Stiffer western hunting boots on a budget

[Sorry slinger]

Well the title pretty much says it all. I hunt the mountains of eastern Oregon and western Idaho. I’m looking for a boot on the stiffer side since my options are usually hike up the hill or down the canyon. I know there are lots of great boots out there but none in my price range. I can’t justify 300+ on boots right now. So if anyone has any advice I’m all ears. Thanks everyone

 

[WannabeHunter]

https://www.sierra.com/asolo-hunter.../?filterString=mens-boots~d~137/asolo~b~1120/

I haven't worn them, but in my reading, these get alot of praise for the price. Too much boot for me, but I'm looking at the little brother Asolo Hunter GV and Tribe GV

 

[Farmerlentz]

Boots are the one place not to skimp. Sell some other gear and buy some good boots

 

[Y2JJ]

https://www.backcountry.com/asolo-f...MI8fjM1Kzn4AIVBZ7ACh2PIQZIEAQYBSABEgLaY_D_BwE

Nice set of stiffies.

 

[Sorry slinger]

Boots are the one place not to skimp. Sell some other gear and buy some good boots

Understand that. But I’m still building a quality gear list. I don’t have anything to sell off just yet

 

[WannabeHunter]

Friendly heads up. This type of question is asked alot. Do some different searches and you'll find lots of reading. Most won't answer the same question 100 times a month.

 

[TBHasler]

Check out Backcountry, Sierra, Moosejaw websites and search for sale or clearance Asolo boots. Usually find options for $125-$150 after heavy discounts. For this price, any number of models they offer are a great bang for the buck. Good luck

 

[Sorry slinger]

Friendly heads up. This type of question is asked alot. Do some different searches and you'll find lots of reading. Most won't answer the same question 100 times a month.

I did a few different searches and came up with lots of answers well above my price range. Hence why the thread was started

 

[Sorry slinger]

My biggest problem is I don’t know just from model names which are stiff and which are not. That is my main reason for asking. I’ve always ran a softer boot as that is what the big box stores sell. I am trying to expand my horizons

 

[willfrye027]

I just got the Asolo hunter gv $200. Still wearing them in but so far they fit great and are very stiff

 

[BRTreedogs]

Check out mountain steals they got some great deals rite now. But just watch for deals and watch the classifieds here.
But I hate to tell ya I've just never heard of a quality well built product for cheap.
Good luck finding your unicorn. Let us know what you find.

 

[BRTreedogs]

I just got the Asolo hunter gv $200. Still wearing them in but so far they fit great and are very stiff

Generally they are going to use the term mountaineering in the title or description.

 

[Sorry slinger]

Check out mountain steals they got some great deals rite now. But just watch for deals and watch the classifieds here.
But I hate to tell ya I've just never heard of a quality well built product for cheap.
Good luck finding your unicorn. Let us know what you find.

Not looking for a unicorn. Something fairly stiff for less than 300

 

[BRTreedogs]

Wait for an REI 20% off coupon.
Get the Lowa Tibet or an asolo

 

[tttoadman]

I am a fan of stiff boots as well. This is how you tell what you are getting. Look for the "polyurethane midsole". This is the stiff boot. Stay away from "EVA midsole". There are some midweights like the Lowa Camino that have a 3/4 length poly or at least a thinner one. The stiffer boots will usually have the solid rand all the way down the sides. If they have the solid rand, but don't state they have the poly midsole, they are a pc of shit that will just split the rand and fall apart.

If you are tight this year, keep an eye out for the Caminos or something a little in the middle of the pack. Wear your gaters this year to keep dry with the shorter boots. Next year you have some nice midweights for summer scouting and training and you can get the heavier boots for 2020 hunt.

 

[tttoadman]

Put Oregon Mountain Community in your favorites. They are in North Portland, but they sell online also. I buy all my boots at this store about december when they have their annual 20% off.

 

[Downeaster]

What size are ya? I keep an eye out for a few people, i'll do the same for you if i can.

 

[wind gypsy]

Used boots do not have good resale value - I have bought and sold a number of lightly used $350+ boots online for $100-200. Keep an eye on the classifieds here.

Do more research on what models to look at. Width and volume of your foot is very important in figuring out how a stiffer boot will fit. Getting a stiff boot with a lot of volume if you have low volume feet or vice versa will tear your feet up. Options like Lowa Tibet or Zamberlan 980s are good supportive boots without being full on mountaineering boots and seem to be a little more forgiving.

 

[Shadow14]

Ebay and this forum are your best friend. You can find some killer deals on boots from ebay. Just search the brand (Kennetrek, Crispi, shnees, ect) with your size and you will find a bunch of results. Make offers, make bids and be patient.

 

[Shadow14]

Id recommend putting up a WTB ad here as well. Some folks on here are very generous and will cut you a good deal and good pair of boots.