Real World Light Boots VS Heavy Boots

[fatlander]

I started out mountain hunting in the stiffest boots money could buy. Over the years, I’ve moved to more flexible boots. Currently hunt in schnees kestrels. On my second pair of them, the first pair has well over 1,000 miles on them. If I’d taken better care of the leather I’d still be hunting in them. They leak like a sieve because I didn’t.

I think if a guy has 3 months to get ready for a mountain hunt, he needs a stiff ~10” boot. If he’s going to train all year, making the switch to lighter boots is a no brainer. You need time under load to condition yourself to the lighter boots. You’ll fatigue less in a lighter pair of boots and you’re able to stalk much more effectively, in my experience, with a boot that you can actually feel the ground with.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

No wide options on that boot?

Not at the moment... If a person wanted a customized one made we can make one though...

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

Great advice from the recognized experts on hunting boots- thanks.

Question; Can wearing a very light and thin athletic shot over many miles of rough terrain damage your feet causing Plantar Fascitis or Foot Neuropathy?

A comment; I have a pair of what could be considered heavy boots [Hoffmans] and once broken in they are crazy comfortable and my feet actually feel better in those vs a light boot after a long day- who would have thought? grin

That is a good question...

I'd like you to give me a call so I can discuss this over the phone; we will get more accomplished talking about this over the phone.

618 544 8782

 

[plebe]

Mountain Hunter™ Encompass

Best Hunting Boots by Lathrop And Sons, Designed for the 4-season hunter with stand-out characteristics that include more flex at the forefoot, low-cut upper height, and overall lighter weight.

lathropandsons.com

The Non Typical is a different insole all together... It is comfortable but its not going to have the long term shock absorbing feeling you get from the synergy orthotic...

I would suggest the following

Darn Tough Full Cushion 1405 Black

Darn Tough Socks by Lathrop And Sons, The sock that made a name for itself from the Pacific Crest Trail to the AT. "Must pack" durability meets undeniable comfort in a Full Cushion sock that absorbs the rigors of the trail.

lathropandsons.com

Thanks. I didn’t realize the Encompass was considered a Trekking boot. They look nice, but as I’ve already said I don’t think of them as lightweight and truly would like to see something lighter in your lineup. I think if you look around on Rokslide there’s a bit of momentum in lightweight boots and it’s a spot where you’ve no horse in the stable.

As for adding warmth, I don’t think these other suggestions improve my current situation. I spent the money on the L&S custom orthotic for the enhanced performance it provides, so I’m not inclined to switch to the non-typical insole unless there’s a very significant measurable improvement in foot warmth. And I’ve used the Darn Tough socks, and they weren’t even as warm as the Hollow Alpaca socks I’m currently using, in my experience. So I’d still like to see a boot with a higher insulation rating. I can’t say there would be strong support for that product, or not. Just I’d like to see it.

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

Thanks. I didn’t realize the Encompass was considered a Trekking boot. They look nice, but as I’ve already said I don’t think of them as lightweight and truly would like to see something lighter in your lineup. I think if you look around on Rokslide there’s a bit of momentum in lightweight boots and it’s a spot where you’ve no horse in the stable.

As for adding warmth, I don’t think these other suggestions improve my current situation. I spent the money on the L&S custom orthotic for the enhanced performance it provides, so I’m not inclined to switch to the non-typical insole unless there’s a very significant measurable improvement in foot warmth. And I’ve used the Darn Tough socks, and they weren’t even as warm as the Hollow Alpaca socks I’m currently using, in my experience. So I’d still like to see a boot with a higher insulation rating. I can’t say there would be strong support for that product, or not. Just I’d like to see it.

You feel like your feet become unusually cold?

 

[Crucible02]

I hunt almost exclusively in low cut hikers or even trail runners. Obviously there are trade-offs but I deal with plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinitis and whenever I wear a stiff, tall boot, it only exacerbates the problem. I wear a supportive compression sleeve on both feet, run supportive insoles to keep me from over-pronating and use trekking poles to assist with balance under load. If I could find a taller yet lightweight boot that helped with my foot/achilles issues, I would consider it.

