I posted these in the Product Review section here, but want the two companies to get maximum positive and negative exposure so I'll post here too.
Rockport shoes use to be pretty good when made in USA but are now total junk and their customer service is worse. Bought my wife a fairly high dollar pair and they fell apart. She is very easy on shoes. Rockport would only allow less than half what I paid to replace them. The cheap replacements fell apart too. No more Rockports here.
Several years ago I bought a pair of fairly high dollar Ecco chukka boots. They were hot--like a chemical hot. Put in closet and almost forgot them. Recently tried them again--thinking maybe like paint fully drying the chemical action would neutralize. The soles started coming apart in big chunks. Emailed Ecco and got no reponse (around Christmas--possibly very busy). So I called them and the rep very helpful. They sent me a postage paid mailer to return them. In turn they sent me email that they were defective and would replace them. They next sent me a plastic comp card with a number on it and instructions of a site and enter that number. I was allowed my full purchase price towards a new pair---and they pay postage. After I ordered I received a tracking number and boots should arrive here this Friday. All manufactuers can make a mistake that slips through. Their correcting it was top notch--I was not out a penny.

Socks -- The correct/adequate sock will eliminate a lot of foot problems, blisters, fatigue.

I use a polypro (polypropylene) sock liner from REI and a Smart Wool brand wool over-sock. They FIT, seamless, provide cushioning and wick moisture away from the skin.

I'm not hard on boots, and have numerous pairs for different applications, from heavy mountaineering w/ crampons, to light trail stuff where we're nearly running with a fanny pack.

Danner is a local company, USA. I have had several pairs of their boots -- Vibram lug sole 8" hunter/hikers.

You get what you pay for. And in any case, good boot manufacturers back up what they produce.

I'm a big fan of New Balance because they have footwear in widths, and I need a wide last.

I like Limmer standard boots. These are heavy boots that weight about 5 LBS a pair, cost about $350, and do take some break-in. These boots are suitable for backpacking witha heavy pack over rough, stony ground where your feet need both good support and padding when you kick a rock with your toes. The boots last a long time and can be resoled when your sole wears out. By a "long time" I mean maybe your whole life. I had my first pair resoled four years ago when the boots were 22 years old. Granted, I didn't use them very frequently. At the same time I had these resoled I bought another new pair. I'm sure I'll die before either pair wears out. Look this boot up on line. I grant they are heavy, and some people don't like heavy. But if you want a long lasting, solid boot that will protect your feet under heavy loads on rocky trails, this boot is excellent.

I have a pair of Hathorn loggers that have been very good boots cost $185. My nephew has Drew boots that he has hiked in all over the world. He has climbed several 14000ft. peaks in Co., Kikamongaro in africa, made it to Everest base camp, all wearing the Drews. From the Sahara to the Rockies, those boots have held up great, only needing resoled. I don't know how much they cost but they are worth it.

I bought some Meindl Denalis from Cabellas, expecting the Fit IQ might take some of the risk out of mail order. They seem to work fine but I'm disappointed that, despite their name and extensive sidling, the box says they're only meant for strolling in alpine meadows

My two cents...

For the last 16 years as a park ranger in Colorado I wear Vasque Sundowners on a daily basis. I've had 8 pairs and love them. But, when it comes to backpacking or hunting I wear Lowa Rangers. They just fit me better than the Lowa Extreme hunters.

i LIKE HARKILA FROM SWEDEN,GREAT HUNTING GEAR

I spend at least two months each year backpack hunting in Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana and Alaska and I prefer the Meindl Alaska Hikers from Cabelas. They are the non-insulated version of the Alaska Hunters. Be careful getting a hardcore insulated mountain hunting boot as they will cause your feet to sweat badly during September and October hunts, which can lead to blisters.

Chet

quote:

Originally posted by cal pappas:
Gents:
I don't see much ever written of the Courteney boots made in Zimbabwe...

As you say, Cal, they are very comfortable but not for wet weather. I took other boots to Africa but found the Courteney Patrols so comfortable I needed nothing else for two weeks. However, though the tongue is sewn up to the top, mine have holes at the base that let any water straight in.

Asolo or Scarpa are what I have been using for the past few years with good results.
I do not recommend the boots with spongy type upper soles as the do "break down" particularly between hunting seasons when not in use.

Hey Guy's check out the new Under Armour Boots
I retired my old Browning Hunters in Alaska after my Dall hunt.
Bought some of these UA boots like them I have very high arches but these slip on very nice.
The ones I got were insulated $270.00 really not bad. Very good support and light weight.
Cabellas sell them.
Larry

I bit the bullet a few years ago and bought

Whoops.

I bought some http://www.cabelas.com/product...BMM%253Bcat104826780 Meindl boots at Cabelas. Took a while to break in but they've been really comfortable.

I'm not going to help your decision making much but I have both Lowa's and Kenetrek's and like them both.

Both are great quality boots and I don't think you could go wrong with either.

I've got three pairs of Meindls and love them. One pair Air Revolution Lite and two pairs of Sambars.

My feet love them

I've always used lowa and Mindel and would certainly recommend them.

I'd also recommend trying the boots on as different boots are made for different foot shapes. Some for longer feet, others for wider feet.

Good luck.

I have 2 pairs of Hi Tec Altitude 4's. Nothing fancy and you have to oil the tongue so the laces are quiet but they are damn good boot. I am hell on shoes, but these have held up very well. They also come in wide which is a huge thing for my wedge-shaped feet.

The Hi-Tec V Lite Learher series. I have found them an excellant choice. The only drawback is that they gape a bit at the back and I have to wear gaiters to keep out grass seeds and the like. I suppose folk with er, well, er, developed legs and ankles would not be troubled

quote:

Originally posted by ozhunter:
Asolo or Scarpa are what I have been using for the past few years with good results.
I do not recommend the boots with spongy type upper soles as the do "break down" particularly between hunting seasons when not in use.

ozhunter has hit the nail square on the head. I love my Meindl's as I have a problem with my right foot. However, I left a pair in Dar es Salaam for eight months and was worried after reading these posts and a warning from the shop here in Singapore just before I returned there in July.
Found them there and they looked ok so I wore them to check. After a day in Dar (which can be hard on boots!) the soles were coming apart. Had the same thing happen to a pair of Florsheim shoes here.

Yesterday I received new ones as replacement from shop I bought them at. The soles are completey different. I liked the impact softening of the old soles but did not expect them to die less than 2 years old. But good service from Meindl. Unfortunately had to do my walking in Tanz in thin soled street shoes! HTFU rockdoc

I have two pairs of Crispis in different styles. They are the best fitting boot I have found for my feet. A little extra room in the toe box, which is where I always have a problem and usually have to stretch any other boot. The quality is right up there with the best....ie. Lowa, Kennetrek, etc. I highly recommend them if you have the same issues with width in the toe box.

Scarpa! Thei are so nicely made & work real great - Italian shoemakers...

My favorite hunting shoe is the Irish Setter brand. They are good quality and hold up real nice.

I've been trying out many different boots, and have chosen the La Sportiva Trango EVO. They are the lightest mountaineering boots Sportiva makes, and I've used them before on a sheep hunt and they are fantastic for my feet. I don't think they's last ten years, as they are not all leather, but one good season is all I want.
Don