Boots - Bob Soles or Vibram?

randyh1221gj · Dec 19, 2013

Looking for input before getting my next pair of boots. Particularly interested in pros/cons of bob soles versus other types as I have not used them before. Thanks.

sheephunter · Dec 20, 2013

I personally like air bob soles. Cabelas Elk Hunter boot made by Danner had good ones. No longer made. Danner still makes boots with air bobs and they are much better than when they first came out. They were soft and you could tear a couple off on a rough day in rocky country. Russell also makes boots with Claw air bobs. Custom boots real nice. On real cold days I've always thought that air bobs were warmer than Vibrams also because your foot is kind of up off the ground a bit. They can clog up with mud and snow but what sole won't. They also have a bit more give on your back and legs which is nice on my fused back. I have lots of boots with Vibrams also and wear them too but the air bobs are nice.

Phantom Hunter · Dec 20, 2013

I like the "bobs" on my Schnee's

BeanMan · Dec 20, 2013

I use Bobs in snow only. They won't last very long on dry terrain. I like Bobs in the snow.

randyh1221gj · Dec 20, 2013

I was reading some other comments and saw a few that said they were great in soft stuff but could be slippery on rock and other hard surfaces.

sheephunter · Dec 21, 2013

Had 4 or 5 pairs of the Elk Hunters. Used them on many sheep and elk hunts here in CO and up north in the Yukon etc. Never had a problem in the rocks or hard surfaces since they toughened up the bobs. All rocks are slick when they are wet.

randyh1221gj · Dec 22, 2013

Appreciate the input!

jims · Jan 11, 2014

Depending upon what you are hunting and how (bow, muzzy, or rifle) you may also want to keep into account which sole is the quietest? Some vibram soles are super hard and loud on rocks while softer vibram are pretty quiet. I don't think all vibram soles are equal? I only have 1 pair of bob soles and they're on my sorels....I'm not sure but in gumbo the mud may pile up super thick on them compared to vibram?

HardcoreOutdoor · Jan 19, 2014

My experience with air bobs (Danner and Russell) is mostly negative. They offer more flex or movement than I care for and I have had too many come off after use in the rocks.

I do like them in snow though and not because they are warmer (they are not) but because they seem to self clean a little better which improves grip.

Unless you have multiple boots for different situations it is hard to beat any of the Vibram outsoles.

Wade
www.HardcoreOutdoor.com