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

I hunt almost exclusively in low cut hikers or even trail runners. Obviously there are trade-offs but I deal with plantar fasciitis and achilles tendinitis and whenever I wear a stiff, tall boot, it only exacerbates the problem. I wear a supportive compression sleeve on both feet, run supportive insoles to keep me from over-pronating and use trekking poles to assist with balance under load. If I could find a taller yet lightweight boot that helped with my foot/achilles issues, I would consider it.

If you are dealing with that type of issue, then you might need your daily wears looked at. I would think about having a podiatrist look at this or give me a call and we can discuss a few things.

618 544 8782

 

[plebe]

You feel like your feet become unusually cold?

I do some public land deer hunting in the NE in Nov/Dec/Jan and the MtnnHunter Warm boots have been awesome for hiking but if I take a stand my feet can get cold compared to 400g insulated boots I’ve used.

I bring fresh socks to change into when I’m not stalking so it’s not so much a matter of managing moisture I don’t think.

I’ve got stuff like boot blankets for the absolute coldest days, but based on my experience I think a boot with a bit more insulation would be an improvement for my use case.

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

I do some public land deer hunting in the NE in Nov/Dec/Jan and the MtnnHunter Warm boots have been awesome for hiking but if I take a stand my feet can get cold compared to 400g insulated boots I’ve used.

I bring fresh socks to change into when I’m not stalking so it’s not so much a matter of managing moisture I don’t think.

I’ve got stuff like boot blankets for the absolute coldest days, but based on my experience I think a boot with a bit more insulation would be an improvement for my use case.

I understand what you are saying. I just wanted to make sure you weren't dealing with something like Raynaud's which seems to be something we have seen a lot of over the years...

 

[Macintosh]

@Lathrop and Sons Boots 3.25lb for those boots might be lightish, maybe not. What size do you use to measure weights? (Or, what is the weight for a pair of size 12?)

These certainly dont look like light hikers of any flavor. Is this a mountaineering boot designed for crampon use, front pointing, etc? The look and weight would suggest that, but Im curious what you would call this boot and what brands/models you see as benchmarks in that category. Ive never seen a pair of your boots so really dont know what they are.

For me:
Lightweight pros
*WAAAAY less energy expended. Means Im able to go farther and with more gas in the tank, a higher safety margin, and keep that up longer.
*softer, more sensitive, better feel, more precise footing and better traction on steep or technical terrain that is hard (ie that you dont sink/kick into, ie rocks).
*generally some cushioning less fatiging on moderate terrain.
*more comfortable temp and moisture management in warmer wx, some breatheability but also dries much faster.
*versatility—for me its easier to use a soft/light boot on steep stuff, than it is to use a stiff/heavy boot on more moderate terrain.
*often less $ (not always) although possibly offset by durability.

Lightweight cons:
*less durability generally
*less waterproof generally
*soft can be less supportive in soft terrain where kicking into it is helpful—steep snowfields, steep moss/tundra/soft dirt.
*requires long-term strength to avoid the need for a more supportive boot.
*less “protective” in scree and talus type terrain.

Heavyweight pros:
*support if your feet/ankles arent strengthened and able to deal with weight, etc.
*protection from talus/scree etc
*durable
*longer term water resistance.
*less fatiguing to kick steps and stand in steep snow, steep soft dirt, etc.
*ability to use crampons if needed (RARE for me hunting)

Heavyweight cons
*takes a lot more energy to walk in. Weights on your feet.
*less sensitive, less precise footing, poor traction on “hard” terrain can be less safe and cause fall/twist issues.
*temp management is hard in warmer wx
*takes a very long time to dry
*generally little/no cushioning.
*less versatile
*usually $$ although maybe offset by durability.
*require break in or blister issues, less forgiving of odd foot shapes, etc without custom work

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

@Lathrop and Sons Boots 3.25lb for those boots might be lightish, maybe not. What size do you use to measure weights? (Or, what is the weight for a pair of size 12?)

These certainly dont look like light hikers of any flavor. Is this a mountaineering boot designed for crampon use, front pointing, etc? The look and weight would suggest that, but Im curious what you would call this boot and what brands/models you see as benchmarks in that category. Ive never seen a pair of your boots so really dont know what they are.

