Another boot thread! Surplus versus the crazy expensive stuff.

drpestilence

drpestilence

Regular
Rating - 100%
15   0   0
Location
Victoria
So I'm saving up for a pair of hunting boots (was hoping to get in at no more then 500 bucks, cause god damm), my good buddy however swears by the following (These guys:https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/jalas-3322-fantom-drylock/17168)

The product info seems promising, I especially like the membrane tech as my feet already get awful hot pretty much all the time. I also live on temperate though wet Vancouver island.

Anyone used these? What's your thoughts on Milsup versus the more pricier things like Danner's, Redwings, etc?

Cheers.

(for reference, I'm only planning to hunt grouse, maybe deer eventually, but that's a ways off if ever)

EDIt, also interested in these guys: https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-tst-alpina-trapper-4-tac-boots/64427
 
Last edited:
Fewer seams in the second one and I think the tread patter would be better. If I could afford it I would choose that but if not the first option looks like it will be good. You'll never know until you try them, anyone can make a boot that looks like it incorporates all the best in design and materials but if they don't take the time and trouble (i.e. expense) to put it together properly it will disappoint.

I have a jacket with Sympatex membrane that I bought in the 1980s, it was as good as any Gore-Tex I used back then.
 
Cheers, and you make a point, its hard to know til you buy and try. The prospect of buying 600 boots and potentially being disappointed by them is not pleasant, 300 seems like a good figure, especially when I'll only get out a few times a year I suspect.
 
I have been using some surplus jungle boots for general hiking and upland hunting when the weather is nicer and they’re nice enough, dry quick when it’s wet or dewey out but when the fall hits I switch to my Irish Setters, best $350-400 I’ve spent on boots.
 
I have a set if Irish setter wing shooters for upland and Elk Trackers for colder weather. I've been generally happy with them , they seem to be a good buck for the buck and as we have a local retailer they can be tried for fit unlike internet purchases.
 
Been using the Muck Fieldblazers and even on most day sits in november they have kept me warm with good socks. Plus i can tuck my pant legs into them and be able to walk through snow and water without getting wet.

Also used the cabelas iron ridge boots before the mucks, nice and sturdy and warm but havent used them much since the mucks are taller and easy to slide on and off lol
 
For just grouse and maybe the odd deer... just a light leather hiking boot should be good, oil/water proof them regularly and you should be good. If you want higher protection throw on some gaiters. I’d check out Aku boots. Something like Muck boots are good protection from water and comfortable but they don’t have ankle support and they’re hot and don’t breath well.
 
Butcherbill said:
I have been using some surplus jungle boots for general hiking and upland hunting when the weather is nicer and they’re nice enough, dry quick when it’s wet or dewey out but when the fall hits I switch to my Irish Setters, best $350-400 I’ve spent on boots.
Click to expand...

I was initially looking at Irish Setters.
 
My "take away" from my days in the Army, is that I tend to put the best and most affordable boots I can find on my feet. I just purchased a pair of LOWA Zephyr's for hunting season. I really like Danners , however for this particular application they wouldn't have been the "right" choice. You can't go wrong with "quality" just make sure your getting it and not "over paying" for it.
 
Have used Redwing boots for work , found them to be liteweight although I didn't enjoy the thin sole. Could feel every pebble I stepped on. Picked up a pair of Danner boots off the EE ,around 250-300 if I recall have been using them for two years as everyday boots and am quite happy.
 
LUCK12 said:
Have used Redwing boots for work , found them to be liteweight although I didn't enjoy the thin sole. Could feel every pebble I stepped on. Picked up a pair of Danner boots off the EE ,around 250-300 if I recall have been using them for two years as everyday boots and am quite happy.
Click to expand...

The Danner Canadians look amazing, but oof 650. Hadn't thought to check the EE, good idea.
 
Man, those 8" boots look like overkill for grouse on VI. One of them is marketed for "arctic" and has 1000 weight primaloft insulation; that would certainly be too warm. On the island you could really be comfortable in anything when it's not too wet, and rubber boots when it's wet and/or cold. If you're really doing a lot of hiking (15+ kms in a day) then maybe look at a taller waterproof hiking boot. Fit is so important that I really wouldn't buy a boutique brand off the internet unless you were certain of the sizing. Bring spare socks and you can tough out anything for a day in practically anything you have on your feet. I've hunted whitetail deer and elk in the Rockies in Merrel goretex shoes, rubberized Sorel snow boots, and Hanwag GTX hikers with lots of hiking (30kms/day) from +10 to -20C.

If I was in your shoes (lol) I'd get a decent pair of "day hiker" style boots/shoes, probably goretex, and wear those out until I was certain what I needed. $200-ish is all you'd need to spend. It's not rocket surgery, and if you keep at it you'll end up with lots of footgear so don't sweat it too much, just get out there.
 
