2025 gear review...what worked and what didn't?

I bought a pair of Meindel boots. They claim to be the most comfortable boots out of the box. I hate them. My heel blistered on the first day, and they have given me a blister on every day since. Not to mention they are just really uncomfortable. I am starting the process of looking for a new pair of boots that is 100% water proof and comfortable. Right now I am considering Hokas?? Keens?? Or Salomons?? Any experience with these or any other brand boots that anyone would share would be appreciated. My body and feet aren't young anymore and deserve to be pampered as much as possible.
 
Drew said:
I bought a pair of Meindel boots. They claim to be the most comfortable boots out of the box. I hate them. My heel blistered on the first day, and they have given me a blister on every day since. Not to mention they are just really uncomfortable. I am starting the process of looking for a new pair of boots that is 100% water proof and comfortable. Right now I am considering Hokas?? Keens?? Or Salomons?? Any experience with these or any other brand boots that anyone would share would be appreciated. My body and feet aren't young anymore and deserve to be pampered as much as possible.
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Drew,

I have said it multiple times before on this forum that I absolutely LOVE my Crispi Idaho GTX II boots and would love to get another pair from Crispi, but their new Upland boots.
 
Drew said:
I bought a pair of Meindel boots. They claim to be the most comfortable boots out of the box. I hate them. My heel blistered on the first day, and they have given me a blister on every day since. Not to mention they are just really uncomfortable. I am starting the process of looking for a new pair of boots that is 100% water proof and comfortable. Right now I am considering Hokas?? Keens?? Or Salomons?? Any experience with these or any other brand boots that anyone would share would be appreciated. My body and feet aren't young anymore and deserve to be pampered as much as possible.
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I love my Meindls. I'm in my 3rd season with the Comfort Fit Hunter, uninsulated. It's unfortunate that they aren't working for you. Just goes to show how individual boots and shoes can be. Which model do you have?
 
Speaking from a lifetime of heel issues—- Duct tape on the heels, works as a prevention if you’re prone to blisters, but works better than a bandaid if you’re already blistered. Just rip off a 4”??? chunk of it. Center it on heel where blister is/will be, then put on your sock. Now the tape rubs the boot and not your skin. I won’t go on a hunt without some good duct tape in my bag.
 
Drew said:
I bought a pair of Meindel boots. They claim to be the most comfortable boots out of the box. I hate them. My heel blistered on the first day, and they have given me a blister on every day since. Not to mention they are just really uncomfortable. I am starting the process of looking for a new pair of boots that is 100% water proof and comfortable. Right now I am considering Hokas?? Keens?? Or Salomons?? Any experience with these or any other brand boots that anyone would share would be appreciated. My body and feet aren't young anymore and deserve to be pampered as much as possible.
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I just bought my first pair of Danner boots, and I really like them. Comfortable, waterproof, and rugged. I only paid $110. Excellent deal.
 
About 3 years ago decided to spend more on boots than my standard Wingshooters. Bought Meindle’s. So did my hunting buddy. Not been a good experience. Rubber toe guard falling off. Both sent the first pair back after 10’days of hunting. Now just shoe glue them and live with it. I will say they are waterproof and then some. Not as comfortable as my wingshooters. Next time in The market may try the Crispi Upland.
 
I have both the Meindel Ultra lights and the Hoka’s. They both work really good for me. I wear the Meindel’s in the morning for the heavy part of the walking day and if it’s dry and no snow, I wear the Hoka’s for the afternoon hunt. Super light and comfy
 
Bob Peters said:
Sometimes I wonder when a guy drops $$$ on a purchase, how much of that is retail therapy, how much of the review is confirmation bias? Dropping 400 bones on a pair of boots or near that on a vest. Then of course "they're the best ever!" I suppose sometimes they are. Other times they're not, but you've kept up with the jones'.
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I purchased a pair of wingshooter boots last fall to be cool and keep up with the jones. Worst boot I’ve owned. Tossed them in the trash last week and bought another pair of crispi.
 
Glock said:
I purchased a pair of wingshooter boots last fall to be cool and keep up with the jones. Worst boot I’ve owned. Tossed them in the trash last week and bought another pair of crispi.
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I switched to Crispi after wearing Filson Uplander boots for years. I thought they were great until I wore the Crispi boots! The Filson are heavy and don't have near the comfort or support. I imagine the Filson are similar to the Wingshooter boots.
 
cheesy said:
Speaking from a lifetime of heel issues—- Duct tape on the heels, works as a prevention if you’re prone to blisters, but works better than a bandaid if you’re already blistered. Just rip off a 4”??? chunk of it. Center it on heel where blister is/will be, then put on your sock. Now the tape rubs the boot and not your skin. I won’t go on a hunt without some good duct tape in my bag.
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I use this tape. Best stuff going for feet and blister prevention.

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