looking for a "truly" waterproof boot

[wolfsong]

The absolute worst time to find out that your brand name $200+ waterproof boots aren't is when you're miles from your camp or rig in deep snow on the trail of a monster buck. I have four pair of hiking boots that claimed to be waterproof, and yep, you got it - they aren't!  I know there are rubber and leather type snow boots out there but I need the rigidity of a good hiking boot along with a lug sole. I've tried Merrils, Vasques, R.E.I.s, Columbias, Asolos and none of them do well in the snow, even with treatments. I don't want an insulated boot, just one that performs like a hiking boot, that I can wear in the summer, fall and winter. They can be mid-ankle or taller like Rockies, I don't care. I just don't want to have any more hunts interupted by cold, wet feet. Don't want to spend more than $200 a pair, as I'll need to buy two pairs. Any suggestions or first hand experiances to share? Peace and God bless, Wolfsong.

[corbanzo]

I've had the same problems, seems like the only way to get a truly waterproof boot is if its made out of rubber....

[pastorp]

Wolfsong, Most in alaska wear extra tuffs rubber boots but to me they are not comfortable to walk in. I have a pair of pull on wellings that I got from Cabellas that have a gore tex liner. I have stood in water a foot deep for hours with dry feet.

You probably want a tie up for hiking though. I use my pull ons for riding the 4 wheeler, launching the skiff, and deer hunting the muskegs. I would get a leather boot with a gore tex liner from cabellas. Then if they don't preform as advertized return them. Cabellas is very good about honoring their guarantees. Regards, Byron

[mdmayo]

I'd recommend anything Cabela's brands with their stamp, with either DryPlus or GoreTex waterproofing. I've owned 5 pairs of their boots over the last 10yrs and found each and every pair watertight to the end. Some were hikers, some winterboots, some hunting boots. All over the Wind River range, Out in the basins of Powell, Wy, The Rockies and elsewhere.

I'm gonna shut up now, I'm startin to sound like a commercial.

Cheers


P.S.  I really like Cabela's boots

[quickdtoo]

I've been wearing rubber bottom/leather topped boots from LL Bean or  Cabelas for the last 15yrs, have wore out the souls on 2 pair and have never had a wet foot yet. They come in unlined or goretex lined and insulated, take your pick, you won't be disappointed. The only time they don't work well is if you're walking a lot of rock or side hill, they don't provide much ankle support.

Tim

[pastorp]

Quick, Don't know how you can keep the Bean packs waterproof. I can believe the gore tex ones are but not the unlined. Byron

[quickdtoo]

Warm em up a little in a warm oven or over a heat vent then Snowseal on the leather and seams works for me!!

Tim