I need to good pair of boots for pheasant hunting. The boots I have are old and rubbed a monster blister on my heel so they are going away. I know that Russell has a great reputation but they are rather expensive. However, for the money they seem to be worth it. When you consider that their custom made boot is around $400-$475 and will last many, many years that's really pretty reasonable. So, let's see what you think about going for a custom boot as opposed to a boot off the shelf.
Russell Boots
- Thread starter TJC3
- Start date
Nimrod
Member
I'm not opposed to spending good money on the right pair of boots but I bought a pair of Russells a few yrs ago and can't say I noticed a bit of difference in comfort. Unless you've got a specific issue like 1 foot is larger than the other or extremely wide or narrow feed, I wouldn't spend the money.
I also can't justify buying hunting boots that aren't waterproof when there are lightweight options that are.
For what it's worth, my moderate temperature favorite is Browning ankle high kangaroo (non-insulated). They're gore-tex lined and very light weight.
I also can't justify buying hunting boots that aren't waterproof when there are lightweight options that are.
For what it's worth, my moderate temperature favorite is Browning ankle high kangaroo (non-insulated). They're gore-tex lined and very light weight.
Nimrod
Member
They're as waterproof as leather can be which is to say if you treat them w/ silicone based conditioner, you can step in a puddle for a few seconds w/ out getting wet. I hunt a couple grouse coverts however that have ankle deep water where and they soaked through w/in minutes. I've even had them soak through from extremely heavy dew.
I live in Texas so I have to travel to hunt grouse & pheasants. I do wear my Russells around home for dog training/trialing and quail hunting when I don't expect rain but if I'm driving several hrs. I need boots that can handle whatever conditions I find when I get there. That's why I like a gore-tex lined boot.
There's no doubt though that Russell has great marketing. What style boot were you looking at?
I live in Texas so I have to travel to hunt grouse & pheasants. I do wear my Russells around home for dog training/trialing and quail hunting when I don't expect rain but if I'm driving several hrs. I need boots that can handle whatever conditions I find when I get there. That's why I like a gore-tex lined boot.
There's no doubt though that Russell has great marketing. What style boot were you looking at?
Nimrod
Member
Well, we're neighbors then. I'm between San Marcos & Wimberley.
I think those boots might be waterproof w/ the "turtleskin" lining. I wear Chippewa snake boots (lightweights) all summer long. I've never stepped on a snake but they do give piece of mind and let you walk w/out worrying about cactus.
I guess I should revise my comments about the Russells some. For specialized boots like these, I think you'll be very satisfied but comparing their generic leather upland boots to some of the less expensive options, I didn't find enough to justify the cost.
gracierator
New member
South 40 Bird Hunter Boots
I have owed a pair of the South 40 Russell boots for about 10 years. They are a triple vamp boot, I treat them with the waterproofing they suggest and I have not problems with wet feet! I grouse hunt and pheasant hunt in Michigan. Great boots and would buy them again!
I have owed a pair of the South 40 Russell boots for about 10 years. They are a triple vamp boot, I treat them with the waterproofing they suggest and I have not problems with wet feet! I grouse hunt and pheasant hunt in Michigan. Great boots and would buy them again!
Brad6260
New member
I have researched and searched out every high quality Upland boot I could find for the last two months which certainly included the Russell line and decided the following.
There were three boots that made the final "cut" in this order of preference.
1) The Irish Setter-896 Wingshooter Goretex insulated 9".
2) The LL Bean Kangaroo Leather Goretex Insulated.
3) The Classic Russell Upland Boot.
No doubt one could make a very good argument for any one of these fine boots but my conclusion was this. The LL Bean boot was as comfortable a boot as I have ever slipped on right out of the box. Add to this the raving customer reviews on these feather light boots. Finally and my key point. I have owned many LL Bean products for many years including my beloved Rubber bottomed classic Bean Boots which I have owned for over twenty years,used very hard and sent back three times when the soles got worn down for resoling and never been charged a dime. As many of you know LL Bean has been extremely loyal to their lifetime warranty on any product they sell so when it came to making my decision on a boot choice it was easy for me when I compared the Bean # 2 boot at $149.00 to any others knowing that I'll never have to replace them. Keep in mind that price was not a key to my decision. Quality and fit was.
Obviously ones choice should be made on what fits you best and serves your field needs but how can you ignore a true lifetime support and assurance.
safe and happy 2010.
Brad
There were three boots that made the final "cut" in this order of preference.
1) The Irish Setter-896 Wingshooter Goretex insulated 9".
2) The LL Bean Kangaroo Leather Goretex Insulated.
3) The Classic Russell Upland Boot.
No doubt one could make a very good argument for any one of these fine boots but my conclusion was this. The LL Bean boot was as comfortable a boot as I have ever slipped on right out of the box. Add to this the raving customer reviews on these feather light boots. Finally and my key point. I have owned many LL Bean products for many years including my beloved Rubber bottomed classic Bean Boots which I have owned for over twenty years,used very hard and sent back three times when the soles got worn down for resoling and never been charged a dime. As many of you know LL Bean has been extremely loyal to their lifetime warranty on any product they sell so when it came to making my decision on a boot choice it was easy for me when I compared the Bean # 2 boot at $149.00 to any others knowing that I'll never have to replace them. Keep in mind that price was not a key to my decision. Quality and fit was.
Obviously ones choice should be made on what fits you best and serves your field needs but how can you ignore a true lifetime support and assurance.
safe and happy 2010.
Brad
bpainter
New member
I bought my first pair of Russell boots about 1989 and I am still trying to wear them out. I would be afraid to guess at how many miles these boots have on them. They look like He!! but man do they feel good when I put them on. I bought the High Country Hunter 14" high. I really like these boots and I am getting ready to order my second pair 21 years later not because I have to but because I just want a new pair.
