No foot, no horse, equestrians say. Liberte says new boots, no hunt. Chasing an animal through the wilderness with aching blistered feet is Hell on Earth; most hunters break-in new boots months before they set off for game. So when I received a package from Rocky Boots the day before my turkey hunt I knew . . .
not to trust that usual ahhhhh feeling, where you think your new boots are the comfiest shoes of all time — right until the angelic feet pillows turn into Satan’s soles. But for you, dear readers, I threw caution to the wind. I left for my hunt wearing Rocky ProLight Waterproof Snakeproof Hunting Boot in a men’s size 7, and didn’t bring any back-up footwear.
I was expecting the usual pre-formation of blisters, swelling-up in areas where the boots rubbed me the wrong way. Two days later, nothing. The Rocky’s fabric is completely breathable and flexible despite the height of the boot. My feet didn’t even get overly sweaty, as you’d expect with a waterproof boot.
When I first saw the Rockies I wasn’t sure I’d like them; they’re kind of tall and daunting. Less metaphorically, I usually wear regular non-laced boots. Not any more; the laces tailored the boots to my legs, increasing sure-footedness. Equally, the full-grain leather and nylon boots proved both lightweight and sturdy — a combination as rare as a snake that’ll chase you down (ask JWT about that one ). Speaking of which . . .
And now a word from rockyboots.com:
As with any wild animal, confrontations with snakes should be avoided to ensure personal safety. That’s why we’ve designed The Rocky ProLight Waterproof Snakeproof Hunting Boot. They will protect against most North American snakes; including rattlesnakes, copperheads, and coral snakes.
As much as I’d love to jump into a pile of rattlesnakes, copperheads and coral snakes to verify the manufacturer’s claim, no. Why would I? Why should I?
Truth be told, most any leather or thick neoprene boot is “snake proof.” Then again, snake country hunters may find this testimonial from the customer review section of Rocky’s website worth the price of admission . . .
I got these as a birthday present a few years ago. I was moving tree stands in a swamp and walking around in the brush not really watching where I was stepping. Next thing I know, the ground beneath my foot squishes and a cottonmouth water moccasin strikes the back side of my calf. Out of terror I jumped and ran. The 4 foot moccasin was latched onto the back of my Rocky boots for three steps before it lost its grip. These boots may be a little pricey, but they paid for themselves that day.
Yeah, wear boots when hunting. The last thing you want to scream:
Though pricey — $150 for the pair — I recommend the Rocky ProLight Waterproof Snakeproof Hunting Boot. I just hope they never “pay for themselves” like they did for trich. Oh, and to make this post “gun enough” for RF, I carried a Bond Arms Snake Slayer in .410 with me. Or should have.
RATING * * * * *
Warm, comfortable, breathable, waterproof, durable, snake-proof. Expensive but worth it.