Van Isle said:
Man, those 8" boots look like overkill for grouse on VI. One of them is marketed for "arctic" and has 1000 weight primaloft insulation; that would certainly be too warm. On the island you could really be comfortable in anything when it's not too wet, and rubber boots when it's wet and/or cold. If you're really doing a lot of hiking (15+ kms in a day) then maybe look at a taller waterproof hiking boot. Fit is so important that I really wouldn't buy a boutique brand off the internet unless you were certain of the sizing. Bring spare socks and you can tough out anything for a day in practically anything you have on your feet. I've hunted whitetail deer and elk in the Rockies in Merrel goretex shoes, rubberized Sorel snow boots, and Hanwag GTX hikers with lots of hiking (30kms/day) from +10 to -20C.

If I was in your shoes (lol) I'd get a decent pair of "day hiker" style boots/shoes, probably goretex, and wear those out until I was certain what I needed. $200-ish is all you'd need to spend. It's not rocket surgery, and if you keep at it you'll end up with lots of footgear so don't sweat it too much, just get out there.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the more comprehensive thoughts! I really appreciate it. I have been feeling leery about buying online without trying on first.
 
drpestilence said:
Thanks for the more comprehensive thoughts! I really appreciate it. I have been feeling leery about buying online without trying on first.
Click to expand...

It helps when you get to know a maker's products over time. E.g. I always got the best fit from New Balance running shoes (I don't run anymore.) I don't think Timberland's boots are great, but they always fit me well so when I find a model with the right features at a good price, I'll get good value from it. Many people report great satisfaction with Rocky boots but I always found the fit wasn't right for me so I've never owned a pair and won't even bother trying them on anymore.
 
TheTooner said:
It helps when you get to know a maker's products over time. E.g. I always got the best fit from New Balance running shoes (I don't run anymore.) I don't think Timberland's boots are great, but they always fit me well so when I find a model with the right features at a good price, I'll get good value from it. Many people report great satisfaction with Rocky boots but I always found the fit wasn't right for me so I've never owned a pair and won't even bother trying them on anymore.
Click to expand...

Tried on a pair of redwings today and was kinda diggin it. Pricy, but not like insane. This is way harder then buying a new rifle.
 
I have a pair of Danner vital 400g boots and also a pair of Keen Summit County for winter - I like the Keen more. For fall and spring, I have also used Salomon Speedcross 5 GTXs - sometimes with gaiters
 
Van Isle said:
Man, those 8" boots look like overkill for grouse on VI. One of them is marketed for "arctic" and has 1000 weight primaloft insulation; that would certainly be too warm. On the island you could really be comfortable in anything when it's not too wet, and rubber boots when it's wet and/or cold. If you're really doing a lot of hiking (15+ kms in a day) then maybe look at a taller waterproof hiking boot. Fit is so important that I really wouldn't buy a boutique brand off the internet unless you were certain of the sizing. Bring spare socks and you can tough out anything for a day in practically anything you have on your feet. I've hunted whitetail deer and elk in the Rockies in Merrel goretex shoes, rubberized Sorel snow boots, and Hanwag GTX hikers with lots of hiking (30kms/day) from +10 to -20C.

If I was in your shoes (lol) I'd get a decent pair of "day hiker" style boots/shoes, probably goretex, and wear those out until I was certain what I needed. $200-ish is all you'd need to spend. It's not rocket surgery, and if you keep at it you'll end up with lots of footgear so don't sweat it too much, just get out there.
Click to expand...

This is good advise.

For me, I have 3 pairs of boots that I use depending on conditions.

Dry early season or spring hunts = regular ol' hiking boots, $99 on sale from Atmosphere. There were waterproof when I bought them but they are not anymore. These are also the shoes I drive to/from a location in if Im switching to other boots once I get there.

Super wet conditions, or very cold (say, slushy snow, torrential rain, or boggy/swampy conditions, or below -10c)= Kamik IceBreakers - felt lined rubber boots from Crappy Tire. I think I paid $50 or $60? You're not going to want to walk 50 miles in a day, but they are warm and dry.

Most of the time outside of those two specific scenarios= Cabelas brand "waterproof" 8" hunting boots, no insulation. They're reasonably waterproof, not 100% though (stand around in water and you'll eventually get wet, but wet grass, walking through puddles, etc is fine). I bought mine in the states on sale, came to just over $100 CAD after exchange rate. They don't seem to sell the particular model I bought in Canada though.

I would love to drop $500 on a real nice pair of boots, but its just not in the budget for me, so I make due with what I can afford.
 
My boot experience is divided into three categories - Greb Kodiaks, Vasque Sequoias, and then all the issue army boots (for good and bad). In the last few years the army threw up its hands and told the troops to buy what they liked. I went out of my way to find good old Greb black Cadillac Mk II boots. Sadly, their factory burnt down and absolutely nothing since they were replaced has met their quality or serviceablity.
 
IMHO stay away from Bass Pro/Cabelas boots as they are utter garbage. You do not need to spend $400 to get good boots but I like a variety depending on the season. Spring turkey and early fall I use Lacrosse rubber boots, once things get cooler and dryer in the fall I use my Irish Setter Goretex boots, and for late season I use my Sorels
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom