Excellent quality despite long break in. Best in class.
This is a very nice boot. Attractive and the quality is excellent. Be warned that for me the break in period was long and a bit painful but it has proven to be worth it. First time out they are very rigid and don't flex with your foot. Especially around the ankle area. This led to a lot of rubbing and a few blisters even with the appropriate double sock set up. The leather and material around the ankle became more flexible with some wear and I haven't had any trouble since. The rigidity when new also makes removing them very difficylt at first but this, too, eases with time. These boots are an investment as they are obviously built to last so the time to get them broken in is well spent.They are great all weather booots... some reviewers complained about the warmth in hot seasons but I found the right socks allow my foot to breath in these and I can hike without issue... and comfortably safe from the rattlesnakes here in CO. They are great in the winter as well even though the snakes are long gone. The height and waterproof design is an advantage in deep snow and icey streams. I just returned from a 3 mile hike in deep snow wearing these and they were warm and comfy and kept me high and dry.Also should note that I found the factory inserts fair but ended up putting a pair of superfeet inserts in that mate with my foot shape better. The factory insert is just a simple dense foam pad without a lot of shape to it. Comes out easily and fit the appropriate size insert without difficulty.All in, I recommend these boots highly. I haven't seen better build quality or durability in the snake proof, weather proof category. With some time and the right insert they have been a tremendous hiking and fishing companion for me.
✔ Verified Purchase
Very high quality, comfortable, waterproof, and mentally "comforting" snake boots!
I haven't had an actual encounter with a venomous snake yet, but I do feel better knowing I am wearing these very comfortable, "snake-tested" boots. I have a "C' width foot, so the regular ("M") width boot in my "normal" 10.5 size fit well, and felt comfortable, even with a small amount of side-to-side foot movement. However, I have always been a huge fan of SuperFeet insoles, and after reading another reviewer who suggested using a SuperFeet insert for a better fit, I too tried both of my normal favorites (the "green" and the "blue"). I placed one "blue" in one boot, and one "green" insert in the other boot. I placed them directly on top of the insole supplied by Chippewa. For me, the "green" (which I feel provides a higher arch support over the "blue", even though I always try both first and then use the one that feels best to me for that specific shoe maker/style/model) provided the best fit for my feet in these high quality boots. The waterproof feature of these boots is another reason I think these are the best possible combination of both snake and water protection available! One word of caution, I've already purchased (and returned) 2 different boot jacks (available here on Amazon) that proclaimed to "fit all sizes" only to find out these snake boots wouldn't even begin to fit inside those boot jacks. I purchased a size 10.5 M, that are 3-1/2 inches wide at the heel, directly above the 1-1/2 inch thick sole, so make sure any boot jack you purchase can securely fit a boot of this width. I'm currently working with a professional woodworker located in Maine to see if he can modify a Maple and Cherry Boot Jack he currently hand makes to accommodate these snake boots, I'll update this review if he is, and if they work. Update: I received the boot jack (no modifications were needed, his "standard" offering worked great) handmade by this merchant at http://www.rusticworkbench.com/prod/bootjack.htm . Not only did the boot jack fit perfectly for these waterproof snake boots, it is a work of art! The corners are all rounded and hand sanded to a very smooth finish, so I don't worry about damaging the finish on the Chippewa's!
✔ Verified Purchase
Excellent Snake Boot
I have tried multiple brands of snake boots. These are my favorite.First, the most important question I ask when buying snake boots, Are they actually tested with real snakes? There are videos on YouTube with guys getting bit by rattlesnakes with these boots.Next, these boots are the most comfortable snake boots I’ve ever owned, and I’ve owned multiple. I heard that there is a long break in period, but that’s not my experience. They were extremely comfortable out of the box and fit like a glove. I’ve now walked about 3 miles in them and can’t believe the level of comfort.Finally, they are water proof so far. I tested them by standing in a creek allowing water half way up the boot. No issues with leaking so far.
✔ Verified Purchase
C
C. D. Waage
June 15, 2023
Great for Cactus Thorns and Snakes
This boot fits pretty well, maybe just a bit too tight to squeeze on and get off but pretty good. One of the best things about this boot is it prevents getting stuck with thorns from cacti. The worst thing is the sole. I had it replaces with a Vibram lug sole since I kept slipping around. The 2nd worst thing is that the leather straps on the calf and on the boot are pretty thin leather. I'm sure I'll have to replace them soon.
✔ Verified Purchase
B
BanderaDan
September 25, 2023
Nice boots, excellent quality!
I do not like the fact they are made in Vietnam, but better than China I guess.They are broke in. They are hot, so can be warm on a hot Texas day, but hunting through the thorns and briars on cool days, these offer great comfort.People say snakes do not come out on cold days, they do if it’s sunny and they can find a warm spot. My 25 yr old made in Texas Chippewa snake boots are proof and protection. Was pooped by a 6’ rattler on a 45f sunny day in central Texas. The boots saved me. 2 hr drive to the nearest Hospital.My 25 year olds, my Son took them over, they got 25 more… so that means these better get me 50 or I may ask for a return!
✔ Verified Purchase
