Hunting Boots

[Irving]

I'm tired of buying crap boots for under $100. I've got a couple of pairs of Hi-Tecs that say they are water proof, but they aren't. Wet grass will completely soak the boot. On top of that, because they are trying to be water proof, they don't breath at all.

Last year I hunted in the snow in $20 styrofoam muck boots from WalMart, and my feet were perfectly dry and warm. It was glorious.

So I'm thinking that I want something that is a water proof pack boot, uninsulated, and at least 8". I'm only hunting into October this year so it's not like I need a deep winter boot.

I'm aware of Scarpa (that's all they sold at the archery place in Wheat Ridge where I bought my pack), but reviews on Amazon have me worried. My buddy bought a pair, but he's only worn them once and it wasn't even hiking.

Rinella is always talking about Schnee's (https://schnees.com/) boots, and that's what I'm looking at right now, but I'd like some other ideas or personal experiences if possible.

I'm looking hard at the Beartooth (https://schnees.com/beartooth-ii-classic/) II Classics and the Hunter (https://schnees.com/hunter-ii/#product-tab-reviews) II right now.

I don't think I'm ready to step up to a custom like Whites, plus I don't have time since hunting is less than a month away.

Comments? Suggestions?

[hunterhawk]

I got Crispi's this year.. comfy and light... my buddy had them for a couple years i had asolo's before these.. i only archery hunt though.. are you on any hunting forums besides here. Get on some hunting forums and wear out the search function.

[Irving]

I'm not, I don't even know what any good hunting forums are. Open to good fishing forums as well.

Are you saying you only archery hunt because that indicates that you don't really have to deal with snow?
I'd really like a boot that I could cross an ankle deep stream with no worries. I see hunting shows with people just walking around in water and it always makes me cringe. What are your impressions of the boots that you've owned thus far?

[def90]

I'm not, I don't even know what any good hunting forums are. Open to good fishing forums as well.

Are you saying you only archery hunt because that indicates that you don't really have to deal with snow?
I'd really like a boot that I could cross an ankle deep stream with no worries. I see hunting shows with people just walking around in water and it always makes me cringe. What are your impressions of the boots that you've owned thus far?

Anything that is waterproof enough to cross a stream is going to be heavy as well as make your feet hot and sweaty. I have some North Face winter boots that I can stand in water all day but they are heavy and if it is warmer than 50 or 60 degrees they would be miserable. I bought some Crispi Crossover Pro Light GTXs this year. They are OK, even though they are supposed to be non insulated the cushioning and fabric in them make my feet hot and sweat. Despite the sizing recommendations on their website claiming that they are true to size I ordered size 9 which is what I wear in anything else, well they are a hair too small even with ultrathin socks on, my toes hit on downhills, should have gotten 9.5s or maybe even 10s. I have some semi cheap Palladium boots which are copies of the French Foreign legion and Rhodesian patrol boots, they are made of canvas and are light. I will probably just wear them instead of the Crispis the next time I head up the mountain. Don't forget about boot companies like Garmont, Salomon and Lowa, they aren't specifically made for hunting but there are made for hiking and mountaineering which is pretty much the same thing. I've had Garmont boots in the past and they have always been good boots. As for height I actually prefer a shorter boot more like a shoe/boot crossover height.

As for crossing streams, I have to cross a stream to get to my hunting spot so I bought some of these:

http://www.hodgman.com/hodgman-waders-hip-waders/hodgman-gamewade-hip-packable-wader/1347866.html

They work great, get to a water crossing, pull them out and slip them on over your boots and pants and thats it, dry shoes all day.

[chuckchili]

I got the Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek boots last year and really like them. They are like $150, 8” tall and are 100% waterproof. I had outings in the heat, rain and snow and were comfortable in each. I also love the tread and the fact they are about as lightweight as a sneaker.

