As a year round Hiker, I know these Light " Hikers" are very comfortable for long 2 or 3 hour Hikes.
For Spring Turkey Hunting,I make sure, I have Black Socks on and Spray those Socks with Deep Woods Off- 40% Deet to guard against those Deer Ticks that are up here in New York.
I can make fast moves to get to a far off Gobbler in the Hardwoods with those Light " Hikers". I have 2 pair- Gray + olive Green.
Just picked up my 2nd pair today. Ozark Trail Hikers at walmart for 21 Bucks.
Anyone here that prefers light " Hikers" for the Hardwoods + Woodsroad travel /trails to close up with a Gobbler?
Almost always light hikers, Asolo are my favorite, fit well and last! Wet gras situations I use a Kuiu gator, swampy stuff knee boots, dry shod now.
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Use permethrin on those boots and your clothing for them ticks. Works like magic. Spray it on, let it dry. Last for about 2 weeks even after washing.
Don't buy junk. The soles aren't stiff enough to keep your feet comfortable all day.
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Kinda like my snake boots down in the deep south!
(https://i.imgur.com/ubrLwNV.jpg)
A good hiking boot with turtle skin gaiters are my preference. I really like Zamberlan boots.
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Quote from: 3bailey3 on March 12, 2021, 07:27:50 PM
Kinda like my snake boots down in the deep south!
(https://i.imgur.com/ubrLwNV.jpg)
Dangit!!!
Quote from: quavers59 on March 12, 2021, 02:42:29 PM
Just picked up my 2nd pair today. Ozark Trail Hikers at walmart for 21 Bucks.
Quote from: fallhnt on March 12, 2021, 07:19:05 PM
Don't buy junk. The soles aren't stiff enough to keep your feet comfortable all day.
Frankly, I totally understand the thought process that "cheap stuff" is bound to be junk. However, two of the best pairs of hiking boots I have ever had were purchased off the clearance rack at Walmart for $7 a pair many years ago. If I could find them again, I would gladly buy them now for several times that much. This ain't from a guy that walks a hundred yards out in the woods and sits all day, either. I could walk all day and cover miles in those hikers. They were nothing short of amazing for that price.
On the other hand, I also have purchased a few of the "bargain basement" hikers that absolutely were junk. I have had a few pairs of those, as well. Bottom line is that buying those "el cheapo's" is definitely a crap shoot.
Having said that, the same can be said about some of the more expensive brands on the market, as well. Granted, it's not as likely that the boots you pay $200 for are going to be as much of a risk as the $20 pair, but there is still some risk with any of them.
Generally speaking, though, depending on where and how you hunt, getting the proper type of footwear is a significant consideration.
These Ozark Trail Hikers will last as, I have bought them before.
I know what to look for in good lasting footwear as ,I used to be the walmart Shoe Dept Man years ago.
I personally have a pair of Keen hikers and just bought a pair of Dryshod rubber boots. This sort of combo has been my go to for several years.
Yeah, snakeboots at all times (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210314/4ffff3a71185cd039678056abea8b57e.jpg)
Prostaff member for Old Crow Custom Calls
I'm the guy who will get up and leave a lukewarm bird at 150 yards to get on one gobbling hard on his own 3/4 of a mile away. So I choose my footwear carefully to keep me mobile and quick on the feet as possible. I wear Irish Setter VaprTrek snake boots. They seriously ARE 17" tall running shoes. There are ZERO venomous snakes within about 8 miles of my home property. I could hunt in my bare feet except for the thorns. But the VaprTreks are STILL what I choose to wear when I hunt there. They are THAT good.
I have a pair of Bates Mid Rush boots that are like running shoes with good ankle support that are my all time favorites, and they are not expensive. The key is that I use Superfeet insoles and was property fitted for those. I can walk 10 miles in them with no foot aches (that's only as far as I've gone with them so far). They are not waterproof, but I always wear merino wool socks, so damp feet are not an issue for me.
Same as far as comfort with my Lowa Renegade GTX boots with the insoles, but not as light.
I choose to play the odds with snakes and don't see a need for hot, bulky snake boots.
