I'm hard on boots. Hard like boots last me a year, regardless of quality. For that very reason, I've owned just about everything and I have to go through the shopping process on an annual basis. Once again, I'm looking for a good quality boot for hunting. I've always worn rubber boots and tend to still lean that direction. However after using Evercalm last year, I may stick to leather boots. That being said, I'm looking for some input. Here is what I've owned, how they have done me, and what I am leaning towards.
What I've owned...
Bass Pro ShurTrac 1200s: Decent boot if you don't plan on walking. Much TOO bulky for long walks or climbing with Lone Wolf sticks. Still use them for duck hunting from the boat.
Bass Pro BoneDry 400s: Again, decent boot for the money. However they lack in comfort. Not my first choice, but one I would consider again.
Irish Setter Rutmaster 17s: Great fit. Warm as hell. Held up like shit. Customer service was lackluster at best. Had they come through for me, I'd have found my boot for life. However they tore below the Exoflex System after only 9 months of wear.
Muck Boot Wetlands Another quality boot that I would consider buying again. These lasted 2 seasons before they cracked and lost their ability to hold out the water. My feet sweat like a whore in church in these things, so my feet were always cold. But for a boot that was comfortable, easy to get on and off, and good to walk in, these are among my favorites.
LaCrosse Alpha Mudlites: Absolute junk. I didn't even get a full season out of them.
Rocky MudSoxs: Good boot overall. Probably the best fitting rubber boot I've had to date and plenty warm. However the neoprene on the side is torn up just like the Muck and LaCrosse boots I've had with similar sides. I'll be staying away from boots with these kind of sides if I can avoid it. However I may buy these again if I can't find something else.
Right now I am considering the Under Armour HAW, LaCrosse AlphaBurly Sport, another pair of Muck Wetlands combined with better socks, and a pair of quality leather boots like the Cabelas Perfekt 10s by Meindl or a pair of Danners.
So what say ye?
What I've owned...
Bass Pro ShurTrac 1200s: Decent boot if you don't plan on walking. Much TOO bulky for long walks or climbing with Lone Wolf sticks. Still use them for duck hunting from the boat.
Bass Pro BoneDry 400s: Again, decent boot for the money. However they lack in comfort. Not my first choice, but one I would consider again.
Irish Setter Rutmaster 17s: Great fit. Warm as hell. Held up like shit. Customer service was lackluster at best. Had they come through for me, I'd have found my boot for life. However they tore below the Exoflex System after only 9 months of wear.
Muck Boot Wetlands Another quality boot that I would consider buying again. These lasted 2 seasons before they cracked and lost their ability to hold out the water. My feet sweat like a whore in church in these things, so my feet were always cold. But for a boot that was comfortable, easy to get on and off, and good to walk in, these are among my favorites.
LaCrosse Alpha Mudlites: Absolute junk. I didn't even get a full season out of them.
Rocky MudSoxs: Good boot overall. Probably the best fitting rubber boot I've had to date and plenty warm. However the neoprene on the side is torn up just like the Muck and LaCrosse boots I've had with similar sides. I'll be staying away from boots with these kind of sides if I can avoid it. However I may buy these again if I can't find something else.
Right now I am considering the Under Armour HAW, LaCrosse AlphaBurly Sport, another pair of Muck Wetlands combined with better socks, and a pair of quality leather boots like the Cabelas Perfekt 10s by Meindl or a pair of Danners.
So what say ye?