Recommendations for Do-it-all boots in Central VA hunting

[Methos65]

Hi All.
Been reading through some threads and know there are a lot of recommenations flying around the forums.
That said, I need some new boots and am asking for experience and recommendations.
I have what I believe be a normal width ball on my foot, but my heels are kind of narrow and I always struggle with boots/shoes fitting my heels.
I'd be interested to hear what brands seem to be better for narrow, normal and wide feet.

My hunting style:
I hunt in VA mostly. Stand hunting early morning and late day. Still hunting covering a lot of ground between sites. Terrain is mixed hardwoods with a lot of hills to go up and down.

Problems I have faced with boots:
Warmth. Always a challenge, especially when sitting on cold mornings. I'll be looking at some different liner and sock options to help with sweating.
Heel lock. Often, I cannot get a boot to keep my heel at the back of the boot even when laced as tightly as possible. This results in my foot sliding foward enough for my toes to hit the front of the boot, usually when walking downhill.

What I'm looking for:
I'm looking for one comfortable boot that I can wear into the stand and when I get down, can handle the hiking/walking over most any type of terrain.
I do suffer from cold feet and my ankles are not the strongest and prone to rolling so am looking for good ankle support.
I would prefer a boot that is not to heavy to avoid tiring on long hikes/walks into, out of, and within the woods.
I want a boot with plenty of room in the toe box as I use the Hothands Toe Heaters which are quite efficient at keeping my feet warm when combined with a merino liner and wool over sock. I have a pair of Bogs, but they are kinda heavy for long hikes and don't provide the support I would like. Plus, they just are not as warm as I'd like even with the toe heaters, liner and wool socks. They are also kind of "clompy" and make it hard to sneak through the woods.

Points to consider:
I've been looking at Crispi, Kenetrek, Schnee Zamberlan, Lathrop, etc. but recently learned that mountain boots are often tighter fitting which means less circulation and colder feet.
I would be very willing to buy a pair of ArticShield Boot Covers for when I'm on the stand.

Well, I threw a lot information out. Hopefully some of you folks can provide your insight and advice.
I look forward to your responses.
Thanks for reading.

 

[The Mahcanik]

I used Rocky insulated boots for several years here in VA. Comfort was good but still got a little cold in the stand. I bought some Crispi's for my first western hunt a few years back. Awesome boots for that but not good for climbing trees. The stiffer sole doesnt help me in a tree.

I would look for fit before insulation because there are ways to stay warm. You have any stores you could try different boots on? Maybe cutting up some insoles to add to the heel area might help.

 

[Methos65]

I used Rocky insulated boots for several years here in VA. Comfort was good but still got a little cold in the stand. I bought some Crispi's for my first western hunt a few years back. Awesome boots for that but not good for climbing trees. The stiffer sole doesnt help me in a tree.

I would look for fit before insulation because there are ways to stay warm. You have any stores you could try different boots on? Maybe cutting up some insoles to add to the heel area might help.

Thanks for the reply.
I've had Rocky's and other "lesser" brands before.
Sadly, I have not found stores within a 50 mile radius that stock hunting boots made by Kenetrek, Crispi, Lowa, Hoffman, Schnee, etc.
For trees, I use either a Summit climber or a ladder stand depending on which property I am at.

That said, I've watched a lot of videos and talked to a guy in Southern Virginia near Lynchburg that has Kenetrek which he loves. I've decided to give them a try and have a pair on their way.

Worst case scenario, they don't fit and I return them and it costs me $15-20 in shipping.

I'll try to remember to come back here an update after I've tried them out.

 

[The Mahcanik]

I had to do the same with my Crispi's.

Stiff soles wouldnt be too bad with a climber. They arent fun with a saddle.

Good luck with the Kentreks, and this season.