For me:
Lightweight pros
*WAAAAY less energy expended. Means Im able to go farther and with more gas in the tank, a higher safety margin, and keep that up longer.
*softer, more sensitive, better feel, more precise footing and better traction on steep or technical terrain that is hard (ie that you dont sink/kick into, ie rocks).
*generally some cushioning less fatiging on moderate terrain.
*more comfortable temp and moisture management in warmer wx, some breatheability but also dries much faster.
*versatility—for me its easier to use a soft/light boot on steep stuff, than it is to use a stiff/heavy boot on more moderate terrain.
*often less $ (not always) although possibly offset by durability.

Lightweight cons:
*less durability generally
*less waterproof generally
*soft can be less supportive in soft terrain where kicking into it is helpful—steep snowfields, steep moss/tundra/soft dirt.
*requires long-term strength to avoid the need for a more supportive boot.
*less “protective” in scree and talus type terrain.

Heavyweight pros:
*support if your feet/ankles arent strengthened and able to deal with weight, etc.
*protection from talus/scree etc
*durable
*longer term water resistance.
*less fatiguing to kick steps and stand in steep snow, steep soft dirt, etc.
*ability to use crampons if needed (RARE for me hunting)

Heavyweight cons
*takes a lot more energy to walk in. Weights on your feet.
*less sensitive, less precise footing, poor traction on “hard” terrain can be less safe and cause fall/twist issues.
*temp management is hard in warmer wx
*takes a very long time to dry
*generally little/no cushioning.
*less versatile
*usually $$ although maybe offset by durability.
*require break in or blister issues, less forgiving of odd foot shapes, etc without custom work

Most companies use a size 10 for their weight on the boot. If you are wearing a size 12, the boot in our Encompass is going to weigh just under 2 pounds.. Our Mt. Hunter and the Elite are your more serious Alpine boots that have a lot more stability...

I hope this helps

 

[Felix40]

I’ve been going lighter and lighter on my footwear for work and hunting. Right now I’m wearing high top barefoot shoes for work and scouting. I’ve noticed that I have way more energy at the end of the day and way better mobility throughout the day. I can jump up into the bed of a truck vs having to climb and I’m less likely to roll an ankle walking across rocky hillsides. The biggest con for me is that cactus and sharp rocks will eat barefoot shoes for breakfast. Leather boots are the only way I’ve found to deal with the desert. Cold weather is also an issue. The problem for me is that when I put on my Lowa Renegades I don’t feel nearly as nimble. The boot pictured above is definitely nowhere near what I would consider lightweight either. Someday I’ll find exactly what im looking for with durability and flexibility.

 

[Macintosh]

Most companies use a size 10 for their weight on the boot. If you are wearing a size 12, the boot in our Encompass is going to weigh just under 2 pounds.. Our Mt. Hunter and the Elite are your more serious Alpine boots that have a lot more stability...

I hope this helps

In that case the encompass is heavier than I want even for a backpacking boot. I’d be looking for something in the 3lb or less range for a pair of size 12’s, and Im guessing softer. I just dont carry 120lb loads across massive scree/talus slopes enough to want a really heavy boot like that. For comparison, my full-on vertical terrain insulated ice climbing boots are 1lb 12oz per boot in size 11.5, weighed just this morning to make sure I wasnt misremembering. I might go a bit heavier in the upper if I were carrying a massive pack, but you get the picture. If I got to run around in sheep terrain every year I might change my tune, but alas thats not a thing for me.

 

[fngTony]

Here’s the two boots I pick from depending on the situation. The Asolo Falcon is 1lb 2.1oz for a single boot no insole in a size 13. Has a toe guard, heel protection and some rough material for the sides of your foot to prevent some abrasion. Definitely not a ten day sheep hunt in shale side hilling terrain or swampy mud bogs but your typical mountain west forest they’re great.

The La sportiva aequalibrium no insole size 48 (14) comes in at 1lb 13.3oz per boot. Not insulated but a good leather adds some warmth. Semi automatic crampon compatible (not something I foresee needing but it’s there). Much deeper lugs and an aggressive brake on the heel. Think gohunt gave it a flex 4 rating. They’re what I’d take into rocky alpine or steep canyons.

