Water Resistant vs. Water Proof

[47thGARBB]

My old do-all hunting/fishing/hiking/working boots finally bit the dust on me this turkey season. I am in the market for a new pair. I am looking to upgrade my next pair to be good solid leather, ideally resoleable so that I can get a long life out of them.

I have noticed that your fully waterproof boots either tend to be the cheap crappy boots that are made out of low-end materials that can be waterproofed easily, or are top-of-the-line boots that run you a month's rent. I have only ever had mid-teir waterproof boots in the past but I want to look at a more well-built pair for longevity.

How big of a difference is it really between a pair of boots advertised as water resistant vs. water proof? For crossing a wet field in turkey season, stepping over the occasional spring brook, or traversing pond or creek mud, would water resistant be enough? Anything wetter and I would just be wearing a pair of rubber boots. I understand that there are also products that you can apply to good leather boots to add a degree of weather resistance, such as sno-seal or other oil dubbing. How do these products perform, if you've used them? Thanks in advance.

 

[CitizenK]

Typically, water resistant means that the materials are waterproof, but the construction is not (the seams and stitching are not sealed, and water can seep when continuously exposed to moisture). Waterproof means the materials are waterproof, the seams and stitching are sealed, and the end result is that the product can be submerged to a certain point.

 

[IceColdEric]

I have many many miles on a pair of Salomon's. They have done everything from Turkey to Elk Hunting. Probably been my favorite overall boot. (Gore-Tex)

I purchased a pair of Schnee’s (Bearclaw) last year. Stiffer boot that performs better on the steeper terrain. (Leather Mink oil) treated.

Both excellent, No water issues with either

 

[basstracker89]

Danner are hard to beat. Ain't cheap. Made with Gortex. They are waterproof for the first few years. But the leather will last a long time. I bought mine back in the 90s and still goin strong. Been hiking all over the country in addition to hunting. Never had to replace the soles. I imagine they're a $400 pair of boots now. I used Danners for work boots as well, resole like twice before they wore out. I guess 4-6yrs of life all together. Resoles aren't cheap. Those boots were like $200 per pair. I want to say my hunting boots are called Winter Light, insulated. Vibram lug sole

 

[47thGARBB]

Danner are hard to beat. Ain't cheap. Made with Gortex. They are waterproof for the first few years. But the leather will last a long time. I bought mine back in the 90s and still goin strong. Been hiking all over the country in addition to hunting. Never had to replace the soles. I imagine they're a $400 pair of boots now. I used Danners for work boots as well, resole like twice before they wore out. I guess 4-6yrs of life all together. Resoles aren't cheap. Those boots were like $200 per pair. I want to say my hunting boots are called Winter Light, insulated. Vibram lug sole

I have looked into Danner before. They certainly look nice, but probably on the upper end of what I want to pay. Some pairs are upwards of $500 or better.

 

[keith089]

Danner , Lowa, Salomon
I have a pair of Danners I got resoled in Italy in 96

 

[24on48hunting]

I prefer to wear a rubber snake boot during turkey season.
If you plan to wear a snake proof gaiter over leather boots you should be fine. If you prefer leather boots without any measures taken to prevent a snake bite that’s cool too, but not a good idea if you hunt deep in the woods by yourself.

As far as a good, waterproof hunting boot made of leather, it’s a buy once, cry once ordeal.
I have a pair of Kenetrek Hardscrabble hikers and also a pair of Crispi Wild Rock GTX. Both are great all around, waterproof boots that have ankle support.
The Crispi boots are my favorite. I’ve already put 3 seasons on mine and they still look and perform great. They’re my go-to boot for the mountains, flatland and saddle hunting.
You can find them on sale quite often.
With the hikers, a good pair of boot gaiters do well at helping keep your feet dry.
The Blackovis Hailstone gaiter is a good one that won’t break the bank.

 

[47thGARBB]

I usually wear some snake gaiters in the spring over my boots that have the foot flap. As much of a hassle as the gaiters can be, I'd rather wear the gaiters than the full out snake boots. As hot as the gaiters can get, I imagine the full out boots would be miserable on a hellacious South GA summer day.

 

[strikeking300]

In practice, water resistant boots can hold up well in light wet conditions if they’re built from quality full-grain leather and properly treated. Products like Sno-Seal, Obenauf’s, or mink oil can do a great job repelling moisture, especially when reapplied regularly. That said, for soggy turkey fields and occasional stream crossings, they’ll hold up as long as you’re not submerged for long

 

[24on48hunting]

I usually wear some snake gaiters in the spring over my boots that have the foot flap. As much of a hassle as the gaiters can be, I'd rather wear the gaiters than the full out snake boots. As hot as the gaiters can get, I imagine the full out boots would be miserable on a hellacious South GA summer day.

Honestly, they’re not that bad. I used to hunt down in South Ga too. I hunt in SE Alabama also, not far from Enterprise and Troy. 5 species of venomous snakes call that area home. Best not to take any chances.
I’d say either will be about the same. Rubber boot or leather with a gaiter over it. Good on you for having some snake protection.