Dear Grand Oracle,

I have sacrificed the requisite number of beers and performed the sacred rite with the requisite number of maidens, can you please answer me this seemingly simple question.

What is the perfect stalking boot?

I have been using what amounts to light mountaineering boots for the last three years and whilst they are good, they are a bit noisy and a bit heavy.

So far I have come up with the following characteristics:

1. high calf to keep the water out when you have to step in a puddle or rut.
2. waterproof membrane, ideally goretex
3. thin, ideally rubber sole, for quietness and sensitivity
4. quick lacing, people's wives hate mud as a rule.
5. breathable, I can wear socks if it's cold, I'm loathe to flay skin when it's hot however.

Any and all thoughts much appreciated together with examples and explanations!

Regards,

A

Hard to put it all in one - while I prefer Courteney's since those are quietest and coldest I have, the step up that I use for stalking on rather flat terrain are Teva's Riva Mesh Mid Event. Should comply with all your points. Light, soft, quiet..warm enough for those late September red's rut temps...till it snows.

Thank you mouse, I am grateful for your advice.

You put your finger on it when you said "..on rather flat terrain..." above, nearly all of our stalking in the UK is on relatively flat terrain and so I have eventually come to the conclusion that a lighter weight, not so stiff in the sole, boot would be better as it would be quieter and still offer all the foot support necessary.

Does that all sound fairly close to the mark or am I missing something?

Regards,

Amir

I have spent a fortune on boots over the years.

Heavy lace up hunting boots are all very well for the hill, but are much too noisy and clumsy for woodland stalking.

Coming full circle, welly's are the answer, neoprene lined for cold weather and sitting in highseats and an ordinary cotton lined pair for spring and summer. I use Aigle Parcours, one pair of each type.

If the weather / ground is dry for early season stalking in the summer, I wear a pair of light low cut hiking boots - Meindl Borneo's, on the rare occasions I am out on the hill or in heavy snow, Meindl Glockner's are the job.

quote:

Originally posted by Ghubert:
Dear Grand Oracle,

I have sacrificed the requisite number of beers and performed the sacred rite with the requisite number of maidens, can you please answer me this seemingly simple question.

What is the perfect stalking boot?

I have been using what amounts to light mountaineering boots for the last three years and whilst they are good, they are a bit noisy and a bit heavy.

So far I have come up with the following characteristics:

1. high calf to keep the water out when you have to step in a puddle or rut.
2. waterproof membrane, ideally goretex
3. thin, ideally rubber sole, for quietness and sensitivity
4. quick lacing, people's wives hate mud as a rule.
5. breathable, I can wear socks if it's cold, I'm loathe to flay skin when it's hot however.

Any and all thoughts much appreciated together with examples and explanations!

Regards,

A

Personally, I like the Aigle Genets:



Except for very hot days in summer, and perhaps the very coldest weather in winter, they work well.

I have two pairs, both over five years old and both still waterproof although a bit tatty looking. The sole is not as hard as vibram and the boot is relatively light, meaning i find I can stalk relatively quietly in them..

For me the perfect stalking boot, not really high-teck but light, very quiet, affordable, robust. For summer hunting, you don't need anything else, they are available with goretex and other, warmer linings. The design is I think from the 1920s...

L.L.Bean Maine Hunting Boot:

Amir,

My book/shoe consideration for the UK simply boils down to one componet issue. That is Mud w/Epoxy additive. This condition singularly exists where you are & no where else - period. There can be only one answer and that is a boot/shoe w/rubber outer. There is simply NO alternative as add one drop of water any where in the UK where there's dirt (water+H2O=Mud) and the curing process begins.

While I despise the things for lack of ankle support; a pair of Wellingtons w/neoprene are IMO your best bet. For chilly days a pair of modern science's magic Toe Warmers do great and for REALLY cold days add a second pair in the heel and you're good to go.

