Real World Light Boots VS Heavy Boots

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

In an attempt to help you figure out the differences,
we have established the pros and cons.​

Lightweight Boot "Pros"

• Reduced weight (Initially offloads the lower legs)
• Less size-specific (Can be worn without major issues if misfitted)
• Soft upper (Increased comfort, more breathable)
• Soft midsole and outsole (Lightweight)
• Fast Drying (Synthetics tend to dry faster)

Lightweight Boot "Cons"

• Reduced weight (Increases excessive motion and can lead to premature failure)
• Less size-specific (Less than specific fit = performance loss)
• Soft upper (Side hilling, the foot can slide off the edge of the sole, causing durability issues)
• Soft Midsole and Outsole (Loss of support leading to biomechanical issues)
• Waterproofness (Seams strain under load, causing leaks/failure)

Heavyweight Boots "Pros"

• Increased Weight (Resists abnormal forces while offloading the lower legs)
• Solid upper construction (Protects from steep, uneven terrain)
• Firm midsole and outsole (Offers better side-hilling characteristics and increased performance)
• Waterproofness (Less likely to prematurely leak because of decreased strain on the upper)
• Durability (Ultimately more lifespan of the product)

Heavyweight "Cons"

• Increased Weight (Can fatigue legs if you're out of shape)
• Solid Upper Construction (Can be more cumbersome)
• Firm Midsole and Outsole (Can make feeling what's under your foot harder)
• Comfort level (Must be fitted correctly)

This comparison is a collaborative effort from our in-house team, but we would like to include you all as well. Let's hear your thoughts!​

 

[dtrkyman]

I have gone barefoot style, no support at all. One thing I have noticed even when my feet get sore they recover quickly.

Still working into the transition a little, definitely notice some soreness when I increase pack weight, but again feet recover quickly!

I always hated the feel of a heavy clumsy boot, and at the end of a day it was like my foot was being born when I took off the boots!

I definitely wore through light boots way quicker than a heavier boot.

 

[plebe]

Have you established lightweight boots?

 

[yfarm]

The unfortunate financial reality of hunting boots is no one boot does it all well. Sidehilling on steep slopes my Mountain Hunters excel, spot and stalk hunting in south Texas brush I want a boot that is cactus and snake resistant with excellent ground feel which is non existent in the mountain boot. Bow hunting deer in the midwest, excellent ground feel, light weight. Pheasant hunting lightweight,good support flexible midsole for comfortable flat land walking 5-10 miles a day. As I said in another thread outside of cold steep mountain slopes and cactus the Salomon Quest 4 d is my favorite boot despite my collection of Russells.

 

[brancher147]

Lightweight doesn’t have the tread depth for the same amount of grip and traction as heavy weight.

I wear lightweight when I plan on lots of miles on easier flatter terrain and less weight carried like turkey season. When deer season hits it’s heavyweight pretty much every hunt. Wet or snowy days is usually heavyweight too for waterproof and increase tread depth/traction

 

[Forrest4Trees]

I have gone barefoot style, no support at all. One thing I have noticed even when my feet get sore they recover quickly.

Still working into the transition a little, definitely notice some soreness when I increase pack weight, but again feet recover quickly!

I always hated the feel of a heavy clumsy boot, and at the end of a day it was like my foot was being born when I took off the boots!

I definitely wore through light boots way quicker than a heavier boot.

What kind of hunting are you doing in light boots? You mentioned pack weight - so, I'm guessing back country. I have Schnee's that I like, but I have run a couple marathons and the trend/science there is that added cushion really helps with foot recovery when it comes to long distance running. I can imagine that carrying over to mountain hunting too with something like the Hoka boots. I know you will burn through those quicker, but for someone like myself that only gets 1-2 weeks a year hunting in the mountains I mostly care about optimizing my ability to cover ground on the mountain, not how many seasons will my boots last. (I'm also worried about rolling an ankle on a side hill too though.)

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

What kind of hunting are you doing in light boots? You mentioned pack weight - so, I'm guessing back country. I have Schnee's that I like, but I have run a couple marathons and the trend/science there is that added cushion really helps with foot recovery when it comes to long distance running. I can imagine that carrying over to mountain hunting too with something like the Hoka boots. I know you will burn through those quicker, but for someone like myself that only gets 1-2 weeks a year hunting in the mountains I mostly care about optimizing my ability to cover ground on the mountain, not how many seasons will my boots last. (I'm also worried about rolling an ankle on a side hill too though.)

If you are worried about rolling an ankle, which I think is a real concern, what do you do to prevent that from happening? Do you just split the difference to add more medial and lateral stability?

