Elk hunt in NM this fall and looking to buy boots. Looking at several types of boot. Really don't want to pay over $250. I have a wide foot, not necessarily needing insulation. 5+ mi with 50lb pack or so. Want a heavier boot. What say OB?

Columbia Men's Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot, Cordovan/Squash, 11 D US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KWK8BKE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MVijBbF5PZFJE

36+ miles on some nasty terrain on my elk hunt last year with zero problems.

Buy these socks:
https://www.kuiu.com/socks-insoles/ultra-merino-crew-sock/87104.html?cgid=shopfootwear-socks&dwvar_87104_color=GreyGreen#start=1

I had zero blisters... socks are worth every penny. I have 4 pair and still use them and the boots above for hunting here in Texas.

I know there are more high end boots out there for guys that spend tons of time in the mountains every year, but my Danner Pronghorns have been outstanding. They finally cratered on my Utah mule deer trip last year, but that was after a ton of miles on multiple trips since 2011. I'll be purchasing another pair in the next several months for my upcoming trips over the next 7-8 years. Super comfortable and solid reliability. Definitely within your budget too, as they are right around $200.

Take a look at the cabelas meindl perfekt hikers. They are jus outside the top of your price range but you may be able to get a cabelas coupon or turn credit card rewards into gift cards to bring them into your range.

I have the perfekt hunters and they are great but too warm unless it is below 30 and snowy.

I've been all over the map for hunting boots and still haven't fallen in love. Hoping a few more miles in my Meindl's will make me love them.

For reference I've tried Merrill Moabs, Danner pronghorn, Salomon Q4D's, and now meindl western guides....if I had to do it all over I'd either spend the money on fitted boots or stick with cheap Moabs....sorry for the lack of help. My only advice is to try on lots, pick what you like best, and break em in before you show up.

In general, I'd recommend Merrell Moabs -- the waterproof version. However, specifically, I'd recommend you go to REI and find one like those that fit you the best. All the brands there are great boots. Even though they're designed for hiking, hunting is a natural cross-over.

Danner running a sale right now. Time to act...

Courteney Boots

I have two pairs of the Impi boots, one in buffalo and one in elephant. I put Superfeet green insoles in all of my shoes and boots.

I have a pair of Cabelas meindl perfekt hunters which I really like for cold weather. They are regular price 299 but if you are patient you can find them in your price range thru Cabelas with sale or coupons.

My uninsulated boots are lowa renegade gtx which I really like as well. They are in your price range but you can find them a lot cheaper thru Rei outlet or backcountry etc. the only complaint I have is they are leather lined around ankle which is great for wearing a shorter sock which I like but it can also make some noise but under your pants it isn't very noticeable.

Don't take advice over the internet. Try them on. What fits me might be terrible for you.

Just noticed the soles cracking on my favorite "cool" weather hunting boots, a pair of Rockys with 500 Thinsulate.

Deteriorating soles are an apparent problem with Rocky boots based upon the interwebs.

Zamberlan or crispi

You have to get various boots on. Try them out. They're not like wearing a watch. You get half way up or a few days in and start getting hot spots and it sucks. Kuiu socks are great. I have an old pair of all leather insulated Danners that are indestructible. Looked at new options and it came down to Lowa and Salomon. Lowa just didn't quite fit right. Salomon are great. I'm hooked. On my second pair now. Quest would be a good option for what you are looking for.

These are good threads. I have a pair of the Danners and like them.

One other thing. Get really good socks. Wool. And thicker doesn't always mean better (no mom jokes...). Good ski socks work well also. You have to work up. Protect your feet. Your ankles. Your knees. Your back. I always take socks of various thickness in case i get hot spots. Take moleskin and bandaids and benzoin.

SunrayAg said:

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Don't take advice over the internet. Try them on. What fits me might be terrible for you.

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I agree that everybody has different feet, but listening to the feedback from people that have actually used the products first hand is extremely beneficial. No better way to judge the quality of products via first hand experiences, right?

BlueSmoke said:

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One other thing. Get really good socks. Wool. And thicker doesn't always mean better (no mom jokes...). Good ski socks work well also. You have to work up. Protect your feet. Your ankles. Your knees. Your back. I always take socks of various thickness in case i get hot spots. Take moleskin and bandaids and benzoin.

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This. Did I mention the Kuiu socks are the bomb?