Rubber hunting boots, what do you guys like?

phinton81 said:
It's amazing to me the number of guys that will wait all year, fight with their wives for the time away, give up work and spend ridiculous amounts of money on food, alcohol and lodging just to go hunting but risk their entire trip with sh*tty substandard footwear and clothing. I hunt with guys that tape over holes in their boots and cobble together track pants, old t-shirts and plastic rain jackets and then piss and moan about how uncomfortable they are. You haven't found a loophole by buying your $20 CT garbage year over year, you're just spending more money than the rest of us and fooling yourself into thinking you've saved money. I like to enjoy every minute, rain or shine and good clothing/footwear makes this much easier.

Patrick
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This isn't going to turn into a lesson for Sam Vimes' Theory of Economic Injustice, is it?;)
 
I usually use the black insulated Kamik's from CT. I wore them all spring until I was sweating the balls off my feet doing chores in them.

My wife and I grabbed some Le Chameau 'Filson' boots. They were inexpensive on Sierra Trading Post. They are a US made Chameau product, so a lot less expensive.
I thought they were too thin, but they really stand up so far. I now use them daily for walkabouts, dog walks after chores, and any time it rains.

I would really like one of the more cold appropriate Le Chameau boots, but not this year $.
 
Baffin Trappers have worked good for me.
Tried the Muck Chore boots, comfortable, but not durable in the swamp, the neoprene gets torn up easily.
 
I love my Muck boots! I have 2 pairs soif I doubt no a lot of wLking every day the one pair has enough time to dry out at the hunt camp. Also, at the end of the day m feet always feel good. Find them much lighter then the LaCrosse bots
 
blasted_saber said:
Nokian.

Best rubber boots money can buy

http://brusheys.ca/product/finnwald-spacious-boot/
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Absolutely! only I prefer the fit of the Retki model for my feet. I have two pairs, one pair is more than 20 years old. Snug enough for good footing on logs and such, loose enough for good circulation in cold weather, removable high quality liner that you can dry infront of the fire in the evening after the hunt, snow cinch on top, Perfect.
 
For the lat 8-9 years, I have been using the same set of insulated Lacrosse Alpha Burly's for winter walking, hunting, blowing snow, etc. They are finally starting to crack a little at the ankle. Great boots, although I might go with something with a lower profile sole next time to make it easier to sneak around.

-J
 
Arclight said:
I use the green Canadian Tire boots with the insulated liners.
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Couldn't agree more.
Yes, I've had actual Gore-Tex lined hiking boots, and own Arctery'x gear, but rubber boots and wool socks work well if they fit well. Hiking boots offer more support, but as soon as you step in a muck hole or puddle, you're screwed, even with Gaters. Then you have a 3lb weight on each foot.
I completed what I thought was an 18km hike in these boots, until we got back to the truck and my wife realized it was 18 miles, as we were in Joshua Tree and distances are (obviously) in miles. 28 km's walking in one day and no foot pain is enough to say that these boots are made for walkin'. Mind you, I also hike in my SPD cycling shoes....
To each their own, of course.
 
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If your feet sweat a lot not to much choice. Used mostly Baffin's as A field mechanic in the mines. Had to have at least 3 sets of liners at all times. change out when toes start to get cold. tried many brands always same thing. too long between liner changes I couldn't get boots off, sweat turned to ice,
 
My first set were a pair of grey rubber boots, mid-shin with felt liners I purchased from TSC for $45. the intent was just to toss them after a year when I could afford something better. 4 years later I used them in September when I went out hunting. Not too comfortable to walk in, but I have a SXS now. The liners are finally wearing out, but the boots don't leak, so they will be relegated to snow-shoveling/winter dog-walking. I purchased a new pair of camo rubber boots, lined (non-removable) knee-height from Sail. Got them for $169 plus tax. Slightly heavy, but warm, dry and with a rugged sole on the bottom:

https://www.sail.ca/en/sail-botte-en-caoutchouc-neoprene-800gr-thin-421724

I spent a week in the bush with these boots, and I indeed had to rough it. It's not like I was in a hotel or house or anything, and these boots saw hot, cold, wet & some snow (I was up in Sulton, ON). I was really impressed with them. The only negative I would say is the weight. These are big boots (I'm size 13 EEE), and they are heavy. I don't know how walking all day in them would be.

Cannon
 
The first pair of hunting boots I bought were Nokia Retkis. They were great boots. After a few years, I poked a hole in the upper on one with a sharp stick. It would leak if I stepped in deep enough water, so I bought a pair of the Crappy Tire cheapo felt lined boots. They weren't bad back then but the tread rubber wore down faster than the Nokias. Still you could get a couple of seasons out of them then just buy another pair they were so cheap. Nowadays, they's garbage and don't even last a whole season. So last year I spent more and bought Baffins for $70. Halfway through the season the heels started to separate from the upper and the slightest bit of water would give me a soaker and frozen feet if it got cold. I wish I had kept the Nokias I had and patched the hole I poked in the upper. My brother is still using a pair that are 25 years old (YMMV), and though the tread is well worn they are still better than the cheapos after a year. I priced a new pair 2 years ago and I think they were about $180 then, but now $200. It makes me a little nervous that they are no longer called 'Nokia', now called 'Nokian'. What does that mean? Maybe it means Like Nokia but not quite? I bought a pair of Mucks this year and so far I like them but how long they last will be the deciding factor on whether or not I will buy another.
 
the brand name "Nokia" was taken over by another company that sells tires etc. Nokian is still making the same boots. Muck boots feel great, and are nice for light duty, but I wrecked a pair the first time I went clearing beaver dams. the beaver sticks tore them to shreds.
 
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