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4 members (WBLDon, eeb, 2 invisible),
496
guests, and
1
robot. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
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Forums10
Topics38,900
Posts550,592
Members14,458
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Most Online1,344 Apr 29th, 2024
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,435 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,435 Likes: 1 |
I bought a pair of Russells several years ago. I got measured by the boss at the Vintagers. I spent quite a while with him deciding on exactly the configuration I wanted based on his recommendations. I paid for them and waited over a year punctuated by multiple phone calls and e-mails. When they finally came they didn't resemble what I had ordered and they didn't fit at all. They messed around two more times and a total of about two years sending me their best guess as to what I'd ordered and what would fit me. Finally they said they'd tried their best and couldn't fit me, no refund offered but I could keep the ill fitting ones I had at that point. The boots were two different sizes!! They were so uncomfortable as to be unwearable. I finally found a guy with different sized feet that they fit and gave them to him. So don't tell me about Russell boots. Poor product, poorer customer service. Never again!
My favorite boots remain my many years old LL Bean Maine Hunting Shoes in all but the warmest days in the field.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,375 Likes: 1318
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,375 Likes: 1318 |
My favorite boots remain my many years old LL Bean Maine Hunting Shoes in all but the warmest days in the field. I just ordered another pair of them this afternoon. I cannot even begin to estimate how many pairs I have worn out, sent back for new bottoms, and started over with new ones again. They cover what I need very well, along with my other boots. SRH
Last edited by Stan; 12/28/17 07:06 PM.
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,103 Likes: 38
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,103 Likes: 38 |
One thing I'll add is that whenever I find boots that I plan on wearing constantly, if at all possible I buy 2 pairs and wear them on alternate days. I find giving your boots a day to dry out before wearing them again will prolong the life of both pairs past the point of wearing out a pair and replacing with another. I have one pair marked odd and the other even for the day of the month, it works out in the end.
My problem lies in reconciling my gross habits with my net income. - Errol Flynn
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 58
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 58 |
I go a ton. My experience has been that it really comes down to any boot w/stitching will get chewed up in briars, sunflowers, grass, whatever. It is extremely abrasive.
Because of this, my favorites are Danner Mountain Light II's, Meindl Perfect Hunters/Hikers. All have one piece leather uppers w/little to no stitching. The Danners, although a bit short, are the bomb for me in decent weather. And can be recrafted.
Even w/these boots, I still use a tube or two of Shoe Goo a year, spreading on the toe and sides where they begin to show some wear. I got 5 years out of my last Mnt Light II's till I set them too close to the evening fire drying out.
In snow and mud, I like Mucks.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,988 Likes: 491
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 6,988 Likes: 491 |
Two words Russell Moccasin....the South Forty Signature Birdshooter is by far the best walking boot I've ever wore.
Anyone say different they don't know jAck shitz. at $521 a copy and nearly the same as the Russel model I have, I can say definitively, they won't hack it in Iowa. Not even close.
_________ BrentD, (Professor - just for Stan) =>/
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,081 Likes: 462
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 7,081 Likes: 462 |
Have had my Filson boots nearly fifteen years and I hunt quite a bit. Getting pretty beat down now. I did have new toe caps put on a few years back. Not waterproof but otherwise about perfect for me. Not looking forward to buying a new pair as the price has more than double since I bought mine.
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,032 Likes: 56
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,032 Likes: 56 |
Russells seemed to be loved or hated.
I actually feel both ways at times. Especially when it is wet out.
I have over 20 different pairs. None made to measure. None ordered from Russell directly so I have never had to endure their waiting times or been happy with or disappointed by their trying to custom fit me. I simply buy either size 9.5 or 10 depending.
On the bad side. They, with maybe the exception of their gortex lined models, not I say again not waterproof. Even their vaunted triple vamp is a sieve. Except for their gortex lined I would never choose to wear their boots on a wet hunting day.
As for comfort. I obviously like them, but recognize they, unless ordered, do not have much support or cushioning.
I think they are an acquired taste. I cannot say they are worth the price of custom order as despite my closet full I have never ordered custom, (i am too frugal) I can say I like them as day to day shoes now that I am retired, and as hunting boots.
My favorite light hunting boot is the South forty, and the sheep boots my favorite heavy boot. My office shoes are art carter boots. i wear their simple moccasins around the house all the time. Even as I type this.
Michael Dittamo Topeka, KS
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 149 Likes: 5
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 149 Likes: 5 |
If you like the Bean pac boot style, look at Schnee's version. https://schnees.com/hunter-ii/I have both insulated and uninsulated pac boots and find them more supportive than many traditional hunting boots. Plus, I like their Bob sole. Obviously, they work great in wet conditions. I wear the uninsulated boot when it's in the high 20's and the insulated boots I have worn elk hunting with temperatures below 20-30 degrees and find them comfortable and supportive. These boots use much thicker leather and rubber-very durable!
Last edited by rtw; 12/29/17 11:53 AM.
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Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 182
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 182 |
Schnees are obviously good for wet conditions (and a very reputable brand) but I need better support than that. The idea of those being called "the best elk hunting boot in the world" seems odd to me. They're just pac style boots. I would turn my ankle in those boots in the mountains...not to mention the lack of foot support. I can appreciate pac boots but at the end of a day, my feet are always pretty tired after wearing them.
Boots are obviously a very individual thing. Find what works for you and get outside more often!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,715 Likes: 114
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,715 Likes: 114 |
The only pair of bespoke boot I've ever owned is the Gokey "Botte Suavage" Santa Claus brought me the Christmas of my junior year in high school. I'll be 70 in June, so that makes 53 years with the same pair of boots. They do not get much use nowadays as I've switched to Muck Boots, but I quail and rabbit hunted in GA briers for many many a year in them. At least two replacement soles and part of the uppers replaced. The water proof dressing they came with is still available and I've always kept them water-proofed just in case I find the fountain of youth...Geo
Not a reasonable suggestion for Brent maybe but just a point that bespoke is a good option. How much do those things cost now days?
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