Lets talk about rubber boots....

[bornagainbowhunter]

I have worn alot of different boots like these.  My all time favorite is Lacrosse.  I have the Burleys and Alpha Burleys.  They are by far the best hunting boots that I have ever owned.  They don't eat socks either.

Several years back, 8 or 10 maybe, they had another style I think they were called Big Boy Burleys.  The top of the boots were very large and you could tuck several layers of clothing in without being uncomfortable.  All of the Lacrosse boots have a chinch in the top for added scent control and comfort.

Love 'em.      

[J. Cook]

Terry...I too use the Lacrosse Burly's (uninsulated).  I like them very much compared to the other rubber boots I've owned.  They have a mild hiking shoe/tennis shoe style sole and configuration and fit me much better than the rest.  I have a narrow foot in total, not just heel and these worked great for me.   Good luck!

[frank bullitt]

Hey Terry, glad to see this posted. Been wondering about rubber myself. Not for the reasons you mention, though!

I have a pair of Burlys, bought about 7 years ago. They are a pain to get off! I have a small foot, and they fit real snugg in the ankle.  Great boot for fit and hunting, no doubt. But you need a "Puller" to get off. That can be a trick in the field, when you're trying to take 'em off to make a "quiet stalk" on a bedded deer!   :mad:  

Now mine have cracked in the past year and started to leak. 7 years worth of hard use, not bad. I would be interested in trying the Beens.

[metsastaja]

Why don't you try a pair of Mens Totes Rubbers over your regular boots. Slip em on spray em down your good to go.

looks like you have the moves

"Terry prepares for Stalk on Hog"
 

[ron w]

The totes idea is a good one. I use Lacrosse 16"er I also use ,when it's warm the cheap ones you can get at the Central Tractor store. Just plain black and the sole is pretty aggressive.

[Jim Dahlberg]

I have used La Crosse boots for years.  They have held up well and have generally kept my feet warm.  I don't like them for long hikes.  If you are looking for scent protection and warmth I would highly recommend Baffin boots.  I have a pair of the Trappers and a pair of Titans.  They are the cat's meow for cold weather comfort and walk-ability.  With a draw string top, you can tuck your pants in easily.  Check out endless.com or zappos.com for good prices.
Neoprene topped boots don't work for scent protection if that's your goal.  Full rubber is the only thing that works for scent protection.
Baffins are now my first choice.

[Greyfox54]

I like the Northern green rubber boots with either laces or zippers .They are insulated some and very comfortable . I like them because they don't have an aggressive sole so they don't leave obvious tracks to where you're going . I had a pair of the Burlys but with my "flintstone" feet I came close to cutting them off a few times , gave them away . The Northerns are cheap and still last a few years . My two cents , Fred

[Running Buck]

Lacrosse is the way to go. I have owned the LL Bean boots, too much leather to spread scent around and you need to spend a half hour a day lacing and unlacing. If you have heel sizing problems Lacrosse makes the Grange boot, this is an ankle-fit design that will keep your heel planted. When the weather turns a little colder the alpha burleys are a great boot as well.

[rambo1993]

i use the heavy lacrosse boots the extreme cold ones that are black rubber bottom leather top i inhearited them from my dad and in the early season use mucks best rubber boot ever

[firsted]

Well, guys, maybe someone can give me some tips, too.  I wear 6E width shoes size 9 (hard to fit shoes other than New Balance but sure can swim!).  Anyone know of super-wide rubbers?

Thanks for any guidance,

Eddie Paulsgrove

[lpcjon2]

Terry I wear rubber boots all the time.Lacrosse Burly's are great for winter,the green uninsulated($40.00 I think @ Cabelas) are narrow and fit good and comfortable.I find them as comfortable as any boot and prefer to wear them over leather boots due to them being lighter in weight.And the 18" of rubber makes going through puddles and mudd easy.Cabelas shows the different tread patters for each type of boot.Irish Setter also makes a good rubber based boot.

[rice]

Another thumbs up for muck boots. Hard rubber bottom and neoprene top. Neoprene moves with your ankles well and makes so I don't feel like I am wearing ski boots. Mine are 9 years old and as good as new. like CDR I roll down the tops when it is warm outside and my feet don't get as hot as with hard topped rubber boots.

CKR

[harvestmoon]

I have both the LL Bean Hunter and the Muck boot.  The Muck is for the colder wet weather, and the uninsulated Bean boot is for early Fall hunts.  Here in the wet woods of Qubec they fit my narrow foot real fine.  I use a felt liner in both and then bulk up with the wool socks.

The original LaCrosse rubber knee-high boot is a good ankle fit, as is the LL Bean boot which you can lace up to suit your foot. Muck boots run a little wider in my experience.

[hayslope]

You won't go wrong with LaCrosse.  Try 'em all until you find the pair that feel the best.  They seem to hold up better than most as well.

[BowMIke]

Another fan of Muck boots. They are easy on and yet hug your leg to hold them up well. Best I have tried Terry.

[Dave Lay]

Terry, i assume your wearing the rubbers for scent control, rather than swampy areas? .. I kinda got away from them early season because any kind of extended walking really created alot of sweat,with the boots not being able to breathe, i personally think that creates even more scent coming out of the boot. i have ben using bean style boots early season with I believe good results.... I wear rubber boots now days only when in swampy areas... just my 2 cents...

[fatman]

also check out Le Chameau Boots.  Designed for upland shooting/shotgunning, they are leather-lined and very comfortable for walking.  Pricey, but defintely top of the line.

[ishiwannabe]

Terry, I have "weak" ankles, so to speak, and gave up on rubber boots. Now, I pay close attention to the sole of the boot, what its made of specifically. I only get boots with 100% rubber outsoles. I have had good success with rubber soled boots, and scent killer liberally sprayed all over my legs, feet and soles of my boots.

I could never get comfortable in the rubber muck boots. They didnt support my feet or ankles enough. I get numerous "bow close" encounters each year anyway.

[RC]

I got my first pair of Lacrosse boots this year. Non insulated and super lite.Alpha I think is the name. I love them. Don`t eat my socks and comfy. Lots better than the snake boots I`m wearing now.RC