While trying to get just a little closer to the prey, many hunters take off their boots and continue in stocking feet. This does two things: it cuts down on the noise, and it makes you walk very slowly. However, when you are finished stalking you have to get back to your boots, which can be painful unless you walk very slowly.
I carry a pair of cushion insoles inside a pair of dark hiking socks. After removing my boots, I place the insoles between my socks and the hiking socks. The insoles provide protection against sharp stones and briars while leaving the soft soles of the hiking socks against the ground for silent stalking. Getting back to your boots is a simple affair, and taking them off means you don’t have to pick the stickers out of your socks before putting your boots on again.
Of course, you could simply take the insoles out of your boots and slip them into your socks if you are in a pinch, but then there are the stickers….
Using cushion insoles while stalking is a good idea but I prefer to simply use traditional soft double sole moccasins. They can be custom made and when they get worn, the bottom sole can be replaced by a leather worker. Certainly less hassle, IMHO.
I, too, have always preferred the soft soled moccasins over anything else. Particularly the ones made by Arrow Moccasin Co. It would take a whole lot of sneaks to need a new sole any of those.
Good idea Melvin. I’ve tried using soft soled moccasins, but where I hunt they don’t offer enough traction to keep from slip/sliding up and down hills covered with leaves or pinestraw.
Best tip in quite a while.
Yes that’s a nifty idea which I will try. Having a spare set of inserts I will use them in an one size up wool sock for the right situation. Thanks!
Thank you for the great tip
I am just getting back to be able shoot and hunt again.
For traction we smear Aqua seal on the bottom of our booties and walk through sand.
Great idea. I’ve used a pair of slip-over boot ‘bears feet’ for many years. Carry them on top of my buttpack and work fairly well even on pine needles & loose shale. Forgot them and had to stalk in socks over broken shale, rock rose thorns and needles one time. Didn’t feel a thing until afterwards when tip-toeing 30 yards uphill through that danged stuff!!
I have a pair of thick Costco hiking socks that I sprayed the bottom of with spray in bed liner for the same purpose. I don’t think they’d stop thorns, but they do ok on rocks and such.
A great idea thanks
Have you ever looked at the SneekBoots from SneekTec? You can leave your hunting boots on and they strap to the bottom of your boots and knock down about 75% of the sound your feet make.