Cold Weather Waterproof Hunting Boot?

[gatrapper]

Hey Y'all,

My dad and several of his friends are headed to his friends home in Northern Idaho to hunt this November.

I am assuming is pretty cold and snowy that time of year and he needs a good boot.

Something that is waterproof, warm, and can handle the rugged terrain and snow.

Thanks

[dirt road ninja]

Not sure of what type of boot to recommend. Anything with 800 grams insulation and gore-tex should work. I would recommend buying them asap, as this will give them a few weeks of walking and breaking them in. It better to find out now that your boots are uncomfortable then two days into your hunt. Also, your really can't spend too much money on your socks. Always bring a couple extra pairs in your back pack along with some ziplock bags. If your feet sweat you can quickly change out socks to a dry pair. With all the synthetic fabrics out there it is still hard to beat a silk base layer with wool over it. Your socks will help you out way more then your boots.

When buying the boots try them on with the socks you plan on hunting in. If the boot is to tight, circulation will be reduced resulting in cold feet. If the boots are to big you will end up with blisters or sprained ankles.

[ctwny1]

Here in Western NY, (better know as the TUNDRA), I bought a pair of Cabela's Predator Extreme Pac Boots and I mean to tell yea they the BEST cold weather boots I've ever worn besides Mickey Mouse boots.

[lightsoutcalls]

I bought a pair of Wolverine waterproof boots with 1000 grams of thinsulate a couple of years ago.  Granted it doesn't get extremely cold in AR most years, but these have kept my feet warm with wool blend socks with several inches of snow on the ground.  Seems I picked them up for around $60 at WalMart.  As I mentioned, we don't get extreme weather often, so I opted for cheaper boots.  I haven't been disappointed so far.  If you want to go cheap and won't wear them all the time, you might check them out.

[savduck]

Ive had good luck with Danners and Rockies. In the cold weather, I would get something with 100% Gortex, and something 800 gram or higher for insulation.

The boot isnt everything though. You need to get several pairs of quality socks. Something with some good merino wool but that breathes well. Take several pairs on stand with you. Make sure you change them as your feet sweat. Make all the difference in the world.

[Saylfish]

muck woody max...

[Turkey Trot]

What kind of hunting?

Big game?

Is it important for the boot to be all rubber?

If not, look at White's Boots, they make a series of pac boots that are well liked in the west.  They have structure in the sole.

http://www.whitesboots.com/index.php?dispatch=categories.view&category_id=185

If he wants all rubber, be advised that Euro and Scandanavian rubber boots kick the tail of US boots made in China.  They have much better structure.

Nokian boots are Finnish and have military origins, but they are hard to find here.  Brushy's in Canada sells them, and you have the risk/expense of shipping to find one that finally fits. The Trek 100 is a fine boot.

http://www.nokianfootwear.com/

I'd also consider Aigle Boots, like the Parcours and Parcours Vario, they're french, but better French than Chinese.

http://www.aigleboots.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=16&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=64

Le Chameau makes good boots, as does Hunter of Scotland.  The currency exchange rates really work against you now, but one can order off the net and make sure he gets and ex VAT price (without value added tax on exports).

[lohaus]

I have a pair of Danners and love them.  A couple years ago I went to the wool socks.  Cotton kills.  The wool keeps my feet from staying moist.  I usually bring a few different pair.  I have Lacrosse boots that are 2000 grams and feel like tanks. . .but my feet don't get cold when sitting.  I have a 800 gram Rocky rubber boot.  The Pronghorns don't have any thinsulate and I was okay walking in the snow with them.

All of them keep my feet dry.  I agree with getting them ahead of time.  The first pair of Danners I had my feet got soaked by morning dew.  I returned them to Scheels and got another pair no questions asked.  So I think I got a bad pair of good boots and the second time I got a good pair of good boots.  If I would have went out west with snow with the first pair it would have ruined my trip.  So get them, try them out, and get them wet to make sure.

I also recommend one of those boot dryers for night if you are lodging somewhere.