[Irving]

Anything that is waterproof enough to cross a stream is going to be heavy as well as make your feet hot and sweaty. I have some North Face winter boots that I can stand in water all day but they are heavy and if it is warmer than 50 or 60 degrees they would be miserable. I bought some Crispi Crossover Pro Light GTXs this year. They are OK, even though they are supposed to be non insulated the cushioning and fabric in them make my feet hot and sweat. Despite the sizing recommendations on their website claiming that they are true to size I ordered size 9 which is what I wear in anything else, well they are a hair too small even with ultrathin socks on, my toes hit on downhills, should have gotten 9.5s or maybe even 10s. I have some semi cheap Palladium boots which are copies of the French Foreign legion and Rhodesian patrol boots, they are made of canvas and are light. I will probably just wear them instead of the Crispis the next time I head up the mountain. Don't forget about boot companies like Garmont, Salomon and Lowa, they aren't specifically made for hunting but there are made for hiking and mountaineering which is pretty much the same thing. I've had Garmont boots in the past and they have always been good boots. As for height I actually prefer a shorter boot more like a shoe/boot crossover height.

As for crossing streams, I have to cross a stream to get to my hunting spot so I bought some of these:

http://www.hodgman.com/hodgman-waders-hip-waders/hodgman-gamewade-hip-packable-wader/1347866.html

They work great, get to a water crossing, pull them out and slip them on over your boots and pants and thats it, dry shoes all day.

I hear what you're saying about water proof being hot, but that is what I deal with now. My current boots make my feet sweat, but they also get wet. So if I have to choose, I'll take a little sweat. Those waders are pretty cheap, and I bet they are light as well. I've never had to cross anything requiring waders to date, but they are on my radar.


I got the Irish Setter 2870 Vaprtrek boots last year and really like them. They are like $150, 8” tall and are 100% waterproof. I had outings in the heat, rain and snow and were comfortable in each. I also love the tread and the fact they are about as lightweight as a sneaker.

I've heard of Irish Setter, and the price and lightness is pretty attractive.

I did a search on here about boots a few days ago and one of the work boot threads was saying that the Army Navy Surplus store has a pretty good selection. It's been a while since I've been there, and remember that they had a ton of boots, but do they carry quality stuff? Being able to try on boots, and cash and carry would be awesome.

Keep the suggestions coming.

[Grant H.]

I would strongly suggest looking at Carolina Boots.

[Irving]

Any particular model?
Any place local to try on?
What are your reasons? Can I assume you work in them?

[newracer]

I have an older model of these and they have been great.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/footwear/mens-footwear/mens-hunting-boots/pc/104797980/c/104747580/sc/104826780/cabelas-mens-gram-all-leather-iron-ridge-hunting-boots-with-gore-tex-reg/748572.uts?slotId=1

[Irving]

I have an older model of these and they have been great.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/footwear/mens-footwear/mens-hunting-boots/pc/104797980/c/104747580/sc/104826780/cabelas-mens-gram-all-leather-iron-ridge-hunting-boots-with-gore-tex-reg/748572.uts?slotId=1

Have you (and anyone else with a boot recommendation) used them in wet conditions at least three times?

I ask because The *waterproof" Hi-Tecs were water proof, but only once. I got a second pair on discount and sprayed them with water proofing stuff, and they got swamped the first time in any moisture. I missed an opportunity on a bear because I was drying them out on a log one day.

[brutal]

Some people poo-poo them, but my 400 gram Danner Pronghorns have been great to me for many years now. Maybe they make them different now?

Wear Smartwool socks of appropriate thickness for the weather and done.

[newracer]

Have you (and anyone else with a boot recommendation) used them in wet conditions at least three times?

I ask because The *waterproof" Hi-Tecs were water proof, but only once. I got a second pair on discount and sprayed them with water proofing stuff, and they got swamped the first time in any moisture. I missed an opportunity on a bear because I was drying them out on a log one day.

I don't get a chance to hunt a lot so I have had those boots for about 20 years. I have hunted many wet days in them, upland birds in the rain and snow and elk in the snow, feet are always dry at the end of the day.

