Obviously, it depends but what do you value in the woods? Quiet is a big one, so is comfort, support…especially if you are carrying a heavy load, affordable is important, waterproofness or breathable, snake proof, and so on can be factors.
I hunt on my feet quite a bit and prefer tracking or still-hunting to all other methods. Neither are the most popular styles; I am fully aware. To me at least the challenge of tracking and stalking game on its own turf is worth the frustration it also causes.
As I am walking often, I prefer quiet as the most important quality in my footwear. I tried and liked the Converse Chuck Taylor shoe that archer and bow hunter Fred Asbell recommended in his book “Stalking and Still Hunting: The Ground Hunters Bible”. The problem I found was those shoes were rather narrow, and I have an awkwardly wide foot. From what I understand Converse makes a wide shoe now-a-days and I should give that a try.
The other option I found was Altama’s Maritime Assault Shoe. It looks like a Chuck Taylor, come in wide, and has pretty decent support if I have a heavy pack on. My only complaint is they aren’t as quiet as the original Converse shoe. Which is the tradeoff for more durability, I guess. I’m not certain which I will buy next when my current pair wears out.
Now if you are going to say that a sneaker isn’t durable enough for the mountains, I would beg to differ. They were and presumably still are the footwear of choice for illegals crossing the border as I have followed countless Vans and Converse tracks over the mountain, and from what I could tell the wearers also valued stealth. It just won’t last as long as a pair of combat boots.
Now sneakers are only a good choice while the weather is nice, and the snow hasn’t started to fly. In the warm weather I don’t think there is much better, and my feet appreciate not being in heavy boots.
How about you? What footwear do you use in the woods?
-Joseph
Outpost 95 