Waterproof Footwear?

[wormburner]

Does anyone have a brand that they prefer, or what has worked for you?

I am looking to find something that is ankle high and will not cost a fortune, but you can wear all day long and are what they say, " totaly waterproof"!

I know the alternative is rubber boats, but do not want to go that route.

[gunflint]

All I wear until the snow flies is Cabelas brand with gortex.

[Northlander]

Burner get up to Gander ASAP! They have some real nice Rockies and Lacross on clearance and then another 25% off. I got a pair of $110 Rockies for about $30 last week. They were going fast. Lots of smaller sizes like 8.5 to 11's.

Directly across the isle from the waders.

[anchor man]

I just bought a pair of Quest boots at Dick's Sports in Richfield. For a penny under 60 bucks, they are more comfortable that the Rockies and Timberlands I tried on. I hadn't hear of that brand before, but they claim they're good quality

[CodyDawg]

Just remember, you get what you pay for. I like Danners and have been extremely satisfied with my 4 pairs.

[Hemlock]

Most comfy shoes (ankle boots) I've owned were Irish Setters w/goretex. I wore them when I worked at the jail for two years. That's a lot of miles on concrete/tile floors, and they were awesome. Danner's are more, but I've only ever owned a 9" field boot. Awesome construction with those babies too. Gore tex for waterproof.

[EyesnSchnapps]

Go with the Rockies. They are great. Gander has several on sale now.

[Animal]

I use the Timberline leather Chucka. It has a goretex lining that is totally waterproof and won't fail unless you cut it. It is the best shoe I've found for all around summer and fall outdoor use. It is a high top shoe that fits nicely under the rain suit. Sells for about $90. My opinion is that if it is not goretex it's not really waterproof and I've got lots of failed clothing and shoes to prove it.

[andy j]

Brian,

Go with something that has a Goretex liner. If you want 100% waterproof. They will always have a Goretex tag on the outside of the boot somewhere.

[nolte]

My choices would be something made by Danner, Vasque, or Red Wing. I've had Rocky's and won't buy them again, Lacrosse I like their rubber boots but not the others. I look at it this way, I can shell out more money and get 5-10 years out of a boot or, less and get two. I've also found that to keep them in good shape you must but some sort of leather conditioner on them otherwise they will start to crack a bit.

Also, no matter what the ads say, Goretex is not 100% waterproof all the time. It's better than anything else out there but far from entirely waterproof.

[Jim Hudson]

Columbia makes a good line of ankle high hiking boots that are waterproof. To make any boot completly waterproof... get some of those waterproof socks to wear with your boots. Have wore them in marshy areas before, scouting for deer and they left my feet dry as a bone.

[CodyDawg]

My Goretex boots have been 100% waterproof. I stood in ankle deep water for hours duck hunting last year with no problem. Maybe yours have a small hole in them or something?

[Jim Hudson]

Cody...

Yup my boots will keep me 100% dry when I am not in water over my ankles... But in any water higher then that, it seems any traditional style hunting boots will leak a bit.. that's why I suggested the waterproof socks and or booties, whatever they are called. Seal Skins, is the the company I believe I got mine from.

[Northlander]

Gander in Duluth just marked down their clearance boots 50% off lowest marked price. $130 boots for $20. Still some 400 and 800 gram gortex boots left. Rockie, Irish Setter, LaCross, Danner and a couple others. Mostly small and big sizes. Kids boots and shoes as well.

I got 2 pair at that price.

[nolte]

Cody

I can usually find a small leak in mine after use of about 6 months. The goretex membrane they put in boots usually has some sort of seam in it and over time these loosen up and that is where the water gets in. Not very much, but a little. That is where I get the not 100% waterproof from.

The toughest thing I've found on boots is when you get them wet and then dry them out repeatedly. This is where you find out how well the boot will last.

[Blackduck]

Anybody ever tried the Black Rock boots from Cabelas?? Dakota and Idaho are the models. 2000 grams thinsulate, waterproof "agua plus" membrane. Both Camo and Leather uppers. $79.99 and $89.99. Look like a good boot for the money. Just wondering if anyone has them and how they are holding up?