Originally Posted by
Rob in VT
For whitetail hunting I always where rubber boots. I like Muck boots. I have the Woodymax for early season and Arctic for the cold late season.
When I hunt out west and the mountains I wear leather boots. I have a pair of Meindl Perfekt Hunter boots. Had them for 10 years now.
I also like the Meidl, wore the Perfekt model for twenty years then switched over to the Island model because they are lighter. The Perfekt is a better boot.
A little of the proper boot dressing occasionally and the tops last forever. A pair of soles lasts me a year with the Island, two years with the Perfekt.
I wear the same boot all year, I just change up the socks.
Like mentioned, a half size too big is better than a half size too small.
I came home from Nam with a shattered ankle. Meindl is the only thing that has kept me walking. The Germans make a great boot.
My feet rarely get really cold. My Meidls work until around 0 F. And aren't unbearably hot until the temp gets above 85 F.
A little trick I learned when it gets really cold while sitting (below 0 F.) Loosen your laces and stick your feet, boots and all, in your empty back pack. If you toss a hand warmer in there also, it gets toasty fast.
Meindl is pricey but IMO worth it, I've never found a more comfortable boot after break in. I have half a dozen experimental boots I've tried, that I never wore again after the first week. I really need a good fitting upper, with good ankle support.