Thread: New Boots

Hey fellas,

I've been browsing online for a bit now and like the look of the hunters elements element boot for my first proper set of boots. Is it worth just spending the 450 on a good set straight up? I have decent hiking boots but they're a few years old and I figured I'll just get myself some new gear while I'm buying all new stuff

I hunt and tramp in a pair of budget Grisport hikers and they have done so fairly big trips and only cost $200. They are often wet and I have never had a blister from them.

Thanks man that website is awesome looks like quality gear at a fraction of the price

Thats fine I've only just submitted my nz application for my gun license so I'm just out glassing and hiking for now and my current boots are fine for that

It's hard to understate the importance of a decent pair of boots, especially in a lot of the terrain we tend to hunt in NZ. During my years as a student I compromised a lot on quality in favour of cost, then a couple of years ago forked out for a pair of Crispi Nevadas, and the difference blew my mind. My very first use of them was a three day trip in the Tararuas, and they didn't require any breaking in. No blisters, no sore feet. When these ones need replacing I'll definitely be buying the same boots again. That being said, there's a HUGE range of brands and models out there, and comfort is a very personal thing. If you can I'd highly recommend at least trying on in-store rather than buying online.

I imported a pair of quality boots from a UK website too - wiggle.com A local shop had the brand but limited sizes and the ones they had were just a tad small when I tried them on, but trying on a pair meant I got the sizing right when I ordered on line. Good savings to be had.

My darling wife (she of 100+ pairs and I am not kidding) buys a lot of shoes from oversea, UK mainly I think. Gets them at a fraction of cost here and a season or so ahead of when they finally make it into the shops in NZ. She buys shoes for me too - its great I never need to go shoe shopping !!! they just turn up in my wardrobe and only rarely do they fit so badly that an extra pair of innersoles or socks doesn't fix the issue.

This time of year, rugby boots. They are a game changer

Originally Posted by Mohawk .308

Yep it’s a good site, I’ve bought a pair of boots and two pairs of shoes with no issues. It can take about a month to arrive though.

+1

Same - all Lowa. Best out of the box for my feet!

Sarvo's boots are EXCELLENT value. He also sells branded boots from time to time too - cannot recommend them enough. Great service too. So hit him up if you are interested in cheaper boots, that do a great job.

Check out Salewa range. Brought a pair at the beginning of the year, and have never looked back. I was tossing up between these and Crispi, but was unable to find a pair of Crispi nearby to try on.

I've been thinking I may as well just fork out and buy some good ones when I'm not hunting me and my wife do a fair few big hikes and I would like some quality boots that last through it all. I've been like the salewas and I saw an Italian made boot the aku seemed quite good as well

Worth getting good boots. Until about 10 years ago I used to bargain hunt, and get something on sale, maybe $150 down from $295 type of thing. Eventually it dawned on me that they were on sale for a reason. Nothing worse than boot failure - soles coming off etc, in the bush, buggers your trip. I was NI only but in the SI the consequences could be way worse. Admittedly, being able to afford decent boots was the real reason I didn't go Lowa back then, if I could have I would have. But if you can save up a bit longer - you won't regret it. For me Lowa Rangers. Having said that the price of decent boots is getting ridiculous..... Once upon a time you could import them, landed for half of local price, not so much any more though.

Everyone's feet are different. Try on as many pairs as you can and see what suits you.
I have bought a few pairs from Trekinn and as stated, great pricing but shipping can take up to a month. Their Salewa range is nearly half the price you can buy them here in NZ.

For cheap boots I would say avoid boots with goretex exterior bits they won't remain waterproof as long as a leather pair. When it comes to cheap leather boots avoid anything that does not have a full leather tongue as again they will leak right off the bat. Wet-dry cycling of boots roots them they become stiff and crack at flex points, they wiill last longer if you keep leather conditioner up to them. For a cheap lightweight knockabout hunting boot if your'e not planning to climb Mount Cook I like these https://coastalsports.co.nz/shop/scarpa-terra-gtx/

Originally Posted by Jono91

Hey fellas,

I've been browsing online for a bit now and like the look of the hunters elements element boot for my first proper set of boots. Is it worth just spending the 450 on a good set straight up? I have decent hiking boots but they're a few years old and I figured I'll just get myself some new gear while I'm buying all new stuff

Don’t over think it man, get what you can afford, feels comfortable, and with a material that will tolerate the terrain you expect. There’s not bad boots in the $300-$400 range, no they aren’t a lowa, yes they won’t last as long but if your wearing boots out you’ll be shooting deer 👍!