8" Wilderness Boots? What you like?

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Oct 10, 2005
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My 8" hiking/hunting/wilderness Danner Acadia boots finally gave out. The Gore Tex leaks like a sponge.

So, before I go and buy again, I'm curious what success you've all had. I'm not really interested in any low top Merrell type hiking boot but rather an 8" type hunting or military boot like a Danner Acadia (which is what I had), Belleville, Rocky, White, or similar. I've tried 5.11's and they suck for wet weather but are great for everyday use. I'm not going back to Danner's as they've let me down too many times (they leak too much). The last four wilderness outings I've tried two different pairs of Danner 452 GXT's (granted their older pairs) and two pair of Danner Acadias (again not new but well worn) and they've all leaked. I must admit these boots are not newer but have been extensive worn so I cannot say with confidence Danner's suck it is just the pairs I've chosen have not proven themselves.

Perhaps a newer (broken in) pair with the leather properly H20 treated will work and that is my next test. But in the meantime hunting is coming up and I need a new pair broke in and ready to go.

My specs are....must be 8" leather, waterproof a must, 200 gram insulation, and a self cleaning sole preferred. Will be worn in extreme wet and snow conditons hunting and in wilderness training situations. I've heard good things about Belleville but have no first hand knowledge. A buddy of mine stomped around under the same conditions for four days as did I with a pair of Belleville and his feet were dry while mine were wet every day after two hours.

Recommendations must be first hand from usage in wet environments please . . .
 
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I have a pair of Irish Setter Elk Tracker 882 boots. Have had them for just over a year now and really like them. They come in non insulated, 200g, 600g (mine), and 1000g Thunsulate insulated. You can see the whole line here: Irish Setter Big game.

Before I wore them I coated the boots in Mink oil, then after 2 trips I coated them again. A few months ago I bought Obenauf's Heavy Duty Leather Preservative and thats what I use now. Keep them well oiled and the leather should last a long time!

Heber
 
When hiking and exploring areas in NW Oregon, my friends and I used "Xtra Tuf" brand rain boots. They are tough and comfortable enough for day hikes/ hunts. Your feet will be dry even after crossing shallow streams and very wet/ muddy trails. My step dad has been using them on his hunting trips for years now, and he swears by them. When I learned about them, I was hooked.
 
A lot of this to me is personal fit. Boots everyone raved about were terrible on my feet. I went though a lot of stuff until I found Lowa brand boots. The Lowa German made "good" boots fit, are comfortable with heavy loads (me + 80lbs), and keep my feet dry except for the sweat I produce on my feet (I just change socks periodically).

All 3 pairs of "tall" hikers I use are good boots. I have some of their low top shoes for light use around town that work well too.

INSTEAD of trying to save a few bucks on-line, go to a good camping/hiking store and speak to their boot fitter (be specific here, not any clerk, a boot fitter). Work with them to properly size your foot and match the boot construction to your body type and use.
 
I have a pair of whites smoke jumpers, which are really comfortable. Id recommend going down to a place that sells a bunch of different types and trying them all on. See what feels best. Alot of people were trying to convince me to buy Nick's boots, but when i tried both the nicks and the whites on, the whites felt really good on my feet.
 
I have a pair of Irish Setter Elk Tracker 882 boots. Have had them for just over a year now and really like them. They come in non insulated, 200g, 600g (mine), and 1000g Thunsulate insulated. You can see the whole line here: Irish Setter Big game.

I had a hunting buddy who wore Irish Setters and I have to admit to continously sneaking envious glances at his boots.

I wear Danners myself, and have since my days in the Corps.
 
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