Following..... Ive always been a rubber boot guy for the most part. Ive been looking at some keen's and merrels mid length hikers. Ive had a couple different pairs of merrel shoes and have been amazed how well they hold up. Looking @ merrels moab gore tex boot there seems to be a lot mixed reviews.
When it's dry and hot I love my classis SWATS. 6" and 9" light brown. You'll see a lot of UPS and Fed x drivers wearing these. https://originalfootwear.com/collections/original-s-w-a-t?page=3
Quote from: aclawrence on March 12, 2021, 09:01:01 PM
A good hiking boot with turtle skin gaiters are my preference. I really like Zamberlan boots.
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Similar to my setup. Lowa Ranger III GTX with Turtle Skin snake gaiters.
Quote from: Yoder409 on March 14, 2021, 09:43:08 AM
I'm the guy who will get up and leave a lukewarm bird at 150 yards to get on one gobbling hard on his own 3/4 of a mile away. So I choose my footwear carefully to keep me mobile and quick on the feet as possible. I wear Irish Setter VaprTrek snake boots. They seriously ARE 17" tall running shoes. There are ZERO venomous snakes within about 8 miles of my home property. I could hunt in my bare feet except for the thorns. But the VaprTreks are STILL what I choose to wear when I hunt there. They are THAT good.
These are the same boots I'm going to run this year, they feel amazing so far! I went from muck boots to these and man what A difference in weight and comfort.
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My initial thought when buying boots is that fit is everything. I am looking for waterproof, and good foot/ankle support (which becomes more important as we get over 40).
But if the boots don't fit well, they will be miserable with any amount of walking.
I hunt some steep and rocky stuff, and even the best rubber boots are not a good choice. I prefer good upland boots that are waterproof. Here in California, I do not want them to be insulated, as walking long distances in "non-cold" weather makes your feet sweat, as well as being uncomfortably hot...
Hiking boots can be comfortable, but they are made for walking on "hiking trails," and do not have the support that hunting boots have. I hunted with hiking boots for years with no problems, and never had an injury... Until I did.
I have injured both ankles (one badly), and while I previously preferred good hiking boots for comfort and weight, I am a bit more cautious after twisting my ankles in them on rocky terrain and currently prefer the support of good hunting boots. When I used "good" hiking boots, I noticed no difference in durability, and actually preferred hiking boots over hunting boots due to weight and comfort; I chuckar hunted some of the worst stuff in them, and was quite comfortable. (I remember researching for the best soles for my purposes though).
I have a narrow foot, and found some Browning boots on close-out at a local sporting good store... Wish I had bought three pairs... Very comfortable, good support, but I maybe have another two seasons out of them. Apparently they are no longer made.
Due to having narrow feet, I prefer to try on boots, as so few fit me well. I primarily use them for upland hunting, and put some mileage on them, and having good-fitting boots that keep your feet dry is worth while...
As far as rubber boots, I do use them for snipe, and pheasant, and even quail hunting flat ground and ditch banks, currently I use them primarily for pigeon hunting dairies... Lacrosse has been the best brand I have used, although admittedly, I have not purchased a pair for at least 10 years.
Zamberlan 996.....and snake gaiters when it gets warmer.
Quote from: Marc on March 15, 2021, 01:52:11 AM
My initial thought when buying boots is that fit is everything. I am looking for waterproof, and good foot/ankle support (which becomes more important as we get over 40).
But if the boots don't fit well, they will be miserable with any amount of walking.
I hunt some steep and rocky stuff, and even the best rubber boots are not a good choice. I prefer good upland boots that are waterproof. Here in California, I do not want them to be insulated, as walking long distances in "non-cold" weather makes your feet sweat, as well as being uncomfortably hot...
Hiking boots can be comfortable, but they are made for walking on "hiking trails," and do not have the support that hunting boots have. I hunted with hiking boots for years with no problems, and never had an injury... Until I did.
I have injured both ankles (one badly), and while I previously preferred good hiking boots for comfort and weight, I am a bit more cautious after twisting my ankles in them on rocky terrain and currently prefer the support of good hunting boots. When I used "good" hiking boots, I noticed no difference in durability, and actually preferred hiking boots over hunting boots due to weight and comfort; I chuckar hunted some of the worst stuff in them, and was quite comfortable. (I remember researching for the best soles for my purposes though).
