Need new boots

[zelmo1]

On a lighter note, I need some new boots. I like my " Muck Boots" but need more arch support and a little stiffer upper would be nice too. I like rubber soles as I usae them for deer hunting as well. I know its probably a pipe dream to get all these features in one boot, but this forum has hundreds of active members and is better than my google search results every time. Thanks, Z

[ScottTaulbee]

I've used muck, lacrosse, lite, Dan's, tingley, etc. and the nicest boots I've ever owned that are rubber, are the Chene gear boots. They were called "ultra light" or something but they've changed the name of them since. But they're the most comfortable shoes I own. If I'm not at work, I'm wearing them.


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[Bowguy]

Theyre not rubber but I have Crispi and Zamberlan boots. They both have goretex liners. Neither made my feet sweat and the support was absolutely awesome. Didn't realize how much id like that.
Can't help you with rubbers. I wear them but they're always too soft. I think Crispi has some boots allow a gaiter attachment. They're supposed to be good wet weather too if you're worried bout wet grass n such.

[BullTom]

I was a rubber boots guy forever (lacrosse alpha burly). I always wanted to wear a lighter weight boot, but the rubbers were the only thing that kept my feet and lower legs dry. I tried several popular leather, laced hiking style boots but none were truly waterproof. Several years ago I tried crispis (attiva mid) with a tall gaiter. I stay as dry as I ever did in rubbers at a fraction of the weight. I would argue that I stay even dryer because even the lightest weight rubber boots make my feet and legs sweat like crazy. My rubber boots have been all become dedicated ice fishing/cold weather deer hunting boots.

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[GobbleGitr]

I was a rubber boots guy forever (lacrosse alpha burly). I always wanted to wear a lighter weight boot, but the rubbers were the only thing that kept my feet and lower legs dry. I tried several popular leather, laced hiking style boots but none were truly waterproof. Several years ago I tried crispis (attiva mid) with a tall gaiter. I stay as dry as I ever did in rubbers at a fraction of the weight. I would argue that I stay even dryer because even the lightest weight rubber boots make my feet and legs sweat like crazy. My rubber boots have been all become dedicated ice fishing/cold weather deer hunting boots.

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I've got to look into the Crispi boots...you are spot on about rubber boots soaking your legs from the inside!

[Tail Feathers]

I bought some Chene boots this spring.  Walked five to six mile per day in them in FL.  Feet stayed dry, never got a blister and they had enough support that I did it with plantar fasciaitis.  I bought thee "light rubber" version with side zip. 
I wore Muck Field blazer for years and the Chene's definitely have more internal support.  And they are priced about the same as LaCrosse and others at $180.

[patternfreak]

I have the Chene lightweight zip boots and I like them, but they are not a boot meant for walking any sort of long distance in hill country. They are a good comfortable flat land boot.

Walking up and down hills they have a tendency to "collapse" at the back of your heel. They really do this bad walking downhill. They will absolutely blister you doing this.

Also, if you have bigger calves they will be pretty tight at the top when zipped up. This makes them a lot hotter to wear than they should be.

If you hunt predominately flat ground you will like them, but climbing mountains and walking back down is no fun in them. I only did it because we had to cross a river to get where we were going.

[ScottTaulbee]

I have the Chene lightweight zip boots and I like them, but they are not a boot meant for walking any sort of long distance in hill country. They are a good comfortable flat land boot.

Walking up and down hills they have a tendency to "collapse" at the back of your heel. They really do this bad walking downhill. They will absolutely blister you doing this.

Also, if you have bigger calves they will be pretty tight at the top when zipped up. This makes them a lot hotter to wear than they should be.

If you hunt predominately flat ground you will like them, but climbing mountains and walking back down is no fun in them. I only did it because we had to cross a river to get where we were going.

I have the same boots and predominantly hunt mountains and hills and haven't had any issues with them myself


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[zelmo1]

I left out the part where I have 20+ inch calves.    Z

[aclawrence]

I love my Zamberlans. They have been great leather hiking boots.  I haven't had much experience with any rubber in a long while. I have a pair of Mucks I wear every now and then. 


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[C-Train]

I switched to Kenetrek Mountain Extremes 5 years ago and will not wear another hunting boot ever again.  they keep my feet dry even when crossing creeks.  Add a gaiter if you wnat to keep your upper leg dry as well. 

[Tail Feathers]

I left out the part where I have 20+ inch calves.    Z

You wouldn't like Chene's then.  Check, maybe they offer some with bigger tops? 

[tad1]

Dang Z, you are asking for a lot...!  So you can probably improve upon the rubber boot by adding an insole with some more arch support, but I agree with others you're not gonna get the ankle support of lace up.  I Flat wore out a pair of lacrosse Grange rubber boots, but anymore I'm pretty much going with lace ups.  If it was super mucky and wet with limited walking, I would wear rubber boots. If you really liked the other boots just get another pair and throw some nice insoles in there.
  JT

 

[Wally0510]

I'll tell you growing up I thought hiking boots were for for metros who live in Boulder Colorado but I got a pair of Crispis last year and I had no idea how comfortable a good hiking boot could be on your feet all day. Mine have super stiff soles which make for great walking over tough terrain. I will say that does make it a little hard to walk as quietly as I think I could in something with less weight and support


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[PoolGobbler]

Same on the chene boots. Crazy comfortable!