Basic boots for day hunting

[nksmfamjp]

Im looking at several boots for day hunting…maybe an overnight in central Montana. Terrain is mostly forested hills with some areas having more sage brush than trees!

Mostly, I'm looking for light, easy walking boots. I have Danner Elements for now. They do everything pretty well, except they don't fit around my leg well. Fit through the foot and ankle is great. I'm thinking about:

https://www.cabelas.com/p/danner-alsea-waterproof-hunting-boots-for-men


Or

https://www.cabelas.com/p/irish-setter-elk-tracker-xd-dark-brown-waterproof-hunting-boots-for-men

What are your thoughts in this price range?

 

[Coyote Shadow Tracker]

My favorite for many years was the Danner Uninsulated Pronghorn. Then I switched to the Danner Military but they are $$$$

 

[Tiny Tim]

I know its a significant step up, but Crispi Laponia is one of the most comfortable boots I've ever tried. About $350

 

[nksmfamjp]

Yes, both of those are too big of a step up, I think….ugh

 

[FireFlyFishing]

I switched to Altra Gor-Tex hiking boots this year on a whim looking for something light and comfy…Whoa…is all I can say. It's basically a high top running shoe. Amazingly comfortable and light. It really puts my other "hunting" boots to shame. The only downsides, very cold weather and deep snow…they're out. But, I have plenty of "hunting" boots for those conditions. I call them my ninja slippers…

From now on these will be what I use for most conditions.

 

[Quintus]

I switched to Altra Gor-Tex hiking boots this year on a whim looking for something light and comfy…Whoa…is all I can say. It's basically a high top running shoe. Amazingly comfortable and light. It really puts my other "hunting" boots to shame. The only downsides, very cold weather and deep snow…they're out. But, I have plenty of "hunting" boots for those conditions. I call them my ninja slippers…

From now on these will be what I use for most conditions.

Have you had these a while? How are they holding up?

 

[FireFlyFishing]

Have you had these a while? How are they holding up?

I find these to be cheap enough to use for a one season boot. However, they're still rocking today after hiking 100+ miles in them last fall. I wouldn't hesitate to wear them again this coming fall if I reserve them for that task exclusively. I'll probably buy another pair in August or so for backup. Pretty much zero break in time so I'd have no issues rocking a new pair if the others blow out. I'll probably do the right thing and get some light miles in them prior to hunting season though.

Honestly, I switched all my running shoes to Altra as well. I can keep the hiking boots for hiking exclusively now.

 

[Varmint Hunter]

My favorite for many years was the Danner Uninsulated Pronghorn. Then I switched to the Danner Military but they are $$$$

I've been hunting in a pair of uninsulated Pronghorns for years. They are very comfortable and wear well.

 

[Gary in MD]

Meindl has worked for me for a light weight hiking/hunting boot

 

[david g ranes]

Meindl has worked for me for a light weight hiking/hunting boot

I had two pair of Meindl boots the soles fell off. Neither pair had a lot of mileage on them I called the company and they told me since i bought them at cabelas they wouldn't do anything for me on either pair so the last i will buy from them, sad because they were my go to boot. David

 

[Shane Lindsey]

Not the exact same boot, but very similar, mine just have the insulation. But those Irish Setters are very heavy/clunky. Good for sitting still, but if moving they are a bit much for me.

I just picked up a set of Mendl Hunters for my elk hunt this year. Now that they are broke in, I like them. They fit firm around the foot and can be loosened for the upper and still feel snug enough to hike in. They were $250 NIB off ebay from a store that carried them, so in that price range. I think Cabelas used to carry this boot until they sold out to BPS. Meindl says go 1/2 size down, but for me, they are FOS.

 

[Gary in MD]

I had two pair of Meindl boots the soles fell off. Neither pair had a lot of mileage on them I called the company and they told me since i bought them at cabelas they wouldn't do anything for me on either pair so the last i will buy from them, sad because they were my go to boot. David

My first pair that I bought from cabelas lasted me over a decade. I liked them so much that I bought another pair of them from Meindl directly and have had them for several years and still going strong. I wear them hiking, hunting, and trailing behind the wife in the grocery store.

 

[david g ranes]

My first pair that I bought from cabelas lasted me over a decade. I liked them so much that I bought another pair of them from Meindl directly and have had them for several years and still going strong. I wear them hiking, hunting, and trailing behind the wife in the grocery store.

I wore them for years with no issues most comfortable boots i had but definitely wasnt happy how they handled their boots falling apart on me. David

 

[skippertwo]

Crispi is new gold standard, feels great right out of box.