Thread: Stalking shoes

I wear my Merrell trail running shoes, zero drop barefoot, or Inov8 barefoot shoes. I have tried cheaper nasty ass ones before but if they slip on your foot they are a waste of time, buy quality sneaky trail running barefoot shoes and you wont go wrong.

I have seen some folk wearing beach/rock pool shoes for stalking

Know a couple guys running these for North Island bush stalking & bowhunting, positive reviews from all accounts. Essentially a super lightweight boot version of the 5 finger with well gripped sole.
https://trekntravel.co.nz/shop/vivob...er-forest-esc/

Originally Posted by Pav

Know a couple guys running these for North Island bush stalking & bowhunting, positive reviews from all accounts. Essentially a super lightweight boot version of the 5 finger with well gripped sole.
https://trekntravel.co.nz/shop/vivob...er-forest-esc/

They actually look like they could be pretty good. Although at that price point I probably just use some old huckery runners

Way back in the late ‘80’s we made up some moccasin type shoes out of deer skin. They were pretty cold on the feet after a day of stalking and I reckoned they were not much quieter than normal boots.

How many off you have tried the barefoot sneak and got zapped by sting nettle.
It makes you think twice about lightweight footwear.

I’ve heard of dive boots being used..


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Originally Posted by tiroahunta

I’ve heard of dive boots being used..


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I think Ewen MacDonald could confirm

To chuck something else in the mix. I bought these as a non-hunting boot a while back.

https://obozfootwear.com/en-au/produ...mid-waterproof

Went for a walk in the bushand noticed they’re super quiet because of the rounded heel. Not the best for traction but they’ve replaced my socks and crocs as my bush stalking footwear

Kathmandu have them on clearance + 20% off in certain sizes at the moment. Just got another pair for $150. They them in wide too for those with spades for feet

I wore bushbuck waterproof socks to keep my feet warm and dry in the Boonies. It was wet bush stalking most days except for the red stag was dry bush.

I tried a pair of these ($20 from the Field days https://boonies.co.nz/product/reef-shoes/
stalking in on red and sika stags this year.
I shot a sika @ 8m & 35m( heading out fast but still quiet) and a red @10m (had a hind with him) wearing them also could have shot a sika hind @10m . I was WAY quieter and faster than with my boots on. It was rare to break any sticks/twigs with them on.
This helped balance the noise of my dog with me. (his first hunts in the bush - what champ he is already)
I stashed my boots after walking into the 'stalk zone' and then returned to them so I didn't have to carry meat too far with the sneaky shoes on.

I am on my second pair of vivo barefoot boots. There are light warm and confortable and very quiet .

Has anyone tried using neoprene socks? I've been thinking about doing it. The ones I use for wet wading have grippy soles and might do quite well. You'd feel everything, stay warm and dryish but quiet.

Identify your target beyond all doubt because you never miss (right?) and I'll be missed.

Originally Posted by Eat Meater

Has anyone tried using neoprene socks? I've been thinking about doing it. The ones I use for wet wading have grippy soles and might do quite well. You'd feel everything, stay warm and dryish but quiet.

Identify your target beyond all doubt because you never miss (right?) and I'll be missed.

I tried a pair of my dive socks, they fell to bits in a day. Although to be fair they were a bit old allready. They were comfy while the lasted

Originally Posted by Eat Meater

Has anyone tried using neoprene socks?

No, but the Wettie ones have kevlar soles. Could be useful for this purpose? Expect very sweaty feet, not healthy.

https://www.wettie.co.nz/products/gl...r-booties-3mm/