Boots

[MichiganHunter]

Hello all. I have had enough. My feet hurt so bad after rough grouse hunting in Northern Michigan this weekend, that I have resigned myself to the fact that I need a very high end, and potentially custom, pair of hunting boots. I am willing to spend some money. Here is some information about me. Maybe the community can give me some best picks. I currently use Danner Rainforest boots. They tear my feet up. I have heard good things about LeChameau and Russell. Any other good ideas?

*I am 6’1” tall
*I weigh 260 pounds
*I am a former college football player. While still active and athletic, I have a reconstructed right knee from a college football injury. To make things worse, I have Planter Fasciitis in both feet. I also compete actively in martial arts (my feet get beat up)
*I hunt pheasant, grouse, chucker, quail, and woodcock. Grouse/Woodcock hunting in Northern Michigan brings very rough terrain
*I am very concerned about a boot that is waterproof, COMFORTABLE, provides as much grip as possible, and is firm enough in the uppers to protect my ankles. A nice looking boot is a major plus as well
*Most of my shoes are 10/5. My feet are not narrow and not exceptionally wide. They are wider than they are narrow.
*I will pay a premium and go to extremes to buy a boot made in USA.

[pointer26]

if you have Planter Fasciitis it never goes away. you need to do the following:
Stretch your calves.
stop walking around barefooted.
Get the right support for your feet custom foot orthodics and shoes that provide the right support.

It does not matter what kind of boots you get if you don't have the right foot inserts/ custom foot orthodics you wont be happy.

I went to a foot specialist and had cast/molds made of my feet . The insert cost 600 to make my insurance paid 400 and I paid 200.
The best $200 dollars I have ever spent. I also wear mountaineering boots they are stiff and provide excellent support.

I listed the websites below of some boots and inserts that might help.

I do a lot of chukar hunting so I need tuff boots that's y I use mountaineering boots. The lowa boots run wider most of the other mountaineering boots have a narrow soul. You might want to try super feet inserts or doctor scholls custom inserts they botth cost about 50 dollars.

I hope you find the solution for your feet.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/garmon ... rFamily=03

http://www.amazon.com/Lowa-Ranger-GTX-T ... ring+boots

http://www.amazon.com/Superfeet-Premium ... super+feet


http://footmapping.com/footmapping/home ... 0129389705

[Mountaineer]

I have PF as well and while it likely does not go away, inserts(good ones) will help.
It is very individual tho...I went the custom route and found as good a result from SOLE inserts....you may vary.

Many good boots are avaiable, stiff leather can be a plus.
I have need of the widest boot at 6-4 and 250 so simply try some and consider a good insert...along with the exercises.
Cost is not always an indicator of a good boot for the individual....nor is "custom" or "high-end".
I would avoid rubber boots.

I must say tho...not sure where one would find much actual rough(it's "ruffed" grouse) terrain below The Bridge.

[kninebirddog]

try some low heeled Ariats also..they have a very good foot support system
I have some Danner jackals and have only worn the new pair a couple times ...they are no where near as comfortable as my ariats

edit to add the ariat lace up http://www.ariat.com/Western/Men/Footwe ... SSED_BROWN
I will not wear these for horseback riding prefer pull ons for riding but ground work you might try on a pair and walk around the store for a while i them

[luvmydogs]

My husband loves and swears by the Cabelas 15" Pinnacle hunting boot. It zips up the front. He has multiple pairs with different degrees of insulation. They are Gore-Tex scent lock. They have a great warranty. One pair lost it's waterproofness (such a word??) after about a year and they gave him a brand new pair. I see they are on sale for about $128 at Cabelas online.

I too have the Plantar Fasciitis and it will help if you get the special inserts. You can take your boots in and have your foot doctor fit the insert. Or at least mine offered to do it for me.

I personally like to wear the Muck brand wetland premium field boot. It is knee high, waterproof and has some cushion in the sole. I walk my dogs about 2 hrs a day through the fields and woods in these boots.

Good luck. It's worth it to look and try on a variety of boots.

[roosterbrews]

I have had great luck with the Red Wing brand of incert. They are cheeper than customs but I'm sure like everything they won't be the answer for everyone. I hunt in a decent boot with the incerts and have had no problems from then on.