Winter Boots

sherpa · Jan 22, 2005

tracdoc
Thanks for all the detailed info. I had been wondering if GTX had a competitor that was better. I had seen a pair of LaCrosse boots somewhere in my search that I liked. I have a pair of motorcycle boots with gtx that done exactly what you said, they got wet from the top opening during a rain storm I was riding in and they were forever drying. I will search the web sites you gave me.
Sherpa

Indydirtfarmer · Jan 22, 2005

Being the fashion trendsetter that I am.....(You're supposed to laugh....) I'm not suprised my favorites are now the "trendy" thing to wear.

Years ago, I started wearing Carhardtt work clothes. Now they're popular... Even the Rappers and "gang bangers" are wearing them

Then, my beloved John Deere hats caught on. Aston Cruthcher and Kid Rock started wearing 'em, and the "farmer style" became fashionable..... Now you can buy John Deere hats in every mall in America

But now the boots. I've been wearing Timberland boots for 25 years. "Pro Series" work boots in summer, and Gore-Tex lined hiking boots in winter. SO..... Now they're "fashion items" too.....

OK...Someone is watching me..... (Are bib over-alls the NEXT rage?)

Back to the boots.... I'm a diabetic. I have what's known as diabetic nueropathy. It's nerve damage to the feet from high blood sugar. It gives the sensation of an electric shock, or a bee sting to the soles of the feet. (A REAL hoot when driving....) I have to wear comfortable, well made shoes or boots. I've tried several name brands, andALWAY come back to the Timberlands. They're not cheap, but what is nowdays?

Typically, I get 2-1/2 to 3 years wear out of a pair of work boots. Not bad at all.....

THey're warm, dry, and comfortable. That seems like "just what the doctor ordered" as far as a pair of boots.

PLUS.... I get to look like a Gangsta Rapper when I go to the mall /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

teddydo · Jan 22, 2005

I like and wear the Ecco brand boot. They are light, made to put on and off with ease, and the sole has just the right amount of lugs to hold good. They are a little more expensive but to me it's worth it and they last for many years. teddy

EastTexFrank · Jan 22, 2005

( I get 2-1/2 to 3 years wear out of a pair of work boots )

Darn, you guys are hard on boots. Guess some people just work harder than others. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif My favorite is a pair of 12 year-old Danner's with Gore-Tex and 400 grams Thinsulate. Admittedly they don't get worn all that often these days and are are pretty beat up but they have been, without doubt, the most comfortable boot I have ever owned. I bought a pair of Wolverine boots a couple of years ago with Gore and Thinsulate and they aren't even broken in yet. Love those Danner's and won't give them up until they totally fall apart.

Indydirtfarmer · Jan 22, 2005

Long before I could ever make it to 12 years with a pair of boots, they'd likely be declared "BIO-HAZARD" /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I wear mine every day. I farm full-time, in addition to a couple other ventures. Between my feet, and lots of cow manure, I truely believe no one would wan't me to wear 'em 12 years even if they did last that long. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

widmn · Jan 22, 2005

I have 400 gram thinsulate Gortex lined Danner's and I love em. Very comfortable and tough. I wear em spring winter and fall. I waterproof the leather with breathable silicone stuff so the leather doesn't get wet and heavy though. I am diabetic too and have learned that if you don't take care of your feet you'll be sorry someday.

Todd_C · Jan 22, 2005

I swear by Rocky Boots. I've got four pair of rocky boots that I've purchased over the past 10 years. I also have two pair of Rocky Boots that have been issued to me at work. My current work boot is a pair of black Rocky Eliminators that has 600 grams of insulation. This pair is about 6 years and are to worn to polish for my job, so I use them for working around the house. I'm very hard on shoes (a pair of dress shoes last about 10 months). I also have a pair of Rocky Super Brutes that have 1000 grams of insulation that I've used during the past 7 hunting seasons. All of my boots have the Gortex membrane and none have failed. I think 800 grams of insulation would be fine. I wear 1,000 grams in late muzzleloader season if I hunt out of a stand. I don't think you would need anything over 800 grams if you are moving around.

If you have a Dick's (Sporting Goods) or a large shoe store you need to check out the prices after hunting season/winter. You can save $40+ off regular prices. I love Cabela's but I only buy from them when they have big sales. I like the Sportsman's Guide, but you may be able to beat their prices locally. Anymore, shipping charges just stink.

sherpa · Jan 22, 2005

Todd_C
You are right about them shipping charges.

I checked Sportmans guide. They have some great prices but are limited on sizes. They dont have very many popular sizes. I need an 11 and they dont have much in that size. They do carry all sizes in the Lacrosse Brawny II, it looks good 800 grams and waterproof all for $70.00! http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=143306

There is a Dicks sporting goods about 50 miles away, may check them out by telephone tomorrow.

kennyd · Jan 22, 2005

Sherpa, If you are looking for boots to wear in the snow, Take a look at TSC, They have some real nice RANGER boots, with Thinsulate. They really keep your feet toasty, but are hard to drive in.

I for one could not mail order boots, I need to try them on first.

Good Luck

bugstruck · Jan 22, 2005

I bought a pair of Brahma leather upper waterproof boots with thinsulate at Walmart in upper New York State (Adirondacks) a few years ago. I couldn't believe their footwear dept. boot selection there. Nothing like in Md.. They are the best pair of winter/snow boots I've ever owned. Feet don't sweat in these. They did in every other breathable insulated boot I owned including Gortex. Either that or they leaked. Blows Gortex away in my book. Durable, somehow breathable after sealing that leather, totally dry, and reasonably warm. I was in them all day today, outside all day (10 hrs.) save two short breaks, and it never got out of the teens. Feet got a little cold plowing while I was sitting. Think I paid about $85.00 back then. Worth a look if you can find them...... Comfortable too!