8" or 11" boot height?

I like taller. I have danner 453 gtx and the top edge of the boot rubbed on the side of my ankle and made them pretty tender after a few days. They are seven inches. I went with a taller boot for this year so hopefully wont have the problem. Out west you will use every edge, nook, and cranny of you boots! You will never be flat.
 
I have a pair of Zamberlan VIOZ PLUS GTX (~8") and also the VIOZ GT (~12"). Really like both, but am hoping to make the 12" my primary and the GTX as my backup. Having broken an ankle a few years back, I like the extra stability (actual or perceived) of the taller boot. They are heavier, but I believe I can live with that. Having said that, I am not having any issues with the shorter boots.

Only issue I am having is a blister just above the protruding bone on my rear of the heel ... with the 12" boots only. Doesn't happen with the shorter boots. Lucky I work within 10 minutes of Lathrop & Sons where I bought the boots. After looking at my feet on the first visit, Stephen told me that if I had a problem with boot fit, it was most likely going to be my heel area. He was right. Stephen and James are working to refit the boot to remedy the problem. Interesting to see them get the tools out to remold the heel cup area.

PSA ... I highly recommend talking to Stephen or James at Lathrop & Sons. If you go with the custom fit service it will cost few bucks more, but they will work hard to get you in a very good fitting boot. Both of them are hunters and understand the demands of hunting in the mountains.
 
I too have bad ankles and prefer the shorter boot. I've tweaked an ankle really bad before on the taller boots. My current Zamberlans snug up really well on my ankles and several times I've felt my ankle about to turn over but have been saved by my boots. I've got the Vios GTs.
 
I like taller boots because the shorter ones dig into my shins more. No real advantage to one over the other though, whatever fits you best.
 
I will agree like others in that I have both sizes, but ultimately when hunt rugged terrain it is always the taller ones because they secure my ankle better and do not rub in my shin/ankle areas like the lower ones. I do tend to use my 8" boot while on flat ground usually chasing antelope or casually hiking. If I had to choose one size for all hunts it would be 11"
 
Back
Top