Boot Camp: We Try Out Eight Pairs of Boots

Features, Riding Gear — By ATV Mag on January 12, 2006 at 12:00 pm

There’s nothing worse than cold, wet, stinky feet. And, after a good mud bog aboard an ATV, it doesn’t take long to destroy a pair of boots and your precious feet. While your feet can recover from a rugged day pounding through the slop, your soggy socks and favorite boots might not survive a short trail ride or day at the farm or in the field.

Our current R&D center proved to be an ideal boot camp testing grounds for eight pairs of boots. Mud, snow, tall grass, pine trees, ATVs and a dog — a boot’s worst enemy — were all on hand over the month-long testing period. We also used the boots in everyday situations farmers and hunters would find themselves in while completing chores and scouting for hunts.

Each pair of boots had a visual inspection upon purchase, which quickly led us to the tags and inscriptions inside the boot. We were less than surprised when we didn’t discover Made In U.S.A. inside any of the boots, as shoe manufacturing went ashore to Asia long ago. Two pairs of Cabela’s boots were imported from Thailand, while Timberland’s men’s boot, Georgia Boot, Wolverine and Rocky all were manufactured in China. The Timberland women’s boot was made in Vietnam.

We tested a variety of boots, from the more traditional work boot to a knee-high hunting boot.

Work And Trail Boots

Georgia Sport and Trail — $146

Georgia’s first boot we tested was meant more for hiking and working conditions. The dark tan 8-inch boots have 600 grams of insulation, which made them warmer than expected during a cold spring testing day. The leather is very pliable and that made for an easy break-in. After a couple of uses, our tester’s feet fit comfortably inside the boots. The comfortable break-in and comfort core in the boots made him almost forget they were on after extended amounts of usage.

Our tester also liked the pull-through eyelets and hooks set on steel washers at the top, which made lacing them up a breeze. The longer tongue of the boot also allowed for solid water protection, keeping socks dry in water nearly ankle-deep. Georgia Boot says the boots are constructed of waterproof full-grain leather.
Due to the plush leather, the outside of the boot is highly susceptible to scratches. Keeping the boots’ factory appearance was tough when traversing alder and scraping over concrete while wrenching on ATVs at the shop. Once aboard an ATV, the boots held traction well to the floorboards with their “alien” lug pattern and provided protection from the elements. We’d recommend this pair of boots for what they are meant for — hiking and ATV riding not involving deep mud bogs.
Sizes available: Medium: 7-12, 13;
Wide: 8-12,13

Rocky MobiLite Max — $105

Rocky’s MobiLite Max 6-inch boots come with a six-month waterproof guarantee, which was put to the test early. As our tester laced up the boots, the skies opened up and heavy rain started to fall. Our R&D center became littered with boot-robbing mud, which our tester traversed through. After 30 minutes in the rain and muck, our tester’s socks remained dry.

The boots lived up to the MobiLite name as well, as we found the boots are some of the lightest we tested.

The size 13 dark brown boots provided ample foot room with a wide toe box. They also offer a quick break-in. The leather proved breathable during a day when temperatures reached the 80s, keeping foot sweat to a minimum. MobiLite’s sole is comfortable and foot support is adequate. While riding an ATV, the boots performed well, but like Georgia’s boot, deeper mud and water posed a problem for this boot.
Sizes available: Medium and Wide: 7-16

Timberland Premium Black — $145

Timberland Premium Women’s — $120

Timberland sent us a pair of men’s and women’s work boots to test. Since they are nearly the same style, both testers came to nearly identical conclusions. Both agreed that they are great looking boots, but it took awhile to break in the leather and feel comfortable. Once broken in, though, the boots are maneuverable for hiking and riding. The padded collar also is an added comfort bonus. The women’s boots have a roll-down collar for added fashion as well. Timberland guarantees the boots are waterproof, and after our initial testing period, we agreed. The boots are 6 inches high, so water can find its way into them while riding ATVs, however.

