Hit a home run this week. Wife was in the UK for work and I ordered a pair of Gumleafs from the UK division and had them shipped to her hotel. The UK prices are 50-60% cheaper than their US Distributor.
Dude I just ordered a pair from Redpost equestrian in the UK, $144 with DHL worldwide shipping to the states, the USA distributor hefty markup is for the birds
As a hoosier whitetail hunter that has learned to love rubber boots, but also wants to experiment with pack boots, i can greatly appreciate the decades of dedication to appreciating them that you have. Thanks for this.
Some guys collect knives, guns, cars.... not John Eberhart, he collects boots! Haha love this guy. Read his book when I started bow hunting 10 years ago. Should be required reading for any bow hunter.
Not really, the fits are better now, due to cheap competition though, they don't make certain things to last as long as they did. Bows and arrows are eons ahead of what we used to have as are many other things. Also deer hunting and killing mature bucks is much more prevalent now as so many pass on young bucks which allows bucks to mature. Clothing is far superior than it used to be. But I get your point that some are not made as well.
I was in the Army for over 20 years - boot and socks are crucial to Infantrymen. Once my wife wakes up, we are going to check out the Gumleaf company. Thank you for the insight.
I wish I could have seen this last year when I bought some Irish setters for 250.00 and they are already turning gray. I had no idea, but everything you said is true.
Irish Setter makes leather and Cordura boots and sources their rubber boots and that is pretty common out there now on many products. Vortex Optics does the same as they make nothing, yet they market really well and sponsor a lot of industry whores that will endorse anyone products that will pay them to.
Everytime I watch a John Eberhart video I realize how amateur I am haha. I have a pair of pretty nice lacrosse boots that I only wear hunting, never been cold in them and I'm in Maine so we get some cold days hunting into December, and John says there junk haha. It's all that works for warmth and comfort and sound for each.
If you are really looking for a good cheap pair of boots I would recommend military issued mickey mouse jump boots, layered rubber boots with wool insulation built for paratroopers that jump in below freezing temps. 44 oz per boot they are a little heavy but without a doubt the warmest most comfortable hunting boot I've ever worn and are built to stand the complications of a war. I was issued mine in 2002 you can buy a pair for about 70.00 you won't regret it
Not quite. I was the archery buyer for Michigans larest sporting goods store from 75 thru 79 and then was a drywall finisher (did the lid work on stilts) until 1991 and then have been a hunting, fishing, guns, archery and Outdoors (rep for Coleman in outdoor) sales rep since and still am. That is why I feel I can offer realistic advice in the sporting goods marketplace and cut through all the BS marketing crap that every mfg. has. I tell it like it is and if it offends someone that uses a particular brand that I may say is overpriced for what it is, Oh Well.
Have you tried boot blankets by artic? I wear the same uninsulated Boot all year and use boot blankets in the late season. Throw some hand warmers in them when it gets super cold. They are super light to pack in and your feet don't get as sweaty on the walk in. Only problem is they are be noisy in the stand if you are not careful.
40 years out of a boot! I'm 32 and have gone through 5 pairs last 6 years! Getting some gum leafs thanks for the videos john! Come on down to Missouri and join us on a public land bow hunt!
@@paulwakefield1015 they are a bit heavier then lacrosse aetohuntets but I still haven't wore them because THEY STINK to high heaven, even after a year of sitting out in the shop. I would never recommend these boots for hunting. I don't buy into scent control but even I wouldn't wear these stink traps while hunting.
The only thing I like about some of the cheaper boots is they are more of a moccasin feel. Where they are a neoprene sock with a "rubber" shell boot with a light tread. Makes a really soft bottom that is quieter then boots with a lug hard tread. I don't expect them to last more than a year or two though :-/
I have a fused right ankle so rubber boots is out of the question. If I got one on, I would have to knife it to get it off. I recently bought some expensive Kenetrek boots due to the rocker sole which makes it nice for a fused ankle. I walk/hike a lot so I need boots that can handle long trail walks. I walked a 12 mile trail yesterday and a 4.5 mile trail today and an 8 mile trail a couple days ago. Plus a lot of trail walking last week.. I hunt in the rugged Current river hills of Missouri and like boots that secures the feet and grip the ground well. I like lace up leather boots and also cordura boots with a lower heel or rocker sole.
