6" or 8" Boots?

[RugDoctor]

I know there's plenty of favourite boots out there, and I'm partial to the brand I have. Question is, 6 inch or 8 inch? I have some really great boots and I've put a ton of miles on them, so now I'm thinking of buying a new pair just to get some taller ones. Is it worth it even though I absolutely love my 6 inchers?

Also, I'm a believer that boots should require little to zero break in. The ones I have were comfy out of the box, until right now. Not a single blister ever....that's why I am reluctant to spend high dough on a new pair. Anyone ever had luck with mole Skins? They just seem to pile up in the bottom of my runners when I used them there....

[WesHarm]

I prefer my scarpas and goretex gators not sure my scarpas even hit the 6" mark but probably about there, gives me the support i want without the stiffness i get from my 9" work boots. We used to have this second skin stuff from europe that my head geologist used to bring back that was fantastic... dont remember the exact name though... Edit: Compeed was the name of the product

[Wentrot]

I much prefer a taller boot, comfort and support are noticeably increased for me.

[bigredchev]

Just like my wife, once you go 8 inches you will wonder how you lived with 6.

[Brew]

I have 5 pairs of boots currently for hunting and caulked boots for work and blacktail hunting. Every pair is a 8" trapper model. Currently running Lowa, hanwag and mendle.
i have a bad left ankle due to injury though so I prefer the stiffness

[ajr5406]

All things being equal, go with what is most comfortable. I prefer a taller boot as it offers great ankle support and more clearance for walking through streams and deep mud etc.

[264mag]

Do you miss her?? Sorry couldn't resist.

[Linksman313]

All things being equal, go with what is most comfortable. I prefer a taller boot as it offers great ankle support and more clearance for walking through streams and deep mud etc.

I agree with ajr5406 it really depends on terrain. I hunt in mostly treed shale and mixed scree slopes at subalpine elevations and found that 8" boots provide the support and stability as well as protection when heel sliding down slopes when necessary(albeit a little heavy at times size 13). I also have a goretex lined light hiker in 6" that I use for early season and spring shed hunts in the pines at lower elevations. I also always wear gators due to the small risk of rattlers in these areas and for extra waterproofing. If you've found a boot that fits and lasts for you I would stick with it, and with a previous ankle injury I personally feel that an 8" boot in your circumstance would be a good choice.

[Moe.JKU]

I like my Hanwag's that are 6" and i find it enough, and don't see the need to go any taller. Maybe that will change once more challenging terrain sheep hunting happens.

[RugDoctor]

Anyone have suggestions for quiet gators? I have some, but they're more for snowshoeing or CC skiing....and they're NOOOIIIIISSYYYYY.........nylon I think.

[allan]

I would choose the most comfortable option then add gaiters.
I use sitka gaiters and it's all about how you walk and move for noise. Also a bit of shoe wax if you develop a squeak. On my last trip I had no wax, so I cut a pair of socks and use them as tubes between my boots and gaiters cause the squeak wouldn't go away.
I shot an archery bull moose at 10 ft like that so I guess their quiet enough.

[Ohwildwon]

Anyone have suggestions for quiet gators? I have some, but they're more for snowshoeing or CC skiing....and they're NOOOIIIIISSYYYYY.........nylon I think.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MXYTE6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Love em...

[Stone C. Killer]

8", 8", 8", 8"