Schnee Boots

[Nole]

I have had a pair of Lacrosse Rubber Knee Boots for years that I keep patching and I have decided to go with a new pair of Schnee Boots for this season.  I have decided on the uninsulated Guide boot since we have mostly warm weather during our deer season.  I cannot decide on the 13" or the 16" any suggestions from you guys who have the Schnee Boots?

[Dave Lay]

they are great boots, I have the 16" and have about worn the bottoms out, i got the taller ones simply because there are times I have to cross creeks slews, etc.. i recently decieded to save some $$ and boughta pair of bean boots which are also well made, but they arent 1/2 the boot my uninsulated guide boot is...

[Bowmania]

I have the 13 and wish I'd have got the 16.  Weight seemed to be important when I bought 'em.

Bowmania

[Brian Krebs]

The way you figure out the height you need; is to buy a pair and step in water deeper than your boot top...

 I have some locally made boots similar to Schnee's that I had made with the ~tops~ 15 inches high- now I had them measured; because you want them not to go over your knees- so you can walk with them.

 And a note: the rubber bottoms now are all made by the same producer in China- and in one width. So if you want a EE boot in size 11 1/2 - you will need a size 13 boot ( as in my case...).

 There are some boots - Whites - that are made with white bottoms to the soles to the boots. Sounds good until you try to hunt with them when not in snow.

In a treestand they show up enough to not be worth wearing. On elk hunts; the bulls and cows look under the cover- and can see you a long way away- as white in the woods is not normal without snow.

 My 15 inch boots are good for hunting the rivers edge and crossing creeks - but I cannot believe I am the only one that finds beaver runs while stalking: and ends up with their hat floating over them....

[58WINTERS]

You might want to check out Hoffman boots in Kellogg, Idaho as well.

[lone hunter]

I have 4 pair including both 13" and 16" insulated. If you don't have  creek crossings higher than 13", go with those. I bought my 16" just for crossings in November and they have been going strong for 23 years. Have heard that the uninsulated may rub a hot-spot on heel where rubber is sewed to uppers. Have not had that problem with my uninsulated however. A quick fix for that is a strip of duct tape over seam.

[Longbowz]

I've had an insulated pair of 16" for about 15 years.  I normally wear them only when it snows.  I wish I had the 13 inchers instead.  I walk pretty far hunting and the terrain is steep so the taller ones bind my calf a bit.  As you can see everybody's different.

[c'ville]

I have the 16 inch ones and I love them.  I have no problem wearing them all day and walking great distances isnt a problem.  I have some wool liners that I can slip in or out depending on the temperature.  Cant say enough good things about them.

[amar911]

I prefer the 13" boots, but I am not a big fan of tall boots anyway. The only reason I would ever get the 16" boots is if I was crossing deeper water on a regular basis, but if that is happening often, then I would probably wear my hip boots that give me lots more than just 3" extra freeboard! Schnees rubber bottom boots are the most comfortable of any brand of pac style boots I have ever tried, including that perennial favorite, LL Bean, which does not even come close.

Allan

[Ranger B]

I have the 16" uninsulated and I absolutely love them. I bought them to replace a pair of LL Bean boots that my father bought in 1958. He wore them, my brother wore them and I wore them out. I wanted another pair of rubber bottom leather top boots so I went with Schnees and wow what a great decision. I would like to buy a pair of insulated ones now.

[WindWalker-AK]

Mr. Nole,
I have used the Schnee 16" uninsulated for prospecting and hunting the last 15 years or so, in our more wet areas.  They provide excellent traction and good ankle support.  Keeping them greased (as recommended) makes them as water proof as anything else out there, of the same construction.  They are a little noisier when stalking than our LL Bean Maine Hunting Shoe, due to the stiffer sole.  However they provide much more secure footing/traction in muddy conditions.
That has been our experience anyway.
Best Wishes

[Nole]

Guys I appreciate all the input.  I plan to go with the 16" version.  I walk through many creeks and sloughs to get to my hunting areas.  

Thanks, Brian

[Shinken]

The 16" Schnee boots with the air-bob soles are perfect for huntin' steep, snow-covered mountain sides that are littered with blowdown conifers.  They provide some necessary protection - especially - when you have a pack on your back filled with boned elk meat....

Shoot straight, Shinken