Hunting Boots, For those who do a lot of walking.

Hi Everyone,

I'm interested in getting some hunting boots that would be warm, dry and be great for the long walks through northern ontario.

Anyone have any recommendations of what they've used and loved but also what they've used and hated.

My old set is a pair of wolverines that are discontinued, they are a mid top (not super high like the new ones are). They're super dry and waterproof but they're just worn out.

I have always had a pair of high quality Gortex boots with 800 gram of Thinsolate. Waterproof, comfy and warm and they never let me down even when hunting in Alberta.

If you don't mind me asking what's the lowest temperature you've used those in and your feet were still warm enough?

Any particular brand and model you prefer?

I use Irishsetter 2000 grain thinsulate boots 100% water proof & summer light socks I use them alll winter on the ice & my feet never get wet or cold Got them at Lebarons & the sales rep laughted at me when I was going to try them on with a second pair of socks Great hiking boots also.

Crocs used to make a great pair. I bought a set a few years ago at Gagnon's in Oshawa. Not sure if they are still being made but they were the lightest and most comfortable boots I have ever owned.

I have gore tex Irish setters than Im super happy with.

I could walk in them probably -10 or lower no problem.

Walking keeps the feet warm. Just sitting I dont think they would be warm enough.

I think they are only 400 thinsulate.

I use the same boot as reloader in the cold weather. Excellent foot wear. In not so cold of weather i use rocky 800 gram thinsulate. 7r.

My gortex boots are made by Rocky and they have 1000 gm thinsolate, not 800 as a reported. Don't know what model they are but they are dry and warm. I've stood around all morning in the the boots at -18 degrees celsius without any issues. Bought them on sale at Bass Pro for about $150. It was my second pair of Rocky boots. The first pair lasted 12 years; they had 400 gm of thinsolate and my feet would get cold if I was just sitting in a tree stand in frigit temperatures.

I have the same boot as GNATWEST. Irish Setters 400 thinsulate. Plenty warm for walking/hiking but I use Baffins for ice fishing. Once had a pair of Rocky boot until I blew the side out of them. Sorry Rocky, never again for me

I have huntshield 800 gr neoprene/ rubbers. Very warm and comfortable. Had the 2000gr before but they were to bulky. Got them for $49 on clearance from $149. Good for the ice as well with some cleats.

Dave.

I ended up getting the Irish Setter Rutmaster 2.0
Rutmaster 2.0

Tried them out as well, walked about 10 km's in snow as deep as my thigh's in some place. Clearly should have had some snowshoes but these boots did the job. Had some mid weight Readhead socks and my feet were actually a bit too warm. Light weight or normal socks would have been a better choice. It was about -5c out.

Pretty comfortable, I must say.

I was torn between those and mucks. Hopefully i made the right choice.

I own a pair of these and like them very much. Although I had to get my first pair warantied due to a leak. Had no issues returning them. They offer great support for long walks.

Here is a word of caution when it comes to buying hunting boots. I bought a set about ten years ago that seemed a good deal at the time but the short comings were evident 5 minutes into the bush. The ground was rocky and the soles were very hard. Every step was a clunk like a horses hoof. They were also as slippery as a greased cat's butt on the snow and ice. Now for the biggest downfall.....they had those damn " speed lace hooks instead of eyelets for doing them up and the laces from one boot would hook into the other and "tie" my feet together when crossing debris. I went down HARD behind my hunting partner but because there is NEVER one in the pipe when hunting as a team, all was good. Scared him and me though and it happen three times that morning (but only one fall). When we got back, I took them off and never wore them again.
I took them back to Bass Pro and saw the manager. He personally wrote a report to their head office and gave me an immediate store credit for the full amount. I got a call a week later from Bass Pro head office buyer wanting more information and he promised me that they would be pulled immediately from their store shelves and they were because I checked. I was not the only one who reported these problems.
Warmth is important but make sure they don't sound like horse shoes on the rocks and NO MORE SPEED LACES FOR ME!!! Just some things to think about when making your decision.

X2 for hard soles...I bought boots a couple years ago and that is my only complaint. They aren't so bad as to sound like horses but they to get slippery climbing on and off rocks. I was lucky enough to be pre warned about speed laces so I didn't have to find that out the hard way. Definitely think of where you will be using them and what kind of terrain it is before you buy! But warm comfortable feet sure can make a day in the bush much more enjoyable!!!

The Rutmaster's are probably not meant for walking around all day. Just to and from your stand, but i wanted to test these suckers out to see if i would get blisters or anything. My wolverine hiking boots are great and super comfy and dry but aren't meant for deep snow. I wanted a boot that was good for muck which is were most of my time will be spent but the odd time i'm in deep snow with no snow shoes i wanted them to work in that situation as well.

I feel i should really only have 2 pairs of hunting boots that should cover all conditions and one of the pairs would work for fall fishing and the other pair would work for ice fishing.

I'm happy with the purchase today, we'll see if i still am in a year or so from now.