Looking for New Boots and Opinions
 

Hey guys,
I've narrowed my selection down between the Danner Pronghorn and the Danner Alsea (both uninsulated). They fit my foot about the same (I use Red Wing 2200 Memory insoles in all my boots). My main question is longevity. It's hard to tell when you're walking around a store. I'll use them for two main purposes: hog/ram hunts in the mountains in hot/humid conditions, and pheasant hunting in fields with brush. I spent over 6 hours in 3 local stores trying on dozens of boots, these are the only two that I'm torn between. I have a "hard to fit" foot and have found two that I like, so I'm really looking for opinions on these two. I appreciate any feedback!

PLEASE READ: I've tried Irish Setter Vaprtrek, all Red Wing boots, Wolverine, Merrell, Meidl, Cabela's, Bass Pro, Red Head, Muck (worst of the bunch for my foot), so please keep comments to the two specified in my post. Thanks!!

I've deleted your other threads per rule #11

11. No spamming; do not post the same message in every topic with different titles, but with the same message. Only post your message into the topic it most relates too.

you can view the rules here.
https://www.huntingnet.com/articles/message-boardchat-room-rules.html

-Jake

I've had good luck with danner products for duty boots. And I believe their hunting boots will offer the same quality. I would look up individual reviews on each of those boots and make your decision from there.

-Jake

My apologies Jake,
I didn't know which category to post it under. I wasn't aware of that rule, but thanks for upholding it for the rest of us. However I didn't break any rules. It was the same message, with the same title, I'm also not spamming because I'm honestly looking for hunters' opinions of these boots.

I also believe that "I would look up individual reviews on each of those boots and make your decision from there" kind of negates the entire premise behind this forum....we're here for opinions. I'm not trying to be rude by any means, I'm just looking for opinions, I'm tired of reading Bass Pro and Cabela's reviews.

The last part of rule #11 states "Only post your message into the topic it most relates too." That could not possibly be made any more clear

I'm aware that you did not realize that it was a rule, which is why I merely edited your posts instead of blocking you as a spammer. I could tell that you were looking for help, and not spamming the forum. Which is why you're still here.

Now, as to the rest of your post. You're asking a very, very specific question. There are probably very few people out there that have owned both the pronghorn and the alsea and have spent the necessary time in both boots and are able to give you a direct comparison of the two. And of the people out there who have worn both long enough to gauge the longevity between the two it's unlikely that you'll be lucky enough to find one on this forum. You may, but most likely not.

The best thing that you can do is Google reviews of each boot. That way you're getting SPECIFIC reviews for the SPECIFIC items that you are interested in. A quick Google search revealed more than just customer reviews on Bass pro and Cabela's. There are in depth reviews from places like hunttested, gear junkie, grandview outdoors, Scheels, and some others that would be worth your time to look at if you haven't already.

Like it or not, user reviews online are probably where you will get your best info. These are, after all, sportsman who purchased the product then took time to make a review on it. Some of the pages have 100+ reviews for each boot. That's allot of opinions, and a lot of info.


Good luck in your search.

-Jake

Ditto what Jake said about the rules. Unfortunately, it's kind of human nature for many people to join and quickly post what was so important to them (reason for joining). The checkbox about following the rules was simply that--a checkbox to be filled and the membership application entered. You should see some days before mods start moderating. A few members or spammers can post the same message in multiple topics and the top page of topics is quickly filled up with lots of duplicate topics. Regular members grumble about having to wade through so many duplicate topics and rightfully so. Imagine some realtor leaving a card or flier at your front door. Then that realtor leaves 5 more fliers to make sure you see at least one. The more realtors follow suit. Pretty soon your front doorway area looks like a garbage bear upended a garbage can on your front doorway. And that's the perception and effect HNI tries to avoid by having the above rule.

I used Danner Acadia boots for years as a duty boot. The Acadia is an awesome boot. The local cobbler was able to install new soles on the boots when they wore out after a few years (you do a lot of walking on concrete, etc. in Patrol. I haven't tried the Pronghorn but it looks like a brown version of the Acadia and I would expect similar results in longevity, etc. I did buy a pair of Danner Alsea boots a few years back for deer hunting. The very back end of the boot above the heel had a rough spot that I was not able to get rid of or make work. YMMV but I would check the boots out thoroughly before the end of any return policy if you buy a pair.

Hi to all,
I must say that following rules and being from Calif. doesn't really go together(humor), and I don't think Danner are the boots they built their rep on. Garbage comes to mind when Danner is mentioned, just my .02
hhardrock

ive been hunting in the pronghorns for about 6 years for squirrel/deer season before it gets too cold....theyve been great for me, hold up well, very comfortable. Cant speak on the other danner you mentioned

I would give Hi-Tec boots a look, they are less expensive than Danners and they are good boots. I have a pair of ankle high boots I have been wearing while hunting both big game and small game for 10 years. They are still in good condition, Ihave never gotten wet feet while wearing them and that includes crossing streams. They have great foot support as well. I have the attitude VI.

https://www.famousfootwear.com/hi-tec

I have a more peace of mind wearing 17" high waterproof, snake proof boots.Though the waterproof membrane may last only one year. I can easily ford low-level streams or rivers, briar proof; and I also tuck the bottom of my pants inside the boots, to help prevent ticks or field mice from crawling up under my pants. And it helps prevent me from getting spurred by toms or jakes in the turkey woods, after I step on the head an neck of a downed bird.

