Well I had to get a new pair of boots this year because I ruined my old pair of Herman Survivors. I got them real wet last year and dried them in the sun too quickly. The next time I wore them they cracked at all the flex points across the front sides of the toe area. Don't ever dry leather boots quickly in the sun (or any other heat source) and always recondition them with something like Mink Oil to put some moisture back in.

Since no one around here stocks a good selection of Hunting Boots I took a chance and ordered the Cabellas Outfitter series boots. I got the 8" high, 200 gram Thinsulate, Pitards Leather ones. A couple of fellow JHP members had recommended these and they also had a 60 day "try them and if you don't like them for any reason return them" policy. I was hesitant to do a mail order without trying them on. Most boots tend to pinch me in the lower front shin area, just above the ankle, from where a piece of the folded tonge material will create a pressure point. These fit like a glove and took no time at all to break in. So far no blisters on the heel this year after long hikes chasing Chukar. This year I have tried using a polypropalene liner sock with a medium weight Merino Wool outer sock. It feels great. The liner sock helps wick away moisture and provides protection against blisters from boot rub. The wool sock also wicks away moisture and is not hot as you would think wool would be. At the end of the day my feet are still dry. The heavy cotton boot socks I used to wear would make my feet sweat and the socks would be very wey by the end of the day leading to blisters.

I highly recomend the Outfitter series boots to anyone looking to buy a new boot. Also try using a liner sock and wool outer sock. You wont regret it....

MapMan