, then 1200 and my current 2,000.
My Danner's I have had 14 years and they just started to leak last year, they were the Canadian model so a little overbudget for what your friend wants to spend.Try Lebaron as they carry Danner.
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.
Quote:
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.
I wear Meindl non insulated for early season dry cover although they are Gortex lined and love them. For later season I wear 800gr thinsulate Red Head knee high rubbers.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Footw...3Bcat105543180
Get a pair of Cabelas brand boots. They have a lifetime warranty and we've got a store opening here this summer!
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.....[/QUOTE]
I have to agree 100% you only have one pair of feet take care of them and make them comfy and they will take care of you!
I purchased a pair of Keen hiking boots. Nothing but good things to say about them. Sturdy, waterproof longlasting. And yes I have tried them all. I am astonished about everyone liking Danners. I have had two pairs, the Canadians and a low cut hiker. Both really disappointing. The Canadians are one of the most uncomfortable boots ever. Absolutly no arche support. Just like a flat board. Lacing system terrrible on both.
I second this had a pair of their kangaroo bird boots, 400 gms thinsulate, great boots lasted 10 yrs and fit within the budgetQuote:
Originally Posted by 4weight
I've been wearing and will be for many years:
http://www.mec.ca/product/5018-010/s...10+50089+50835
I will buy my next pair next year.Just amazing. I put them to the test all year.
The best hiking boot I've worn.
I have a pair of Irish setters. I think they are like 2-400 game thinsulate but are ok for late turkey hunts and early goose with out being too hot. Comfort wise they are great.
go with danners can be found on ebay for 200 look for the acadia or ft lewis models
I have a pair of Dakota's from Mark's that I've used for the past four seasons that work well in all kinds of crappy,cold weather. They're warm with Thinsulate and they fit like a glove. They're not exactly cheap,but,they won't break the bank,either.
Marks also has a no quibble guarantee on it's boots. If they fail, or have a problem, you bring them back, and they'll usually hand you a new pair off the shelf.Quote:
Originally Posted by trimmer21