I also have a fused right ankle and have issues buying boots that I can pull over my right ankle. I bought a pair of the Baffin Titan boots and yes.......you can pull that boot up over my fused ankle and pull it back off. It is tight, but it can be done.
Would love to hear your take on which hip boots/waders that are still made today you would recommend! Maybe which ones your son uses as I am sure you don't let him use the Red Balls! Thanks!
Just ordered The Royal Zip!! Thank you John! One quick question. I am going to bury these in a container full of soil for several weeks (as you suggested). Jack also gave me a few quick tips about care. Pretty cool guy! Would you hunt in these in 8 weeks????
Hi John, I am going to order The Saxon boots for myself and curious if you use/recommend the following: A. Do you use Welly Oil for treatment? B. Are you satisfied with insoles that come with or you use yours/custom? Thank you Sir for all you do for hunting community. Good bless you and happy 2022 season.
I can understand why you would think that. I have a lot of old clothing, boots, calls,etc. and that's because they were made better back then. China makes some exceptional products, but they also make a lot of junk due to the price points the US mfg's. want to buy it at. They can de-spec anything and since mfg's fight over the lowest price point on most things, they de-spec the quality to make if for a lower price. I buy a lot of new products and keep in mind I'm a sales representative in the hunting and fishing industry so I know how things are done and made and what is quality and what is not just by looking at it since I've been a sales rep. for 30 years. I'm just trying to pass that on so hunters don't buy items that are not very well made and will wear out in a short period of time.
John, what's the weather rating on these boots? They look like they are good for early season. But come 20 degrees or lower and blowing, I think you'll freeze your feet off. Would you wear these instead of pack boots?
I think the specs in the text of your email are spot on and maybe 25 to 50. I think they would be hot in warm weather as they have 5mm neoprene liners sewn into the uppers.
My issue is after a few years the inside of my boots start to get a musty smell that’s hard to get rid of. I do wear my boots year round though including spring gobbler and summer scouting.
Do you pack your waders all the way to the tree? Or, is it wise to just leave those at the river crossing? Farm-To-Feet makes some high quality socks also!
So John, my main problem is cold feet, just like you said you need something to keep you on stand. Would you recommend rubber boots like gum leaf or a pack boot? I have some cabela's pack boots that are insanely large and cumbersome. I bought some LaCrosse alpha burley with 1600G thinsulate but haven't used them yet and am reconsidering after all this good info.
Hey John, I just Purchased the Royal Zips, with the code. They seem extremely comfortable but I'm a little weary about the sole being able to keep up with the distance and terrain I'm walking to destination locations. Do you have an update on your royal zips after extensive field use? or any thoughts? Thank you.
also John, what's your take on liner socks underneath your wool socks in cold weather. I average about a quarter mile walk to my stand and have been wearing them for years. Thanks
Do you have a recommendation for a backpack? I absolutely love your pack but I know they don’t make it and I’m looking for something similar with no luck.
We actually did a video on John's pack and his scouting pack. If you email Deerjohn51@gmail.com John might be able to point you in the right direction - Joe
@@eberhartoutdoors4219 yes, I saw that video but I know he said his hunting pack was a custom made scentlok pack. I have searched scentlok packs with no luck and am looking for something as close to what he has as possible. I will shoot him an email though. Thank you! -Nate
John, when I wear the softer, less aggressive soles saddle hunting on steps, I feel a little too much pressure and discomfort compared to the stiffer, more aggressive sole boots. Do you not experience that?
these soles seem to be a good in between but we will let you know once we have used them more. you can also check out the reviews on the gumleaf web site directly
I was just watching another one of your videos on your van setup. I noticed that one of the few things you didn't have stored in air tight storage were your boots. Is this because they are all rubber? Do I need to store my boots that are only used for whitetail hunting in air tight storage? This maybe be a dumb question with an easy answer, but im trying to mimic alot of your scent control practices and i want to make sure im clear on this.