For those few days a year (draught conditions) either Pete's (I quite like the looks of those Aigle Genets), Mousie's or Brian's suggestion of a Gore-Tex lined Hiking Boot are spot-on.

Anything w/leather is an open invitation to wearing "Mud" Snow Shoes within several steps outdoors.

The other thing I will say regarding the Aigle Neoprene's is that I wore them day and daily through the worst weather we have had for 50 years, down to -17 deg C. Not once did I have cold feet.

We were out shooting in the new year, one of the guys joked that the only people not wearing neoprenes were people who don't own neoprene's.

They really are the only option for winter in the UK.

+1 for Aigle Parcours. I only wear leather boots when stalking in properly rough ground in Scotland or during the summer months. Too much mud the rest of the time to bother with leather treatment. Also, most of my stalking is flat easy country so ankle support isn't much of a concern.

Amir.
Perhaps not the "perfect" stalking boot, but what I have seen on my two trips to England, I would say Muck Boot wellies.

As Gerry said, sticky mud, wet ground seems to be the norm.
And the neoprene Muck Boot is a ready answer to this.
They are light, warm and the soles on the Avon model I have, is not to stiff or "agressive"
The only down side is that if they get damp inside, it takes a while to dry them out.

For more rough terrain I have two pairs of leather / Gore tex lace on boots.
A light 10" pair from Garmont, and a more heavy and stiff pair of 8" mountain boots from Meindl.
The Meindl is the best boots I ever have had, but are more a mountain boot than for flat land stalking.

Ecco also has a 7" high "winter" lace on boot with Gore Tex lining that is both light and with a rather wide fit, that I use for stalking when the terraing isn´t to steep or wet.

quote:

Originally posted by Gerry:
Amir,

My book/shoe consideration for the UK simply boils down to one componet issue. That is Mud w/Epoxy additive. This condition singularly exists where you are & no where else - period. There can be only one answer and that is a boot/shoe w/rubber outer. There is simply NO alternative as add one drop of water any where in the UK where there's dirt (water+H2O=Mud) and the curing process begins.

While I despise the things for lack of ankle support; a pair of Wellingtons w/neoprene are IMO your best bet. For chilly days a pair of modern science's magic Toe Warmers do great and for REALLY cold days add a second pair in the heel and you're good to go.

For those few days a year (draught conditions) either Pete's (I quite like the looks of those Aigle Genets), Mousie's or Brian's suggestion of a Gore-Tex lined Hiking Boot are spot-on.

Anything w/leather is an open invitation to wearing "Mud" Snow Shoes within several steps outdoors.

Mud is not so bad in most places...the worst seems to be arable fields after they have been ploughed especially where the ground is a heavy clay.

In those instance I agree a rubber boots are best.

Another solution are gaitors...When on the hilly terrain up in Scotland, I find the Genets coupled with gaitors work pretty well for my needs.

Not sure what to recommend for the open heather covered hill, especially when the heather has been burnt or cut, as the remaining stalks will destroy the best of boots in a season or two..

Lundhags. Best boots I've ever used whether on the hill or in woodland. Quiet enough too despite a vibram sole. They're also pretty light despite their build.

Downside is price.

G

I like my le chameaus. they are great!

I have used a pair of Musto Buckenden boots for the last few years.
They are leather with a goretex lining and vibram soles.
They cope with mud, water and brambles remarkably well.
I don't think they'd suit for climbing Scottish mountains but for General stalking and shooting in England ans South Africa they have been as dry, warm and comfy as a pair of slippers!
The mud and blood cleans off relatively easily too.

I too have searched high and wide.

The trend in walknig boots is for low ankle height. Surprising how effective low boots are without gaitors if trouser sits well. High boots normally come with hideously stiff sole for wearing crampons etc.

Best I have found to be the Army Proboot. Goretex/sympatex lined, mid calf height, very flexible sole, completely waterproof, wear in very quickly and cheap at £79 from Silvermans.