Both testers found that their feet remained comfortably warm while riding during a cold snap thanks to the Gore-Tex insulation. Initially, the weight of the boots was a concern to one tester, but he said the weight wasn’t as noticeable after extended use. Traction while out on the trails was also good, as the lug outsole bit into the dirt and was durable. Timberland also says the hardware is rustproof and the laces are tough for long-lasting wear. Since we only tested the boots for one month, we’ll take Timberland’s word for it. Overall, both testers agreed the boots would be their first choice for fashion — an embossed logo on the side was a plus — but not the first choice for riding.

Sizes available: Medium and Wide 7-12, 13, 14, 15; Women’s: Medium and Wide 5-10, 11

Hunting Boots

Rocky BearClaw 3-D — $158

This 9-inch Mossy Oak Break-Up boot proved to be one of the best all-around boots tested. The 1000-denier Cordura and Gore-Tex made it extra warm while afield scouting, and the fabric remained breathable as temperatures climbed. The BearClaw 3-D’s extra height made it a solid boot for nearly all riding situations our tester encountered aboard his ATV. Deep mud and puddles didn’t phase this boot during the one-month test. Socks remained dry thanks to the Rocky’s guaranteed waterproofing.
There is plenty of ankle support from the outsole, while the boots’ traction packs a bite on rugged terrain. Our tester noted there was limited toe slip thanks to an aggressive tread pattern stationed at the front of the sole.

Sizes available: Medium and Wide: 7-12, 13, 14, 15

Cabela’s Extreme Professional — $70

Cabela’s, known as an outfitter for hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, sent us a pair of boots that were appropriate for hunting and outdoor working applications. The 8-inch Extreme Professional boot features a leather upper and rubber lower and double Gore-Tex. The boot, with its lower rubber section, is ideally suited for duck hunting or wet riding conditions.

Our tester said the boots are adequately warm with 400-gram Thinsulate, but a thicker sock would help during cold weather. In warmer weather, the boots are comfortable. The tread pattern works well for recreational ATV riding and provided plenty of traction in dirt. Since the tread pattern isn’t overly aggressive, the boot isn’t suited for super-slick mud conditions.

As for comfort, the transition between the rubber lower and leather upper was uncomfortable for our tester; It rubbed the back of his feet. The leather upper isn’t supportive enough for hard trail rides as well. However, that was the only main concern with comfort. Overall, our tester said they were fairly comfortable after break-in and the boots’ mid-price level makes them an enticing option.
Sizes available: Whole sizes 6-13

Cabela’s Dura-Trax — $100

With 1,200-gram Thinsulate, these Mossy Oak Dura-Trax scent-free rubber boots were surprisingly warm. Our tester said the 18-inch height kept his feet dry while working in sloppy spring weather conditions — Cabela’s says the boots are 100-percent waterproof. The rubber boot with neoprene lining in the lower sections provides plenty of flex and support around the ankles.

As our tester piloted his ATV out to a small duck pond, he encountered several tricky trail sections that required solid foot maneuverability. The rubber boots didn’t miss a beat, while keeping traction to the foot pegs. Cabela’s says it created this boot with running-shoe comfort in mind. The Dura-Trax are lightweight, 4.5 pounds due to a fiberglass shank, and have adequate cushioning in the midsole. Our tester said he’d recommend these boots for early-season wear or a trail ride.

Sizes available: Whole sizes 7-14

Wolverine Trapper Series — $93

The same tester that tried out Cabela’s Dura-Trax boot put the Wolverine Trapper through its paces. Wolverine’s 1,000-gram Thinsulate Mossy Oak 17-inch rubber upper boot has several different features. The Wolverine boot has a steel shank, which provides for more foot support when trampling through thick CRP and mud. The cotton knit lining inside the boot kept our tester’s feet warm, and he didn’t notice much difference between the Trapper and Cabela’s Dura-Trax — even though the Dura-Trax has 200 grams more Thinsulate.

The felt midsole provided enough comfort, but what the Trapper gains in support from its steel shank, it loses in long-term comfort. The Dura-Trax has the edge in this department. Wolverine claims the Trapper is protected from ozone deterioration to extend boot life and prevent fading, which is an added bonus if you plan on wearing the boots for several seasons. Our tester said he was deadlocked in deciding the better rubber boot. Wolverine’s boots are not as expensive due to less Thinsulate and height, so we declared it a tie.

Sizes available: Whole sizes 7-11, 14