Shoes instead of boots for hunting?

SLIVER · May 18, 2014

So I am thinking of trying out some waterproof shoes to use while warm weather hunting. I have worn big boots all my life, and they are nice (Kenetrek currently) but they are big and heavy. Do any of you wear shoes instead of boots? If so do you like them? Do you miss your boots? What is your recommendation for a good shoe?

}}-SLIVER-->

grizzly · May 18, 2014

LAST EDITED ON May-18-14 AT 10:15PM (MST)[p]My wife is using lowa focus gtx lo that she loves.

Grizzly

HorseCreek · May 18, 2014

This is what I've worn for the last few years. Super light, water proof, awesome traction, comfortable all day and it has built in gaiters to keep debris out. I will say the only time I miss my boots is when I have a heavy load on my back. The extra stability of a boot is better for hauling out an elk.

Traditional >>>------->

SLIVER · May 18, 2014

LAST EDITED ON May-19-14 AT 04:33AM (MST)[p]Horse creek, many of the reviews state that these are used for winter snow running. Do you think that these would be too hot to be used for an archery hunt?

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gknutson · May 18, 2014

You might check out under armour speed freaks. They are boots but very light weight and feel like a shoe. I wear them in the summer and being to hot isnt a big issue. Just my 2?.

devobrodie · May 19, 2014

I have been using light weight hiking boots and tennis shoes in place of heavy boots for years now. I Started doing this as I mainly archery hunt and it was a lot easier to stay quiet. Now I have found my legs/knees really don't like the heavy boots any more, every time I wear a pair I get knee/hip pains. There is more chance of turning an ankle but I have found my ankles are a lot stronger now since I hike a lot year round in the tennis shoes, so when I do turn them every once in a while, it is not really bad and so far I have not ever really had a problem. I use the water proof type and in the early season for archery the even lighter and cooler non water proof type.

BBHunter6 · May 19, 2014

Check out Salomon Speedcross 3 CS. I've only had them for a year, but I have zero complaints about them thus far. Very comfortable, light, and somewhat waterproof. I'll definitely be wearing them this fall. The treads on them give you insane grip just about anywhere.

I Live For This

Founder · May 19, 2014

LAST EDITED ON May-19-14 AT 09:21AM (MST)[p]I used some Salomon trail running/hiking shoes last year during the summer for all my backpack trips. I was happy for the most part. They sucked when they got wet or when I was sidehilling it. As long as I was on some sort of trail, they were way nicer than a boot.
BUT this year, I think I'll probably look for some lightweight boots. Maybe not thick and heavy, but just a little more to them than the thin stuff.
I went through two pairs of those Salomons last year. Too darn expensive to burn through them after 6-7 backpack trips.

Any recommendations out there on lighter weight boots, or even a tough, rugged hiking shoe?

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
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HorseCreek · May 19, 2014

>LAST EDITED ON May-19-14
>AT 04:33?AM (MST)
>
>Horse creek, many of the reviews
>state that these are used
>for winter snow running. Do
>you think that these would
>be too hot to be
>used for an archery hunt?
>
>
>}}-SLIVER-->

I wear them during Utah's bow hunt. It's hot as hell during the first couple weeks. I've had zero complaints about them.

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TWALL · May 19, 2014

For the money I think the Rocky Vibram Trail shoes are pretty good. Camofire usually has them once a week or so. Here is a link to a past listing they had:
http://www.camofire.com/forum/hunting-deals/rocky-vibram-waterproof-athletic-trail-shoe

For $60 for a waterproof vibram shoe, I don't think you can go wrong. I picked some up in Red, I plan on wearing them on the bowhunt this year.

mmwb · May 19, 2014

I prefer a lighter weight shoe, but have had problems with traction. It is pretty steep country around here.

SLIVER · May 19, 2014

I have seen those Rockys come up on Camofire, and they look pretty tempting. I may try them when they pop back up, combined with a low gaiter of some sort.

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littlebighorn · May 20, 2014

Lowa Renegades are great for warm weather hunting.
Sturdy enough for most terrain but still light.

EROCK1313 · May 20, 2014

I have been using a Trail Running Shoe - The Adidas Kanadia - for the last 2 years and have been extremely happy. I chose them because they are Super Light, have good Air Flow, Aggressive Tread and are really comfortable. I did upgrade the insoles to the kind that enable more natural support and that seems to help in ankle strength/stability/comfort.

Before that I tried some other Trail Runners by Nike that were Waterproof and seemed like they fit the build.

My issues with them were that the soles, though semi aggressive; were super slick on wet rocks. A definite downside with the A.M. DEW and any rain etc. The other major drawback was actually the Waterproof material. Part of the reason I chose a trail running type of shoe was to keep my feet light and my feet cooler. Word of caution: Waterproof Material that is meant to keep out Water, also holds Moisture / Heat in = Hot, Sweaty, Smelly Feet!!

One addition to my Adidas Kanadias or any low top shoe, is Gaiters. Not so much for water, but for small rocks.

Hope this helps!

?-ERock-> ?

elkun · May 20, 2014

well I t depends, if you are hunting city bucks , like some on here do? and need a shoe that works on pavement, cement and grass, then converse high tops should do the trick, the black and white works the best,,,

bucksnducks · May 21, 2014

I agree with EROCK1313, waterproof=sweat and weight. To totally keep the water out you would have to have water proof pants also. I have found that when it rains it's not the rain coming down on the boot that soaks them its the rain sitting on the brush you have to walk thru would soak my pants and leak down into the boot.