The downside is they are black and will lose the 'surface' of the leather near the toe (no rand and not the highest quality leather) but they stay waterproof and at that price only have to last a couple of seasons. I took mine to Sweden and they remained watertight after a solid week of walking in slush and bogs. Take it from me that is an amazing achievement!

If you have a good pair of trousers you can forget gaitors merely clamp your trousers over your boots with straps.

If you get a pair note they are at least 1 size smaller than normal.

Having had bad (two lots of surgery in a year) ankle problems, I sought a lot of advice from the surgeons about what I should look for in a stalking boot. In fact I even took an Orthopod surgeon to the game fair (happen to be getting married to her) and the best boots we could find were the Lundhags. I've worn them a lot (2hrs minimum a day) and wouldnt wear anything else now. I'll even pop them on if i'm dog walking . Twinned with some swazi gaiters they are excellent all year round.

Ghubert

Have you seen the TARZAN footages

Go bare foot

nothing will hear you in Africa

BIG FIVE WITH NO BOOTS.......way to go Amir

I have hammered a pair of Blackislander for 2 very busy seasons, clearfells etc, cant fault them

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:

quote:

Originally posted by Ghubert:
Dear Grand Oracle,

I have sacrificed the requisite number of beers and performed the sacred rite with the requisite number of maidens, can you please answer me this seemingly simple question.

What is the perfect stalking boot?

I have been using what amounts to light mountaineering boots for the last three years and whilst they are good, they are a bit noisy and a bit heavy.

So far I have come up with the following characteristics:

1. high calf to keep the water out when you have to step in a puddle or rut.
2. waterproof membrane, ideally goretex
3. thin, ideally rubber sole, for quietness and sensitivity
4. quick lacing, people's wives hate mud as a rule.
5. breathable, I can wear socks if it's cold, I'm loathe to flay skin when it's hot however.

Any and all thoughts much appreciated together with examples and explanations!

Regards,

A

Personally, I like the Aigle Genets:



Except for very hot days in summer, and perhaps the very coldest weather in winter, they work well.

I have two pairs, both over five years old and both still waterproof although a bit tatty looking. The sole is not as hard as vibram and the boot is relatively light, meaning i find I can stalk relatively quietly in them..

I second You Pete, mine are over 15 years and still perfect for any job......
I most appreciated them in Scotland where they were soaked every day and none the less waterproof in the end of the day, and even more in the morning.
Not so with my friends using German top end boots.
In the Alps mountain, though the ankle support is medium, they were invaluable for walking among the rocks and the grip is noticeable on ice. Snow doesn't have any effect on them. One slight reproach is that in cold winter one needs thick socks, what's not easy with boots perfectly fitting all year long. It results that my feet being too tightened the cold is getting the better part. I should have a larger pair for winter but I prefer neopren Le Chameau boot in winter.
Give me Aigle any day.
Though they could be easily beaten by Desert Aigle for summer or African Hunting.
Real tough and light boots

The Aigles are absolutely superb. Mine lasted for upwards of 14 years until I decided to tread on a nail before walking into a cornish snipe bog. A recipe for a wet foot all day long!!

In fact I liked them so much I wore them with the hole in the sole for another year whenever it was dry!!

K

The Aigle looks very nice.
But I can´t find any other than rubber wellies when I google...
Any of you guys have a link to this specific boot?

quote:

Originally posted by Ghubert:
Dear Grand Oracle,

I have sacrificed the requisite number of beers and performed the sacred rite with the requisite number of maidens, can you please answer me this seemingly simple question.

What is the perfect stalking boot?

I have been using what amounts to light mountaineering boots for the last three years and whilst they are good, they are a bit noisy and a bit heavy.

So far I have come up with the following characteristics:

1. high calf to keep the water out when you have to step in a puddle or rut.
2. waterproof membrane, ideally goretex
3. thin, ideally rubber sole, for quietness and sensitivity
4. quick lacing, people's wives hate mud as a rule.
5. breathable, I can wear socks if it's cold, I'm loathe to flay skin when it's hot however.

