Seeing the previous snake gaiter question, would like to ask another one. I simply want your input if you have them (boots, not gaiters)...
Do you like yours or not, and what brand/model?
Looking for comfort on long walks through the swamps, as well as "water proofness".
Thanks in advance. Dan
I have the Rocky Snakeboots and actually like them a lot. I put SuperFeet inserts in them and they are very comfortable. They're not too heavy and were great for stomping through cactus and thorns in south TX. I wore them in Canada in the swamp and they weren't much on "water proofness". I'll be swamp hunting in snake country this weekend with them again.
I have a pair of Bass Pro Redheads that I like fine. Very comfortable. They've only been in water a couple of times, but didn't leak. I ordered them 1/2 size large and am glad I did.
Used to have a pair of Rockys that I ordered at my regular size. When they arrived, they were a bit snug, but I thought what the heck, they'll stretch some. NOT! That material doesn't stretch a fraction of a millimeter. The farther I'd walk in them, the tighter they felt. Ended up giving them to a friend of mine.
al snow is right about the rockys being a bit tight. I wear the wide also. I have there wellingtons and love them I am on the third pair and have abused the heck out of all of them.stand in water no problem.
I have a pair of Rocky's that I like a lot. I found some knee high warm weather socks and they are comfortable even in dove season. I haven't had any problem with them leaking.
I bought a pair from Cabelas to go on a hog hunt this winter.
http://cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?type=product&cmCat=Related_IPL_812082&id=0047522812210a
UNBELIEVABLY comfortable. I dont know what size you wear, but these are on clearance for even less than I payed for them. If you happen to be a 10 or 10.5 D, these are one heck of a bragain. I did a lot of walking on this hog hunt and they felt like tennis shoes. Totally waterproof also.
KPC
KPC
Every pair of Rocky snake boots I have owned (7 or 8) have leaked within a year.
I now own a pair of Danner Pronghorns which are great wearing boots and they don't leak..........yet. I also have some zip up Irish Setters that are very comfy too.
I like the Rocky Snakeboots after I got them broke in. They were uncomfortable the first few outings...Van
I wear redhead and they wear well. Haven't had to try them for water proof yet. They just make me feel more at ease where ever I'm hunting.
Thanks, please keep them coming!
I've got a pair of the Rocky's that I really like. Haven't had much of a chance to check out the waterproofness much yet. I'm with Van, good comfort after break in, but break in was a struggle!
I also have a pair of the Justin's slip on's. They were great right out of the box. But then again I wear Justin's everyday.
The Rocky's give better support for rocky/broken terrain.
LD
got rockys they ok but not for runnin ridges in the mountains
Ive got a $275.00 pair of Chippewa lace ups that I bought for Sweat Hunt #3. Wore them one day and they neally killed me! Felt good in store, chewed my heels to shreds in one day! So that would be a big no for boots for me. Check out Turtle Skin they make snake pants for $150.00 good to the knee and not stiff like gaitors.
I've got the Rocky Guide Series boot and they are extremely comfortable fit and wear wise, but they are hot.
Here's one to ponder, Insulated snake boots....Why? Must be for that rare albino snow snake up there north of the border ay?.....
I've been using a pair of Russell's lightweights for the last couple of years and really like them. Expensive but sometimes you can find your size on their sale list.
I'm going on my 9th year on a custom pair of Russell Laceup 16" Turkey Plainsman boots.They are snake resistant. You trace both your feet and give several measurements and they make the boot to your foot/feet.
http://www.russellmoccasin.com/
Hey Joey,
I've been looking real hard at the Russell TurtleSkin Turkey Hunters. How do they hold up in the water? I paid $189 for a pair of Rocky's and they leaked the first time I wore them. I've used them about 5 times over the last 2 years. I'd rather be dry and take my chances.
I just about stepped on another cottonmouth yesterday afternoon when I was hog hunting. I see one at least every other hunt. Here's picture of him.
(http://lh3.google.com/image/chrisnrena/RjlFPU1QoYI/AAAAAAAAAXE/aZlZBnjmcwY/s400/Chickasawhatchee%20050207.jpg)
Missed a hog right at dark. It was moving, solid black, and just about too dark to shoot. It's tough to pick a spot in those conditions!
chris
Orvis sells Gorkey snake boot but rather expensive.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v107/doublelung/GorkeyBoots.jpg)
Hello Chris old friend, they leak also. I have tried different dips but...they leak to...but they are so comfortable. I'm personally into comfort than dry but I usually turkey hunt Fl,Ga, Ms and TX every year so piece of mind is pretty important. Call them and see if they have improved the waterproofness. Mine are old and broke in. I barely had the money 9 years ago but glad i purchased them now.
My russells havn't leaked during several creek crossings but mine are also double vamped.
I guess I have an odd foot, but I honestly can't stand my rocky snake boots. The first time I wore them they leaked, and to me they are not comfortable at all. I am thinking about trying a pair of the rubber snake boots cabela's sells.
My Rockys are very noisy.Get them damp by walking through wet grass and they will sqeak all day.I am going to go with the zippered Red Heads this year I think.
Thanks for all the replies.
Do you think any boot labeled "GORE TEX" will be more waterproof than other similar products, I understand they are very strict on their licensing and the use of their material?
All of my 34 years of professional forestry has been in S. Georgia, S. Carolina and Louisiana. I've encountered a couple "no shoulders" over the years. Snake protection is part of our personal protection equipment [ppe].
Russells have been the most comfortable and durable of any I've used. They are the only boot that I've tested. :) They work. My company allows me to purchase any snake protection on the market and provide reimbursement. Currently, I have a pair of Rocky's that work well, but with retirement looming, I do believe it's time to order another pair of Russell's. :)
In the last 10 years, four folks of my acquaintance have been snake bit, the latest a friend's college kid, last week. A cotton mouth got him twice on the foot while swimming with friends in a creek. Several days in the hospital and 16 anitvenom [yes, 16] at $6,000 a pop...fortunately he has good insurance. My wife's cousin [a doctor] and his father, both got tagged by copperheads on the arm and hand fooling around in out buildings. Neither enjoyed the incident.
A local forester got tagged above his leather boots by a timber rattler and will always have a reminder of that incident. He was only going a short distance to check something and didn't take the time to change boots.
When I worked the turpentine woods of S. Georgia in the early 1970s, I met several old woods riders and hands that had the experience of being tagged by eastern diamondbacks. Believe me, you really don't want to experience that.
When I enjoy a walk in the woods, be it work or pleasure, three things always accompany me...my osage walking stick, my Silva Ranger and snake boots.
Snake protection is good insurance...nothing macho about going without. There is a good selection on the market nowadays...in shouldn't be difficult to find something that suits you.