Hunting Boots Where to Get The Best Value For The Money

albayo

albayo

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Born on PEI, Live in NB
I am looking for a new pair of hunting boots that are good value for the money? I found out the hard way that paying big bucks for boots is a waste of money. Lots of hunters out there and I am on a pension so I need some help.
This why I don't want to spend a lot of money on boots.

I bought a pair of expensive Browning boots ($275) back about 8 or 10 years ago and only wear them while hunting each season. I kept them in the original box and only used Browning products to protect them. I took them out of the box a week ago and the heel on one boot is falling apart. The soft rubber soles were comfortable but now they just seem to be crumbling. Called Browning and they said they couldn't do anything about it because they don't manufacture boots. The Co that does make boots with their name only stands behind them for two years.
 
I guess Browning boots aren't what they used to be. I have a bear of Vibram soled Brownings that are still going strong after 26 years of use. Granted, they only see active duty during summer hikes or early fall hunting, but there have been an awful lot of miles put on those puppies.

If you're looking for something warm, waterproof, and reasonably durable for general hunting use, I've been fairly pleased with Rocky boots as well. While I certainly don't expect to get 26 years out them, the pair I'm currently using for colder weather hunts have been going strong for 4 years now, and the waterproofing still works.
 
Since I live in the boons I order from Cabelas. I order a couple of sizes (sometimes I order 3) and try them on and return the ones that don't fit. Cabelas is great about that and even has a return code specifically for "ordered extra for sizing". They also have stuff on sale pricing quite often. In fact, lots of good boots from Rocky on right now. I bought a pair of Rocky Prohunters a few years back for under $100 for the pair. They fit great and required almost no break-in before I went to South Africa on safari. The guys I work with both bought Rockys for their winter work boots and were very pleased with them.
 
I have 3 pairs of hunting boots - high end hikers (super comfy, excellent support, great for walking), all leather mid-calf hunting boots (tough) and cold weather boots (very warm).

Each has a purpose but if I were to have to pick one, sitting on a treestand or posted at a watch, I really appreciate warm feet, therefore my Sorel Caribous ($125.00) would win.
 
Cabelas...cabelas...cabelas.

Buy thier brands, they are excellent, any issues they will take them back, if the don't fit straight return.
 
I wear Irish Setters, I found that the Rocky's had way to thick of a sole and that they were far to heavy. I really enjoy the Irish Setters and with gortex I can walk in a couple inches of water and still have dry feet.
 
The best place to buy is one where you can get to try them on. Then order more of the same boots in the same size from where ever they are cheapest to get your average price per pair down. When I find something I like I try to afford a second pair of the same and wear them on alternate days. Tests done by the British Army showed that this makes two pairs last longer than wearing one pair every day until they are worn out and then doing the same with the second pair, and it is easier on your feet because they can air out and dry more fully before you wear them again.

What is good for one isn't as good for everyone. E.g. BigUglyMan liked his Rocky boots and so did his friends like their's. I've examined a few Rocky boots and they all looked well made, but I tried on several different models and none fit me well. Rocky thinks feet aren't shaped like mine. Timberland, on the other hand, I don't think are particularly well made but their boots always do fit me well, so I buy them and they are very comfortable, but they don't last as long as I would like. Select whatever seems best built but only from a pool of brands and models that feel like they fit your feet.

Expensive prices are not a consistent indicator of good quality, as you found out from your Brownings. Sometimes they want too much just for the brand logo and there isn't enough money left to pay for quality. Cheap boots don't afford enough money for build quality either, but that can mean it's easier to exceed your expectations!
 
albayo said:
I bought a pair of expensive Browning boots ($275) back about 8 or 10 years ago and only wear them while hunting each season. I kept them in the original box and only used Browning products to protect them. I took them out of the box a week ago and the heel on one boot is falling apart. The soft rubber soles were comfortable but now they just seem to be crumbling. Called Browning and they said they couldn't do anything about it because they don't manufacture boots. The Co that does make boots with their name only stands behind them for two years.
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Can these boots be re-soled?


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