Source
r/Hunting•
pegwedge

The best inexpensive hunting boots?

I’m in desperate need of a new pair of boots for hunting this fall but I’m on a bit of a tight budget at the moment. I know boots are not something to skimp on but I just don’t have $300 to drop on a pair of Schnee’s right now.

I generally hunt on a farm in southern WV and, while I like to walk the property and still hunt, I’m not going to be walking fifteen miles a day. Temps range anywhere from 0 to 70 depending on the type of winter we’re having.

So what I’m in search of is a decent pair of boots in the $100-150 range. I’ve looked at quite a few online but I’m curious if I’ve missed any hidden gems of the boot world.

Posted Sep 26, 2017, 2:33 AM UTC

627
Toby_dog•

under armour have a bunch of boots on sale. I never would have considered buying their gear until I watched Adam Greentree's instagram elk hunt. Their footwear (and hunting gear in general) always seemed kinda gimmicky. He walked something like 300 miles in one of their models and was raving about them. I know he's sponsored, but the boots took a beating and apparently held up. He said they were comfortable too. (plus, they look kinda cool)

9
clay_yalcMontana•

I like my Under Armour boots. Have had them for 3 seasons now and put quite a few miles on them a season. They are kinda half way between and boot and tennis shoe. I have knee problems and lighter boot helps a lot.

3
pegwedgeOPWV•

I wondered what boots he was wearing, I must have missed those posts. That hunt should be a testimony to the quality of those boots. Unfortunately the ones that are on sale aren’t in my size or I would have jumped on them. I’ll keep an eye out for them though. Thanks for the lead.

2
SkepticAtLarge•

Sierra Trading Post has some Under Armour boots on sale as well. They list them as "Famous Brand", but they do tell which models they are.

https://www.sierratradingpost.com/mens-boots~d~137/famous-brand~b~3631/

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pegwedgeOPWV•

Whoa, thanks for the heads up. I think I'll be jumping on that deal.

1
huntfishforage•

Danner Pronghorn. I put hundreds of miles on my boots every year. It's the only boot that lasts me more than 2 seasons, and are very comfortable.

8
sheeshSGLWashington•

The all leathers are worth every penny.

3
-FullDraw-•

I hunt in a similar part of the country, and honestly I do just fine in my waterproof work boots. I have an older pair that I only use for hunting and I've never had an issue, whether in early season when it's hot or late season. I wouldn't recommend it if you're going way out in the western backcountry and putting a lot of miles in, or in alpine conditions, but for east coast hunting where it's minimal hiking/ambush hunting I've never had a reason to buy expensive dedicated hunting boots.

Edit: Although now that I'm looking at those Under Armour boots they're actually pretty reasonably priced, about the same for a pair of work boots so maybe don't listen to me

2
pegwedgeOPWV•

That’s sort of my problem. I have a “do all” pair of boots that I’ve hunted, worked, shoveled the driveway, etc in. And they’re about to fall apart. My theory though is that a good pair of hunting boots would be decent for anything else, so put that priority first. Maybe I’m going about it backwards though.

1
bradhuds•

I use a pair of redwing pecos with wool socks.

1
WagglyfawnWashington•

What brand is your "do all" pair? Is the whole boot falling apart or is it just the sole that is worn away?

1
pegwedgeOPWV•

Merrells. They're quite literally just falling apart. They've been great boots, but I've worn them out over the last seven years. I've looked into getting another pair of a similar model but I'm going to shop around a bit this time.

1
Needs-A-Hobby•

If stores near you sell Rocky boots, check them out. They usually have some in the $100-150 range, and I've had my current pair for over 10 years. Put a lot of miles on them (in eastern terms anyway), and they're still comfortable, warm, and waterproof.

2
Gaiaaxiom•

I'm happy with my snake boots from Academy. I've had them since march and I haven't had any issues. They're hard to beat for $99

1
ratamahattayou•

Look at hiking boots also. They should fit your budget and that's basically what schnee's are. Sierra trading Post should have some.

1
NoIdeaHowToHobby•

This would be my recommendation. Most hunting boots are remarketed hiking boots. My Akus have thousands of alpine and canyon miles and still comfortable.

1
Arikash•

I picked up a pair of Irish Setter Vaprtrek and they've been pretty good to me so far, although I only have a few miles on them.

They seem to get pretty good reviews around here.

1
basic_tom•

I came here to say this. I've had my pair for ~2 years now, still waterproof, original laces, and I use them frequently. Lightweight and super comfortable. There are plenty of good boots out there but IMO these are the best, and well worth the ~$130

1
pegwedgeOPWV•

These were some of the first boots I looked at when starting out this year. I'll definitely be tracking a pair down locally to try on.

1
GuessImNotLurking•

I like my Cabela's branded boots and the warranty is crazy.

1
brokenkneecap•

I was gonna recommend these as well. Cabelas boots have yet to let me down. The guys at Midwest Whitetail use them too.

1
pegwedgeOPWV•

I'll look into these, thanks. My nearest Cabela's is about an hour and a half away but I'll be making a pre-season trip before too long.

1
mvmntsofthemind•

Tbh it doesn't really matter what boot you get for your requirements. Besides boots ate extremely personal so it doesn't really matter what works for other people. You need to figure out a process for evaluating the way a boot fits, not be looking for specific recommendations. The only real decision you have to make is insulated or uninsulated, and neither is going to work well all the time in such a wide range of conditions. Sounds like you won't be doing much work so you may do well going insulated to stay warm and just suffer in the heat. Still hunting is mistly standing around anyway.

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tripreed•

LL Bean Boots/Maine Hunting Shoe?

1
crab-bait•

Lots of folks on the Oregon coast using Romeos

1
Yemale•

Yes, it's really difficult to choose the best boots. If you are not sure about what boots to choose, I can recommend a good article. In the article, you can find reviews of different brands. It will definitely help you to make a choice. I prefer Lowas - https://under-the-open-sky.com/best-waterproof-hunting-boots-2017-reviews-and-top-picks/

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antGone•

MuckBoots Adult FieldBlazer is a good budget boot for hunting. My neighbor is using it for more than a year and never heard a complain from him. Well, if you are looking for something special for this winter, I highly recommend you the Bogs Men's Classic High Camo. As I am also on a tight budget this year I bought the pair last month for $118 after reading this review http://www.prohuntinghacks.com/best-cold-weather-hunting-boots/. Loving this pair for its neoprene upper and mossy oak camo print. But if I had a good budget, I would definitely go for Kenetrek Men's Mountain Extreme 400.

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