My upland boots from Cabelas with the BOA system are the best ones I've ever had, both from a comfort and wear perspective (although I may not be as hard on boots as I was when I could walk a lot more miles). Too bad they don't make them any more.
Meindl is my next choice, but they are going through some changes right now, and their current boot, although on sale, is made in Vietnam instead of Germany so I am a little hesitant.
I like a little higher boot - keeps the stuff out better, although if the walking is easy I prefer the shorter ones, as I think there is less leg fatigue, at least in my case.
Last edited by bassfishinglawyer; 02/03/2107:52 PM.
If there's a better boot than Russell South 40 I want some. My pair is at least 25 years old. Quit keeping me dry after 15 but so tough and comfortable in the field I live with it.
Down in deep south Texas I wear a pair of Red Wing "Ice Cutter" 6" boot on days when it gets cool. Normally I'd wear a pair of red Wing Heritage 6" classic mocs. . For days when it gets wet or when stalking the edges of resacas I wear my 18" Lacrosse Burly classic's.
I've had Redwings 20 years ago, Danner 15 years ago - passed on the Danner Sharptails (too much padding in the tongue).
For hunting boots - I want uninsulated, as much leather as I can get to battle prickly pear and have to have Goretex. Other waterproof membranes or treatment just don't seem to match up.
I just broke in a new pair last week chasing mearns and gambel quail in NM - loved them!!
These 30+ year old friends are HH Brown's...8" All leather uppers, rubber soles, with light insulation and padded tops.
These have been hunting in 5 different countries, in almost every field type, in every type of weather, for every upland season over 3 decades - they still work just like their first hunt !
They get a professional cleaning and polishing after every season...I forgot what they cost...but they have been worth every penny.
A minute spent outdoors is so much more valuable than a day spent online!
I have the 1957 boots you are considering. I have not been impressed so far. The tongue really bunches up, it is almost like they made it too big. i really wanted the good sole and a Made in the USA boot. My next pair will be the Danner Grouse.
I've had Browning and Irish Setter kangaroo and really like how light they are. They held up well too. I think Irish Setter actually made the Browning boots.
I've had Browning and Irish Setter kangaroo and really like how light they are. They held up well too. I think Irish Setter actually made the Browning boots.
I wore thru two soles on Russell South Forties utilizing them and leggings, or snake proof gaiters...But the most comfort I found was in Danner Laceup snake boots...Cradled my feet like nothing else.
Everyones feet is different so you should be looking at a backpacking boot. There designed to give support with 50 pounds of gear. Not to flex too much when you walk on top of rocks. I have a narrow foot so zamberlain fits me best. Stay away from upland boots
Kinda went with Blanked on this one this morning. Have a pair of Danner's I love but are fabric and are not waterproof. Found some Columbia WP hikers this morning at the outlet and they are comfortable right off the shelf. I had tried on some Irish Setter WIngshooters and they were not comfortable at all and would have had a massive break in. Here is what I bought and they are nice looking too.
I switched to Lowa Renegades after three different pairs of Danner's started leaking on me and falling apart after a season and a half. Just as comfortable but better ankle support and a heckuva lot more comfortable. Lose an inch on height, but I have some Kenntrak gaiters that I wear anyway
I am on my second pair of Redwing Irish Setters. They are really comfortable, come in narrow widths and last a long time. I like the fact that they do not pick up much mud as you walk.
The pair I have wore since 2018 are Irish setter elk hunters. They take some breaking in but once that is done, they are comfortable, fairly light, waterproof, and durable. They come in various widths so you can get a good fit that you don’t slide around in with good ankle support. I am a forester and put more miles on a pair of boots in a year than many will in ten years. It takes a tough pair of boots to last one year of what I put them through. These are 3 years old and walk like a pair of sneakers. The only knock some of y’all may not like is the vibram sole will pick up mud. I can put up with that to not bust my [censored] on slick ground. I guess the wife would not think she was doing her job though if she didn’t chew the leather from time to time about me tracking mud in the house with my boots on....
I am on my second pair of Redwing Irish Setters. They are really comfortable, come in narrow widths and last a long time. I like the fact that they do not pick up much mud as you walk.