Skirvinetr
5/28/2012 10:34:00 AM
I don't know where to start with these boots. I live in Montana, and wanted a boot like a Muck boot, but for less money. I went to a retailer downtown and tried a bunch of boots on, and thought that these boots seemed a bit clunky, and didn't try them on until after maybe 6 pairs. Before I put them on, I could not believe how light they were.I wear a size ten boot normally, and these were true to size in my opinion. I also have wider feet. I immediately was taken aback at how comfortable they were. These are far more comfortable than any boot I have ever tried on. The sole is ridiculously comfortable. I would highly suggest trying these on in advance of you invest in them, as with all boots, but you should just go experience the comfort of these boots.So I genuinely liked them, bought them for $99, and tried them on. I then used these boots for work, outside, in winter weather in Montana. They were awesome. I cannot honestly feel of a moment when my feet got cold one time. So I started using them for everyday normal use afterwards. I now wear them between the months of November-May sometimes June, for anything which requires being outside in the mountains, or work. They truly are awesome boots. There is no better boot for Montana. The traction these boots have is also amazing. On ice they do ok though, so always use something like a Yaktrax type product. On rocks, or pavement/cement, it is almost as if they stick to the rock.When things get insanely cold (-40) I will double up my merino wool socks, and wear these bad boys, and I am never cold. They are waterproof up to a few inches below the knee, which make these great for stream crossings.So now, after owning these for a year in November, I have worn the rubber down to hardly any tread, and after testing them out in a shallow lake, I found a few miniscule leaks. I have also worn out the heel area down to the rubber, which now gives me a blister. I honestly find this incredible, as I usually wear out my boots in 3-6 months, no matter how expensive they are.So I called Bogs, and asked how to fix them, and they told me they would send me a new pair of the Rancher, if I send them pictures, showing the wear. That is awesome. I used to pay $250 for hunting boots every year, and these are so substantially more comfortable, lighter, and tougher (although not indestructible). The only reason they wore out is since I used them several times while hiking in scree. Scree is a boot killer, and these Bogs fared better than other boots I have had.I will say one thing: They have no ankle assistance for those who hunt or hike in them. I don't ever feel like I need the ankle assistance anyway.Another warning: They will get sweaty should you don't have a wicking knee-high sock, like poly-pro, or merino wool. In warmer weather, you will notice sweat rings just below your knee in case you have cotton pants. But just as with everything, there is a proper way to use these boots.I highly recommend these boots if you need something waterproof, warm, comfortable, and tough.Update: Bogs did indeed send me replacement boots, with no charge. Free shipping. Not only that, but the boots this year seem far more rugged (or maybe I just haven't broken them in yet). The heel area is definitely beefier, like they added a denser type of rubber. Feels very solid. The inside area around the ankle, to the middle arch area, is encased in this type of rubber. They feel tighter, but a slightly bit clunkier. I have some pretty awesome pictures of the wear down of the old boot, next to the new shiny boot. I'll post them somewhere on the internet, or on this review if I can figure it out.Another thing to note which I noticed is different. The insole these new boots come with is different. Either that or a salesman put the old insole in my old boot to sell it quicker. The old insoles are made of a material that feels like a gym mat should you step on them. Amazingly comfortable. I don't know why all insoles are not made of this stuff. Anyway, I pulled it out and it says that it is a Peak brand, but the only Peak brand insoles I can find on Amazon look like garbage. The new boots came with Bogs brand insoles, and these were not that comfy. I replaced them with my old ones, as they still have their shape and softness. The Bogs brand insoles are actually stiff.I also assume it is important to mention that I wear my pant legs over the boot, while a great deal of men and women tuck them into the boot. I assume it just looks better to have the pant leg on the outside, but it also keeps out debris. When I have worn them on the inside, they just collect debris like pine needles, burrs, insects, or dirt. So with that said, the new boots have a bit of a looser fit on the calf area. I guess that is geared towards men and women who tuck their pant legs into their boots. If anything, I would like a tighter neoprene sleeve on the calf area to truly make these boots feel like an extension of my foot.If I could recommend three things about the differences I see in the new Bogs, it would be that they offer a softer rubber version like the old ones I have, with more neoprene cushioning. My old Bogs seemed to have softer insides, and were a minor looser around the heel, ankle and mid-arch areas. Also: a extra comfortable insole. I am pretty sure my insoles were non-standard, as they weren't even cut down to size when I pulled them out to switch boots. And thirdly: a tighter upper sleeve. I still love these boots, but I did like the ""stealthier"" boots, good for sneaking around the forest, and crazy comfortable. Maybe I just need to break these new ones in... Still a 5 star rating from me, and some of the most comfortable and useful footwear I have ever worn. Pretty fair price for such a effectively made boot. It really is a shame they can not make these in the US. I would pay around $200-$250 for boots like these, and the guarantee cannot be beat. What would it take guys?