 

[sasquatch308]

I’m in that area a lot and can’t recommend the Crispi Nevada enough. Absolutely best all around boot I’ve worn. If it’s seriously cold out as in sub freezing I put over boots on when in the stand because it’s just down right cold. But any movement and above freezing I’ve found zero issue. I’m getting a lighter pair of the Laponias to try but unless your in some swampy crap like south eastern VA has, everywhere else I’ve rocked these Crispis

 

[DKennedy951]

I am in the Hampton Roads area and have been hunting in Crispi Colorados for the last 4 years or so. Only time I don't wear them is when I'm going to hunt in a known swamp. Good socks and some booties in the extreme cold and I'm good to go.

 

[rgroves79]

It sure where you are in CVA, but Green Top usually has Danner, Rocky, and Kenetrek in stock.

I have a pair of Meindl Vakuum boots that I bought specifically for elk hunts but find myself wearing them for deer around here until it gets real cold. They also have their Comfort Fit Hunter model that comes in 400 gram as well as uninsulated. I have heard good things about those as well but have not tried them myself. I really like the ones I have and will probably get the other model when I replace my current insulated boots.

 

[SloppyJ]

I think you need to tackle this from multiple fronts. If not get a pair of alpha burly pros in 1200g and call it a day but I bet your feet still get cold.

First, find a pair of boots that fits. I have Zamberlin Tofanes and they're legit but I think Lowas fit me a bit better. You just have to try them on.

On the warmth issue, if you're stand hunting you have options. Go with some heated socks and/or some of the boot covers for when you get in the stand.

 

[Glendon Mullins]

If you want warm feet, Rocky Arctic Bear Claws, 1000gr of insulation. I had a pair that lasted like 10 years and bought another pair i am using now as well. I have even wore them trekking up and down the mtns here in highland county, after deer and bear. Sure they a lil heavy, but nothing someone cant handle

 

[overlandozzy1]

If you want warm feet, Rocky Arctic Bear Claws, 1000gr of insulation. I had a pair that lasted like 10 years and bought another pair i am using now as well. I have even wore them trekking up and down the mtns here in highland county, after deer and bear. Sure they a lil heavy, but nothing someone cant handle

I’ve worn a 20 year old pair of Lacrosse Iceman’s when it’s below 20 degrees. I’m in north NC not far from Danville VA. I take a piece of thick carpet and put it between my boots and the bottom of my platform. Those Lacrosse Iceman’s are LEGIT

 

[RC_]

From someone who really struggles with proper boot fit due to heel slippage, I would echo the comments above on focusing on fit first. I finally settled on the Crispi Colorados and have used them for a couple years here in VA hunting in the hills/mountains and used them in the breaks in Montana and they worked equally well. In my current size, I have never had a heel blister although due get toe rubbing when heading downhill with any weight. I finally gave in and have a pair on the way a half size up to see if that will still hold my heels in place without the toe rubbing. It can be a struggle to keep your feet warm when you hike in a good ways and get your feet sweating and then sit but there are solutions.

If you're using climbers and ladder stands, I don't think stiffness really comes into play. For saddle hunting, a stiff boot makes climbing and hanging off sticks easier but are a little more uncomfortable once on the platform.

My other advice would be that I found GoHunt to be the best place to "mass-order" boots from and easily return them. You can go brand-by-brand but I used to order 6-8 pairs at a time from Gohunt to speed up the process of finding something that fits properly. I think that's the best and fastest option when we don't have access to a good retailer like Scheels.

 

[Methos65]

Thank you everyone for all your tips and advice!

I am currently trying out the Kenetrek MEs. They are comfortable enough, but I do have heel slip right out of the box which I'm told is normal and goes away after break in because they are so stiff.
I've laced them different ways and can get it to reduce slipping, but would prefer if heel slip wasn't happening when I first put them on.

Gonna take a look at GoHunt. Thanks @RC_ for that tip.

 

[ceejay]

WV hunter here. There are lots of boot options form reputable brands (Crispi, Meindl, HanWag, Schnee, etc). I would focus on boot fit and make sure that they fit comfortably, and your foot is not the least bit cramped/tight in them. I would strongly consider insulated boot cover for use on stand sits. Maybe even switch socks before stand hunting for an extended time. The combination of a heavy insulated boot and hiking is miserable from heavy clunky boots and sweaty feet.