Thread: Best Boots you have had?

I bought some Cat boots about 7 years ago that I used when trapping possums. I have oiled them about twice in their lives. They have been in water almost every time I go out, covered in dirt, etc etc. They have no cracks in the leather, no stitching coming apart at all, and the sole is firmly attached. I honestly think they have lasted incredibly well. HOWEVER I would like to buy some new boots more suitable for hunting and stalking deer.

I have read a few articles and seen that even $500 + hiking / hunting boots have fallen apart after only 2 years.

I want boots that are light, safe, ok with getting wet regularly and will not fall apart quickly.

Anyone else found a good pair?

Cheers

I had some SCARPA full leather boots that gave me a good 12+ years before they fell off my feet - I now own a pair of LOWA -Rangers had them for the last 5 years or so and no dramas I do sno seal them often but they are like gloves real nice and comfy and seem to be holding up ok - cost about $500

I also got a pair of GRUB ankle boots that I use for day trips and over nighters - these are light and good value got a good vibram sole etc cost about $150 from farmlands/RD1, they do hold a bit of water so I drilled a hole in the side and seal (plug) this with silicone - then when they get wet I pick out the silicone so the drain well. Once they dried at home I squirt some more silicone Plug in.

I "found" a good pair. Heading out my gate one day and there, sitting next to a stump was two great clumps of Thompsons Track clay, I could see they contained a pair of boots so took them home and threw them in a drum of water. After a good soaking I scraped and scrubbed all the clay off and found I had a pair of Hi-tec boots in exactly my size. They were brand new and someone must have stepped out of them, hopped in their car and gone home. I have hunted in them on several trips to the Kaimanawas and Kaweka's and many a hunt in the Kaimais. I use them when horse riding and even go to town in them...they are so comfortable and I have no idea of their value...but, thank you to whoever left them.

Gri Sport from either h&f or farmlands.
Good italian leather and under 3 hundy for the hiker model.
I havnt owned many orher brands but rate them.

I bought a second hand pair of Haix boots (ex German troops) for $125. Fantastic boots and just like new. There was a choice of Lowa, Meindl and Haix, so I bought what fitted the best. Have held up very well for three and a half years so far.

Using meindl island pros at the moment, but they are pricey in NZ. They fit me well but more importantly it doesn't really matter what you read here as different boots will fit different types of feet, so go and try as many pairs on as you can. Don't be afraid to shell out for something good, as youll rely on them heavily.

Jim Green Footwear - Bushcat Hiking Boot

I roll in a pair of these, my second pair, the first pair lasted 15 years!
Good buying too, with the dollar so strong it makes the just over a hundy!

My best boots have been La Sportivas, lasted really well. Also had a pretty good run from a pair of Salomons.

Kathmandus I bought in 93 before I went overseas ... I did over 20,000 vertical meters climbing in these in Switzerland alone. They were just their entry level tramping boots.

They have only recently died ... They'd been on light duty as flying boots until recently, when the sole stripped off the right one.

Been replaced with some sportivas


Tim

Im a scarpa fan. Last pair lasted around 6-7 years amd just fitted like a glove from day one. New ones are a slightly different last but still seem as though they will function well

Meindl Island pro's wide. 7 years old on second soles and now starting to fall apart. They have done some serious Km's over the years.

My trekkas were a hundy and have lasted 3 years so far. Pretty comfy. Only the first 2 years did they see hard use though

Originally Posted by Nathan F

Meindl Island pro's wide. 7 years old on second soles and now starting to fall apart. They have done some serious Km's over the years.

Got some Haix K2s at the moment and they're pretty good but I also had a good run outta some Meindl Island Pros.

I might try some Bestards next. They review well.

Originally Posted by Spook

I "found" a good pair. Heading out my gate one day and there, sitting next to a stump was two great clumps of Thompsons Track clay, I could see they contained a pair of boots so took them home and threw them in a drum of water. After a good soaking I scraped and scrubbed all the clay off and found I had a pair of Hi-tec boots in exactly my size. They were brand new and someone must have stepped out of them, hopped in their car and gone home. I have hunted in them on several trips to the Kaimanawas and Kaweka's and many a hunt in the Kaimais. I use them when horse riding and even go to town in them...they are so comfortable and I have no idea of their value...but, thank you to whoever left them.

Good score Spook

Originally Posted by Nathan F

Meindl Island pro's wide. 7 years old on second soles and now starting to fall apart. They have done some serious Km's over the years.

Driving around in a vehicle doesn't count Nathan...

I have had Sportiva's, Meindls, and now Lowa's. Really like the Lowa's (Tibet Pro GTX wide I think) because they fit my feet well. Got a set of different insoles which also made a big difference.

The boots you choose will also depend a lot on what sort of hunting you are doing. My Lowa's aren't flash in the bush, creeks etc as they have a really stiff shank (same as the Meindls & Sportiva's I had), almost feel uncoordinated walking up river beds at times because the soles don't give much at all... This however makes them awesome in steeper, alpine type going where I do most of my hunting for tahr etc.