Decent boots for Flat Footed hunter

[freonguy]

I am the poster child for flat feet - period - have been ever since I can recall. Can anyone recommend a pair of good hunting boots that are specific for anti-pronation?? I wear New Balance anti pronation #928 shoes all the time and custom orthotics which help greatly - the trick is, my footwear should not flex in the arch area of the foot - the orthotics will be added instead of the normal insole - you guys out there with flat feet will know what I am talking about - - - any suggestions will be appreciated!! Freonguy

[DGuest]

I have flat feet and wear meindl boots for hiking and hunting.

In general I find stiff footwear helps a great deal. I wear redwing steel toes for work, they are expensive but at least I can walk at the end of the day.

I don't use custom orthotics anymore but if I did I would be trying on my hiking boots with the orthotics.

[Moosegetter]

What model of Meindl's are you guys using?And were did you get them? Thanks

[sheephunterab]

Feet don't get flatter than mine and the Lowa Tibet GTX and Hunter Extreme both fit my feet like a dream.

[BRvalley]

as a person with high arches, I had to get a custom orthotic to really my make my Lowa Tibet GTX boots comfortable....so I'd only assume they'd work better for flat feet, as sheephunterab suggested.....great boots, just needed new insoles for my feet

[freonguy]

Thanks guys - I would like to check out the Meindl Perfekt ( ?? ) - is there a dealer in Vancouver area, or is ordering thru Cabela's a safe bet? What about returns to Cabela's if they don't fit / aren't happy?? Thanks again - - -

[DGuest]

Check out AJ Brooks across from Mountain Equipment Co-op, that's where I got mine.

I think they've started selling Hanwags as well.

[sheephunterab]

Thanks guys - I would like to check out the Meindl Perfekt ( ?? ) - is there a dealer in Vancouver area, or is ordering thru Cabela's a safe bet? What about returns to Cabela's if they don't fit / aren't happy?? Thanks again - - -

Cabela's Meindle's aren't of same quality as those offered by Meindle but even their quality has slipped drastically and warranty is non existent in Canada from the distributor. Cabela's does have a good return policy.

[Gun Dog]

I have flatish feet and add Superfeet (http://www.superfeet.com/) insoles to boots that need it. I've also got Raichle hiking boots (from MEC) that work good just as they are.

[GoatGuy]

Scarpa's have a stiff arch as well. Personal favorite.

Picking up a set of hunter extreme's to try.

[Sofa King]

I not only have flattish feet, but quite wide as well. I got a wide steel-toe for work, but they are brutal, probably because they are wide, and my feet are just dead at the end of a day.

[elksmasher]

I'm with dguest,meindl,for play ,red wings for work my feet are flat as a torttia.

[Brez]

Do you have flat feet or fallen aches? I had orthotic soles made for my feet (fallen arches) and I went from excruciating pain every morning and end of day to no pain and hike all day in comfort. I wear them in ALL shoes/boots. I got the ones from custom shoe specialists, not from chiropractors. Red Point shoes in Rossland and Devito's in Nelson do them. I think they are under $400 but they take about 3 - 4 weeks to get the fit just right.
For wide feet, the Meindl Canada Hunters seem to fit the bill for my friends and me.

I not only have flattish feet, but quite wide as well. I got a wide steel-toe for work, but they are brutal, probably because they are wide, and my feet are just dead at the end of a day.

[freonguy]

Brez: I have flat, wide feet, and have ever since I can remember - my buddy and I got out of the pool and ran across the concrete when we were about six; I said ' what is wrong with your feet ??' as his had a nice arch, and mine were little 'squatch prints. I have custom orthotics from a true professional, not a Chiro and they have helped immensely for the last 11 or so years I have had them. I take a 12EE normally, and use the orthotics religiously - get new ones every 2 years, and the old ones get cycled down to shoes I use less, and rubber boots even have a set. Just looking for recommendations - will go over the list and get shopping - - - Thanks all!!

[Mr. Friendly]

being flat footed as well, best thing I can advise you to do is spend the $500 and get yourself some inserts...then any boots will become your option!

[onpoint]

Great advice here on the boots and orthotics or over-the-counter (OTC) insoles. I'm a Pedorthist (my entire day is spent assessing feet and designing custom orthotics) and the only thing I'll add is some of the European boots will have semi-curved lasts and this can interfere with the functionality of your foot, your insoles and your orthotics (if you use them). As has been suggested I would strongly recommend going to a store where they have staff experienced in working with orthotics. I've worked with a bunch of guys that needed serious boots for serious hunting and some brands work for some people and some brands don't. There is no one right answer. For wider feet I feel the Kennetrek's are the best bet in my opinion, pricey but very well built and available narrow to wide. They are distributed out of Canada as well so no border/duty concerns.

[sheephunterab]

I found that Kenetrek had a fairly high arch and just a quick trip around the show nearly crippled me but I suspect everyone's feet are different. I can't even wear a cushioned insole or thick sock in boots or I'm crippled. I have to wear thin socks and the crappy insole that comes with the boots and then I'm fine. My foot has increased in size about 1.5 sizes over the past 20 years...the result of way too many heavy loads I suspect. I've seen some pretty mixed results with orthotics in hiking boots for people on extended trips with very heavy loads. Often getting them out of their boots was their best option. I suspect for every day wear they are great but I'm not sure about extended backpack trips with big loads.

[craigo]

My feet are flat too. I use Hanwags and am real happy with them. Lathrop and sons will set you up with a custom foot bed, I don't know if they are good or not. Just heard of them that's all. I just use the foot bed that comes with the boots and works great for me. Plus thin socks as well. Good luck!

[freonguy]

Well, I stopped in at AJ Brooks in Vancouver and ordered a set of Dovre Extreme GTX - they had a set of the high ones in my size ( 12 wide ) but I opted for the model that is about 5-6 inches above your ankle - Paul was excellent to deal with and very helpful / knowledgeable - 4 - 6 weeks delivery, looking forward to them. The ones I tried on just felt GREAT with my orthotics, so I pulled the trigger. Will let you know how they turn out - thanks for all the input!!