Danner Pronghorns are the most comfortable boot right out of the box I have ever worn. No break in required at least from the ones I have bought. I do have some concerns though since many of their current lines are made in China. Every boot I have liked fell down in my ratings when they moved from USA made.

Really? You are worried about a Jake or Tom spuring you? You do understand the object of turkey hunting is to shoot and kill the turkey. Additionally, I have hunted northern and southern MD, just where do you need snake boots to hunt in MD? The more you post, the more I do not believe you ever hunted a day in your life!

For the OP. So how about those Danners? :biggrin:

Oldtimer, With all due respect I must disagree with you. I wear snake boots during all my hunts here in the Eastern Panhandle of WV (bordering MD) and VA. I am not aware of anyone being spurred by a bird, but I suppose it could help. I can tell you that we have poisonous snakes where I hunt that can kill or disable you. I have walked upon coiled rattlesnakes on a couple of occasions to within 6-8 ft. while turkey hunting here. Southern WV where I have also hunted turkeys and bears you'd best be prepared for snakes as those mts. are infested with snakes. I am 72 years old and have been in the mts. since about 7 yrs. old with my dad and alone at about 11 yrs. old. I hope that your reluctance to recognize a possible need for snake boots does not come back to literally bite you in the butt some day. It only takes once and you could spend the rest of your hunting days sitting on the porch.

My comments were more about the ridiculousness of being worried abut being spurred by a turkey. So far as snake boos go, wear them if you like, I have wandered around in PA where we have rattlers and Copperheads, I never was too worried about snake boots, if I am snake country I am aware of it and act accordingly. Snake boots for turkeys, give me a freaking break!

I took your question to mean that wherever he hunts in MD that there can't be snakes.....I wear my snake boots and as you read I am aware and cautious. However, I pretty much wear snake protection for the same reason that I wear seatbelts, just maybe they"ll save me pain or death. Good hunting to you.

None of the Danner or Irish Setter boots have lasted me very long. I finally purchased the Crispi Nevada boots and absolutely love them. They are boots that will last many many years and then will just be resoled to use again. They are expensive but the quality is so much better.

Hey Mike, what did you buy?

Dunno bout you...but just about 95 percent of the gobblers that I've shot with a shotgun, have tried to spur me; after I stepped on the neck of the downed bird just after I shot him. I do it as insurance in case he's just knocked-out by a pellet --- He'll start to flap his wings on his back an go to town with them spurs --- Bout 7 years ago --- on the public hunting land where I hunt... another hunter told me he'd just seen a guy that tried to pick-up a just-shot tom by the legs. The tom raked his arms with his spurs, with copious amounts of blood spewing out & down his arms.

Or...

Have you ever heard of "chickens running around after there heads were cut-off"???

Source:

"Why do headless chickens run"

No..I'm not going post any graphic YouTube videos of headless chickens running around...

But I did find this music video in my search --- Thanks

Well that explains it then. You're just making them mad instead of killing them. No wonder they wanna spur you. :D :happy0157:

I'm saying that...Gore Tex lined (or something similar) boots has been a real game changer on the outdoorsman scene --- With more game animals being harvested because of it. All of mine leak...so I might be out hunting for a new pair of Gore Tex Snake boots before turkey season rolls around.

:lolabove::lolabove::lolabove:

Okay. If I am following your convoluted storyline properly...

You shoot turkeys with shots that obviously aren't kill shots because the toms spur you. Because toms attack you with their spurs after you shoot them (I can see why they might be a little ticked off here), you wear snake boots to protect against the preventable spur attacks. Because of all of these spur attacks, your snake boots now leak and you need to replace them or risk snake slobbers. Or something like that. Dude, I think you belong in a Dilbert cartoon or something similar. I have never heard of anybody having all of these problems turkey hunting. Most guys would admit they're funnin' people but somehow I think you're dead (no pun intended) serious here. :nonono2:

Anyone buying that nonsense?

My aimpoint with a shotgun for gobblers is the waddles (just below the head on the neck). If he gets hit in the head with a pellet...he could be either brain dead or just knocked out. Either way...his heart is still beating and the majority of his neural pathways still functioning. Figure it out yourself.

It just keeps getting worse!:lolabove:

Anymore I look at the sole, the new improved Vibram soles just don't hold up like the older ones do/did. The one-piece molded soles don't seem to wear as well either and I've had some separate (come unbonded).

I check out the lining in my boots, the lining seems to be the biggest difference in quality and price. If the liner is done right the inside of the boot will mold to your foot.

Comfort has become a big deal for me as I've gotten older. I always did have tender feet and ankles after a few injuries that were never quite right again. Comfort, water resistance, warmth, sole life, hard to find it all in one package. Meindl came close with their climbers boots (Perfekt), but those things are bricks and are really heavy.

