Rubber boots Vs hard sole boots??

[Topdog]

I’ve always used rubber boots for scent control. But had sore feet from climbing on bolts especially when standing to hang the platform. Appreciate any thoughts / recommendations. Thanks

Lowa Tibet GTX, I have spent more money than I care to admit on boots, these are my favorite for big woods mountain type hunting, good stiff sole for standing on steps or in spurs. Farm country, swamps that sort of thing my Muck Artic Sport have decent support for rubber boots, I have leg and ankle problems so some support is a must or I am done. Colder weather I wear Schnees Hunter 2s, really cold weather Schnees Extreme, they have almost zero support in my opinion but are tough as heck and your feet are always dry.

 

[PEEJAY]

I don't actually know, I've never used bolts because I hunt public land and bolts are illegal

It depends on what state and what public land you are on. In md on most public land you can use them you just can't leave them in the tree when you leave.

 

[JCLINE84]

Last year I wore my muck boots for the first time in years because I had to access through a creek. Anyway, after spraying them down with scent killer at the truck and then walking through a creek I cheated and walked right across a deer trail to my tree. Every deer that walked that trail came to where I crossed it and became skiddish. Had my thermals and pants tucked into the boots. Did everything I could to keep them scent free, and still couldnt fool a deer. I honestly dont think scent control works at all anymore. Now I just hunt the wind, walk the extra distance to avoid crossing trails, and wear comfortable boots. Being cautious about the wind and where I step has gotten me far more deer sightings than my over the top scent control tactics ever did. Wear what keeps you comfortable and still in the tree.

 

[PEEJAY]

Last year I wore my muck boots for the first time in years because I had to access through a creek. Anyway, after spraying them down with scent killer at the truck and then walking through a creek I cheated and walked right across a deer trail to my tree. Every deer that walked that trail came to where I crossed it and became skiddish. Had my thermals and pants tucked into the boots. Did everything I could to keep them scent free, and still couldnt fool a deer. I honestly dont think scent control works at all anymore. Now I just hunt the wind, walk the extra distance to avoid crossing trails, and wear comfortable boots. Being cautious about the wind and where I step has gotten me far more deer sightings than my over the top scent control tactics ever did. Wear what keeps you comfortable and still in the tree.

Amen brother!

Good example of this working is the guys from "the hunting public" they refuse to advertise scent control products regardless of how much they were going to get paid by the companies (no fancy Sitka or first lite gear either). They always play the wind and pay close attention to where they're walking in relation to deer movement and the terrain.

I think sometimes if i get overconfident in my clothes and my sprays and whatnot i'll start slacking on my approach. I still like to keep my scent to a minimum when I'm in a stand in case Bubba starts to circle me, but I gave up on thinking my "scent free" boots are gonna let me waltz right down the game trail.

I did use some of that ever calm scent (deodorant stick looking thing) for the first time and rubbed it all over the sides and bottoms of my boots. Im not sure how well it worked but it does smell like a bedding area for sure haha.

 

[PEEJAY]

sorry thats a little bit of a tangent from the original topic. I got excited. I cant wait for season. Im losing it.

 

[Weldabeast]

Rubber boots/hip boots are pretty much required where I go. I had issues with foot discomfort as well until I made my soft platform. If I know there's deep water I leave the truck with hip boots and my crocs attached to me somewhere. Once im finished climbing I'll change shoes and put my knee pads on. I carry extra paracord to hang the hip boots on the tree. If its dry i prefer mid length rubber boots with no shank and soft soles so I can feel what's underfoot. I've had the mid height sportsmansguide guide gear rubber boots and really like them compared to much more expensive ones I just gave to @shwacker.....
If it's still really hot in archery I wear fast dry "river pants" and crocs and just get wet....I'll be dry in no time once up in the tree

Boot/shoe selection will be different for different regions of the country

 

[raisins]

Last year I wore my muck boots for the first time in years because I had to access through a creek. Anyway, after spraying them down with scent killer at the truck and then walking through a creek I cheated and walked right across a deer trail to my tree. Every deer that walked that trail came to where I crossed it and became skiddish. Had my thermals and pants tucked into the boots. Did everything I could to keep them scent free, and still couldnt fool a deer. I honestly dont think scent control works at all anymore. Now I just hunt the wind, walk the extra distance to avoid crossing trails, and wear comfortable boots. Being cautious about the wind and where I step has gotten me far more deer sightings than my over the top scent control tactics ever did. Wear what keeps you comfortable and still in the tree.

I've come to similar conclusions. I think rubber boots cut down on scent and might be the difference between a skiddish but advancing deer versus one that blows. But they smell that something out of place has been there. Also, if your scent trail lingers with leather boots for 1 week (for example) then maybe rubber boots cut that in half or something.

I can't stand tight boots and have a wide foot but narrower ankles, so neoprene/rubber boots tend to slip on me. I haven't taken the plunge and spent $150 on a tight pair hoping they might be more comfortable on long walks.

Hunting deep on public land where you have to walk 2 miles or more one way, I just can't see wearing neoprene/rubber boots. I've gone the opposite direction and gotten the lightest boots/low top shoes that will fulfill the purpose and it makes walking distances much easier. My early season shoes are waterproof low top trail runners.

 

[raisins]

Amen brother!

Good example of this working is the guys from "the hunting public" they refuse to advertise scent control products regardless of how much they were going to get paid by the companies (no fancy Sitka or first lite gear either). They always play the wind and pay close attention to where they're walking in relation to deer movement and the terrain.

I think sometimes if i get overconfident in my clothes and my sprays and whatnot i'll start slacking on my approach. I still like to keep my scent to a minimum when I'm in a stand in case Bubba starts to circle me, but I gave up on thinking my "scent free" boots are gonna let me waltz right down the game trail.

I did use some of that ever calm scent (deodorant stick looking thing) for the first time and rubbed it all over the sides and bottoms of my boots. Im not sure how well it worked but it does smell like a bedding area for sure haha.

I do think if you are going to walk to the same site a few times (especially close to season) to check cameras or something, then some rubber boots with scent control might make some difference as far as accumulated scent causing deer to switch patterns. It's probably just a muting effect. There is no doubt that rubber boots are way better than stinking gym shoes that have BO pit stains bleeding through.

To your point, it is amazing what people will say if they are being paid. A well known youtuber made a video stating that the clothing from his sponsor was so high tech that you could dress for zero F temperatures (3 or 4 layers) on stand and yet still walk miles up and down hills with it all on and not have a sweat or overheating problem (the stuff is just that good). And that this was all preferable to packing in clothes because getting dressed at the base of a tree slows you down and spooks deer. I politely informed him that that is impossible, there are no clothes garments yet invented that can do what he said (short of some sort of climate controlled space suit with a power supply). He just politely disagreed and we went about our day.

 

[fishbones]

I spent years in rubber boots, but have been drifting away slowly. This year I may actually try on some gaiters with my hikers and boot blankets when it's cold. I have Lacrosse aerosoles and it's like walking on pillows, but like the support my lowas provide.



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I was talking with John Eberhart's son one day last summer and he said he does the same thing and it works great.