Looking for a hunting boots...

[TooManyShots]

Can you guys recommend a pair of good boots for swamp and hiking? My budget is around $100. I got a pair of cheap rubber boots $50. I can't see myself hiking 3 hours with them. Is heavy. They don't fit too well. Sure, they are totally waterproof. I also need to hike with them.

[Tom Reichner]

It's a tough thing you're looking for. The boots that are good for hiking are not very good in swamps, unless the water level is 3" deep or less. The boots that are good in 10 inches of swamp water are not very good for hiking any more than about a mile on dry ground. Further than that, the repetitive slippage gets uncomfortable, will cause blisters, and the boots don't breathe (even if they're GoreTex). I know it may sound impractical, but I would consider wearing swamp boots in the swamp, then changing into light hiking shoes when you hike on dry ground. You'll just need to have room in your backpack for the swamp boots. Remember to also pack an extra pair of socks - changing to a fresh, dry pair of socks can save your feet on long days.

[katodog]

look through Cabella's (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/home/home.jsp?cm_re=Header*CabelasLogo*040610), they've got pretty much anything you want for outdoor.


Hunting Boots Category (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/subcategory/subcategory.jsp?id=cat20570&navCount=0&parentId=cat20564&navAction=jump)



Also, if you can't find a pair of boots that are both comfortable and weatherproof, buy weatherproof and add cushioned inserts.

[huntersdad]

Depends on water depth. Greater than about 8 inches, buy waders or hip boots. Under that depth, look at Muck Boots (that's the name brand). Made form neoprene material so they are insulating (to an extent), extremely flexible, waterproof and very comfortable. They will look like rubber boats but they fit to your calf and are slip on.

Important to note a couple things:

1) Socks will make a huge difference in comfort
2) Neither option is snakeproof

Cabelas.com is your friend.

[TooManyShots]

look through Cabella's (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/home/home.jsp?cm_re=Header*CabelasLogo*040610), they've got pretty much anything you want for outdoor.


Hunting Boots Category (http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/subcategory/subcategory.jsp?id=cat20570&navCount=0&parentId=cat20564&navAction=jump)



Also, if you can't find a pair of boots that are both comfortable and weatherproof, buy weatherproof and add cushioned inserts.


I found couple ones. Muck Boots. They got good reviews. Most users have some issues with the outer layer toughness being easily punctured. Is about$120 to $150. I think I can add some do-it-yourself shin guards for extra protection.

[TooManyShots]

Depends on water depth. Greater than about 8 inches, buy waders or hip boots. Under that depth, look at Muck Boots (that's the name brand). Made form neoprene material so they are insulating (to an extent), extremely flexible, waterproof and very comfortable. They will look like rubber boats but they fit to your calf and are slip on.

Important to note a couple things:

1) Socks will make a huge difference in comfort
2) Neither option is snakeproof

Cabelas.com is your friend.

I think I am going with Muck Boots.

[WiscoEddie]

If you asked this same question on a hunting forum (archerytalk.com) the answer you would get would be Muck, I believe the woody elites. Slightly out of your budget at $160 i believe. Lots use the woody max as well. I'm a hunter first and a photographer second, I will be buying these mucks very soon, I just did a ton of research on this subject and everyone said Mucks. A few also said Lacrosse Alphaburleys (I think). If you spend a lot of time in the outdoors, a good boot is critical. They will last for years, spend the extra $50 if you can find it and get something good.

[stmarcink]

Irish Setter! They are like a neoprene and stick to your feet like glue. Fairly light and have a great grip as well.

[GJim]

For general hiking, I truly appreciate my 'Colorado' brand boots. Don't know if that brand is even made any more - can't remember where I purchased them - might have been Gander Mountain, or such - purchased some 30+ years ago and still going strong. Give them regular coatings of Huber's Shoe Grease.

Go to a store that specializes in outdoor gear - look over the selections and give them a try-fit. I like high-top boots - those that come far above the ankle, more support that way. Buy them just a little larger than you would normally wear - so that you'll have room for an extra pair of wool socks for cold weather. Go ahead and wear the extra socks even in warm weather.

For swamp wear, if you are really going to get out into the deep, get a pair of chest waders and felt-soled boots - you'll find these at outdoor shops that cater to fly-fishers. Remember to also purchase a vest with CO2 inflation and a chest strap (for those times when you step off in a place much deeper than you expected!).

[Shane W]

I might have missed the temperature range you are looking for, but waders are good options... lots of insulation choices and materials as well as sock foot or with boots. Muck boots are also good if you don't need the depth of waders. Socks are way to important here... SmartWool brand is the best and worth every penney! Carry a second pair and change them when needed. Your wet pair will air dry pretty quick hanging from your pack, etc. Once you go SmartWool, all your sox will become SmartWool. Im not a fan of wearing two pair at a time. If you buy the correct boot for the weather, you will not have to sacrifice proper fit for insulation!

[Naturalist]

As a photographer who spends most of my time in the wetlands you can call me crazy but years ago I realized my feet were going to get wet no matter what so I gave up and just settled on the US GI Issue Jungle Combat Boots (http://www.altama.com/products/4155-black-jungle-mil-spec-boot)

They have screened vents on the instep so the water can get in and as you walk on dry ground the water can get out. Like I said, why fight it? At around $100 a pair, they're cheap enough, too. Heck, half the time I'm taking a knee in the wetlands as I shoot so, as you can imagine, I'm pretty mucked up.

[Crystal W Photography]

I know combat boots work well. My husband kept a couple pairs from when he was in the Army, although they are pricey.

[silveradomike]

Look up www.muckbootcompany.com
I use them for hunting and winter yard work,hiking.

[kampers]

I have a pair of Rocky Boots that I am trying out. I also have another pair of insulated Woolverine boots that I like.

Go to the Gander Mountain, Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas web sites and check out their hunting books and waders.

Better yet, go to one of these stores and get a first hand look at their boots and waders. You can also check out their camo rain gear as well.