Browning Buck Shadow boots - decent or total junk?

[TauPhi111]

So I'm trying to outfit my brother for our Utah general season mule deer hunt in 2020 - his first big game hunt, and really first hunt period. He's on a tight budget, so I'm trying to help him out as much as I can either letting him borrow gear, buying stuff for him, or finding deals for him. He is hesitant to spend a bunch of money on high end gear that he might not use more than a few times if he decides it's not for him. I've seen these boots fairly often on Camofire and for the price I can't help but wonder if they're any good. Right now he doesn't need something that'll last like a $300+ pair of Zamberlan, Lowa, Crispi, etc., just something that'll keep his feet dry and warm and wont fall apart for at least a season or two. Has anyone used these boots before, and if so, what did you think of them?

 

[Trogon]

The honest answer is: they probably are not great. But this is a forum inhabited by gear nuts, especially expensive boot nuts.

I have a buddy who is getting into hunting right now as well. My advice to him is the same: spend as little money on gear as possible to get in the game, then figure out what works for you and go from there. Do whatever it takes to get out in the field. As long as the boots don't tear up his feet instantly, i say rock them.

 

[TauPhi111]

The honest answer is: they probably are not great. But this is a forum inhabited by gear nuts, especially expensive boot nuts.

I have a buddy who is getting into hunting right now as well. My advice to him is the same: spend as little money on gear as possible to get in the game, then figure out what works for you and go from there. Do whatever it takes to get out in the field. As long as the boots don't tear up his feet instantly, i say rock them.

My thoughts exactly. When on a budget I've always felt you were served best by first getting everything you need as inexpensively as possible then upgrade from there. Maybe we'll take a stab with them. My first western hunt I used an old pair of well-worn wolverines. They got me though without much trouble but first thing I did in preparation for the next year was get a pair of zamberlans.