Home Forums Campfire Forum Boots?

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    • RedTape
        Post count: 51

        I finally lucked into about 120 acres to hunt on this year, however it requires about a mile walk to get there. After the last two days, lets just say rubber boots ain’t gonna cut it!

        I need something I can hike in, that’s waterproof, and won’t completely contaiminate the area with scent….all without breaking the bank…I just can’t afford $200 for a pair of boots right now.

        So what have you all found to be ideal?

      • William Warren
        Member
          Post count: 1384

          LL Bean’s Maine Hunting Shoe. Comes in 6″ to 12″ heights. Rubber bottoms, leather uppers. Requires little to no break in. Deer hunters have used them for decades, actually the design may be 100 years old now. Uninsulated models are usually around 100.00 but they last and can be resoled by LL Bean. A classic hunting boot. But they won’t do well in very rocky, mountainous terrain where stiff soles and heavy ankle support rules.

          I’ve used Bean boots since 1980. My first pair went through 2 soles before my feet expanded at middle age and I had to go

          up a size. My current pair have lasted longer, a testament to the fact that I have slowed down a bit. They may outlast me.

        • Col Mike
          Member
            Post count: 911

            Check out mukluks.com. Have Yukon and Camuks + apachee and low cut mocs. You will never wear a boot or shoe again. Moose hide rubber soles awesome for stalking. All explained on the site if ? email at herdering@earthlink.net.

            Semper Fi

            Mike

          • tailfeather
              Post count: 417

              I agree with Duncan.

            • archer38
                Post count: 242

                I have a Father in-law from Maine who swears by LL Bean boots and has 2 or 3 pair that have seemed to last forever. I have had a couple pairs of good mukluks over the years and I have never found anything more comfortable or stealthy. I’m actually waiting for my wife to ask what I want for my Birthday as I’m about due for a new pair.

              • RedTape
                  Post count: 51

                  Thanks for the replies. I ordered a pair of the LL Bean boots. Hopefully those will work a little better. The mukluks look great. I’ll have to try a pair as funds become more available.

                • David Petersen
                  Member
                    Post count: 2749

                    I third Dunkan on the LL Beaners. I walk hundreds of miles in mine in steep rough terrain and pack meat with them and they absolutely cut it. Nothing better I’ve ever found. About $100 a pair. Be sure to request speed laces.

                  • Charles Ek
                    Moderator
                      Post count: 566

                      I’ve never worn anything else that approaches the LL Bean Maine Hunting Shoe for quietness. And this is the year I will finally quit copping out in rough terrain and switching to stiffer boots. DP, it will be your fault (and G. Fred’s) if I’m found deceased this season at the bottom of a rain-slicked gully with a sharp stick or two through my innards … 😉

                    • David Petersen
                      Member
                        Post count: 2749

                        Well Charles, should that happen, at least you’ll have died with your boots on. 😛

                      • Charles Ek
                        Moderator
                          Post count: 566

                          David Petersen wrote: Well Charles, should that happen, at least you’ll have died with your boots on. 😛

                          More painful than a blister … 🙄

                        • gigglemonk
                            Post count: 146

                            So how do these ll beans do in hot weather? Like southern ca 85 degree plus? They look like they might be a tad warm

                          • coldpak
                              Post count: 60

                              I asked this queastion last year and the same answer came through. L.L.Bean Dave you were correct i purchased a pair with speed lacecs like you suggested i am sold. Just ordered the 100th anniversary boot yesterday.

                            • woodchuck
                              Member
                                Post count: 40

                                LL Bean is the way to go. Wear them year round (uninsulated of course) in Southern Arkansas. Amazing how much quieter they are in the woods, even heavy fall leaves.

                              • William Warren
                                Member
                                  Post count: 1384

                                  Gigglemonk wrote: So how do these ll beans do in hot weather? Like southern ca 85 degree plus? They look like they might be a tad warm

                                  My first pair were the 6″ high model. I wore them dove hunting in Sept every year when temps were rarely below 90 at 12:00 pm, the typical openimg day shooting time. Also used them on spring bear hunts where daytime temps could be in the 80’s Spring turkey, same thing. I just switched to good cotton atheletic socks instead of wool although now you can get warm weather wool hiking socks.

                                • Goraidh
                                    Post count: 101

                                    The LL Bean hunting boot is certainly the way to go. I’ve had the same pair for going on 10 years, and they just keep going. Plus, LL Bean has their lifetime 100% satisfaction guarantee. Can’t beat that. I use the insulated boots as I live in Maine, but I’m sure the uninsulated boots would be great in warmer climates.

