Winter zero drop boots

[jpmulk]

Anyone know of a good zero drop boot for winter hiking in places like Montana? Something with a bit of insulation for when it’s frigid?

So far the vivo tracker winter version seems to be the best option. Anything else out there? Not super impressed by the looks of the xero alpine. Anyone know much about the Lems offerings?

 

[eli425]

Anyone know of a good zero drop boot for winter hiking in places like Montana? Something with a bit of insulation for when it’s frigid?

So far the vivo tracker winter version seems to be the best option. Anything else out there? Not super impressed by the looks of the xero alpine. Anyone know much about the Lems offerings?

Had a pretty bad experience with the Outlander from Lems. They weren't too grippy on some slushy trails. But what was really bad is that I wore brand new boots on a winter wolf hunt and the water proofing blew out. We were in about 3 miles and I was glassing with frozen wet toes. Ended up calling it and was able to get back to the truck and throw on my backup pair (altra timp gtx) Could have been a fluke, but I wasn't too happy.

Lems had me make a video of me submerging them. When they seen that they flood in, they agreed to give me store credit. So I got the wife some casual shoes for the $.

The Timp GTX is OKAY. Kind of tight initially and I now need a new set after 1 year of hunting. But the waterproofing held up great. I'm thinking to try the lone peak waterproof (but its not GTX but in house which has me concerned)

I tried vivo trackers, the older model (not insulated) or anything. Fit, comfort, durability were EXCELLENT and I still use them today after 3 years. BUT they were never really waterpoof/resistant, even with all the coating and care that I put into them. I just accepted to have wet feet at that point during my early fall hunts.
I've ran them during some rabbit hunts in the snow, even in low single digit snow. They're not insulated. Ended up using some wool/felt inserts and double socks. Seemed to do the trick for the mornings.

Anyways, sorry about the essay, but this has been a journey for me to find a good hunting boot/shoe as well.

 

[jpmulk]

Had a pretty bad experience with the Outlander from Lems. They weren't too grippy on some slushy trails. But what was really bad is that I wore brand new boots on a winter wolf hunt and the water proofing blew out. We were in about 3 miles and I was glassing with frozen wet toes. Ended up calling it and was able to get back to the truck and throw on my backup pair (altra timp gtx) Could have been a fluke, but I wasn't too happy.

Lems had me make a video of me submerging them. When they seen that they flood in, they agreed to give me store credit. So I got the wife some casual shoes for the $.

The Timp GTX is OKAY. Kind of tight initially and I now need a new set after 1 year of hunting. But the waterproofing held up great. I'm thinking to try the lone peak waterproof (but its not GTX but in house which has me concerned)

I tried vivo trackers, the older model (not insulated) or anything. Fit, comfort, durability were EXCELLENT and I still use them today after 3 years. BUT they were never really waterpoof/resistant, even with all the coating and care that I put into them. I just accepted to have wet feet at that point during my early fall hunts.
I've ran them during some rabbit hunts in the snow, even in low single digit snow. They're not insulated. Ended up using some wool/felt inserts and double socks. Seemed to do the trick for the mornings.

Anyways, sorry about the essay, but this has been a journey for me to find a good hunting boot/shoe as well.

thanks for the notes. Not a lot of options out there. I love the Lems for most situations. I use Lem summits. Have two pair. One set the water proofing is great. The other has one boot that leaks. I just live with it for early season. But looking for something insulated. Best looking option I’ve seen is the rocky sv2 insulated boot. Have you seen those? Kinda spendy. But best late winter zero drop boot option I think I’ve seen so far. Havent tried them yet tho.

 

[eli425]

I personally haven't tried the sv2 but when I served, they were a popular choice(the non insulated ones tactical version) and guys always had great feedback.
You might be able to check out some USMC/Navy surplus stores and see if they have a used pair of the tactical version for cheap. Or check out Facebook groups of areas near military bases. Just to check fit and feel and stuff

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