The problem with storing your boots in any air-tight container is that the outside of your boots will smell like the inside and they won't dry properly either. I leave them in my truck bed and soak them down heavily with scent killer spray before/during a hunt. I guess if they're dry you could store them in a container with a small ozone generator. Regardless of what you do, a deer will ALWAYS detect your entry/exit trail no matter what (and I'm a big ScentLok guy)...
No, I bought the Red Ball neoprene hip boots in the 70's and have 2 pair of them. I also bought the green LaCrosse rubber knee boots in the 70's and the pair I showed in the boots video I threw away as they finally cracked beyond repair. I got the neoprene upper LaCrosse boots with PVC bottoms and air grip soles from the LaCrosse representative to try out. What planet are you from because that is what I said in the video. I am quite certsain I know what I have and more about boots than you do since I have represented several lines of boots since 1992. Some of you guys (very small %) make me question why I do these videos because someone is always questioning my content. Is that answer suitable for you sir!
Wait in the rain gear video you said rain gear can't be breathable, so how can waiters be breathable and waterproof? And majority of your gear is discontinued haha. The companies do that on purpose, " we made this too good, people will only buy one" companies do it with boots, tools, engines, you name it, if it's that great and lasts, they will discontinue it. Hense why they sell full size trucks with 4cyl now, the V6 had come so far it was getting 300hp and 20 mpg out of a reliable motor, can't have that, "let's discontinue it and start making 4cyl and throw a turbo on it" junk.
@johneberhart4062 @eberhartoutdoors4219 I'm looking for a boot for warm weather in Oct and cold in November. Would you advise getting the Gumleaf Viking Neo or the Baffin Titan boots?
Hit a home run this week. Wife was in the UK for work and I ordered a pair of Gumleafs from the UK division and had them shipped to her hotel. The UK prices are 50-60% cheaper than their US Distributor.
Dude I just ordered a pair from Redpost equestrian in the UK, $144 with DHL worldwide shipping to the states, the USA distributor hefty markup is for the birds
As a hoosier whitetail hunter that has learned to love rubber boots, but also wants to experiment with pack boots, i can greatly appreciate the decades of dedication to appreciating them that you have. Thanks for this.
Darn tough socks. Merino wool. Lifetime guarantee!
I love that you've started with boots and foot management! The number one thing that has every run me out of the field or stand is cold feet.
Some guys collect knives, guns, cars.... not John Eberhart, he collects boots! Haha love this guy. Read his book when I started bow hunting 10 years ago. Should be required reading for any bow hunter.
It isn't all he collects - Joe
The moral of this series is, once the manufacturer sourced out of USA to cut costs, things went to hell in a handbasket
Number one thing I learned from this video is that they dont make things the way they use to now. Thanks for the video John.
Not really, the fits are better now, due to cheap competition though, they don't make certain things to last as long as they did. Bows and arrows are eons ahead of what we used to have as are many other things. Also deer hunting and killing mature bucks is much more prevalent now as so many pass on young bucks which allows bucks to mature. Clothing is far superior than it used to be. But I get your point that some are not made as well.
I was in the Army for over 20 years - boot and socks are crucial to Infantrymen. Once my wife wakes up, we are going to check out the Gumleaf company. Thank you for the insight.
Absolutely, take care of your dam feet Private!! I learned that one real quick.
Amen, your feet are something that gets little attention while playing a huge factor in comfort and length of time on stand. John
I wish I could have seen this last year when I bought some Irish setters for 250.00 and they are already turning gray. I had no idea, but everything you said is true.
Irish Setter makes leather and Cordura boots and sources their rubber boots and that is pretty common out there now on many products. Vortex Optics does the same as they make nothing, yet they market really well and sponsor a lot of industry whores that will endorse anyone products that will pay them to.
Everytime I watch a John Eberhart video I realize how amateur I am haha. I have a pair of pretty nice lacrosse boots that I only wear hunting, never been cold in them and I'm in Maine so we get some cold days hunting into December, and John says there junk haha. It's all that works for warmth and comfort and sound for each.
Boy I remember the days of wearing the old Mickey Mouse boots, my goodness they’re warm but might as well have cinder blocks strapped to your feet 😂
I still wear them! In cold weather I've yet to find anything comparable. Heavy, clunky, cumbersome, but dang they are warm.
