Rubber boots for wet weather

[BRL]

I am planning a hunt on public land this year near the Florida Everglades. I have a pair of leather 7" CAT boots that I like for hunting in dry conditions or light rain. But, this is a swamp and standing water could get 10-15". I have used rubber boots years ago, the kind you get at Wal Mart for $12.99. All I can remember is how UNcomfortable they were. Any suggestions for warm, wet weather footwear that won't set me back $150 as I doubt that I will use them a lot?

Thanks

[Dave in WV]

Have you considered waterproof socks and wear any boot you like? Check out Cabela's.( Item:UF-960036)
I have no experience with the product but it may be your best bet.

[Daveinthebush]

I might suggest a pair of LaCrosse Alpha series, uninsulated.  I have had a pair of Alpha Burlys for five years now hunting in Alaska.  Salt water, cold, warm temperatures, rivers, prospecting and digging in rivers all day..... I won't buy anything else.  Alaska field tested and Alaska approved for harsh conditions!

[BRL]

I searched and found their website. Those seem to be perfect. What is under the foot inside the boot? Is it cushioned and comfortable?

Waterproof socks sound interesting. I wonder if they work. I wonder if they will make my boots fit too tight.

Thanks.

[victorcharlie]

Do the water proof socks allow your foot to breath and perspiration to escape?

[Dave in WV]

The Goretex lined ones are "supposed" to. How well they do is like Goretex lined boots. Some do better than others ie: leather vs. fabric. Goretex lined socks  would work better in jungle boots than all leather boots.

[willysjeep134]

All $12 boots are not equal. I had a pair of Proline (read CHINESE) ones that were torture on my feet. Lacrosse made a good $12 chore boot that I bought on clearance. They don't make them any more (closed the US factory) but Onguard and some other companies must have bought the moulding dies. Even the tread pattern is identical. The LaCrosse boots were pretty comfortable, and if you buy them big enough you can put thin felt insoles in them and make them even better.

Muck brand boots are neoprene chore boots with rubber soles. These are a lot more expensive, but more comfotable out of the box. They might be an option as well. In any event, I highly recomend any rubber chore boots made in this country. They seem to be of a better quality than the imports. If you buy them a half size big, wear soft socks, and use thin felt insoles they can be pretty comfortable.

[sparkysteve]

Rocky makes some nice knee-high rubber boots too.  I have the buckstalkers.  Very dry, very warm, very comfortable.

[GRIMJIM]

I have some 17"  irish setters. Buck trackers. A little pricey but worth it for me. 1000 grams of thinsulate, side zippers, very comfortable. Don't remember exaqctly what I paid for them but it was over a hundred bucks. I tried on at least eight different pairs of boots. Believe me I didn't want to pay that much either. They were the last pair I tried and I could just tell by the way they fit, compared to the others that they were the most comfortable of the bunch. I don't know what kind of price range you are looking at but I will give these a good review.

[Cement Man]

I read an article a few years ago about Muck Boots written by Ross Seyfried.  I have mine for two years now and can do just about anything in them.  Light, warm, comfortable, I frog gig in them in the summer and deer hunt in the winter. 

[corbanzo]

xtratuffs and good boots, they are a little expensive, but its what you see down here on the docks, everybody uses them.