Russell Moccasin

[gustafsj]

I'm not finding much on here for feedback on the Russell Moccasin boots. I'm a little surprised to not see much chatter since they are designed for hunters, just curious if there are many that use them and what the real world experience is for them.

I love a minimal flexible shoe for running, hiking and backpacking, even on rocky, technical terrain. I've been wearing minimal shoes so much that when I put on a "clunky" boot, my feet scream at me. When trying to walk quietly through the woods, it helps a ton to have a flexible shoe to "feel" the ground underneath you in order to make less noise.

I have narrow feet with a wide forefoot. It is really hard to find a shoe or boot where I feel like I have enough room for my toes to move around (and not get cold) and at the same time not have my heal slip around.

If there are any other options out there, I'm all ears.

 

[go4thegusto]

I used Russell for years because of my A width foot and still own a few. Have had many styles of boots and moccasins over the years. Sold most on ebay. Good old world leather like Red Wing but can't hold a candle to all the new technology based footbeds. The Russell's are very hard bottom typically with a flat sole, a good insole is a must. They don't subscribe to any water barriers. If you are looking for dry ground pheasant boots or chukka boots to walk the dog go for it. Otherwise I would look at Zamberlan and Salewa with your narrow heel. Just got back from a trail run with my new Salewa shoes....amazing.

 

[Kevin Dill]

I've owned Russell High Country Hunter boots for many years. They've gone with me to BC, NWT, YK, AK, UT and other locations. They've logged many miles and have held up extremely well. I followed the Russell fitment instructions closely and my boots are like a dream to wear. My forefoot is also somewhat wide, and my boots have plenty of room for foot/toe spread. The triple vamp build and air bob sole is plenty flexible, while the moccasin top means no toe pressure from above. I've owned plenty of nice boots in my life, but nothing will ever replace my Russell HCH.

 

[SDHNTR]

I have two pair. The HCH's are great and fit perfectly. I also own a pair of TLC's that just don't fit quite right on my right foot. Russell has worked on em once and I'm sure they'd do it again and again to get it right. The quality is fantastic. The leather is beautiful, thick full grain. Like nothing I've ever seen on a production boot. They will likely outlast any other pair of boot I own. That said, I wouldn't consider a serious mtn hunt in them personally. I like lots of stiffness, arch, and ankle support when under heavy load. Even with the extra ankle support and shank options, I need more support. I love em for more mild hunts, but when it comes to goats and sheep and a heavy pack, they wouldn't be my personal preference. Oh yeah, no Goretex or similar. You can grease them down and that helps, but ultimately, the stitching will leak. Not a wet country boot, IMO.

But if you want a really well made minimalist boot, you could be on the right track. Call them and see what they recommend to build you what you want.

 

[gustafsj]

Thanks for all the feedback. Good suggestion to call them and talk through what I need.

 

[AXEL]

I had my HCH made in summer, 1988, still have them and wore them on a major horsepack hunt in northern BC in 1989 and another, longer in 1991.

They, NEVER fit correctly, sent them back twice and the guy I dealt with on the phone just snickered at my concern over actual mountain use with these which did NOT impress me.

I wore them on several other hunts and they were wet, poor support and rather clunky; they are just more over-hyped, over-priced gear, IMO.

I kept mine for camp wear as I like to remove and dry my using boots as soon as I come in for the day.

I have worn many pairs of mountain boots and logging/firefighting boots for more than 50 years, in BC, Alberta, Canada's NWT and Yukon, but, these are among the worst I have ever had......would NEVER buy another pair.

Look at Euro. mountain boots or Hoffman's, White's and US custom makers, think you might find this a better approach.