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Rubber boots Vs hard sole boots??

S

SCSaddleman

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2019
Messages
203
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
 
I like having a shanked boot to keep my feet from getting too much pressure on one small area
 
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Not all rubber boots are equal. Boots with a heavy shank will be better for your feet than those with a lighter shank or no shank at all. My 1600 Lacross Alpha Pros have a really solid shank and they are more comfortable than my early season boots that have a much lighter shank. When you go boot shopping again flex the soles backward and note the resistance. The more resistance the stiffer the shank.
 
SCSaddleman said:
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
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I ditched the rubber boots years ago. Still killing stuff just fine & my feet thanked me. That is my opinion.
 
You could always put a stiff insole in your rubber boots. I use rubber cuz some of my properties are soggy and I dislike sneaky fangy sneks. Once the weather cools I switch to thicker soled leather boot.
 
I can't remember who but somebody makes a bike pedal looking thing that is used with bolts... somebody will know the name
 
When I hunted central Wisconsin I didn't know what a rubber boot was.
There wasn't anything I could not walk around.
Then I moved to the Northwoods and got wet feet in a hot minute. It was that or go home. Scent control is a bonus but when you got to have them, there is no debate.
 
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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Like said above not all rubber boots are created equal. I have some lacrosse grange boots that are like foot condoms with a light sole. They are great for wading shallow creeks but are a pain on a ring of steps and not especially comfortable on a platform. Muck equalizers have been my favorite so far. They were a bass pro/Cabela’s exclusive but the sole was similar to the woody max. This year I’m trying TideWe and a pair of tingleys with Yoder chaps. The tingleys are definitely lacking in the traction department but they have their benefits as well. I can’t really say much about the TideWe boots yet other than they look nice and will get extensive use this fall.
 
Living up on the river and hunting the swamps, rubber boots are mandatory. I actually don't think I wore anything but the tingley's and yoder's combo that @redsquirrel turned me onto last year. And if I could find a comfortable pair of chest waders to deer hunt in, I'd probably wear those half the time. The water is always 1" higher than whatever you are wearing, and 12" shallower than what your boat will run.

I never have had any real discomfort on a ROS. I think somebody a while ago was posting a reinforced insole for rubber boots. That combined with either a large surface area step like the ameristep, or the bolt pedals, would probably help.
 
Nutterbuster said:
And if I could find a comfortable pair of chest waders to deer hunt in, I'd probably wear those half the time. The water is always 1" higher than whatever you are wearing, and 12" shallower than what your boat will run.
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Have you ever tried full length neoprene boots without the attached boots, like this

I used to work daily in the water and found these paired with a set of rubber boots was the most comfortable I could find. Only problem is stuff can get into your boots.

I found these more comfortable for walking and extended periods because the attached boots on waders would really rub my shins and cause sores
 

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I kind of actually wondered what its going to be like climbing WE stepps in alpha burly pros during later season hunts? I guess I should just try it, lol. Its pretty hot to be wearing them now though. I'm more worried about foot room with a bulkier boot. Any input?

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Jay_Disarray said:
Have you ever tried full length neoprene boots without the attached boots, like this

I used to work daily in the water and found these paired with a set of rubber boots was the most comfortable I could find. Only problem is stuff can get into your boots.

I found these more comfortable for walking and extended periods because the attached boots on waders would really rub my shins and cause sores
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I've been looking at the stockingfoot waders, yes. I've actually deer hunted in my duck waders a good bit. The issue is more with sweat factor than anything else for me. Even when it's cold enough you don't want to get wet, it's usually too hot to wear a body-condom down here.
 
Colek83 said:
I kind of actually wondered what its going to be like climbing WE stepps in alpha burly pros during later season hunts? I guess I should just try it, lol. Its pretty hot to be wearing them now though. I'm more worried about foot room with a bulkier boot. Any input?

Sent from my SM-N970U using Tapatalk
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I can't speak for WE steps but climbing sticks are no problem with the AB Pros. I wear a 10.5 shoe but go with a 12 rubber boot for the late season stuff .... an 11 for uninsulated early season gear. Best to try them on at the store with the socks you are going to wear to be sure.
 
I felt the bulges on the primal steps through the bottom of my rubber Walmart boots. I built a flat platform and haven't had discomfort since.

Primal Platform DIY 2 lbs 7 oz

I stood on a Primal step for 6 hours on Saturday. Not much fun with all the bulges. I had the wooden platform I made but the step pulled away from the tree because of the leverage of a large platform. This morning, I put a lightweight aluminum piece on a Primal step similar to what I did with...
saddlehunter.com
 
michigandrake said:
I can't speak for WE steps but climbing sticks are no problem with the AB Pros. I wear a 10.5 shoe but go with a 12 rubber boot for the late season stuff .... an 11 for uninsulated early season gear. Best to try them on at the store with the socks you are going to wear to be sure.
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I wear a 12 in them also. I've climbed in a climber with them already and it's a chore. However i don't think it will be too bad. I really only wear them once it gets really cold anyway. I have a pair or Cordura Rocky's that I wear most of the year.

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