[newracer]

Some people poo-poo them, but my 400 gram Danner Pronghorns have been great to me for many years now. Maybe they make them different now?

Wear Smartwool socks of appropriate thickness for the weather and done.

I think that's basically what mine are, just branded as Cabelas.

[brutal]

https://www.danner.com/men/hunt/pronghorn-g5-8-realtree-edge-400g.html

Not a popped stitch or anything. They are as solid as the day I bought them. Think I got them at Bass Pro north on a big sale AND talked the shoe guy into an additional discount for buying a second pair of footwear and a grip of Smartwool socks. The socks have long since worn out but the boots are still good to go.

[Irving]

I don't get a chance to hunt a lot so I have had those boots for about 20 years. I have hunted many wet days in them, upland birds in the rain and snow and elk in the snow, feet are always dry at the end of the day.

I read through the reviews on your link and a lot of people are saying these were great boots that they've been buying for years, but they changed the design so if the thread seam inside on the ankle doesn't kill your feet, then the too thin lace rollers will been/break on you. A lot of people were making the same two or three complaints and all said that the quality really went down with the recent design change. Bummer.

The Crispi boots like promising, but I'm pretty skeptical of the suede "water resistant" uppers.

[Bailey Guns]

I would say get a pair of the old-model Danner Raptor 400 GTX boots (not the new model Raptor 650). Extremely durable, waterproof, comfortable, great traction on a variety of surfaces. But Danner discontinued them to make room in the hipster bullshit boot lineup for skinny jean-wearing groomed-bearded little girlie men.

So, no...I don't have a recommendation.

[TRnCO]

I've been happy with Mendyl for the last few years. I bought another pair for my trip to Alaska in two weeks.

[whitewalrus]

Have you (and anyone else with a boot recommendation) used them in wet conditions at least three times?

I ask because The *waterproof" Hi-Tecs were water proof, but only once. I got a second pair on discount and sprayed them with water proofing stuff, and they got swamped the first time in any moisture. I missed an opportunity on a bear because I was drying them out on a log one day.

I find that you need to get the ones with goretex lining if you want to be dry after streams or other standing water. Many are listed as ?waterproof? but they are just meant to keep feet dry when walking in wet grass.

The problem is that waterproof boots do not breathe as well, tend to be a bit heavier, and take longer to dry once wet

[brutal]

I've been happy with Mendyl for the last few years. I bought another pair for my trip to Alaska in two weeks.

TR, I know you put on a metric shit-ton of miles on your footgear, but those boots are getting terrible reviews on Cabela's.

https://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-ULTRALIGHT-G/2498564.uts?productVariantId=5214641&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=04816722&rid=20&ds_rl=1246522&ds_rl=1246585&ds_rl=1246588&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=CjwKCAjwkenqBRBgEiwA-bZVtuJ270tMWqf74l0V_GTRgQz9hZbypBlpJkd3Fn_0MZ6Kck7 mlBRMUBoCvqgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I see a lot of nice boots out there that might replace mine, but if they don't offer wide (EE or wider), they're a non-starter for me.

[Tim K]

I guess I'll be the counterpoint. I've been competing in the SAC for a few years now, and I do a lot of hiking with a 50# ruck. A really lot. I'm partial to trail running shoes. They're light, comfy, and cool. My experience with waterproof boots has not been good. They're worse than useless if you have to cross something deeper than the boot as they never drain. Plus, as already noted, they're hot. I don't like wet feet, but I've settled on shoes or boots that drain quickly vs waterproof.

None of the above applies in the winter, I don't suppose. I don't hunt, so my experience walking outdoors in the snow is limited to shoveling my driveway.

[Irving]

Tim, I'd actually agree with you and I mostly don't have to deal with moisture during my September hunt. However, one rain storm and every pair of boots I've had gets soaked and takes says to dry out. I do want good water proof boots for the later hunts though. In September a wet boot is uncomfortable at the most, but in deep snow, you can't be getting wet.

