Schnee Guide Boot (Tire tread or Bob sole)

[Bill Turner]

Looking at purchasing a Schnee's Guide 10 inch or 13 inch boot for hunting in Texas/Oklahoma. Boot comes with either bob sole or tire tread sole. I'm looking for comfort, durability and traction. How does the bob sole stack up with the tractor sole? Your opinion on the 10 inch versus the 13 inch boot would also be appreciated. I have owned LL Bean and LaCrosse boots of similar design in the past. Thought I would give Schnee's a try based on your comments. Your help would be appreciated.  

[Paul Collins]

I have 13" with bob sole.  They have been extremely durable and comfortable boots.  I wore them for a backpacking elk hunt in Colo and was suprised at how durable the sole was.

[Greg in Delton MI]

If you are going to use them tree stand hunting in the future I would recommend the TT sole, the Airbob gets mud stuck in between the cleats and falls from the soles in the tree stand.

[Hot Hap]

Hey Greg, they'll just think its acorns falling and come on in for a snack. Hap

[Tim]

I'm with Greg. I'm not a big fan of the air bobs, they always seem to hold dirt.  I use the tt for treestand hunting and elk hunting.  Once they get broken in you can feel every little branch under your feet, especially in the two lighter weight models.  Only down side is the tt will wear out faster.

[Tim]

Schnees ar great but if you're looking for another brand of equal quality try the Kenetrek's.  I have both and both are top knotch quality!

[JoeM]

I've found out that air bobs on anything remotely wet, or slippery make it feel like your walking on slick ice.  Rocks in stream beds, patch of ice in the woods (not a problem in TX) etc.  I would not go with bobs again in the future.   Joe

[joe skipp]

Airbob soles are the best in my opinion. I have a pair of Schnees that are over 15 yrs old and I'm glad I got airbob. Where I hunt, traction is key, especially in wet weather.

[Brian Krebs]

OK slippery or not slippery...that is the question.
 If the boots you are using Skipp; are 15 years old; could they be a different design than the ones now that perhaps JoeM are using..???

  :confused:    :confused:        :confused:

[Lechwe]

I have the bob soles and really like them. They do collect mud and dirt like Greg said. I've also always been a fan of the taller 13" boots. Haven't had much experience with snakes and what they can go through but I would expect the 13" to be a decent snake boot at the same time over the 10".

Good luck

[joe skipp]

I checked out the Schnee web page, my boots now resemble the 16" guide boot, uninsulated with the same soles. I believe back then, my model was called the Outfitter Series....

[Elkchaser]

Hi Bill,
I have had my Schnee's now for about 20 years. The 13" I think they are called the elk hunter and that is mostly what I do here in Montana. I had them rebuilt about 2 years ago. New rubber bottoms, laces and liners. Came back looking like brand new boots. The air-bobs are different now, as they added a row of block tread around the perimeter for more roll-over stability. I still love my boots and put many miles on them every year. Not sure if this helps for your area or not. Whatever you decide, you'll be happy.