I have a narrow foot, and found some Browning boots on close-out at a local sporting good store... Wish I had bought three pairs... Very comfortable, good support, but I maybe have another two seasons out of them. Apparently they are no longer made.
Due to having narrow feet, I prefer to try on boots, as so few fit me well. I primarily use them for upland hunting, and put some mileage on them, and having good-fitting boots that keep your feet dry is worth while...
As far as rubber boots, I do use them for snipe, and pheasant, and even quail hunting flat ground and ditch banks, currently I use them primarily for pigeon hunting dairies... Lacrosse has been the best brand I have used, although admittedly, I have not purchased a pair for at least 10 years.
https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/danner-vital-waterproof-camo-hunting-boots-for-men?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Shop%7CPromo%7CPromo%7CMed%7CSpringTurkeyHunting&gclid=Cj0KCQjwi7yCBhDJARIsAMWFScPzj2gf3zvgycsk7-qPIIFAd1J5JxrPTDj76UUn0gkVvU_Dz-NE8dwaAsiJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
i love these and they're a steal at this price. sadly i have to wear wides(i've been told i have fred flinstone feet) so i gotta take care of the pair i already have.
i hunt in places with darn near vertical climbs in rocky terrain that can quickly turn into crossing swamps with a trout stream in the middle. these fit the bill. ankle support, light weight, comfortable, and waterPROOF. i went trout fishing in them last year after getting a bird and stayed bone dry walking along the bank
Terrain dependent. Steeper mountains (read rocky mountain high country) I like a pretty stiff boot, currently running a La Sportiva Trango I believe is the model. But for last season I started running my Salomon Speedcross 5's, these have been pretty awesome for chasing turkeys. I prefer not having gore tex because it's warm out and my feet will get wet regardless since they are low tops. This year I've thought about looking into the new Salomons that are essentially a speed cross mid, look slick online, if they fit like the Speedcross then they will be worth it.
Like the OP states long walks on sandy trails is good for Hiking, I don't believe Sneakers are proper hunting foot wear unless you got a good health care plan. Copperheads are not hunter friendly.
Quote from: Ol timer on March 16, 2021, 07:32:35 AM
Like the OP states long walks on sandy trails is good for Hiking, I don't believe Sneakers are proper hunting foot wear unless you got a good health care plan. Copperheads are not hunter friendly.
Admittedly, you have to balance your footwear against the places you hunt and the circumstances you hunt under. Snakes are most certainly one of those considerations, but there are places where they really don't come into play.
One of those places is the high-mountain country of the west. I can't tell you how many times I have had guys come here from those states where snakes are actually a consideration with calf-high snake boots as their footwear of choice. Those light hikers that they would never consider wearing where they normally hunt would be a much better choice for covering the miles they will likely be walking here.
Moral of the story for the traveling turkey hunter is to either find out what will be your best footwear choice where you will be hunting,...or bring along a variety of options. :icon_thumright:
Quote from: GobbleNut on March 16, 2021, 09:11:27 AM
Quote from: Ol timer on March 16, 2021, 07:32:35 AM
Like the OP states long walks on sandy trails is good for Hiking, I don't believe Sneakers are proper hunting foot wear unless you got a good health care plan. Copperheads are not hunter friendly.
Admittedly, you have to balance your footwear against the places you hunt and the circumstances you hunt under. Snakes are most certainly one of those considerations, but there are places where they really don't come into play.
One of those places is the high-mountain country of the west. I can't tell you how many times I have had guys come here from those states where snakes are actually a consideration with calf-high snake boots as their footwear of choice. Those light hikers that they would never consider wearing where they normally hunt would be a much better choice for covering the miles they will likely be walking here.
Moral of the story for the traveling turkey hunter is to either find out what will be your best footwear choice where you will be hunting,...or bring along a variety of options. :icon_thumright:
i once hiked to the top of yosemite falls in a brand new pair of keens that i put on a week after getting out of a cast from foot surgery. not my brightest idea
i also once went ice climbing in a pair of wal-mart "work boots". i had to drag myself up a 100 foot sheet of ice with just my arms and ice picks. did i mention i don't like heights?