 

[Forrest4Trees]

I didn’t quite understand that question - right now I just wear traditional mountain boots, I’m guess I’m wondering if anyone who has worn lower cut hiker type boots has had issues with rolling an ankle? And if they think they can go longer on their feet in those type boots.

 

[plebe]

I’m still baffled over what this is all about.

What does L&S define as “lightweight” via actual weight?
Does L&S offer a truly lightweight boot?
Is L&S working on and/or planning to offer a lightweight boot?

And, separately, can L&S make a “warm” boot with more than 200g insulation.

Not trolling, I am a L&S custom boot system consumer. Extremely pleased with the comfort and support. Would love to see either a warmer boot or a truly lightweight boot, or both as new offerings. I don’t think the Encompass is really lightweight and think you have the skills and manufacturing connections to best that design in weight-performance. Doesn’t have to be a Vivo style boot, could outscale Inov8 even.

 

[5MilesBack]

"Lightweight" is subjective, whether we're talking about guns, bows, packs, sleep system, or boots. I wear a size 13. Most every boot set under 4lbs is pretty lightweight to me for mountain hunting. But it's more than just weight.......I value flexibility, and the ability to move quickly on my feet. Ski boots or similar are worthless to me on the mountain. I've even been known to keep my ski boots somewhat loose while skiing. That's probably one of the reasons why I don't like 10" hunting boots. On the other hand, I hunted in my Merrill hiking boots one day several years ago, and will never do that again. All of my favorite hunting boots have 6-7" uppers.

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

I didn’t quite understand that question - right now I just wear traditional mountain boots, I’m guess I’m wondering if anyone who has worn lower cut hiker type boots has had issues with rolling an ankle? And if they think they can go longer on their feet in those type boots.

I see, you are wearing a regular Mt. Hunting style boot. I was confused...

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

I’m still baffled over what this is all about.

What does L&S define as “lightweight” via actual weight?
Does L&S offer a truly lightweight boot?
Is L&S working on and/or planning to offer a lightweight boot?

And, separately, can L&S make a “warm” boot with more than 200g insulation.

Not trolling, I am a L&S custom boot system consumer. Extremely pleased with the comfort and support. Would love to see either a warmer boot or a truly lightweight boot, or both as new offerings. I don’t think the Encompass is really lightweight and think you have the skills and manufacturing connections to best that design in weight-performance. Doesn’t have to be a Vivo style boot, could outscale Inov8 even.

I'm simply seeing what everyone's thoughts are on the subject, to educate and to be educated. The way I look at it is, we are never to old to learn something New and that's the main reason for the topic.

I love the fact that you love what we do, our family tries extremely hard to help those be successful on their hunts. Now after reading these bullet points, would you change or add something to them for others to see?

Here is my answer to your question and they are good ones.

I look at it from a stand point of the weight but still provide the support needed so that the foot isn't compromised, causing injury..

We offer a trekking boot which we would consider a lighter weight and feel boot.

If you are in business you are always working on projects. Take a look at our New NON-Typical insole for cold weather... Works great. I mean, it really works great!!!

We can add more insulation in a boot but we simply feel that the package we have is a great fit... If you need more insulation use a little warmer sock and you have the 400 gram setup. Problem with a higher package is that it takes up more room in a boot and your feet are going to sweat more while moving..

 

[plebe]

"Lightweight" is subjective, whether we're talking about guns, bows, packs, sleep system, or boots. I wear a size 13. Most every boot set under 4lbs is pretty lightweight to me for mountain hunting. But it's more than just weight.......I value flexibility, and the ability to move quickly on my feet. Ski boots or similar are worthless to me on the mountain. I've even been known to keep my ski boots somewhat loose while skiing. That's probably one of the reasons why I don't like 10" hunting boots. On the other hand, I hunted in my Merrill hiking boots one day several years ago, and will never do that again. All of my favorite hunting boots have 6-7" uppers.

It’s also a comparative qualification. There’s a data set of specifications to look at.

 

[dtrkyman]

What kind of hunting are you doing in light boots? You mentioned pack weight - so, I'm guessing back country. I have Schnee's that I like, but I have run a couple marathons and the trend/science there is that added cushion really helps with foot recovery when it comes to long distance running. I can imagine that carrying over to mountain hunting too with something like the Hoka boots. I know you will burn through those quicker, but for someone like myself that only gets 1-2 weeks a year hunting in the mountains I mostly care about optimizing my ability to cover ground on the mountain, not how many seasons will my boots last. (I'm also worried about rolling an ankle on a side hill too though.)

I add a cushioned insole to my Vivo boot (A keen), but it is pretty minimal. I did 41 miles on them this turkey season in 2.5 days carrying probably 20lbs of stuff, and then packing the turkey out 4 miles when I killed one.