                                  • gigglemonk
                                      Post count: 146

                                      Thanks for the help. And thanks to RedTape for starting this thread.

                                      Ill be looking for a pair to try on

                                    • RedTape
                                        Post count: 51

                                        Got my pair today. They aren’t even broke in yet and they are great! Now to waterproof the leather and try them out in the woods. Thanks again guys!

                                      • Roger Norris
                                          Post count: 91

                                          First answer nailed it. I’m a big believer in the LLB Main Hunting Shoe. The Schnees version is excellent also.

                                        • jaytbuzzard
                                            Post count: 80

                                            I just got a pair of the LL Bean hunting shoes and they are great. Do yall tuck your pant legs into your boots? I am getting use to lacing them up and getting them tight in the right places. They are very comfortable and light.

                                          • woodchuck
                                            Member
                                              Post count: 40

                                              Yes, I tuck my pants in. Seems like my pants leg hems get caught on everything if I don’t tuck them. These are the only boots I wear anymore for hunting.

                                            • Roger Norris
                                                Post count: 91

                                                Nope…I don’t tuck them in, that causes discomfort at the tops. Sometimes I do use military “blousing rubbers” though.

                                              • paleoman
                                                Member
                                                  Post count: 931

                                                  I’ve used the Bean boots for years and they’re great. My only beech is the chain tread can be a little weak on the grip on slippery slopes.

                                                • Terry Lightle
                                                    Post count: 24

                                                    Hunting in a pair of Schnees this year ,are real comfortable

                                                  • William Warren
                                                    Member
                                                      Post count: 1384

                                                      I tuck pant legs on my 10″ pair but leave em out on my 8″ pair and that also depends on weather and temp. So basically I have an early season and late season pair.

                                                    • jaytbuzzard
                                                        Post count: 80

                                                        I got a pair of the 12″ boots. They are so light. My left foot has a spot on the front of the inside ankle that rides right under the flap where the tongue folds. I am trying to figure out how to lace them so I don’t have the pressure. The right boot feels perfect. I guess my feet are not symmetrical.

                                                      • jaytbuzzard
                                                          Post count: 80

                                                          Also where do yall find the sno seal. I have seen it online but I would rather buy it locally. Any Ideas?

                                                        • Charles Ek
                                                          Moderator
                                                            Post count: 566

                                                            jaytbuzzard wrote: Also where do yall find the sno seal. I have seen it online but I would rather buy it locally. Any Ideas?

                                                            9755 Northlake Centre Pkwy.

                                                            AKA the REI store in Charlotte: http://www.rei.com/product/764880/tectron-sno-seal-waterproofing. 😉

                                                          • jmsmithy
                                                            Member
                                                              Post count: 300

                                                              Had a pair of Russell’s made in 07 before safari to So Africa. They were pricey but worth every penny…give great support. I wear them now for small /upland game as well as some warmer deer hunts….:D

                                                            • sinawalli
                                                                Post count: 222

                                                                Gotta resurrect this one! I have 2 pair of Bean boots, one is about 2 years old, with a insulated gore tex liner, and the other pair are uninsulated, and about 25 years old. Both are great boots! Also really like my Arrow Bush Boots, very comfortable, very well priced, and built like a tank. Very quiet in the bush.

                                                              • lyagooshka
                                                                  Post count: 600

                                                                  I got a little fortunate, I guess. In the warmer weather, I wear the warm-weather boots I got issued in Army BCT. In the colder weather I wear the cold-weather boots issued in Army BCT. Both work well. Warm weathers are not water proof. Neither is too silent, but I blame myself rather than the boots on that one. I have had them for almost a decade. Gotta see what brand they are. Be well.

                                                                  Alex

                                                                  😛

                                                                • BuckyT
                                                                    Post count: 138

                                                                    Are the LL Bean Boots made in China??

                                                                  • Charles Ek
                                                                    Moderator
                                                                      Post count: 566

                                                                      BuckyT wrote: Are the LL Bean Boots made in China??

                                                                      “Each pair is still handstitched and checked for quality right here in Maine.” Men’s Maine Hunting Shoes®, 10″

                                                                    • BuckyT
                                                                        Post count: 138

                                                                        eidsvolling wrote: [quote=BuckyT]Are the LL Bean Boots made in China??

                                                                        “Each pair is still handstitched and checked for quality right here in Maine.” Men’s Maine Hunting Shoes®, 10″

                                                                        That is worth purchasing them right there!

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