Need advice on hiking boots for post season

[BowHunterGA]

So I realized during pre-season scouting that the Timberland boots that I currently have just really are not all that great for all day hiking/scouting trips. Now I want to pick up a really nice (read comfortable) pair of boots for post season scouting.

99% of my scouting will be in the North Georgia Mountains and foot hills. This means fairly rugged terrain. Some creek crossings but most are small enough that wet feet are not really a concern. If I do have a second requirement over comfort it would be that the tread be sure enough to grip but would also like to be able to "feel" the terrain under my feet. I spend lots of time glassing when scouting and since I don't have to worry about snakes at this time of year I am not so focused on watching where I step.

I plan to do a lot of post season scouting January through May and early it will be cold but I am not so worried about cold feet, in fact I do not want boots with insulation.

If they will last me a couple of years I do not mind spending money on a pair of boots that will last.

Would like to hear experiences and recommendations from fellow tradgangers and thanks in advance!

[njloco]

Did you try doing a search ? I ask because there was just a recent post on the same subject and I think you can get some good information from it.

I just looked and it's only a couple of posts down, under "best back pack and boots"

[dirtguy]

Columbia makes very good light hiking boots that are reasonably priced

[BowHunterGA]

Originally posted by njloco:
Did you try doing a search ? I ask because there was just a recent post on the same subject and I think you can get some good information from it.

I just looked and it's only a couple of posts down, under "best back pack and boots"

You know, I did a few days ago and did not find much but I did not search again before posting so I went and found that post and honestly it seems more responses are on packs but I will keep an eye on both posts. Thanks

[straitera]

Like my Danners a big bunch; but, started wearing 3/4 top "Jesus" shoes w/gaiters (snakes). Lightweight & sure footed combo for feel through the bottom. These do NOT have mud clinging vibram soles. Might slip on a mtn? Also like Bean lowcuts. Perfect soles but slippery when wet. What ain't?

[Aggieland]

Me and my Dad use these Boots/Trail running shoes every year both here in Texas and In Colorado for our pack in hunts. They are very light weight and comfortable they are also gore-tex and have an excellent system for tightening up the laces that never comes loose. You can also place the extra lace inside the tounge of the shoe so there is never anything hanging out. We have both been 100% pleased. There are one or two other brands of trail running shoes like these that also get great reviews. I will probably never go back to high boots for these type of hunts.. Here is a link:      http://www.salomon.com/us/product/xa-pro-3d-ultra-2.html

[T Lail]

Try Hi Tech Altitude IV 's......really like mine  and have put them through some ROUGH terrain and wet conditions so far......very comfortable and they don't cost a fortune either....

[reddogge]

I really like the Meindle Perfekt Hiker from Cabelas. It has a cork insert that molds to your foot.

[YORNOC]

X2 on the Perfekt Hiker. Possibly the best leather boot I've ever owned.

[statedriller]

I've owned and loved several pairs of Vasque boots over the years.  Very hard to beat in comfort and life.

[Uncle Bun Bun]

I have a pair of The Northface that I have put through the mill for three years now and they are still holding up very well. I will purchase another pair when these eventuall wear out.

[huntmaster80]

I have three pairs of Danners. most recently I picked up a pair of "Cabelas Elk Hunters" with 400 grams of insulation. They are made by danner for cabelas. I have the 9" but they make an 11" if that is to your liking

there are several reasons that I choose Danner.  First and most important to me is that they are comfortable and supportive. I broke my back last year and ever since then i have pain in my legs and hips, when i spend lots of time on my feet, and my danner boots seem to be the best for comfort.  I have even started wearing them as everyday boots.

The other main reason that Ichoose Danner is cost.  Now when I first bought them, they were expensive around 250.00.  But due to the fact that the soles of daners are stiched on and not glued, they can be replaced when the sole is worn out, which I have had done several time on one particular pair of them, it usually cost me about 40.00 or so to have them replaced.

JM2C

[Shedrock]

I think the Merrell Reflex hikers would work great for you. That has been my primary hiking and hunting boot for the last 10+ years. (not the same pair) I hike in rough, tough country here, and a pair of these last me two years. I do wear them almost daily. They have Gore-Tex, great sticky rubber treads, and are lightweight, and built tough.

[Blueridge]

I like Merrell, have 2 pair a low cut and ankle high. Use them hiking in Kenya and Tanzania and also walking land ( land business ) here in Ga. They have an outlet store in Dawsonville. Going on 6 years with one pair.

[Mr.Magoo]

Merrell Chameleons.

[stevem]

I have Lowa boots as my go-to boot.  I think they are made in Slovakia and have some nylon as well as leather sides.  Light but supportive.  I also have some nice Scarpia all leather boots, but they are a little more serious than you need everyday.  I had some luck with Danners years ago but the new ones just don't fit me for whatever reason and they sit in my closet.

[Kentucky Jeff]

Can't go wrong with a pair of Danner Mountain Lights.   Pretty much a standard hiking boot since the 1970s.  Only downside is they take about 25 miles before they are broken in.  Wear a good sock liner with a quality merino wool sock and be sure to carry some mole skin and you are golden.  They are a little heavy by todays standards but not much and they can be resoled.  

I've owned 2 pairs of Mountain lights since the 1980s and after break-in they have been superb and last a LONG time.

[bowslinger]

The first and foremost choice is a boot that fits your foot.  I am an avowed Vasque fan, but I have a slightly narrow foot and Vasque boots are contoured in such a way that they just plain fit me.

Red Wing hikers would be my next choice, followed by Danners.  A few guys I hunt with that have wider feet than me swear by Meindl Perfekt Hikers for Cabelas.  These boots are very durable.

Lowa, Asolo and others make good boots.  Find one that fits best within your budget and you will likely be happy with your choice.

A true hiking boot will not put strain on your Achilles tendon on steep, where as a high-top hunting boot will.  Good Luck!