I use heated socks if it’s cold, if it’s really cold I’m not going out (circulation issue). Overall I think it’s more about the right boot not the light boot or the heavy boot. Spend your good money on what you need the most.

The pro and con list is pretty accurate and the only few considerations I would add is what you’re used to wearing plays a big part in what boot type your feet will like. If you wear work boots daily you likely will hate a light hunting boot. If you wear shoes everyday and do some type of lower body workout then you probably have stronger ankles and would enjoy a lighter boot. Materials and design have come a long way and the lighter stuff isn’t as bad as it was ten+ years ago. Whatever type you choose you should condition your feet and ankles to it. You can’t go lace up something drastically different from what your used to and not expect problems.

 

[gostovp]

Do heavier guys generally need a more stiff boot? Lets say 235-250 lbs and a 40 to 60 lb pack?
thinking this because their weight and leverage on the boot will flex it more...

kind of what I'm asking...is stiffness somewhat relative to a person's size/weight?

 

[gostovp]

Here’s the two boots I pick from depending on the situation. The Asolo Falcon is 1lb 2.1oz for a single boot no insole in a size 13. Has a toe guard, heel protection and some rough material for the sides of your foot to prevent some abrasion. Definitely not a ten day sheep hunt in shale side hilling terrain or swampy mud bogs but your typical mountain west forest they’re great.

The La sportiva aequalibrium no insole size 48 (14) comes in at 1lb 13.3oz per boot. Not insulated but a good leather adds some warmth. Semi automatic crampon compatible (not something I foresee needing but it’s there). Much deeper lugs and an aggressive brake on the heel. Think gohunt gave it a flex 4 rating. They’re what I’d take into rocky alpine or steep canyons.

How is the fit between the Asolo and LaSportiva?....reason I ask is because I picked up the Sportivas at REI and they actually fit me great and I found them extremely comfortable....but I had to size up to a 46 Euro and I'm usually a 45 Euro. I was thinking of using them for my MT Archery Elk hunt this fall (General Unit...steep and deep) , but wondering if they are 'too much' boot....the size 46 Eruo's come in at 1 lb 12 oz per boot (with stock insoles)

Sierra has some of those Asolo Falcons on clearance right now....

 

[fngTony]

How is the fit between the Asolo and LaSportiva?....reason I ask is because I picked up the Sportivas at REI and they actually fit me great and I found them extremely comfortable....but I had to size up to a 46 Euro and I'm usually a 45 Euro. I was thinking of using them for my MT Archery Elk hunt this fall (General Unit...steep and deep) , but wondering if they are 'too much' boot....the size 46 Eruo's come in at 1 lb 12 oz per boot (with stock insoles)

Sierra has some of those Asolo Falcons on clearance right now....

My normal size is a 13 which the Asolo was pretty true to size. I also sized up with the LS which I think was a good call. Between the two I think the falcon is a little bit roomier, but that might be because it’s a softer material that flexes a little more. The Asolo is also a neutral arch where as the LS has a bit of arch support built into it.

 

[ganngus]

I got a pair of Mountain Hunter Wide boots last year and hunted with them in Alaska. Loved them in steep country. Also, they are one of few companies who make boots above a size 13. The boots are most comfortable hiking boots I've had when I am in steep country or not covering long distances in heat.

I also wore them on a pronghorn hunt that I covered a ton of miles in. I'd be lying if I said I would not have killed to have been wearing a pair of synthetic boots for that hunt. I want to say they weigh more than 3 times what a pair of Crispi Idaho weighed.

I'd say a con for heavy boots is that a person needs to condition their legs to how much energy is spent to cover distance in them. I would venture to guess that the average hunter would have significant issues with going from Mountain Extremes to Mountain Hunters, without putting a significant amount of miles on the Mountain Hunters in advance of the hunt.

 

[Phaseolus]

No wide options on that boot?

What about those of us with narrow feet? I use a B width.

 

[fngTony]

What about those of us with narrow feet? I use a B width.

Ya you guys are probably swimming in a D width that might be worse than a slightly tight fitting boot.