16ga.com ~ View topic

Joined: 25 Jan 2011 Posts: 70 Location: Virginia

I have two pairs. I had one pair resoled by Russle and one pair done by a local cobbler. The local guy did a perfect job and only took a few days. If I live long enough to wear these soles out I will get the local fellow to do them again.

Joined: 18 Oct 2014 Posts: 29 Location: NC

jswanson does your 'vibram kletterlift' go by some other name? I did not find them on their web site. I am looking to get a pair of the 14" Gentlemen's Classic and am undecided on what sole to get.

I wanted to offer an alternative to the boots that have been mentioned. I just received my new boots from Viberg. I had a previous pair for over ten years and my feet have out grown them, thus the need for new measurements and a new pair. For me, I have never had a better boot.

http://workboot.com/products/viberg-148softtoe

[/img[URL=http://s1088.photobucket.com/user/goatslk/media/L1000509.jpg.html]

[/URL][img][/img]

These boots might be more heavy duty than many prefer; but out here in the desert with lava rock and debris, they are just great.

Joined: 28 Oct 2015 Posts: 166 Location: SWMO

Guys-I've got a gift certificate to Russell.

What boot do I order ?

Use is going to be western Kansas ringnecks. CRP chest high grass and crop stubbble. Our hunts start at daylight and end at dark. With only breaks being driving a few miles to next field.

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3177 Location: NCWa

Joined: 09 Mar 2016 Posts: 753 Location: Mn.

I agree with AM, for dry flat fields the Bird Shooter is the most commonly sold RM boot. I hunt the potholes region of SD for phez and add in cattails head high and lots of water. Plus the Sawtooth Mountains and bogs on the North Shore of Lake Superior for grouse. So wanted something stronger and taller so went with the Grand Slam Sheep Hunters about 12 years ago. Had them built 2" taller and a toe cap with air bob claw soles and they have worked under all conditions I have put them through. And have not needed to send them back to RM yet. Sorry about the FAIR it was my 12 ga. and not my 16 FAIR.

The gentlemen on the entrance web page here are wearing taller "birdshooters" and that was the standard at the time for good reason. A taller boot will get you through deeper water and keep you dry compared to the shorter boots many wear today. Russell still sells them. http://www.russellmoccasin.com/russell-gentlemans-classic-birdshooter/

At the Pope and Young museum one of the displays has Art Young in a pair of boots and when I saw it I immediately said to the curator Russell Moccasin boots. The curator smiled and said Russell Moccasin came over and built them for the display using the oldest boot templates they had on hand.

I do like the taller boots in general because it seems I spend a lot of time in wet areas. With all that said and all the boots I own my left foot has collapsed and degenerative arthritis has set into my ankle. Right before hunting season I get a cortisone shot ultrasound guided in to the ankle just so I can walk. Last couple of years have done a lot of searching and boot buying and the only boots that allow me to hunt even close to the way I used to are the Crispi Italian boots with the Ankle Bone Support Structure, They also allow my orthotics made by Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine to fit and work as they should. http://www.blackovis.com/crispi-hunter-htg-gtx-hunting-insulated-boot

For a few years a while ago Russell was big on the minimalist approach and even refused to build boots fit for orthotics, and pushed minimal structure and support. I didn't wear orthotics for years until recently and wore fairly light support boots for many years so now RM can kiss my grits.

Joined: 26 Apr 2010 Posts: 3177 Location: NCWa

When my toe arches collapsed in 1985 I could no longer wear my Danner Winterlights, so went to Russell and had a pair of Imperials made to fit and have virtually nothing but Russells every day since that time. The photo shows seven pair, a few of them have been back to Russell for rebuilds, until as with the one pair, they kindly explain it to me that the shoes are worn beyond repair. the Imperials with the insulation (red quilting) were the first pair and I got them back in time for hunting season and they are "like-new" except no need to break-in.

Joined: 21 May 2010 Posts: 603 Location: Victoria BC Canada

Goathoof; Viberg is located in my town. They made their rep on logging boots.

Carlos, you are so fortunate to have such a quality boot maker that you can go in and have a fitting. Viberg folks on the phone are a pleasure to speak with.