I'm seeking opinions / recommendations on a 100% waterproof boot for bowhunting, which for me means long hikes up steep inclines with lot's of rocky, uneven terrain. I live in a temperate rainforest so it is very wet here most of the year, thus my problem.

While I prefer a leather boot and I have been skeptical of all rubber boots, I can't find a reliable leather boot, which doesn't let in H20 after 2-3 years.

I am wondering what you guys think of rubber boots like Lacrosse (arrowhead) or Bogs or Muck boots VS. leather boots.

I own goretex boots by Danner and Vasque but they have leaked water after a few years of hunting / hiking, even thou they were properly maintained.

What I'm looking for is a reliable boot that I can hike in with my bow and have good footing and traction along with being waterproof. With our rocky terrain ankle support is important and I can't have my foot slipping around inside the boot.

It never stays below 25F for very long so I'm not so concerned about sub zero weather; it's just wet enough here to grow mushrooms on your hat!

Suggestions welcome.

Hard bill to fit. I've had luck with Kenetreks, and the meindls from cabelas. I Use the Kenetrek gators when needed. That helps a lot. Your may want to check out the schnees boots too. It's a high octane pack boot.

I've worn the Danner Rainforest boots here on the 'wet side' of Oregon for over 20 years..Haven't bought a new pair in over 10 years..so not sure how they do now..but the one's I have worn were waterproof, comfortable and held up fine..I keep my boots clean and greased well..and resole them ... I wouldn't give ya a nickel for rubber bots in rought uphill-downhill terrain...Jim

Jim knows of what he speaks. Mebbe one should pay attention to one who has walked those hills.

Thanks for for the insights.

While some speak well of rubber boots I just can't imagine them being stable in a cut block or slash while side-hilling it on what seems like a 45 degree slope.

I'll look into the Danner Rainforest. My most favorite boot to date has been a Danner, just disappointed they leaked in three years and blew out at the seam a few years after that.

I think you are right about rubber boots in general and sloped cutblocks . I have a seven year old pair of Muck boots that I can't image why I would wear anything else. Comfortable , warm , and 100 percent waterproof. Great in Kansas. Not enough ankle support for your neck of the woods.

If you own a pair of Gore-Tex boots that leak, you can send them back to Gore-Tex under their "Guearenteed to keep you dry" warranty. I did that earlier this year with a pair of Vasque's. If they find that it's due to the Gore Tex leaking (as opposed to a rip or a delaminating sole) they'll buy you a new pair. John

In a true hiking boot, I gave up on Vasque (Breeze) several years ago after they leaked from dew-wet grass. They replaced them and the Gortex in that set did the same thing. Right now I'm wearing Asolo (Fugitives) and I have nothing but positives to say. I would try them on and walk around before buying, though as they have a very different feel, narrower, "stiffer" with more ankle support, but I would think that would be a plus in goat country.

I pretty much gave up on boots that are waterproof and all leather because sooner or later they get wet and they take a long time to dry. 3 years ago in BC I had to cross a wide knee deep crick to sneak up a bear. My boots filled with water and being water proof on the out side they were water proof on the inside to and it was like trying to walk in two buckets of water. I tried to get my boots off but the bear bailed off the side of the hill while I was screwing around. Lesson learned. Now I like lite weight cordera sided boots that can be walked dry. Wet feet in the spring don't bother me. Late fall, maybe a different story. My buddy that lives there wears the same.

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