ETA: In fact, last year I brought a pair of Vibram Five Fingers just for stalking, but I had a bad pair because the top split all the way open after only one day of walking around.

[TRnCO]

TR, I know you put on a metric shit-ton of miles on your footgear, but those boots are getting terrible reviews on Cabela's.
I see that, but the pair that I've had for the past 3 or 4 seasons now have done better than others that I have tried in the past, good enough that I brought a new pair just because I wanted new, and a taller ankle, for my up coming trip.

I tried a pair of Danner before I made the switch to Mendyl, and they did good until they fell apart on me. Maybe I needed to treat the leather on them to make them last longer, IDK. But they were comfy and worked well, but just didn't last very long.
Years ago I was a Rocky boot fan, but I don't know what they changed, the last pair I bought of them sucked for keeping my feet dry, from day one. Won't go back.

[Little Dutch]

This thread makes me wish I had a spare set of Danner's. I'm bummed on the reports of lower quality and dropped styles.

I've been using the same set of boots for hunting birds and elk, cutting firewood, hard hiking, and even snowshoeing, for around a decade. I treat the leather on mine several times a year though. No issues at all yet, but they'll give up eventually...

[Irving]

So Gore-tex is the key to water proofing? I figured rubber and leather (with nikwax), but I don't know.

[Little Dutch]

My Danner boots are leather, and Gortex, and probably have Nylon in them (Nylon is in the description of the new model boots at least). They are as near 100% waterproof as I've seen without going to full rubber. So I think a lot of it depends on how well they are assembled.

I don't recall which style mine are, but they look similar to those in the link below. Just to give you an idea.
https://www.danner.com/men/hunt/east-ridge-8-brown.html.html

[Grant H.]

Any particular model?
Any place local to try on?
What are your reasons? Can I assume you work in them?

These are what I wear: https://www.carolinashoe.com/CA8528

Whitesides in Brighton is a great place to try on just about any variety of boot you want. They have hundreds of different boots in stock at all times. Good pricing too.

Yep, I work in them. Have spent 18+ hours in them.

These have been the longest lasting boots I have owned. I can destroy a pair of Keens, Ariats, Justins, Redwings, Double X, etc in about 9-11 months. These have lasted 16 months for me.

They are also comfy for 12+ hours on a tower, even though there is nothing comfy about that.

[davsel]

Columbia BugaBoot - More of a cold weather boot - light, warm, waterproof, great tread. I've hiked many miles in these with no complaints.
Figure they have a warm-weather equivilent worth checking out.

[Grant H.]

So Gore-tex is the key to water proofing? I figured rubber and leather (with nikwax), but I don't know.

Properly treated and maintained leather is waterproof.

Bick 4 is a great conditioner and water repellent.

[brutal]

I see that, but the pair that I've had for the past 3 or 4 seasons now have done better than others that I have tried in the past, good enough that I brought a new pair just because I wanted new, and a taller ankle, for my up coming trip.

I tried a pair of Danner before I made the switch to Mendyl, and they did good until they fell apart on me. Maybe I needed to treat the leather on them to make them last longer, IDK. But they were comfy and worked well, but just didn't last very long.
Years ago I was a Rocky boot fan, but I don't know what they changed, the last pair I bought of them sucked for keeping my feet dry, from day one. Won't go back.

Makes one wonder if they have runs assembled by the lowest bidder... One of my Elk hunting partners swears by the Rocky's.

I looked and it appears I bought these boots in 2012. So only going into 7th year in them.

The current Pronghorn looks nothing like mine, no rubber heel/toe caps. Which may or may not be a good thing as I've had "rubber" toe caps shred on other footwear. Seems I have a "GTX" model but all the GTX I can find now are not insulated.

With us hunting 1st rifle Elk now more than before, I could probably get by with a 200G boot. On warm days and short hikes, I will even wear just some mid length waterproof Merrell hiking boots.

These do need oiled:

https://i.imgur.com/RWvD3XU.jpg

[Irving]

Excellent suggestions so far everyone!