I have not even come close to rolling an ankle wearing barefoot shoes and boots, I believe the fact your foot is basically on the ground keeps that from being an issue.

I just back pack fished a few days and did probably 12 miles with 30lbs, and over a thousand feet of elevation gain on the way in.

I hunted five states for turkey this spring and wore the Vivos everyday, I would estimate an easy 100 miles on them, no issue other than they are not waterproof so I wore a "goretex" sock in the Midwest.

I wear Vivo training shoes in the gym which I go to everyday I am not hunting, wore the Vivo all last summer at 3d shoots and rucked every morning prior to turkey season with 30lbs, that was the only time I noticed some fatigue in my feet, I think after another summer of 3d and training I will be 100% conditioned to the barefoot shoe/boots.

I did wear my Asolo 520s a couple rainy days during turkey season and felt like I had bricks on my feet!

I have been eyeing the Bahe boot, kind of an in between from barefoot to light hiker it seems?

Do not throw on a Vivo type shoe/boot and go rucking right off the bat!

 

[2buffalo]

I'm simply seeing what everyone's thoughts are on the subject, to educate and to be educated. The way I look at it is, we are never to old to learn something New and that's the main reason for the topic.

I love the fact that you love what we do, our family tries extremely hard to help those be successful on their hunts. Now after reading these bullet points, would you change or add something to them for others to see?

Here is my answer to your question and they are good ones.

I look at it from a stand point of the weight but still provide the support needed so that the foot isn't compromised, causing injury..

We offer a trekking boot which we would consider a lighter weight and feel boot.

If you are in business you are always working on projects. Take a look at our New NON-Typical insole for cold weather... Works great. I mean, it really works great!!!

We can add more insulation in a boot but we simply feel that the package we have is a great fit... If you need more insulation use a little warmer sock and you have the 400 gram setup. Problem with a higher package is that it takes up more room in a boot and your feet are going to sweat more while moving..

If you had (maybe you do?) a boot that is under 3 lbs a pair, goretex, low heel, and a fairly soft sole I would order a pair. Similar to the Crispi Laponnia III. Insulation in a boot makes no sense to me after wearing insulated boots for years and realizing it actually does nothing a heavier merino sock does not do and actually makes for colder feet.

 

[plebe]

I'm simply seeing what everyone's thoughts are on the subject, to educate and to be educated. The way I look at it is, we are never to old to learn something New and that's the main reason for the topic.

I love the fact that you love what we do, our family tries extremely hard to help those be successful on their hunts. Now after reading these bullet points, would you change or add something to them for others to see?

Here is my answer to your question and they are good ones.

I look at it from a stand point of the weight but still provide the support needed so that the foot isn't compromised, causing injury..

We offer a trekking boot which we would consider a lighter weight and feel boot.

If you are in business you are always working on projects. Take a look at our New NON-Typical insole for cold weather... Works great. I mean, it really works great!!!

We can add more insulation in a boot but we simply feel that the package we have is a great fit... If you need more insulation use a little warmer sock and you have the 400 gram setup. Problem with a higher package is that it takes up more room in a boot and your feet are going to sweat more while moving..

Can you direct me to the information on your trekking boot?

Does the NON-Typical insole match the Custom Synergy Orthotic (what I have) in comfort?

Is there a sock you could recommend that adds a 200g Primaloft equivelent (or greater) warmth above that provided by Hollow Alpaca boot socks (what I’m using)?

 

[Lathrop and Sons Boots]

Can you direct me to the information on your trekking boot?

Does the NON-Typical insole match the Custom Synergy Orthotic (what I have) in comfort?

Is there a sock you could recommend that adds a 200g Primaloft equivelent (or greater) warmth above that provided by Hollow Alpaca boot socks (what I’m using)?

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

 

[fngTony]

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

No wide options on that boot?

 

[Beendare]

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

 

[Marshfly]

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?

Did nomadic people of the past walking without any support whatsoever have those issues?

Or maybe we are designed/evolved to walk without support allowing our feet to strengthen and adapt to rough terrain. I think the latter.

The more miles I put on wearing zero rise trail runners the stronger my feet, ankles, and calfs become and I find myself much less likely to have issues wearing lightweight boots. I think a lot of people have this same experience.

If you are worried about rolling an ankle, which I think is a real concern, what do you do to prevent that from happening? Do you just split the difference to add more medial and lateral stability?

For me, I strengthen my ankles, feet, and calves by wearing minimalist trail running shoes on the trail the vast majority of the summer. I find that when I slack off of that, I start to see appreciably more ankle instability even when wearing boots.