More boot advice needed

Cube Dweller · 05-15-07, 04:32 PM

I need a good pair of multipurpose boots- hunting in tall brush with foxtails and burrs, welding, working in the yard, etc. I found some Georgia Boot Co. that have the right sole, 8", blah blah blah.

I'm trying to decide if getting the version with 200 grams of Thinsulate and Goretex lining is worth it- not so much from a cost perspective, but more in terms of utility. Will they be too hot to wear all day when it's 100 degrees hiking through brush? Is it a worthwhile tradeoff for drier, warmer feet on a 20 degree rainy or snowy day hunting in the mud?

My steel toe docs were fine all day on hot days, and my Goretex hiking books are hot, but not unbearable during the summer. Not sure how comparable these will be, but they will be $200 after tax so I want to get it right.

GeoRoss · 05-15-07, 04:53 PM

Personally, I would go with all leather uppers over anything with gore-tex. I have found that in the summer my feet get much hotter and wet (blisters) in boots with gore-tex.

Everything else is all about the fit.

fjwagon · 05-15-07, 05:00 PM

I did a search cus I member some time ago someone asked the same question. However, I'm not sure if this is the thread I was looking for. The one I was looking for was in the chat section.

Work boot suggestions

stinkyfj60 · 05-15-07, 05:03 PM

I am going to post in here too, so that Cube Dweller can see that TuT still cares and to tell that fucker to get back in there, even for a drive by...

While looking at boots, dont forget your socks. I prefer a sock liner and a good wool sock....

Try your boots on in the afternoon after walking around all day, and take the socks you usually wear with you...

82-SOA-60 · 05-15-07, 05:04 PM

I love my Danner super loggers. Plenty of support, gortex lined and tough as nails.

ATLcrusher · 05-15-07, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82-SOA-60

I love my Danner super loggers. Plenty of support, gortex lined and tough as nails.

Spoken like a man from GP

82-SOA-60 · 05-15-07, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATLcrusher

Spoken like a man from GP

Oh shit...my roots are showin.

IronYuppy · 05-15-07, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 82-SOA-60

I love my Danner super loggers. Plenty of support, gortex lined and tough as nails.

I have a pair of Danner Arcadias with Gore-tex, that have served me well for nearly ten years. They've been re-soled twice now, but the uppers are still completely intact. I think the ones (like these) with the mesh and leather are more breathable than the ones that are just leather. Lighter, too.

I also have a pair of gore-tex Scarpas (like this one but in black) which are more comfortable. They're not as tall (but they're probably heavier for some reason). Good boots, though. Probably close to ten years on these ones, too, and no leaks yet.

yooper · 05-15-07, 07:42 PM

Skip the thinsulate, it will be too hot. GoreTex is fine. I like Waterproof leather better. I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of Danner boots here soon I think...

White Shark · 05-15-07, 10:56 PM

I've had a zillion pairs of boots, and among them, I've had 4 pairs of Danners. They hold up pretty well, they are a multi purpose design, and they are reasonably comfortable at a decent price. You can get them for a good price if you shop around.

Most stores want $200-220 or more, but I know my size and styles from past pairs I've owned, so I shop until I find them on a clearance sale. I've picked up $280 boots for $40 or so, on more than a few occasions.

73fj · 05-15-07, 11:05 PM

Danners are the best all round boot I've ever owned. Hand's down. Love em.

Cube Dweller · 05-15-07, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stinkyfj60

While looking at boots, dont forget your socks. I prefer a sock liner and a good wool sock....

Try your boots on in the afternoon after walking around all day, and take the socks you usually wear with you...

Getting plain ole leather and using liners during rain wasn't something I considered....between that suggestion and Ross' memory jogger about sweaty feet in Goretex, I think I might do that. Plus $120 vs $180 for the same boot sans the Thinsulate and Goretex...

Quote:

I am going to post in here too, so that Cube Dweller can see that TuT still cares and to tell that fucker to get back in there, even for a drive by...

I miss TuT, but I'm a 7 day float trip type of guy. 1 hour through the rapids just doesn't get me into the ebb and flow of the river

Cube Dweller · 05-15-07, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 73fj

Danners are the best all round boot I've ever owned. Hand's down. Love em.

I'll check out the Danners again, but the Georgia's seemed like the best for my all around use, at least considering the selection at Sportsman's Warehouse. I want a full leather boot- a cordura upper won't take a glob of molten metal. Plus the foxtails seem to penetrate the cordura of my Vasque Goretex hikers.

reffug · 05-16-07, 12:42 AM

This got kicked around lately in camping gear, recovery and one brand that came out of that discussion was Limmer. Although for the last 10 years I have worn nothing but Vasque my next pair is gonna be Limmer they are impressive.

honk · 05-16-07, 06:54 AM

I just bought another pair of Danners. They're short boots, uninsulated. I think Danner is the best available since my favorite Herman Survivors went out of the market, and they're made in Portland, OR, the USA, which seems to mean that they aren't subject to the sizing variations of china made boots.

I like Dr. Marten's too but I wish they'd get with speedlacing and hooks. My newest pair has these little tubular eyelets for the top three and they're a total PITA to lace especially in the dark

The Hermans were always heavily insulated and never made my feet feel hot in the summer. Toasty in winter and fine in summer. Perfect 8" boot.

baloo · 05-16-07, 08:04 AM

Whites out of WA, they are built like toyotas, and can be rebuilt. I have had two pairs in 11 years of wildland firefighting, the job is brutal on boots.

haystax · 05-16-07, 08:54 AM

x2 on the Whites but Meindel are my current favs

White Shark · 05-16-07, 09:30 AM

White's are the best built on the market, but at $400 and a bit on the heavy side, they are a little over built for a lot of guys. If you drive tractor, fight fires, cut timber, or something similar, they are the way to go.

..

Cube Dweller · 05-16-07, 09:43 AM

Yeah, these will get worn on 2-4 hunting trips per year, occasionally in the garage and some occasional yard or construction projects. If I was still working in fab/machine shops I'd be looking a bit higher end, but for my needs, even $200 is overkill.

Jman · 05-16-07, 09:51 AM

My advice is to decide what they will be used for most, and buy to that purpose. Sounds like hunting, while important, is not the main use (?), so while it would be nice to have super toasty boots for that, I'd buy lighter boots that would be comfortable in the summer yet water proof and just layer some good wicking liners and some warm socks under them.

If hunting is the main use, buy toward that.