[hunterhawk]

Sorry Irving forgot i posted in here. Im constantly crossing streams with my boots.. i try to rock hop if i can but if i can't my feet get wet. Asolos were waterproof and the crispis are waterproof as well. But both are short hiking boots, and yes I was saying that because i don't hunt snow very often when archery hunting. It does happen but hasnt dumped on me yet. Tall boots are too heavy and not comfy enough for the ground i usually cover.. and i have weak ankles. Both have done well for that as well.

Im usually on Rokslide and archerytalk. Those are usually my go to forums.. i used to be on a lot more but too much bs on the others. Rokslide is most helpful and used to be hardcore hunters that were very knowledgeable. Now its a mixture but unless you are asking for a hunting spot people are more than helpful with gear and other hunting stuff.

I do have a pair of rockys i wear for snow but im not really a fan.. i have heard good thing about Kenntrek (sp) but have not personally worn them.. as well as Lowa (sp) but again have not worn them.

Head up to scheels and try on boots.

Spend money on your feet. Lots of people end a hunt early when their feet are tired, wet, blistered and so on.

[Irving]

I hear that a lot about boots. Fortunately I've not had any foot problems so far besides getting them soaked.

[Little Dutch]

My Danner boots are leather, and Gortex, and probably have Nylon in them (Nylon is in the description of the new model boots at least). They are as near 100% waterproof as I've seen without going to full rubber. So I think a lot of it depends on how well they are assembled.

I don't recall which style mine are, but they look similar to those in the link below. Just to give you an idea.
https://www.danner.com/men/hunt/east-ridge-8-brown.html.html

Mine are the Danner Pronghorn. I couldn't be happier. I will, however, be sad if the next pair isn't of the same quality.

[Firehaus]

I guess I'll be the counterpoint. I've been competing in the SAC for a few years now, and I do a lot of hiking with a 50# ruck. A really lot. I'm partial to trail running shoes. They're light, comfy, and cool. My experience with waterproof boots has not been good. They're worse than useless if you have to cross something deeper than the boot as they never drain. Plus, as already noted, they're hot. I don't like wet feet, but I've settled on shoes or boots that drain quickly vs waterproof.

None of the above applies in the winter, I don't suppose. I don't hunt, so my experience walking outdoors in the snow is limited to shoveling my driveway.

I switched to trail runners 3 years ago for archery season. Always wear socks liners with wool socks. They get wet, sock liners wick moisture away from foot helping to prevent blistering and dry out as the day goes on. So much lighter than boots.

What?s the saying, a pound on your feet equals 7 on your back?

Colder weather, I wear these and they have been great. I bought them and hunted in them without breaking them in and no blisters.

https://www.lowaboots.com/mens/backpacking-hunting-mountain-hunting/hunter-gtx-evo-extreme-antique-brown?shoe_width=Medium


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[Irving]

Would you guys mind talking about socks a bit as well?

I've never had an issue with socks on hunts, but I definitely am getting hot spots in all my shoes when I'm standing on 160 degree roofs all day. That might be a different conversation, but I figure it's like side hilling all day, only during a forest fire.

I'm curious about the liners. I got a couple pair for Christmas one year, but I don't understand their purpose. Seems like they just make your feet slip around inside the boot more. Do you wear the liner over the sock or under?

[Grant H.]

For Hiking/Hunting I usually wear a polypropolene liner with a wool outer sock.

Wicks your feet dry, and is very comfortable.

[Irving]

Do you do that all year round?

I either have my every day cotton socks, or thicker, cold weather wool socks. I'm new enough to hunting that I've not explored all the wool products that I should have. Are there wool socks that are only as thick as regular ole cotton socks?

[Firehaus]

Would you guys mind talking about socks a bit as well?

I'm curious about the liners. I got a couple pair for Christmas one year, but I don't understand their purpose. Seems like they just make your feet slip around inside the boot more. Do you wear the liner over the sock or under?

