I know this is sort of off topic, but I am looking for a new pair of upland boots. The Filson and Orvis boots look good but the $400 price is high, maybe its worth it. I looked at the LLBean boots, good price, but are they a quality product. Imported so I am a bit disappointed had hoped to buy USA. Irish setters are made in Vietnam and feel flimsy. My current pair are from Cabelas, waterproof, uninsulated, they have worn well for almost 15 years and its time to retire them. The current offering in traditional leather (kangaroo) looks good but they are not water proof. Any suggestions would be much appreciated..

Depending on the type of hunting you'r planning on doing, your boots are about as important as any of your other gear; not the place to go cheap, IMO, especially if you're climbing/hunting in rough terrain.

Don’t cheap out on boots. The difference between a day with cozy, Good fitting boots and a day with wet or sloppy boots is huge. I’ve actually had good luck with some of the gore tex Danner boots but it really just depends on what fits.

I like my Danner Pronghorns. I've seen lots of recommendations for the Cabelas Meindl line.

I am currently using Cabela's Men's Speed Hunter Boa® Hunting Boots. They were deeply discounted and I liked the concept of the BOA cable laces. Other than not being tall enough to provide sufficient ankle support, they work great. I’ve worn out several pairs of Danner boots. I broke way to many of the lace hooks and had the stitched soles come loose after a few years and many miles. Steve Grooms, the author of “Modern Pheasant Hunting” recommends LL Bean boots. After having many leaks from Gore-Tex boots, I’m considering trying LLBean hunting boots next myself. Has anyone else used them for upland bird hunting?

I've owned a pair of the Maine hunting boots as long as I can remember .That's all I wear in the field. Made here in the USA ,lifetime guarantee , Great boot for what I do and the terrain I hunt in. I don't think I 'd be happy with them in really rocky conditions though, they don't have a really hard sole .

LL Bean Kangaroo Upland Hunting Boots. Uninsulated and very comfortable and stable. I've worn a lot of boots in my day and these get my vote.

Alas, for where and what I hunt, it`s waterproof snake boots ( Lacrosse ) year round.

My Danners were US-made and have been resoled. If I really wanted to treat myself, I would have Russell make me a pair custom-fitted to my exact foot dimensions.

I have gone through two pair of irish setters and a pair of the redhead upland boots. I found that the redhead is just as comfortable, hold up just as well, and the waterproofing actually has held up better. I am hoping they go on sale as we get closer to bird season.

I second this recommendation for LL Bean Kangaroo boots. Best boots ever.

Russell Moccasin Co. Been quail guiding in them for 2 years daily, 6 months a year, and they are fantastic. Whatever you go with don't let price make the decision.

Agreed! I have worn custom-fitted Russell Signature South Forty Birdshooters since 2010 and had them resoled two seasons ago. They are exceptionally comfortable and durable. Properly cared for they should last another 10-15 seasons. The initial cost is significant but I consider it a bargain for boots that I can enjoy for so many years. I used to go through other brands in 4-5 seasons so my Russells may actually be cheaper in the long run. I also have a pair of Russell Art Carters that I have shot doves in in Argentina and elsewhere. With no more wear than that puts on them, they may outlast me.

Question for those who have Russels.

I have been considering a pair of South 40s. How are they in wet conditions? water proof?

I have a pair of Cabela's Upland Pro's that I really like (along with 5-6 pair of older Irish Setters, Cabela's). They are Goretex, lightweight leather, good sole that provides traction in mud, snow yet doesn't clog and are lightweight. They also have a completely protected toe box. I hunt pheasants and grouse/woodcock in Minnesota (temps go from 70-sub-zero, in woods, fields, snow, standing water).

I regularly treat my Russell’s with the Obenauf’s Heavy Duty Leather Preservative that came with them. Although they do not have a waterproof membrane, the Obenauf’s, in combination with the triple vamp construction and leather lining , make them highly water resistant. I have hunted in wet weather and crossed creeks without my feet getting wet. That’s not to say that they would stay dry in standing water but that’s not when or where I bird hunt anyway. I wear Hunter or Le Chameau wellies for those conditions.

Kangaroo hide boots are light and very tough! LL Bean's are nice cabela's refuse to back there life time guaranty. Mine are still good after 3 years my friends stitching ripped out the first year and they will not replace them or refund them.

Danners.

I ordered a pair of LL Bean upland boots, and they arrived yesterday. Initial reaction; they look good, not made in USA, but Beans backs them with their outstanding warranty. I will wear them around the place for a few days and see how they feel. If they don't work, back they go. The warranty and responses from this thread helped me with the decision. After I placed the order, I came across the Russell Co video. If the Beans don't work I think I will dig deep and order a pair of Russells. I have been advised to buy from Filsons, but they don't stand behind their products. Their warranty is for normal life and wear of product and they decide what is normal. Their sales people were really condescending and they don't make their boots anyway and the price is close to what Russells cost. I will let you know.

I ordered a pair of LL Bean upland boots, and they arrived yesterday. Initial reaction; they look good, not made in USA, but Beans backs them with their outstanding warranty. I will wear them around the place for a few days and see how they feel. If they don't work, back they go. The warranty and responses from this thread helped me with the decision. After I placed the order, I came across the Russell Co video. If the Beans don't work I think I will dig deep and order a pair of Russells. I have been advised to buy from Filsons, but they don't stand behind their products. Their warranty is for normal life and wear of product and they decide what is normal. Their sales people were really condescending and they don't make their boots anyway and the price is close to what Russells cost. I will let you know.