I actually had almost opposite results with my boots transitioning from new to used. 2 1/2 years ago when my Mickey Mouses were new, I'd have deer sniff where I'd walked and become more alert. I even had a trio turn right around and go back the way they came. This year however (3rd yr boots were in the woods) I've not been busted once by the boots. I've actually also seen and killed more deer.On 2 separate instances a 1.5 yr old deer would sniff where I'd walked and look around for a few seconds but just go back to what they were doing. On 1 instance, a mature buck walked directly across my trail earning him a trip to the taxi.

It is my theory that when the boots were new, they had that new rubber smell to them. As they wore, that went away as the smell of the woods absorbed into the soles.