Liners are the best invention ever. They fit your foot and if your foot slides in your sock act as a protective layer while also wicking moisture away from your foot preventing blisters.

If your foot slides around in the boot/shoe thats why you?re getting hot spots. Mole skin is good to have in your pack to put on the hot spot to prevent a blister forming.




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[Firehaus]

Do you do that all year round?

I either have my every day cotton socks, or thicker, cold weather wool socks. I'm new enough to hunting that I've not explored all the wool products that I should have. Are there wool socks that are only as thick as regular ole cotton socks?

Smart wool makes thinner dress socks. Alpaca socks are supposed to be even better.


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[Irving]

Liners are the best invention ever. They fit your foot and if your foot slides in your sock act as a protective layer while also wicking moisture away from your foot preventing blisters.

If your foot slides around in the boot/shoe thats why you?re getting hot spots. Mole skin is good to have in your pack to put on the hot spot to prevent a blister forming.



My feet aren't sliding around in my hunting/hiking boots, but that's definitely not the case standing on steep roofs all days in my shoes. That makes sense, thanks.

So to clarify again, silk liners against your skin, wool sock over that?

[hunterhawk]

Darn tough all day long.. with or without liners. Hot spots are a thing of the past!

[Tim K]

My favorite subject!

If blisters are an issue, liners can be the solution. I’m super prone to blisters. My feet are baby ass soft regardless of my training schedule. I’m sold out on injiji toe sock liners. I like the very thinnest they make. I dump a 1/2 tablespoon of my favorite foot powder in them before putting them on. Over them I like either mid or heavy weight Darn Tough hiking socks. It takes some getting used to, but for me it has been magic.

As an alternative, I’ve had good luck with Wright lined socks. They are an outer sock with an integral liner sock. They’re pretty good for rucks under 15 miles. If you use Wright socks, I like using Foot Glide to lubricate between my toes so toe to toe contact doesn’t cause a blister.

Smart Wool is crap. They don’t last. REI house brand? Same thing. Darn Tough socks are the poop. In fact, I just spent $50 on two pair today.

[Irving]

Perfect. I'm familiar with the brand name of Smart Wool, and knew I recently heard something, but couldn't remember what. I looked at the Darn Tough stuff. I'll pick some up, but was hoping they'd be cheap enough to replace a few of my work socks as well. I'll check out a few pair.

[ChickNorris]

Darn tough socks are a little pricey sure but worth every cent imo.

AND I dont have a problem with them being lint & hair traps like smart wool.

[Grant H.]

Do you do that all year round?

I either have my every day cotton socks, or thicker, cold weather wool socks. I'm new enough to hunting that I've not explored all the wool products that I should have. Are there wool socks that are only as thick as regular ole cotton socks?

I do for hunting/hiking. Not too hot in the summer, and nice and warm in the winter.

For work I generally just wear a good quality, reasonably thick cotton sock. I have done the poly/wool for work, and it's fine, it's just 1.5x as much to pack for work trips.

[BushMasterBoy]

I think my favorite boot is the Danner Matterhorn. Leather upper, goretex bootie sewn in, and vibram sole. I remember buying them at Fort Carson for about 150 bucks. I still have them.

[whitewalrus]

Perfect. I'm familiar with the brand name of Smart Wool, and knew I recently heard something, but couldn't remember what. I looked at the Darn Tough stuff. I'll pick some up, but was hoping they'd be cheap enough to replace a few of my work socks as well. I'll check out a few pair.

Smartwool used to be very good before they sold out and quality has kept going down since then. Very sad as I still have many of their older socks as I only use when hiking or hunting. But the newer ones do not hold up like they used to.

[whitewalrus]

My favorite subject!

If blisters are an issue, liners can be the solution. I’m super prone to blisters. My feet are baby ass soft regardless of my training schedule. I’m sold out on injiji toe sock liners. I like the very thinnest they make. I dump a 1/2 tablespoon of my favorite foot powder in them before putting them on. Over them I like either mid or heavy weight Darn Tough hiking socks. It takes some getting used to, but for me it has been magic.

