Boots

I have always used cheap hiking shoes (Hitec, Cabelas). Figured I could just buy a new pair every season. I'm really wondering if it's worth the money to buy a good pair of hunting boots. Does it really make a difference? I've had no problems with foot or back fatigue with my cheap boots. Will i notice the difference? I'm looking at trying a pair of Lowa Ranger GTX this year if i make the switch. Anyone using these boots? How do they hold up?

I know what you mean. I do the same thing and could have saved a lot of money if I had just gone out and bought a good pair of boots. I guess it true, you get what you pay for.

I used the Rangers last fall and I really like them. They're comfortable and they've held up great so far. They are more of an early season boot since they're uninsulated, I used mine for archery elk and antelope in Oct. If you're going to hunt in very steep and rocky terrain, you might want a little stiffer boot with more ankle support like the Tibets. As with any quality boot, if you take care of the leather, you will prolong the life of the boot significantly. I've had a pair of the Tibets for 4 years and they've never let water in.

I was using cheap boots as shoes for a few years and I finally made the break and bought some Kenetrek mountain boots before going on a high country hunt. At the end of the season I swore up and down I would never go back to a cheap shoe or boot. My feet were in great shape, my ankles and knees felt amazing. I didn't have to break in a new pair of boots the next year because the Kenetreks were still in great shape. Not a scratch on them. I've never had a better season as far as my feet, legs, and back were concerned than the years I have been in Kenetreks. I also have a pair of Irish Setter Elk trackers for stalking in the low country bush. I love them to. Softer souled for better sneaking.

thanks for the input guys. I bit the bullet and bought the Lowa Ranger GTX on sale at Shoebuy.com for $187. To good of a deal to pass up. They had a 20% off code and if you sign up for email updates they give you an additional 10% your first order.

I'm on the fence whether to get Cabela's Pinnacle or something a little more legit like Cabela's Alaska Hunter or something from Lathrop & Sons. The Pinnacle is $120 and Alaska Hunter is $290.

I had to give up my trusted boots after 13 years of hunting. Two soles and several re-stitching attempts couldn't keep them together. I paid about $160 back then. That works out to about $12.50 a year. With the resole and restitch, my annual cost was around $20 per year. This year I dropped $190 on new Vasque boots. I tried a pair of Zamberlan for 2 months, but the heel cup was never right. I expect to get at least 10 years out of these boots. Again, my costs should be around $20 per year. Cheaper than cheap tennis shoes.

I generally put about 50 miles per year on the trails, plus around-town time during the winter. I feel like I get my money's worth out of a good pair of boots.

This year I bought new boots after 13 years in my old boots. Original cost back then was $160. I had a restitch and resole done two years ago for $100. Per annual cost is $20.

This winter I bought a pair of Vasque for $180. I expect to get 10 years out of them with proper care and feeding. With any luck, I should be into these boots for about the same price - $20/year. In my mind, it is better to buy a quality boot and get years out of them rather than a cheaper boot every couple of years. I think you save money in the long run. In the scree and granite of Colorado, tough soles and outers are a must.

I tried two different boots with Cabelas lable on them, they both were horrible boots, and tore up my feet. I switched to the Danners Pronghorns with the 400 gram thinsulate. Waterproof, light, no breakin period, quiet, and allows for good stalks with shoes on. The difference was amazing to say the least!!! My first pair I have owned for three seasons and still going on them as winter boots where I live. I bought a second pair a few months ago and put aside as they changed the style and I loved the original so much. Im keeping them for this upcoming season or maybe save them for next year. Either way I now have a great pair waiting to fill the slot when my first pair are done.

I was also thinking about the Danner Pronghorns but read some reviews that said they're not really water proof. But then again, others say they love them. Just about anything would be better than what I'm using right now though.