Any and all thoughts much appreciated together with examples and explanations!

Regards,

A

Amir,

I have found these to be great winter / hill stalking boots

http://www.arcticoutdoor.co.uk...33-html/prod_33.html

The soles are a little hard for summer wood land stalking but great for the hill the bonus about them is them not being leather they dont take any time to dry.

For summer or woodland stalking I have been using Danner Jackals but sadly Danner have dropped these from production.
I have just ordered a pair of these
http://www.danner.com/boots/de...-military-boots.html
A couple of friend have them and use them year round. I will try them out and report back.

DJM,

You may already be aware, but the British Military is going to switch to brown boots as standard issue with the new Multicam uniform.

As they do with the current desert boots, troops will get the choice from a couple of "off the shelf" commercial boots.

Give things a little while, and I see plenty of brown boots being offered by various makers trying to cash in on this market, many of which will be ideal for stalking...Altberg is one such company I'll be watching given the quality of their products..

Regards,

Peter

I have settled on a pair of La Sportiva Anfibio Gtx low ankle boots used with gaitors when I know that its going to be wet and muddy. Had the higher Crispi hunters but they squeaked/creaked something terrible when I wore them before.

I have owned scores of boots and walked miles and miles around Britain - doing my own thing, and int the army and TA. Hunted in NZ and feel I know what I want in a hunting boot.
I would seriously recommend Altberg boots - and despite the name it's UK company, based in Richmond.
They do loads of military boots and I would really recommend you look at the Peacekeeper and the Defender.
Both are available with or without waterproof membranes. I have both boots without the membranes, and reckon that's best, as if you do get them wet on the inside (easily done if you're in lashing rain and it runs down your legs and onto your socks, drenching them.) A good leather boot is as waterproof as you make it.
The main difference between the boots is the flexibility of the sole, one is stiffer than the other, giving it a sturdier feel. They both have Vibram soles. just the midsole stiffener is different.
The do a super light weight Sneeker all leather boot, but that isn't meant to be waterproof.
They are very reasonably priced, will also measure youand make sure you get the right size.
And they are dead popular with "Our Boys (and girls)" and they know what's important on their feet.
I have worn Danners, issue boots, jungle boots, Magnums, Lunhags, Salomons and other good walking boots.
Altbergs are best for me. I'm nothin to do with the company, by the way (but would accept a freebie if anyone offered!!!! )

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:

Personally, I like the Aigle Genets:



Except for very hot days in summer, and perhaps the very coldest weather in winter, they work well.

I have two pairs, both over five years old and both still waterproof although a bit tatty looking. The sole is not as hard as vibram and the boot is relatively light, meaning i find I can stalk relatively quietly in them..

May I ask if these boots could withstand walking on rough and rocky terrain? I tend to walk a lot,about 6-10 kilometres a day and tend to wear my shoes out fast or the pebbles make holes in the sloes.Appreciate your reply.Thanks.


Best-
Locksley,R.

Those Aigle Genets really caught my eye - perfect for the lighter terrain around my home range.
But - I can't find any detail on availability and price anywhere - i've searched the web and even the Aigle site doesn't list them.
Anything this downunder luddite is missing on this ????

quote:

Originally posted by RobinOLocksley:

quote:

Originally posted by Pete E:

Personally, I like the Aigle Genets:



Except for very hot days in summer, and perhaps the very coldest weather in winter, they work well.

I have two pairs, both over five years old and both still waterproof although a bit tatty looking. The sole is not as hard as vibram and the boot is relatively light, meaning i find I can stalk relatively quietly in them..

May I ask if these boots could withstand walking on rough and rocky terrain? I tend to walk a lot,about 6-10 kilometres a day and tend to wear my shoes out fast or the pebbles make holes in the sloes.Appreciate your reply.Thanks.


Best-
Locksley,R.

