Good boots?

[Riddid]

What do you all recommend for a good hunting boot during cold weather? I usually wear sorrels for cold snowy weather but they tend to get a little heavy plus moisture tends to build up from sweat I think. I want something lighter but warm and more of a hiking boot, not so bulky like a sorrel. Thanks

[mrcabinet]

Check out the Merrell line of boots. I switched to them years ago and haven't looked back. Light, great support and very comfortable. I wear their low hikers at work, where I'm walking and standing on concrete a good part of the day and my feet still feel great when I get home. For cold weather I have a pair that's that's a half size bigger so with an extra pair of wool socks my tootsies stay nice and toasty.

[George16]

I second the Merrell boots. I have a pair and they’re also waterproof. I also have a pair of Timberland waterproof boots but they’re a bit heavier than the Merrell.

[crosstimbers]

I don't know if this helps, or even applies as I am not sure where you're hunting, but I'll throw it out there. After years of cold feet, caused by sweating enroute to me stand, then inactivity as I sat waiting, I decided to try something different. I switched to lighter weight boots and something to put my feet into once I got on stand. The first product was something known as boot blankets, which work well but are bulky. Now I use Arctic Shield boot covers, which work as well and are not as bulky to carry with you.

This works well for me. Waterproof but uninsulated stalking boots, hunting socks and the boot covers for when I'm sitting still. My feet do not get cold anymore. Of course, I'm not hunting where it gets famously cold either.

[Riddid]

Thanks all, looks like I have some choices.

[moeman]

I bought a pair of Merrells about 20 years ago on clearance at REI. They finally wore out last year. Best (mostly) waterproof boots I've had!

[wvcoalminer]

Asolo manufacturers some good looking hunting/hiking boots.

Presently, I have a 20 year old pair of Filson hunting boots that are great; however, the quality of their products has gone downhill.  When these boots finally wear out I plan on getting Asolo or Meindl boots.

[mrcabinet]

Merrell makes waterproof and regular boots - you have to make sure you choose the correct ones. I can vouch for the breathe-ability of their waterproof models.

[AMM]

Merrells are quite good. I have worn two pairs out that served well.

I now wear Danner Mountain Light II boots. They are heavier, use Gore Tex for water protection, and require old school break-in. They wear like iron and can be rebuilt and properly resoled.  Danner makes excellent traditional hiking boots,  and I recommend them if a longer wearing (versus "no break-in") boot fits your needs..

Cheers.

[Krugermeier]

I've had the same pair of Lowa's from REI for over 5 years. I absolutely love these boots. I have hiked waterfalls in the mud & rain of Kauai in them, the Sierra Nevadas, and used them for overall daily wear. They are comfy, I could spend days in them, and the goretex is excellent. They stay waterproof while lightly submerged. Warm/Acrylic socks are good, but if you're in negative temperatures you might want something with a few hundred grams of thinsulate.

Merrel is comfy too but Lowa beats them on being waterproof

[Grendel]

I wear these:



 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MXVYXV9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1&psc=1

Waterproof, lots of insulation, extra comfy.

[tdogg]

I have a number of different boots I wear depending on the conditions/terrain/type of hunting.

For spot and stalk in mild/cold weather (>15F) I generally use my Salomon X Ultra Mid Goretex.  Salomon makes some of the most comfortable shoes out there.  They feel great right out of the box with zero break in.  They are light and waterproof but maybe not as protective if the terrain is really rugged (read rocky).

When it gets really cold and rugged, I will run my Danner 400g Full Curl Goretex boot.  It has thinsulate insulation and a wrap around rubber protection from rocks.  It is a 9inch boot with ample ankle support.  They are probably not much lighter than Sorel's but much more supportive and durable.  These are going to last a couple of lifetimes most likely.

Merrel's are also good but they don't fit my feet as well as (I have to get the wide variants).  The sole is more robust/stiff compared to the Salomon's but they aren't nearly as comfortable.  I wouldn't compare them to the Danner's as it is a different class of boot.

Cheers,
Toby

[alp3367]

 I'm also a huge fan of Lowa. I've been wearing their boots for 20+ years now. They make everything from light daily shoes to serious "I'm climbing Everest" mountaineering boots.

[Skookum]

I had a roomate from northern Minnesota.  His secret to warm feet was a second pair of felt liners for his Sorrels.  He'd remove and dry the liners worn so he always had dry, warm liners.

With boots having no removable liner, carry spare socks.  A wicking liner helps.  If your feet are prone to sweating, applying antiperspirant to them before donning socks can help.  You can find antiperspirant for feet, but any kind should work.

A pair of knee-high Gor-Tex gaitors surprisingly helps keep feet warm.  Feet are a long way from the heart, and anything that reduces heat loss in between (not a lot of fat stores in lower extremities) helps.

[Turboonyx]

Timberland Pro makes some great boots. I tried on several different pair to find that right pair. I am rough on boots. Mine have past my so called torture test.