I have figured it out. I don't get spurred by toms I shoot and kill. I have never heard of a turkey just being "knocked out" by a shotgun shot to the head. Several questions come to mind from your above information. How far are you shooting these turkeys? What size and type of shot? What gun and choke? Have you patterned your gun? Do you anticipate your shots? I'm sure there are other relevant questions but these should begin to give you an answer.

The elephant in the room that no one asked is if he has ever hunted a day in his life.

Maybe the mods should switch this thread to "Turkey Huntin'."

Yes...I've patterned my gun --- 12 gauge 3" magnums --- Federal's 3rd degree 5, 6, 7 hevi-shot combined --- Winchester 1300, hevi-shot choke. Hopefully...I've taken enough shots to prevent "anticipation" for the most part. I limit my shots to 40 yards max.

But you forgot the one most important question: Do you make sure the turkey's dead first?


Warning: Graphic video!!!

Actually, I do the other stuff first and check the tom last. Maybe that's part of the issue. Your sequence of events is off. Since I've never been spurred and get toms every year, I figure I'm doing something right. ;)

For the most part after I shoot a wild turkey that appears to be dead...

I rack another round in the chamber --- put the gun on safety --- put on my blaze orange cap --- walk briskly (NOT RUN) to the turkey --- put my foot on the turkeys neck ---For the majority of instances: The tom or jake will seemingly come to life...by flapping his wings with his back lying on the ground, along with rapid movement of his legs & feet for at least one or two minutes.

The only time I have been pricked by a turkey spur--- is after I've slung the dead bird (that's been put in a blaze orange turkey bag) over my shoulder; with my hand on his two forelegs --- for the long haul out.

I have not killed a pile of turkey like some guys here.

but of the handful I've shot, 3 of them had to be finished at retrieval.

Only one dropped without a single flop, and that was a 40+ yard shot with a 10 gauge. That bird just collapsed. My first turkey was at maybe 3 steps with a 12 gauge and it nearly flopped into my lap before I got ahold of it.

Having raised and butchered many turkeys and chickens in my life, I knew what to do. But I know people and have seen other people talk about getting cut by a flopping bird. And I've got scars on my legs to show what a sneaky domestic turkey can do when it feels like fighting.

The turkey "death flop" is a well known and common occurrence. At least in my woods.

On that note. Stop the back and forth bickering and stay on topic. This is a boot thread, not an argue with each other thread. Since we no longer have a chat room I suggest taking it to PMs if you two feel the need to talk to each other constantly. Or you could exchange phone numbers if that would help.

-Jake

As amusing as this was to read through the pages of posts my thread created, it obviously did not serve its purpose like so many posts here. While I have witnessed a friend's calf get spurred by a "dead" turkey with my own two eyes, the topic of turkey hunting never came up in my original post. As a matter of fact, I went as far as mentioning the game I'd be hunting to try to stop this kind of nit picking from starting.

While Jake and I didn't start this thread off on the best note, I'm glad he stepped in at the end to try to get it back on track. It looks like no one was interested in that. Some people seem to wade these posts looking for a fight.

One person in particular on this post seems to watch my posts, and every single time his posts are about something I've specifically asked to avoid. One of my posts was simply letting people know that scent control sprays expire. Just some information I gathered from the manufacturers and thought I'd share with those who use it. I didn't ask for your methods of deer hunting. I'm sure you've killed four thousand deer while smoking a cigarette, wearing a white tshirt covered in last night's beer stains. Don't care. I was giving information about a product you obviously don't use, so why post a reply? I'm sure the moderators know who I'm talking about.

IF ANYONE STILL CARES: I ended up buying both pair, as I found them both on clearance. Basically I got two for one. The Alsea boots are lightweight, very waterproof, and pretty comfortable. I've noticed a spot on the outside of my left foot that is sore after wearing them, but that's obviously from the shape of my foot and not the boot. The Pronghorns are by far the more comfortable of the two. I attribute that to the wide toe box they brag about. No place on my foot touches the sides in the toe box area, so no sore spots. They're also very waterproof. But they're much heavier than the Alsea boots because they're leather. Time will tell about the longevity of the boots, but at the price I got them at it was worth the gamble. All in all, out of the box they're both good boots.

We started off just fine. You broke a rule and I corrected it. Without causing any unnecessary bans.

Same thing I did at the end of the thread with the two arguing. I'd say that's a win any day of the week. ;)

As there is very few (maybe not any) reviews online directly comparing the two boots, perhaps once you get some miles in both boots you can make a thread comparing them for future searchers who find themselves with the same question that you had.

good luck

-Jake

Zamberlan Lynx Boots
 

I know that this boot isn't either of the boots mentioned before, but I just bought this boot and love it. It's uninsulated, but has a gore-tex liner so your feet stay dry, it's comfortable as heck, and it's a durable leather boot. Definitely worth checking out. I prefer this boot over any others I have used in the past.

Only heard good things about the pronghorns however can not personally attest to them. I can however give a plus one to Crispi Idahos. Being more mountain oriented, maybe more boot than you would need?