Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Hunting boots?

I want to buy a new pair of boots. I now have some Danner Elk Hunters and they're great boots but as I've gotten older I need a wider boot and these seem to be too narrow, even for extra wide. I want something that supports my ankles in rough walking and water proof would be great. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Jim

I take a size 13 EEEE and tried a pair of Danner boots, they were incredibly stiff and took a long while to break in. I had a pair of Rocky boots that were as comfortable as bedroom slippers, they gave me good support and wore extremely well. I just wore out a pair of Timberland hiking boots and replaced them with the same model. I just purchased a pair of Merrell hiking boots, most of my hunting is for whitetails in moderate temps in not very challenging terrain. All the boots that I've mentioned have served me well.

My suggestion is to go to the boot shop near you with the best selection and start trying them on and walk around a bit. As you wind up with a few on the short list walk around in them for a longer time.

Any preconceived notion of what brand you want or what is recommended by others will likely go out the window when you do this. Everyone is different.

You should make your choice with the boot that actually fits you.

This is what works best for me.

Kennetrek.

What WYcoyote said.

"They're hunting socks, sir."

A lot depends on where you hunt. The 18” waterproof, snake proof boots I wear might not be the best choice for a mountain elk hunt

Right

And no asked about snake boots.

For his viewing pleasure.

^

This depending on your budget, or Crispi's.

I used to be a big fan of Danners, but IMHO they aren't like they used to be.

I've got a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 gram 11.5 extra wide and they're fantastic boots, hardly any break in needed, light enough for hiking. Plenty warm when active and while glassing for short spells.

https://kenetrek.com/products/mount...EwdmehQMV7hutBh1RpQzVEAAYASAAEgKOJvD_BwE

I've also got a pair of Crispi "Nevada Legends", they're shorter and with 200 gram insulation. About perfect for earlier fall hunts.

https://www.crispius.com/nevada-legend-gtx-boot

Crispi

I like my Crispi Guides. 1/2 price as new in classifieds was the best part on them.

I have Kenetreks and love them but only wear them shed hunting/hunting........due to the price. A less expensive option that I wear daily for work and all other outdoor pursuits is Irish Setter Elk Trackers. I have them in insulated and uninsulated. They are well made and fit well.

https://www.irishsetterboots.com/hunting-boots/waterproof-hunting-boots/Elk-Tracker/00860.html

https://www.irishsetterboots.com/hunting-boots/shop-by-family/elk-tracker

My go to boots are:

5.11 Tactical 10 inch boots for summer and light winter. Wear like a pair of tennis shoes but sturdy. First pair last three years with regular use and care.

For cold weather I have a pair of Schnees buffalo hide boots with the insulated inserts. heavier but very comfortable and rebuildable if you really ear them out. Now that I’m in the SE they don’t get used much except for cold morning hunts (SE defined cold weather). Also used them on Montana hunts and love them. Get two pairs of inserts, wear one one day, swap for the second day while the first one dries out and you will not have cold feet.

For warm weather hunting and early fall, I have a pair of Canadian moccasins with Elk hide soles. Not really waterproof but really comfortable and I prefer minimalists shoes anyway. Want to walk into a stand quietly, wear Mocs and carry you cold weather boots and put them on before you sit. I’ve uses the Mocs in cold weather and wrap my feet in an old surplus wool blanket when I sit. This works for me especially for longer walks into the stands. Longer walks by SE standards not Western standards.

Schnee has served me very well in the pac and Beartooth. LOT'S of miles on the Beartooth.

Their Kestrel light hikers suck a$$, PSA.

Thanks for the help guys. Don't need the snake boots but maybe someday I'll hunt where I will.

Lowa