Buying boots

I knew I would get comments all good fun my kids bought up in gumboots in the bush but then eighties not a lot of options

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Originally Posted by Micky Duck

The other 50% of the time it's either my now old n worn sarvo boots....or my Oliver safety toe work boots,which are pretty close to the old John bull combat boots,just as light but much better padding and comfort.

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Still have my old sarvo boots as well, hardly worn in as my old Scarpas are still going strong.

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Originally Posted by Shearer

If boots fit well, and are well made, they shouldn't need 'breaking in". All the Salewas I have bought have been comfortable from day one and never shown any sign of giving blisters or hurting my feet. They fit me perfectly. Also, I have never had any issues with sole delamination with Salewas, as I have with other boots.
My advice would be to try lots on within your budget and see what feels best and fits you best. And don't buy gumboots.

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I agree, and my danners were perfect from day 1, but I wasn't going to take any chances in the bush after bad experiences.
Not difficult to wear them on a Sunday stroll before taking them out on a big hunt to be sure.

I like my salewas however despite having worn them for 2 years up some big climbs such as parachute rocks and several 2 day tramps, going up the pinchgut track to Mt Robert I got heel blisters on both heels. Same type of socks and walking in them weekly so I don't know why this last time out.

Check out the Kean brand they make so nice lightweight but good boots that won't break the bank
For F sake don't get those bloody lace up gumboots we have all had them and they really kill your feet and don't offer much support.


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There's a whole range of light weight boots around these days that - while never as sturdy as $700 top of the range alpine boots - depending on the terrain you're walking in, will probably cover most of what you want them to do. Think Keen, Merrel, Salomon, etc. Scarpa do a leather tramping boot that's reasonably priced and I found very comfortable. I currently have some fully synthetic Roclite Innov8 boots - they come on special from time to time. I'm not sure if I'm going back to expensive Lowas etc. Maybe if I start going out into alpine areas in winter.

My kids have always worn trail runners when out tramping or day walks with a pack. Now that my teen is getting to a stage where he is carrying more weight in his pack - and his feet are starting to slow down growing - I'm willing to spend a bit more and get him some sturdier boots. Trail runners have lot going for them - lightweight, dry quickly, grippy soles, relatively cheap. They will wear out quicker on harsh terrain, but for kids that grow quickly they're perfect.

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Originally Posted by 25/08 IMP

Check out the Kean brand they make so nice lightweight but good boots that won't break the bank
For F sake don't get those bloody lace up gumboots we have all had them and they really kill your feet and don't offer much support.


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I had some thought about the gum boot comment since I just cant agree - they are great hunting boots for North Island Stewart Island almost designed for bush hunting - it could well be that we wore them every day in the bush and always with sturdy canvas puttees - got our local saddler to make them out of light canvas about 5 feet long and bound them around our bullers -never ever had feet problems - I wear bullers most days of the week but without laces - for those of you getting blisters try this - shout yourself a pair of those soft wool/ possum fur socks and wear those inside of a pair of the heavier tramping socks like the norsewear flek pure wool work sock - avoid socks with high nylon content - hook grass real problem with wool socks so decent puttys a must - also for ankle support and to stop your foot rubbing around causing blisters -

Cheers all, not going to buy gumboots already have red bands rather not roll an ankle. Will look into the brands provided and try fit as many on as I can. Have had lowas and crispis in the past. Hunting will be a mixture of bush and tops hunting in the south island majority with access for my kids to get into

yes in that country you will have to pay a bit to put boots on the little ones - totally different to where I hunt

@Macks472 After looking around for my 15yr old and trying on different boots. even tried crispi and lowa boots but not wanting to spend $700.Hard to buy on line and get a correct fitting.
When at the field days looked at the gri sport/crispi tent (didn't have full range of gri sport stock with them and shit service )
I ended up buying him a hunters element boot. not my first choice but the sales lady really knew her shit and how to fit a boot correctly.

I've had a good run out of Salomon GTX.
You can often find them on special at Macpac

John bull highlander boots are pretty decent, someone mentioned them on here five or so years ago. Wear them on the farm nearly everyday and are my go to hunting boot. Current pair be over two years old and have been thrashed, they have soles that won't crap out from crap

Have a look on trade me or Facebook market place. People are always selling new boots that they buy and don’t fit probably. I have purchased some top brand mountaineering and tramping/Hunting boots for a bloody steal. Only problem I guess is sizing, each brand can be slightly different and that’s the risk with buying online. Also lace up John Bull works boots do the job, cheaper and will last for ages if your not caning them every weekend, I’ve had pair for years and can’t kill them!

https://www.swanndri.co.nz/products/...49273650151707
Hopefully this link works.

Try them.
Very comfortable boot.
My only criticism of them is not super good tread.
Fine if you are aware though.