For an Archery hunt and shed hunting I use the Merrial Moab mid top. What I have found is I can feel the terrain better, they are very quite and great on the feet. If it does rain it's warm enough that time of year that after a couple of hours hiking they dry out pretty quick. They are very breathable. When I first tried them I thought they were too light and I would have ankle and foot problems from the lack of support. I actually think it made my feet and ankles stronger. I tried a regular running shoe and the brush would pull my pants over them and crap falls in. Get a mid top boot unless you only stick to the trails. They might be too breathable as my feet are dusty every day. I'll take a dusty comfortable foot over a tired smelly one any day.

Fukarwee · May 21, 2014

I've had two pairs of UA speed freaks now. I should have learned with the first pair. Worst boots I have ever owned. I blew through the first pair in 3 months. All of the tread on the soul was completely coming off, probably had something to do with being a super light weight rubber. UA customer service is awesome however! I have now had the second pair for about 9 months of which 5 they were used heavily. They are trashed as well.

TRDHUNTER · May 21, 2014

I have used Merrells for bowhunting quite a bit. I tried running shoes once and it sucked slipping and sliding on wet grass. I picked up some Salomon speedcross and I am wearing them around breaking them in. They are pretty comfy and seem to have good traction so will try them on a hike soon.

Sometimes though nothing short of full boot will work.

Trammer · May 21, 2014

Snakes alone are enough of a problem to stick with boots. I recently bought some hiking shoes and on the first full day in the hills nearly stepped on a rattle snake. Both times I have been struck by rattle snakes I was hit near the ankle on my boot. I have not taken in any venom while wearing boots and almost certainly would have had I been in shoes.

Grand Slam #911

Nevadahunter · May 21, 2014

LAST EDITED ON May-21-14 AT 08:04PM (MST)[p]Last year I used Merrel Moab Ventilator's for hunting season and could say enough about how comfortable they where espcially after long days of hiking, but my only complaint with low top shoes is all the brush and stuff that gets into your shoes and how many times I had to stop to shake my shoes out. I am think about buying a pair of the new Irish Setter Vaprtrek's for the simple reason they are light, almost have a tennis shoe type sole and are high enough to keep stuff from getting into my socks.

hunt30 · May 21, 2014

Lowa Renegades are light, comfortable and very durable.

swbuckmaster · May 22, 2014

I use Merrel brand shoes for hunting/scouting. I dont think you need water proof shoes unless you like paying extra because your feet will get wet with both styles of shoes by walking in wet brush. The good thing is they dry out pretty quick as soon as it gets sunny. I haven't used anything but shoes for august-october hunts the last 10 years. The only time I use boots is if there is snow on the ground!

SLIVER · May 23, 2014

Thanks for the reviews and opinions guys. I ended up trying some Solomon GTX gore tex shoes. I realize that goretex shoes will be hotter than non-goretex, but they have to be better than my Kenetrek boots for warm weather. They are super light, and looks like they will really grip well.

I'll give them a good test this fall, and post up my review.

Thanks again

}}-SLIVER-->

deviltine · May 30, 2014

Hands down the best hiking boot/shoe for warm weather hunting is the hi-tec altitude, for $80 you cant go wrong. Give these a try.

hank4elk · May 30, 2014

I have some old Cabellas Hunting Sneakers w/gore-tex and they are great in warm weather, flatter ground.I've used them in nasty stuff,but I need ankle support and protection here in NM.
Wore out Merrils and a Renegade.
Gone back to Meindel Ibex for stability and quiet traction.
I swear by Gore-tex.They do breath some. Wet feet will cause you bigger problems IMHO.And here in NM it can be very wet,for a spell.

Founder · May 30, 2014

Here's what I'm going to try. Salomon XA Pro 3D. I've worn them trail running a couple times to break them in good. I think they'll work ok backpacking....mostly on trails. We'll see. At $109.00, I really hate to go through 2 pair this summer.

Brian Latturner
MonsterMuleys.com
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SLIVER · May 30, 2014

Founder, those look a lot like the ones I got. Mine are the Solomon GTX trail runners. Don't know the differences, but they are way light, and should be sweet for warm weather hunts.

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EROCK1313 · May 31, 2014

I felt the GTX and 3D Soloman's had a clunky and semi heavy feel. Both are pretty much the same shoe, but I believe the GTX is the Gortex version. I initially liked the GTX (Comes in Camo) and the toe guard seemed nice and they were cozy on the feet, but after walking around with them, they felt awkward and unbalanced. They seemed "Toe Heavy" (maybe because of the Toe's Rock Guard?) which made the steps fall heavy and unnatural.

It may also be because I tried the Solomon Speed Cross 3's on first (And was SOLD on them)- Super light, EXTREMELY comfortable and good semi-aggressive tread that sheds mud and snow well and the lacing - NICE! I practically had them on my feet out of Cabela's the other day, but my "Spidey" senses told me to hold off and research some more reviews a little before I used Father's Day as my excuse to come home with them at $124.

The reviews....Well, they were STELLAR regarding comfort, traction, wear ability/longevity, support and Waterproofing (Gortex) .....BUT....The nail in the coffin was the last part of the review stating how HOT the Gortex kept the feet above 50?.

These were after all, meant to be used?during?Utah's HOT bow hunt and though they shined in every other area; HOT feet = Sweaty/Smelly feet and the GORTEX, keeps moisture in as good as it does out.

So long story longer....Sometimes It's best just to NOT to try and fix what "Isn't Broken" - In this case, my Adidas Kanadias! They are mesh, so they breathe extremely well, have great traction that isn't slippery on wet rocks and sheds mud/snow fairly well. And did I mention - Super Light and Comfy? My only mods on these - I switched Insoles to Super Feet and wear Low/Mid height Gaiters.

Hope this helps a little...

?-ERock-> ?