As an alternative, I’ve had good luck with Wright lined socks. They are an outer sock with an integral liner sock. They’re pretty good for rucks under 15 miles. If you use Wright socks, I like using Foot Glide to lubricate between my toes so toe to toe contact doesn’t cause a blister.

Smart Wool is crap. They don’t last. REI house brand? Same thing. Darn Tough socks are the poop. In fact, I just spent $50 on two pair today.

I tend to have boots wear on my achilles, never was that way...but I found its extremely hard for me to wear anything that goes higher than a mid hiker. But I don't venture into too much snow as I normally archery hunt.

[Irving]

So I happened to be in Boulder today and stopped into REI. Their boot selection was definitely more toward hiking than hunting. They had a pair of Oboz for 50% off. Me and another guy both got a pair. I appreciate that they have the fake rock to stand on to see if your toes slide down. I got the boots and three pairs of Darn Tough socks (25% off, so $17) for just under $180 out the door. Spent WAY less than I intended.

[Tim K]

Just chiming back in here since I have some recent experience, as in yesterday.

My teammate and I finished our last training ruck before the SAC (Sniper Adventure Challenge) 11 days from today. We did 33 miles with 3,800 feet of elevation. 40# in the bag.

I wore my favorite trail runners (Altra Timp 1.5), Injiji toe sock liners, and Darn Tough mid-weight hiking socks.

I came home with a trivial blister on the tip of two toes, the first ones in from the big toe. They were downhill blisters from a long and miserable descent. I forgot to tighten up my laces and my feet were sliding too far forward. Dumbass!

If you can do without the ankle support hiking boot, trail runners make you fast, light, and the nimble.

[Rucker61]

Darn tough all day long.. with or without liners. Hot spots are a thing of the past!

I have about 16 pair of DT socks. Best ever.

[Rucker61]

Just chiming back in here since I have some recent experience, as in yesterday.

My teammate and I finished our last training ruck before the SAC (Sniper Adventure Challenge) 11 days from today. We did 33 miles with 3,800 feet of elevation. 40# in the bag.

I wore my favorite trail runners (Altra Timp 1.5), Injiji toe sock liners, and Darn Tough mid-weight hiking socks.

I came home with a trivial blister on the tip of two toes, the first ones in from the big toe. They were downhill blisters from a long and miserable descent. I forgot to tighten up my laces and my feet were sliding too far forward. Dumbass!

If you can do without the ankle support hiking boot, trail runners make you fast, light, and the nimble.

Leukotape for preventing blisters.

[whitewalrus]

If you can do without the ankle support hiking boot, trail runners make you fast, light, and the nimble.

I always go with as light of footwear as I can. Makes the journey that much easier. You aren?t lifting more weight with every step.

30 miles in one day isn?t easy on the body at all.

[Duman]

Colder weather, I wear these and they have been great. I bought them and hunted in them without breaking them in and no blisters.

https://www.lowaboots.com/mens/backpacking-hunting-mountain-hunting/hunter-gtx-evo-extreme-antique-brown?shoe_width=Medium



Wow! Sweet!

[Duman]

I've had good experience with Merino wool socks for short hikes. I still use liners and wool socks for long hikes, moleskin as needed.

For working long hours, I have a pair of Red Wings (don't recall model) and wear Guide Gear cotton socks. Long hours are no problem. Haven't hiked in them, don't think that would work.

I'll have to try Darn Tough socks, and a few other suggestions reported.

A must have, for me, is a good shank and ankle support.... some of the hiking terrain I'm on is rocky and will wrench an ankle when you least expect it.

ETA: Every pair of Hi-Tech I've owned has been a waste of money.

[RockChalker]

We’ve had great luck with Danner Pronghorn boots and Darn Tough socks. Just spent a week sheep hunting, covered a lot of miles and lots of elevation gain and the boots were great. Highly suggest some boot yak tracks if there’s any steep climbs with scree. They help tremendously!