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Topic: Suggestions for Herping Boots

The time has come for a new pair of herping boots for next spring.  I got $100 for my birthday and am willing to pay in the neighborhood of $175 total if I can find a good pair.  I've never been 100% satisfied with any boots I've ever had for herping, which I'm sure has something to do with the demands of the hobby.

This time, I'm leaning toward combat boots.  I figured with the military kicking it around in Iraq and Afghanistan for 10 years, someone's had to be keeping care of their feet.  I found out that a company called Belleville is a major supplier.  They have quite a large selection of boots to choose from.  Has anyone ever owned Belleville boots or have personal experience with the company?  Generally, what do you consider the pluses/negatives of going with combat boots for herping?

Kory Roberts: Email | Facebook | Flickr | Last.fm | YouTube

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Re: Suggestions for Herping Boots

I still herp in my service Bellevilles.
Plus- Extremely durable. The pair i herp in are 7 yrs old and were wore everyday for two yrs while deployed in Iraq. Great ankle support and foot protection.
Negatives- Combat boots aren't designed for comfort. Funtionality and durability is where they suceed but your feet may hurt a little untill you get used to them.

"Milk was a bad choice"- Ron Burgandy

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Re: Suggestions for Herping Boots

I like Doc Martens or Justin boots. The rubber soles have great grips, and aren't too heavy..
I want a pair of boots like Russ' the big snake boots! ahhahha

I'm about to have an abruptly.

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Re: Suggestions for Herping Boots

I herp in my Danner wildland fire boots

http://www.danner.com/boots/flashpointt … boots.html

They are about $200 but I think they are well worth it.  They have high heels and are relatively thin which makes them comfortable during hot months.  I've never used combat boots so I don't know about them.

not all dung is created equal (pellets, juicy pads, partially undigested, fully digested, big quantities, small quantities)--Paul Skelley

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Re: Suggestions for Herping Boots

Thanks for the input so far, guys.  My impression about combat boots was also that they weren't built for comfort, but some of the newer models by Belleville look like they have made improvements on this.  I also emailed Belleville to ask their suggestions based on my criteria.  Top features that I am looking for are steel toe (or composite toe protection), waterproof, lightweight, and good traction.

amercnwmn wrote:

I like Doc Martens or Justin boots.

I know these companies offer many styles, but I don't think I've ever owned shoes from either company.  My last boots were Danners and I liked them for the most part, but they were lower-cut like most hiking boots I see in the stores anymore (and I'm looking for something a little taller this time) and the faux leather parts didn't hold up well.

gopherman wrote:

I herp in my Danner wildland fire boots...They have high heels and are relatively thin which makes them comfortable during hot months.  I've never used combat boots so I don't know about them.

I had a pair of boots similar to these once and (personal preferences here of course) I just thought they weighed a ton and the overly high heels kept catching on every stick and tripping me.

I know some people just like to throw on a pair of tennis shoes for herping...which would have the advantage of being lightweight, but not too good on foot protection.

Kory Roberts: Email | Facebook | Flickr | Last.fm | YouTube

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Re: Suggestions for Herping Boots

Danners made in America boots are great quality!!  They make a combat boot too.  The stuff they make over seas is way cheaper and is junk.  I bought a pair to hunt in and they lasted about a year.  Georgia boot company makes a good lace to toe boot that I am currently using and have been very happy with them.  Gelco in Rogers is where I got them.

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Re: Suggestions for Herping Boots

Wesco makes the best boots I've ever owned. They are all hand made with the highest quality materials and workmanship, very comfortable, have excellent ankle support, come is several different heel and upper heights, and soles  that match your traction needs. I used them working as a lineman for PG&E in the Sierra's for years. They are a little pricey, but considering the wear you get out of them they are well worth the price.

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Re: Suggestions for Herping Boots

I like Rocky boots the best.

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Re: Suggestions for Herping Boots

I have Cabela's snakeproof boots. I have been very happy with them.

"They are just not right in the head. For the record, I wasn't talking about the ostriches!"-Mike Rowe

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Re: Suggestions for Herping Boots

I still have the Rocky boots, I think they are called
"Wild Wolf" they are the snake proof boots.
Email me ill send pic
Thanks Russell