Robin,

One of the things I particularly liked about these boots was how hard wearing the soles were. I used them for several season s in Cyprus walking on hard rocky ground and slopes covered in shale. The soles withstood a lot of punishment. We would probably cover the type of distances you mentioned and more in a day and boots were probably the most important bit of kit apart from the gun and shells that we took out.

I tried to do the same thing this year with a salomon walking boot, and although I didn't have any problems I found out that the boot was no longer the limiting factor on how far I could walk!!!

Rgds,
K

I did a bit of research and it looks like the Genet is no more.

Its replacement looks like it is the Artemis High GTX. I've not handled one but I'm going to go and take a look. We retail them at £130 + postage. Might be less when I see if I don't have to charge the VAT for overseas shipping. That should knock off about £20.

K

For the Genets try:

http://www.nsac.co.uk/sale%20page%20footwear.htm

They are listing them as in a sale for £88, but whether they have any is a different matter!

Another site that lists them is:
http://www.pointerproducts.co....king-boot-p-358.html

Thanks,Kiri, for your reply. Looks like they are replaced by Artemis and the latter do not look bad.


Best-
Locksley,R.

quote:

Originally posted by RobinOLocksley:
Thanks,Kiri, for your reply. Looks like they are replaced by Artemis and the latter do not look bad.


Best-
Locksley,R.

Hi Robin,

What I liked about the Genets was that they didn't weigh much, and had the flexibility for walking on uneven ground. I can't realy comment on the Artemis as I haven't held or worn them but when i see a boot with all that plastic bolstering and stuff I start thinking that we are dealing with style over substance.

For me flexibiliity in the structure of a walking boot is omportant because every rigid boot I have ever had that felt great in the shop had problems down the line with cracking accross the toes or the heel supports breaking because the boot didn't move with your foot.

At £88 that Pete found the Genets for I might go a head and see if I can get a pair before they run out completely.

Rgds,
K

My for the last season (september) not for hiking only for forest Hunt is one model for Lady is this:


is very good, this is my personal suggestion!

quote:

Originally posted by Fallow Buck:

quote:

Originally posted by RobinOLocksley:
Thanks,Kiri, for your reply. Looks like they are replaced by Artemis and the latter do not look bad.


Best-
Locksley,R.

Hi Robin,

What I liked about the Genets was that they didn't weigh much, and had the flexibility for walking on uneven ground. I can't realy comment on the Artemis as I haven't held or worn them but when i see a boot with all that plastic bolstering and stuff I start thinking that we are dealing with style over substance.

For me flexibiliity in the structure of a walking boot is omportant because every rigid boot I have ever had that felt great in the shop had problems down the line with cracking accross the toes or the heel supports breaking because the boot didn't move with your foot.

At £88 that Pete found the Genets for I might go a head and see if I can get a pair before they run out completely.

Rgds,
K

Kiri,

Thanks again for your feedback.The Genets sound like perfect for my requirements. Will try to get hold of a pair.

Best-
Locksley,R.

I have a pair of these I bought in 2006 for a trip to Africa. I wear them abotu 200 days a year ranging from with my suit back and forth to work, walking in a mall with my wife and pretty much all hunting until it gets colder than -20c.

http://www.zappos.com/ecco-track-ii-high

I will drop in here with my two cents if that is ok.

I have'nt seen anyone addresing the noise issue so I would like to suggest two ways of quieting the walk. First is, buy a pair of very large inexpensive wool work socks. When you get to that really dry crunchy ground cover, pull the wool socks over your boots. ùyou would be surprised how quiet it gets.

Second: mucklucks. But get the ones with the leather soles. The rubber soles are just as noisy as rubber boots.

Walking in mucklucks allows you to feel everything under your feet. you can step carefully and quietly. The only caviet is you can only wear them when the ground conditions are dry. That leather will soak up moisture like a chamois. Also, no ankle support.

Kindest regards,

Carpediem