Boots

Hunting boots recommendation. Looking for something affordable, waterproof and comfortable.

Cheers.

-- IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET BEYOND ALL DOUBT --

@Sarvo....... sitting here wearing a lightweight pair.....my mate saw them and fired off an order too.... walked up town n back in them and they feel pretty darn good.

What sort of hunting in what sort of country?
I mainly do day trips in North Island bush, mainly easy to medium hill country. I have some Hitec Bryce WP I got on sale at Rebel Sport (about $100), they are pretty good without a load on, but I mainly wear Lowa Renegades, they have better support but did cost 4 times as much.

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Originally Posted by Cigar

What sort of hunting in what sort of country?
I mainly do day trips in North Island bush, mainly easy to medium hill country. I have some Hitec Bryce WP I got on sale at Rebel Sport (about $100), they are pretty good without a load on, but I mainly wear Lowa Renegades, they have better support but did cost 4 times as much.

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Mainly bush with a day pack.

I'm in the same position; can't afford an expensive pair of boots. Mostly hunt goats and fallow in bush/farms etc; so no Duley hunting type work!. I've been recommended the John Bull Highlanders as a good reasonably priced boot. I haven't tried them yet. I've often been told to buy Lowa Tibets etc but there is no way I can afford that sort of $ssss for my type of hunting. Would be different if I was chasing tahr etc.... Highlander 2.0 | John Bull Footwear

bumblefoot...they are a good boot.

These are the newer version of what I got. They have good grip and are comfortable and fairly waterproof, maybe not very breathable though as they often steamed when I took them off. They did well for day trips, not suited for lugging a heavy pack though.
Rebel Sport - Hi Tec Mens Bryce II WP Outdoor Shoes

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Originally Posted by bumblefoot

I'm in the same position; can't afford an expensive pair of boots. Mostly hunt goats and fallow in bush/farms etc; so no Duley hunting type work!. I've been recommended the John Bull Highlanders as a good reasonably priced boot. I haven't tried them yet. I've often been told to buy Lowa Tibets etc but there is no way I can afford that sort of $ssss for my type of hunting. Would be different if I was chasing tahr etc.... Highlander 2.0 | John Bull Footwear

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I had a pair of John bulls years ago when I worked on my parents station. Think they were hikers. Very comfortable once worn in and fairly lightweight without steel cap. Stay away from steel cap boots, they get bloody cold in frosty weather.

I have just spent a week wearing a pair of boots I got from @Sarvo for $150
Comfortable despite not wearing them in first
Would I buy them again for bush hunting? Sure would

Note - If you want to keep your feet dry don’t leave them outside in the rain at night

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Originally Posted by sako75

I have just spent a week wearing a pair of boots I got from @Sarvo for $150
Comfortable despite not wearing them in first
Would I buy them again for bush hunting? Sure would

Note - If you want to keep your feet dry don’t leave them outside in the rain at night

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@sako75 - cheers
When people ask "are they water proof" I say " Gore-Tex = waterproof apart from the big hole at top"

Yes - to be honest these boots have amazed me prob more than anyone
I have been wearing the Summer (the ones with the Cordura panels) since Sept - totally neglecting them for the reason on testing durability.
Yesterday was in soaking wet Fog Grass for about 2 hours - that's a good test for any boot being/remaining waterproof.
I would have worn mine 4 days out of 7 too

Tried going back to Tibet's and my old favorite the Rusa Boot - but next day back into these - feel like I will roll out of the others after these

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Originally Posted by Sarvo

@sako75 - cheers
When people ask "are they water proof" I say " Gore-Tex = waterproof apart from the big hole at top"

Yes - to be honest these boots have amazed me prob more than anyone
I have been wearing the Summer (the ones with the Cordura panels) since Sept - totally neglecting them for the reason on testing durability.
Yesterday was in soaking wet Fog Grass for about 2 hours - that's a good test for any boot being/remaining waterproof.
I would have worn mine 4 days out of 7 too

Tried going back to Tibet's and my old favorite the Rusa Boot - but next day back into these - feel like I will roll out of the others after these

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I have a pair and they get a hard life, brought them for hunting but they have become my wear everywhere / do everything boots. The only thing I don't like is they don't have speed lacing other than that no issues at all and would/buy another pair when these ones die

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Originally Posted by mikee

I have a pair and they get a hard life, brought them for hunting but they have become my wear everywhere / do everything boots. The only thing I don't like is they don't have speed lacing other than that no issues at all and would/buy another pair when these ones die

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That was my only complaint too
But if you get longer enough laces - you can loosen off with out dropping out of the eyes.
Plus get some good laces that are a bit harder and slide better through eyes and they are actually quicker - trust me :-)))
I reckon they be great in your work situation Mike - but maybe need SCaps ??

Notice they not slip like others do on hard (like floor/concrete etc) surfaces
Also sole is chem resistant

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Originally Posted by Sarvo

That was my only complaint too
But if you get longer enough laces - you can loosen off with out dropping out of the eyes.
Plus get some good laces that are a bit harder and slide better through eyes and they are actually quicker - trust me :-)))
I reckon they be great in your work situation Mike - but maybe need SCaps ??

Notice they not slip like others do on hard (like floor/concrete etc) surfaces
Also sole is chem resistant

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Yep I would wear them to work except no toecaps so not possible. Definitely good in slippery conditions

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Originally Posted by Sarvo

@sako75 - cheers
When people ask "are they water proof" I say " Gore-Tex = waterproof apart from the big hole at top"

Yes - to be honest these boots have amazed me prob more than anyone
I have been wearing the Summer (the ones with the Cordura panels) since Sept - totally neglecting them for the reason on testing durability.
Yesterday was in soaking wet Fog Grass for about 2 hours - that's a good test for any boot being/remaining waterproof.
I would have worn mine 4 days out of 7 too

Tried going back to Tibet's and my old favorite the Rusa Boot - but next day back into these - feel like I will roll out of the others after these

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How flexible are the soles? I like to feel what my feet are on and a lot of boots have soles like planks. Been looking for a good waterproof upper with the right soles for a while now.

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Originally Posted by Steve123

How flexible are the soles? I like to feel what my feet are on and a lot of boots have soles like planks. Been looking for a good waterproof upper with the right soles for a while now.

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Perfect for that - their biggest plus next to weight

You are really trying hard to get me out of my "Bullers".

I got a pair of the winter boots from @Sarvo too, not worn the on a hunt yet, but they do feel very light and comfy. I'm fairly certain I'll get a pair of the summer ones too!

I use two pairs of boots, depending on what I'm doing.
Lowa Cevedale GTX for alpine stuff
Miendl Makalu Pro for bush hunting

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Originally Posted by tetawa

You are really trying hard to get me out of my "Bullers".

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Im an ashley man myself...but bought a pair of these for the summer conditions and now that Im getting into SAR training etc.....I get a few funny looks with me gummies...till we hit wet slippery stuff....the soles impressed me,they are soft like the OLD john bull combat boots used to be....

Good thing about Bullers is cutting a slot in the sides to let water out if you are crossing a few streams

Wouldn't go past a pair of Hanwag great value for money