Stalking boots - LLBean & LaCross

[Clay Hayes]

I've always loved the rubber bottomed/leather topped LLBeans and LaCross boots for slipping around the woods.  The problem I'm running into is that out here in east Idaho the summer sun makes for a very, very hot foot when in direct sunlight.  I was thinking that about 200g thinsulate would help keep my feet cooler in the sun, but can't find any boots with that kind of option.  they're either uninsulated or have like 500g.  Anybody know where I can find something like that with 100 or 200g?

ch

[Recurve50 LBS]

It is still very warm here in September when our deer season opens in NJ. I also like my LL Bean boots but they do get warm. So when it's warm like that I wear those old fashioned canvas high top sneakers.

[Marvin M.]

I just got back from a SC hog hunt.  I used Guide Gear "Sneakers".  They worked great.  Got them at Sportsmans Guide.  I'd recommend them.

[Toecutter]

Not sure if these are the ones Marvin is talking about  http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/quiet-sneaker-boots-by-guide-gear.aspx?a=535828,  but I love them!!  They've even come down 10 dollars.  Not waterproof as advertised, but the quietness and comfortability more than makes up for it.

Nathan

[Canyon]

anyone seen or tried these??

 http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

[rraming]

Red Wing Wingshooters - made in the USA

[paleFace]

Clay i have a pair of Russells with the gum sole. quietest boot i've ever worn. they are pricey but more than worth the price tag and you can wear them right out of the box since they are made specifically for your feet.

[shortstroke 91]

Check out Merrell Chamelion Arc Stretch, it's a hiking shoe. Waterproof and as comfortable as the day is long.

[ChuckC]

Clay   Whatcha doing in the sun ?  Get in the shade. . .  case closed.   Actually I kinda line the Beans as well.
ChuckC

[George D. Stout]

Ever see old Fred Bear in his early season stalking shoes?  They were old high top sneakers.
The best thing for stalking ever made.  You could make smores in rubber bottom boots in hot weather....I don't know why anyone would wear them.

[Barry Wensel]

I have more boots than most women have pairs of shoes (according to my wife). As far as leather the Russells are probably as good as you can get. I tried the camo sneakers listed above but got a blister above my little toe where the rubber and canvas met. Probably just my feet. For hot weather I like the "Navy Seal boot" from Orvis. Google them up and type them in their search bar. The soles are a little thick for good feel but are fairly soft rubber. A generally great boot for warm weather bowhunting. Be aware they run a full size small. bw

[George D. Stout]

Barry,  I recall many years ago, in Bowhunter or Archery World Mag, a writer telling about using light leather boots and putting a large wool sock over them.  Can't remember the author, but he claimed it was the quietest footwear he ever used in the woods.

[Three Arrows]

Canyon, I have the Vibram Five Fingers I wear for working out and trail walking.  I do not recommend using them for hunting. They probably will not hold up and are only good for warm weather use.  Russell boots are the best around in my opinion.

[Barry Wensel]

George, I also recall Paul Schafer wearing a heavy wool sock covered with a pair of those thin, stretchy ankle-high rubbers the yuppies wear for quiet stalking in certain conditions. You can't wear them in areas with thorns (locust) and there's absolutely no ankle support but they're quiet stalkers. I also saw him wear those 10 inch? high brain-tanned, laced moose mocassins with the thin rubbers over top to keep them dry. L.L. Bean used to make what they called their six inch "Feather weight" rubber bottom/leather tops that were excellent stalkers. They had a thinner rubber bottom, fine, "checkered" treads and lighter weight leather tops. But as per usual they quit making them about thirty years ago. bw

[Clay Hayes]

I found some like I was wanting, but don't know about the removable liner.

 http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?page=maine-hunting-shoe&categoryId=33174&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=503073&cat4=503002&shop_meth od=pp&feat=503002-sub2&np=Y

ch

[One eye]

Originally posted by Barry Wensel:
I also saw him wear those 10 inch? high brain-tanned, laced moose mocassins with the thin rubbers over top to keep them dry.

That is what I want to try next.
Dan