Merrell and Vasque are great. Not high on Timberland.

Also consider Asolo and Lowa. IMO, each just a notch above Merrel and Vasque. But with those 4, it's like comparing PSE, Hoyt, Mathews and Elite... they're all great, pick those that are the best fit.

with a little snow and the right leather treatment, they'll be fine.

 

Kennetrek (sp)

 

I bought a pair of keen hiking boots and have wound up using them more than my rockys this year. They have 200 gr of insulation and it has been more than enough. And they were only $19.95 from the cabelas bargain cave...

 

That's a great deal

 

Right now their bargain cave has a lot of boots for $21-$39 if you wear 8.5 or smaller. Maybe some of the larger sizes as well. I bought mine and went back later that day to get another pair when I realized what a good deal it was, but they were sold out.

 

Timberlands are without question the best boots I have ever owned. I have had a chance over the years to wear a bunch of different boots and none of them can touch Timberlands for comfort & durability. I have a pair of Euro hikers that are at least 15 yrs old and they haven't lost a (pardon the pun) step. I just bought a pair of Chokura Trails and they are the cats meow.

 

Earlier this summer I was looking for something light, and waterproof. I have had boots from just about all of the top brands. I stumbled upon HI-TEC's. I got what they call their altitude ultra wpi. They are VERY light and comfortable. Come in wide sizes, I have wide feet. I walk in the woods every day with my dog and stomp around in puddles, streams and what not and my feet stay dry. We just had about 5 inches of snow, and I feel they are not grippy enough to go down or up a steep incline without holding on to something. Yet I feel they are so good all around, I ordered myself another pair a few weeks ago and keeping them for emergencies. PAid about 115.- for them on line.


EDIT: for a review... http://gearjunkie.com/gear-review-hi-tec-v-lite-altitude-ultra
Stay Safe,
Franz

 

I have heard great things about Merrell so I bought some and have regretted it ever since. Had a pair and they fell apart so I sent them back and got a new pair (good customer service). Then the pair I got fell apart again and tried to send them back and they wouldnt take them back. Kept on wearing them and they are close to falling off my feet. All the stiching is CRAP. Not the quality I was expecting. I was only using them for general daily wear and not for hiking. I cant imagine what would happen to their boots if you were hiking in rough terrain with them. :thumbs_do

 

I have some vasques that are really great boots, they just fit me really well. I went to REI and tried on all the boots for a couple hours, climbing the rock steps and paid no mind to name or price, just bought what fit. Im very happy.

 

I have three pairs of Vasque Sundowners.

One pair that I've had for almost 20 years now. They're just getting broke in.

I hiked a lot in my late teens through my 20's (got married, had kids) and I wouldn't ever part with my Vasque's. I still wear all three of them regularly. I have three just because. Two would be enough. The older ones are just too broke in to hike in now.

 

I love Puma's hiking shoes, though they are too expensive but thanks to the ski bum free shipping code, they give me in a reasonable price. I mostly collect my shoes from there.

 

Had the soles fall off my merrells mid-hike in the mountains, so cant really recommend their quality. Also saw lowa mentioned here; I would also steer clear of those.

Danner Pronghorns were rock solid for me for both hunting and backpacking.

 

My Keen Boots are 6 or 7 years old, maybe even older and they are still in great shape. I use a leather conditioner on them before season and afterward and they just keep on going. They are comfortable and relatively warm, but they are meant for rough terrain and lots of miles hiking. Best hiking boots I've ever had. I use them for turkey hunting, preseason scouting, and during early bowseason.

 

Keen for me as well. Pittsburgh soft toe for early season. Summit county for when it gets colder.

 

What fits? Boots are crucial gear.

 

Salomon another brand worth considering...

 

Lowa Renegades i would avoid like the plague. Three pair have all done the same for me. Soles crumble apart.

 

I used merrells for hunting and feel that a higher boot is better to keep all the little junk from falling down in there while walking through brush. New merrells are not up to the standard of old merrells. Got a pair in the academy back in 2002 and those things stayed together till the soles got so dry and hard they started cracking, a good 15 years. Got a new pair of water sandals for trout fishing and the soles tore on the first trip. I used them since they have an awsome police discount and have a few pairs for 5k run and guns that seem to be holding up over the last 4 years.

 

I have owned Asolo, Lowa Renegades, and Crispi Nevada GTX. Are you a western or eastern hunter? If out west, go with something that has a stiffer sole, like the Asolo or Crispis. If eastern hunter, the softer Lowa's work well.

 

Love my Vasque boots. Tried everything on @ REI,and they were the clear winner for me. Did not disappoint on my first elk hunt as well.

 

Helping you save big from your pocket, Savackers gives you the opportunity to get high returns while spending the least through coupon codes Australia.

 

Vasque and Irish Setter here.

 

My son prefers Danner. But it's what you want to wear. Lots of good footwear out there.

 

Whichever ones you like, read a lot of real, independent customer reviews before you buy. Every decent boot company seems to make few great boots, several mediocre models and some total lemons too. It comes from constantly changing designs every couple of years.

 

I finally ponied up the cash and bought a couple pairs of Crispis last year. They're worth every penny. I'm an eastern tree stand hunter but I do hunt in areas with thick brush and lots of hills and ravines. I went with the Thor IIs and Lapponia IIs. They're probably a little more stiff than I need but they really help when sidehilling compared to my Keens I used to wear. I am a fan of Salomons though. I do plan to get a new pair to try out this year.

 

You should check these out as well.

1957 Series - Flyway Waterproof 6" Briar Pitstop

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. Don't miss your shot due to tired, wet feet in heavy boots clogged with mud. These 8" Built in the USA Flyway boots exceed the avid upland bird hunter's requirements: Cushioned removable footbed for all-day comfort, breathable X-Stream Waterproof®...

thorogoodusa.com