Hunting Boots

PeakXV

PeakXV

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Just got a pair of Irish Setter Men's 811 Wingshooter Viper 17" Waterproof Lace-up Boot fpr $79.98 off Amazon. My fourth pair of boots in 4 years. Other than the fact they are 'Made in China' & thus don't expect them to last more than year .... they look great! They are light, no insulation, & tall enough not to swamp (easily). Anybody else used them for upland?
 
Eeeee - Great question. I've got my old Meindl on my left foot & the new wingshooter on the right - right now - as I type. The meindl vibram seems just about perfect while this Wingshooter feels a bit hard at the moment.:(

Oh well, I got a couple of weeks to break 'em in .... & the mother-in-law is coming over this weekend too. I'll get them on & give her a few boots in the bum to soften them up even more!!!w:h:
 
Update:

I went for a 2km hike last night in them. Overall am pleased with them with the exception that the treads are not quite gripping enough on wet mossy rocks & exposed cross roots. This in comparison to vibram treads which seem to grip the best - for me at least.

The good news about the 'Bar Track tread' is that, as advertised, does not collect mud/snow/slush & thus won't continually accumulate added weight to your tiring foot. I like the snakeguard material uppers as you can lead with your shin in the brambles/underbrush and not be afraid of tearing up your leg on dried raspberry canes, thorns or dead trunk shards etc., etc.

They fit well enough, but I was expecting the 11.5 size to be a few millimeters longer than the length that arrived(re: snugger). So take this into consideration if/when ordering by mail. Other than that the price is right and time will tell if these 'made in China' boots last longer than a single season.
 
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Dogleg said:
You're happy about boots that last a year?:confused:
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Sure, if the price is right. My Brownings, Meindls & Rockies only lasted a year too and all cost a heck of a lot more. I do between 170 - 200 kms a year through some fairly thick cover at times. A fool and his money soon part. The majority of boots today are made for the 'wait & bait' hunters who although they could put 200kms on their ATV, may only put 20-30kms/year on their tread( & lard arse) - if that.
 
PeakXV said:
The majority of boots today are made for the 'wait & bait' hunters who although they could put 200kms on their ATV, may only put 20-30kms/year on their tread( & lard arse) - if that.
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I resent that comment as I do not have an ATV. Lard arse is up for discussion. It's really my winter insulation for "baiting and waiting"......The boots do look good but keep us informed as you hit the streams and snow.
 
I am a big fan of my irish setters, have 3 pairs now. Non insulated, insulated and a pair of the rutmaster rubber boots. FYI Cabelas usa has the non insulated goretex tamarack boots on sale for $79 down from 179 if memory serves. just recieved them in the mail, nice boots. Like was mentioned earlier I find they run a bit small, so I go a 1/2 size bigger and seems to work out.
 
Hows the ankle support in them? Those built in gaiters seem like just the thing to keep the Northern Ontario Rasberry bushes from destroying my expensive Sitka pants...
 
The ankle support is excellent (and I do have one bad ankle with bone chips from playing hockey for too many seasons). The gaiters eat up all that the blackberry, wildrose & raspberry canes can throw at em. 60 kilometers into the season now & no wear or structural problems as of yet. My on going concern are that the treads are not nearly as gripping as a good vibram sole. This has already caused a few minor slips & may yet cause more 'issues' as autumn becomes winter.
 
80 Kilometers. Trouble on the horizon? Had alot of rain this past weekend & yesterday was the first time I found myself wadding through water above where the gaiters join the leather. Only for about 20-25 minutes of the 10 hours spent afield mind you. However - very minor seepage detected. Not enough to cause any major discomfort but my socks were definitely damp. May be nothing or a sign of things to come ......
 
110 Kilometers & just over 5 weeks old:

Boots have performed adequately. They are well broken in & extremely comfortable. Although the last few outings, I've had a hard time getting them off my feet - I don't know if that's part of the moisture/seepage issue or not. Some of the outer stitching & leather support around the stitching is showing minor lifting & wear, minor cuts to leather surface. Photos document condition at 5 weeks old:

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I've used two applications of silicon. Sharp rocks are as much an issue as water & thought lanolin in mink oil might soften/stretch the leather a bit too much for a composite boot.
 
PeakXV said:
I've used two applications of silicon. Sharp rocks are as much an issue as water & thought lanolin in mink oil might soften/stretch the leather a bit too much for a composite boot.
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No, that's not right. Mink oil will fix them. Also, if you are still having slipping issues with footing, try gluing some felt pads to the heel and mid-sole.
 
I would be pissed if my boots only lasted 12 months. In a word.....Danner. Still on my first pair and they've been to Botswana, Nunavut, NWT, and on many hiking trips with the Scout troop I help lead. Fit great from day one, waterproof, and made in the USA.

Cheers,
P.
 
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