Hello I'm looking for some recommendations for a pair of light weight waterproof hiking boots. For the last two seasons I've been using a cheaper pair of timberland mnt Madisons. They barely last one season then start leaking and don't have the greatest support. Thanks
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I love my mid height Hoka GTX with goretex. They are like running shoes. When they wear out, I'm getting the Xeros since that is all I wear otherwise now. They take a bit to get used to due to the zero heel drop but they are extremely comfortable despite having little to no cushioning.
https://xeroshoes.com/shop/boots/ridgeway-men/
So few of them stay waterproof very long. I like my Irish Setter VaprTrek's but the waterproof left in year 2.
I have some Chene light zippered rubber knee boots on the way. I'm hoping they will be comfortable enough to walk some distance in. Reviews are good, we shall see soon.
Quote from: Tail Feathers on February 21, 2025, 07:44:39 PMSo few of them stay waterproof very long. I like my Irish Setter VaprTrek's but the waterproof left in year 2.
I have some Chene light zippered rubber knee boots on the way. I'm hoping they will be comfortable enough to walk some distance in. Reviews are good, we shall see soon.
Nice boot, I wish my left foot would have fit as well as the right, it was like walking with nothing but air on your foot they were so light.
Glad to hear it Steve. I had my feet measured before ordering. They guy at my local shoe store said I was unusual, my right foot is 10.5 Reg and my left is 9.5 Wide. Seems my arch may have fallen some in one foot, changing things. I'll figure out how to make 'em work.
Quote from: Tail Feathers on February 21, 2025, 10:39:47 PMGlad to hear it Steve. I had my feet measured before ordering. They guy at my local shoe store said I was unusual, my right foot is 10.5 Reg and my left is 9.5 Wide. Seems my arch may have fallen some in one foot, changing things. I'll figure out how to make 'em work.
Nothing like that around here I am sorry to say, I think I have spent as much returning shoes as I have ordering them. My left foot is a minimum of a EEE and EEEE is better, the right foot is longer than the left. I have bought to pair to get one decent pair but that is expensive.
Check out oboz. I have two pair and like them so far. First hiker that said it was waterproof and stayed that way for more than a couple of months
For light weight boots that stay dry indefinitely under hard use, you need to use boots made of unicorn leather... :goofball:
I treat all my boots with some sort of water-proofing treatment yearly, and still have not had a pair of boots that can withstand the punishment I put them through and remain water-proof. Unless they are made of rubber (which is not comfortable for what I am using them for).
My latest boots have been the saloman x ultra 4 and Lowa renegades gtx. The saloman are very favorably reviewed and are super lightweight. They have been water proof for a couple years but doubt that will last. The tread is super and has been grippy, I do feel like you can feel roots and stuff easily cuz they are lw and flexible. Last time I wore them my feet weren't happy though, felt a bit beat up. The Lowa renegade feel much more comfy and supportive and that is cuz they are. They weigh more but not super heavy. I'm happy with them and bought them for real cheap on rei lightly used gear. I did have a pair of Meindl that I wore for 10 years before the sole fell off.
I have had luck with Danner Boots. Definitely waterproof, lightweight, and comfortable. I have wide foot, they have wide sizes. My first pair lasted 15 years. I have the Danner Vital model now. 2 seasons of heavy hunting rough terrain, about 50 days in field. No leaks, and look brand new. They are on sale at Cabelas right now if you are interested. Good luck!
Crispi
Thanks everyone for the reply's! I'll definitely do some research on the ones mentioned
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Had great luck with Meindl leather boots and hikers treat them like they recommend you will be happy
Asolo for me prior to switching to bare foot style shoes and boots, I think the goretex branded membrane is best as well.
On the search for water proof bare foot style, tough to find and the reviews on xero are not great. Looking at the Freet Impala, but as stated you have to work your way into the barefoot style boots and shoes but they are amazing!
Being in the Army, taught me to take care of my feet..
Meindl's, & Kennetrek are my go to boots.
Spend more for a comfortable pair of boots & your feet will thank you.
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Quote from: bwhana on February 21, 2025, 07:32:27 PMI love my mid height Hoka GTX with goretex. They are like running shoes. When they wear out, I'm getting the Xeros since that is all I wear otherwise now. They take a bit to get used to due to the zero heel drop but they are extremely comfortable despite having little to no cushioning.
https://xeroshoes.com/shop/boots/ridgeway-men/
I was actually looking at Xero and thinking the same thing. How do you think they would do?
I'm in search of lightweight hiking boots for hot/warm spring turkey and hot/warm fall archery hunts. The ol neoprene lacrosse boots are too much sometimes.
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Quote from: Dhamilton1 on February 22, 2025, 02:16:43 PMQuote from: bwhana on February 21, 2025, 07:32:27 PMI love my mid height Hoka GTX with goretex. They are like running shoes. When they wear out, I'm getting the Xeros since that is all I wear otherwise now. They take a bit to get used to due to the zero heel drop but they are extremely comfortable despite having little to no cushioning.
https://xeroshoes.com/shop/boots/ridgeway-men/
I was actually looking at Xero and thinking the same thing. How do you think they would do?
I'm in search of lightweight hiking boots for hot/warm spring turkey and hot/warm fall archery hunts. The ol neoprene lacrosse boots are too much sometimes.
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I have Xero doubt they will be great, pun intended! I only wear their shoes for workouts and general wear and they allow your foot to spread more naturally and give you a better feel and balance on the ground. I won't go back to standard footwear. Think more like a moccasin feel but with a tougher sole. You feel the smaller rocks but not in painful way.
Meindl. Go with the light ght hikers. They offer two I believe, I have both. The one is lighter than the other. It is built lighter, for turkey hunting both are great. They are low rise so keep that in mind. I need to order another pair now and I will be ordering the lighter version.
I'm really happy with my zamberlan Leopard GTX not as light as some others that have been listed but built to last and fit great.
ON has some new options in the hiking boot world, look promising.
Just bought some Lowa Renegades to try this season. Fit well and comfortable. Have great reviews.
i could not recommend crispi valdres gtx boots more
buy once cry once.
im a cheapo but i never cheap out on toilet paper and footwear.
I'm wearing Lowa Renegades and they have been a great boot. I have worn Oboz hiking shoes for 6 yrs or so to work. A pair will last me 2 years and feet never get wet. I will likely get the high bridgers once my Lowas wear out.
Quote from: Tom007 on February 22, 2025, 07:53:46 AMI have had luck with Danner Boots. Definitely waterproof, lightweight, and comfortable. I have wide foot, they have wide sizes. My first pair lasted 15 years. I have the Danner Vital model now. 2 seasons of heavy hunting rough terrain, about 50 days in field. No leaks, and look brand new. They are on sale at Cabelas right now if you are interested. Good luck!
Tom I'd agree tanner might be good. I have a pair here from early 2000s and just threw another pair out but the non American stuff ain't so good,
Amen Mike. I've just had great luck with the 3 pairs I've had....