Thread: Please school me on hunting boots considerations

Would really appreciate you guidance around hunting boots, what to consider and what models or brands to potentially consider.

Other challenge I’m somewhat faced with is I’m a size 14 boot and little bigger and heavier than the normal bloke, so tend to push the durability of shoes. Will mostly be used for NI hunting, but would also like to use them (if possible) for SI hunts in the Alps etc. Still have a pair of Rossi boots I use to hunt with.

Appreciate the guidance.

@Sarvo

Talk to @Sarvo he brings in some great boots.
Don't go for the Lowa z6 they are slippery mother f----
I struggle to get boots to fit bring a US 16 so have had to go to Lowa ranger which are very nice but a bit heavy and stiff for straight bush hunting.

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As above
Lowa Rangers are good, Haix have a better rand.
I run two pairs - a good leather pair for rock and scree, and a lighter pair for farmland hunting

I run a pair of Sarvos lightweight boots and really rate them....price is AWESOME ,they arent noisy in the bush and soles have enough flex that sticks etc can be felt....

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

I run a pair of Sarvos lightweight boots and really rate them....price is AWESOME ,they arent noisy in the bush and soles have enough flex that sticks etc can be felt....

Sounds like he may need a more solid full rand if going Alp - but also for price great back up boot there and mnormal all year round in lower country

For those of you who do no know
The Banner at top of this Forum page (the Banners rotate so if mine not showing refresh page once or twice) that is the colored one with river/range scenery (Arawhata and above)
Keep an eye on there as I do get used in top condition and can get some New in Lowa periodically

The bigger sizes do not last long
Have 2500 Follower's - so they fly pretty quick

For north island bush hunting these will be ideal
Salomon Mens Quest 4D 3 GTX Have had two of these pairs now. Use one for work every day for the last two years.
Also did 10 days on Stewart island. Nice and light.
Down side is they can take a little bite to get totally dry. But I found if you wax em up they will be good for four to five days straight. Unless you submerge them
The good thing with these is that I could go hunting in them straight away. No need to break them in.
I’ll leave the choices for the alps to the real mountain men

I’m in the same boat (or boats) so watching with interest.
I don’t do Facebook so will pm you @Sarvo when I’m ready for I pair.

ok in line with original question.......
bush hunters in wet conditions and those who mooch along slowly,have been known to adopt lace up rubber gumboots in one form or another for many years.....there is no question at all that that is quiet way to get around and grip is outstanding...BUT ankle support isnt quite so flash as a more sturdy leather or cordura type upper...laced up with gaiters over top you get some...but not the same.they also allow a certain amount of movement inside boot,awesome for fat footers and flat footers.....downsides ,not so good up in deep snow (bit chilly,not ridgid enough to kick steps in and not sturdy enough to walk on side edge) in really hot conditions they are hot, especially if out in sunlight, being black it soaks up heat...good innersoles and decent socks takes care of most of that.....love them to bits....BUT my ankles appreciate other styles too.

Sarvos lightweight boots.....are just as light to carry on end of foot...grip nearly as well,the suckers HAVE a heel,something lacking in many modern boots,(well many modern boots have tiny heel,useless for going down steep in shitty going...deadly if on horse,nothing to catch stirrup iron.... ok not on horse LOL.) the upper seems to keep water out well with gaiters...dont get so hot out in sun.

just about ANY leather boot Ive worn over the years gets just as hot up on tops...the modern vibram soles give me the shits for bush stalking,RUMPY is the only fella Ive ever met who can mooch around wearing them and #1 not sound like wearing clodhoppers and #2 not fall on arse in slippery conditions.
other folks love them...for up in snow etc they are great,loads of support for sidling etc.

john bull USED to make great work boots for hunting in.....they have changed the soles in recent years and they slippery as a butchers savaloy on shiney tussock or damp grass.
still not a bad option if budget is tight,just be careful till you know what they are going to grip like....

lowas etc??? asking the wrong fella...never spent more than $300 on pair of boots and not likely to anytime soon.

In my humble opinion, big heavy leather boots are over rated and a thing of the past. It's amazing how much extra fatigue you get from using big heavy miendls, lows etc.

If it's bush stalking then trail running shoes are great, they have much better grip than most boots and are nice and light. I've never had a problem with weak ankles, but I think you get strong ankles from not wearing big laced up boots all the time.

Salomon gtx 4Ds are great, I use them for work and at home, I've found the soles to still be stiff enough for alpine stuff.

I always buy at least half a size bigger than normal shoe size, normally a full size bigger, saves the toes on descents.

As above I find lowas slippery as hell and if they get wet they stay wet. I won't buy them again.
For bush hunting and river stuff I wear salomon trail shoes with gravel guards. These are cheap, light, quiet and dry quick. Speedcross4. No good for the tops unless you want to roll your ankles and bruise your toes but it would allow you buy a second pair of boots more suited for SI trips.

I have heard good things about crispi..

Guys if you do have weak ankles try this exercise that my Osteopath gave me to do.
Works a treat and has helped strengthen mine.
Balance on one foot.
Close eyes and count to 10 slowly.
Then swap to other leg.
You can practice this anytime. Boiling the kettle is a good one.
With your eyes closed you will find it hard to keep that balance. All those little muscles around your ankle, that you don’t usually use will work overtime.
I’m now up to 20 seconds on each foot. If I put my foot down during the time I start again.
This has really helped me. Hope it might work for others out there.

another good one....find piece of sturdy pipe about 3-4" around and foot long..place on level ground and put sturdy plank about 2-3 foot long across it...now stand on it and balance....after a few weeks of practice you will be able to brush teeth while doing so...to begin with you will need to hold wall,doorways on carpet are good.

Bush hunts,a pair of Meindl Desert Foxes,cheap of Ebay.co.uk

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Meindl-Dese...-/263462839064



High Country : Meindl again

https://varuste.net/en/p41118/meindl...xoCDa0QAvD_BwE

Honestly the Desert Boots are fine for Summer Alpine hunting,be a bit chilly in the winter though.

Originally Posted by norsk

Bush hunts,a pair of Meindl Desert Foxes,cheap of Ebay.co.uk

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Meindl-Dese...-/263462839064



High Country : Meindl again

https://varuste.net/en/p41118/meindl...xoCDa0QAvD_BwE

Honestly the Desert Boots are fine for Summer Alpine hunting,be a bit chilly in the winter though.

Good advice. Instead of desert foxes I run Lowa Z8s for bush/easier terrain, and Meindl islands everywhere else. I have a pair of Salomon trail runners as well, a good shoe for hiking on benched tracks but I wouldn’t use them for hunting, I rate having ankle support..

I was in the Kaimanawas this week and met a bloke who was rocking bare feet, tough bastard!