Boots: light and fast or heavy and bomb proof?

[gostovp]

Even though I'm over 50, a flatlander, and have a total Dad Bod, I'm moving away from really stiff boots too...when I starting this journey for finding footwear for western hunting I thought I needed the stiff boots...got a pair of Hanwag Alaskans ... they are really nice boots for sure, but after several days of hiking (even in the Midwest here), I find my big toes goes numb...I don't get this at all in more flexible boots (I think it's a function of my personal foot anatomy and my gait)...
Plus, the weight of those heavy boots really adds up over the course of 7 days of hiking...that's 10's of thousands of steps with 6 to 8 oz more on each foot...
This past year I used Schnees Kestrels and had good luck with them (after they were broke in...took 40 miles to stop getting heel blisters), and I picked up a pair of Lowa Renegades on a recent clearance sale and really like them (knowing full well they will likely be trashed after a season or two)....
But in one of the most recent Exo Mtn Gear podcasts where they talked about footwear, they basically state that these lighter weight boots are likely a yearly consumable item, and you need to accept the fact that they will likely need to be replaced every year or every other year and that's just part of the cost of hunting.

 

[Bwalker]

Even though I'm over 50, a flatlander, and have a total Dad Bod, I'm moving away from really stiff boots too...when I starting this journey for finding footwear for western hunting I thought I needed the stiff boots...got a pair of Hanwag Alaskans ... they are really nice boots for sure, but after several days of hiking (even in the Midwest here), I find my big toes goes numb...I don't get this at all in more flexible boots (I think it's a function of my personal foot anatomy and my gait)...
Plus, the weight of those heavy boots really adds up over the course of 7 days of hiking...that's 10's of thousands of steps with 6 to 8 oz more on each foot...
This past year I used Schnees Kestrels and had good luck with them (after they were broke in...took 40 miles to stop getting heel blisters), and I picked up a pair of Lowa Renegades on a recent clearance sale and really like them (knowing full well they will likely be trashed after a season or two)....
But in one of the most recent Exo Mtn Gear podcasts where they talked about footwear, they basically state that these lighter weight boots are likely a yearly consumable item, and you need to accept the fact that they will likely need to be replaced every year or every other year and that's just part of the cost of hunting.

Stiff boots and heavy boots really wear you out much quicker and for most hunting you just don't need mountaineering boot level support.

 

[Sinistram]

Heavy(er) and bombproof. I much prefer the security and confidence that comes with a boot built for rugged terrain.

 

[rbw20]

Both is ideal but I would go heavy and stiff if I had to choose one.

 

[dgfavor]

I'm going to start doing this! looks like a great exercise for ankle and foot strength!

Oh, I'm out there man! Probably will be found dead with a head injury in my basement! In seriousness, yah, I think stuff like that really help...plus I'm an old timer and balance/falls is significant source of morbidity/mortality in my demographic which to my mind means less time in the field.

Broke my pelvis in August and just starting to feel like my right side is staying connected to my left side!

I think even if you prefer heavy/stiff boots in the field - it is really good and beneficial to work those tootsies and ankles at home, get 'em working, re-aquaint them with stimulation from the ground, etc. Most folks that transition to the less and lighter can't imagine going back to more and heavier.

From my weirdo archives - "the old man test"

 

[yellowbeard]

I'd suggest trying different things to find out what works for you.


I used to always wear a heavy boot, but last two seasons moved to a light weight La Sportiva approach shoe. Can't believe how much more I like it. Still has great grip and tread, I feel so much more nimble while walking, and better at the end of the day. They seem fine even for heavy pack outs in rough terrain. I'll still take the boots if it's going to be really cold or decent snow is forecast, but huge preference for the shoes.

 

[gostovp]

Oh, I'm out there man! Probably will be found dead with a head injury in my basement! In seriousness, yah, I think stuff like that really help...plus I'm an old timer and balance/falls is significant source of morbidity/mortality in my demographic which to my mind means less time in the field.

Broke my pelvis in August and just starting to feel like my right side is staying connected to my left side!

I think even if you prefer heavy/stiff boots in the field - it is really good and beneficial to work those tootsies and ankles at home, get 'em working, re-aquaint them with stimulation from the ground, etc. Most folks that transition to the less and lighter can't imagine going back to more and heavier.

From my weirdo archives - "the old man test"

What’s that black pad you are standing on in the first vid?

 

[dgfavor]

What’s that black pad you are standing on in the first vid?

It's a balance pad - really good for one leg balance drills. Not sure how to describe it but I have a tough time with it - the more I fight it the more it seems to want to buck me off!

 

[Blandry]

From my weirdo archives - "the old man test"

LOL it's funny how easy that was when we were young

 

[Blandry]

Stiff boots and heavy boots really wear you out much quicker and for most hunting you just don't need mountaineering boot level support.

Agreed.. I do have some Schnees Granite Pros and La Sportiva Trango Towers but lately I just don't wear them much. Even here in CO at high elevation.

 

[flathead#2]

LOL it's funny how easy that was when we were young

HA!!
I used to do that.
I recently gave up and feel lucky just to get my clothes on.

 

[dgfavor]

HA!!
I used to do that.
I recently gave up and feel lucky just to get my clothes on.

If you think about it, just putting your pants on while standing up is a decent daily metric for one legged balance, range of motion, flexibility, proprioception.

I really like the one-leg drills - pursuing elk, deer, sheep, chukar, walking, running, etc. is a linked series of one-legged balance drills over varied terrain...unless you're hopping around the woods from a position of stability like you do with deadlifts, squats, etc.

Give the old man test a try...bonus points if you can do it with mtn. hunter heavy and bomb-proof boots!

 

[flathead#2]

I used to could sit flat on my butt and stand straight up in one movement using no hands.
Havent tried that in a while either.

 

[Metal]

The old saying goes, “One pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back.” The military did research on this years ago. Not sure if there has been any recent research to refute it (sorry no source to cite ofd hand).