Galin Swigart yes they are very warm, I still use them ice fishing!
If you are really looking for a good cheap pair of boots I would recommend military issued mickey mouse jump boots, layered rubber boots with wool insulation built for paratroopers that jump in below freezing temps. 44 oz per boot they are a little heavy but without a doubt the warmest most comfortable hunting boot I've ever worn and are built to stand the complications of a war. I was issued mine in 2002 you can buy a pair for about 70.00 you won't regret it
Good info John. My dad's not in my life and iv learned alot from your videos. Thank you
This is my kinda guy, an EXPERT. He was a buyer for a major sporting goods store for 40 years+ , I think.
Not quite. I was the archery buyer for Michigans larest sporting goods store from 75 thru 79 and then was a drywall finisher (did the lid work on stilts) until 1991 and then have been a hunting, fishing, guns, archery and Outdoors (rep for Coleman in outdoor) sales rep since and still am. That is why I feel I can offer realistic advice in the sporting goods marketplace and cut through all the BS marketing crap that every mfg. has. I tell it like it is and if it offends someone that uses a particular brand that I may say is overpriced for what it is, Oh Well.
Thanks for all of the good information John.
You bet
Have you tried boot blankets by artic? I wear the same uninsulated Boot all year and use boot blankets in the late season. Throw some hand warmers in them when it gets super cold. They are super light to pack in and your feet don't get as sweaty on the walk in. Only problem is they are be noisy in the stand if you are not careful.
Perfect audio this time! Thank you
Yea, it's obviously a work in progress. John
An old ski patrol trick is to spray your feet with anti-perspirant. Works great!
Mr Eberhart could you do a video on proper care and storage of activated carbon clothing thank you
We are going to do a whole series on this - Joe
I second this
40 years out of a boot! I'm 32 and have gone through 5 pairs last 6 years! Getting some gum leafs thanks for the videos john! Come on down to Missouri and join us on a public land bow hunt!
Thanks for this video was definitely need to know information
love your new videos guys!!!!
Great Video!
OK took your advice and ordered a pair. We'll see how they hold up to our greenbriar and thorns
You won't be sorry
Been a year. What is your opinion?
What’s the update? How heavy are they?
@@paulwakefield1015 they are a bit heavier then lacrosse aetohuntets but I still haven't wore them because THEY STINK to high heaven, even after a year of sitting out in the shop. I would never recommend these boots for hunting. I don't buy into scent control but even I wouldn't wear these stink traps while hunting.
@@davetoms63 what size are they? In the rare chance we have the same size foot, I’ll buy them from you : )
The only thing I like about some of the cheaper boots is they are more of a moccasin feel. Where they are a neoprene sock with a "rubber" shell boot with a light tread. Makes a really soft bottom that is quieter then boots with a lug hard tread. I don't expect them to last more than a year or two though :-/
these wear like a running shoe
I never knew someone could own so many boots lol
You haven't met my wife.
"shoe goo" is a product for fixing skateboard shoes. It works amazing for patching rubber or neoprene boots.
and so is Aquaseal
I have a fused right ankle so rubber boots is out of the question. If I got one on, I would have to knife it to get it off. I recently bought some expensive Kenetrek boots due to the rocker sole which makes it nice for a fused ankle. I walk/hike a lot so I need boots that can handle long trail walks. I walked a 12 mile trail yesterday and a 4.5 mile trail today and an 8 mile trail a couple days ago. Plus a lot of trail walking last week.. I hunt in the rugged Current river hills of Missouri and like boots that secures the feet and grip the ground well. I like lace up leather boots and also cordura boots with a lower heel or rocker sole.
I also have a fused right ankle and have issues buying boots that I can pull over my right ankle. I bought a pair of the Baffin Titan boots and yes.......you can pull that boot up over my fused ankle and pull it back off. It is tight, but it can be done.
Would love to hear your take on which hip boots/waders that are still made today you would recommend! Maybe which ones your son uses as I am sure you don't let him use the Red Balls! Thanks!
Thanks for the info!
GO PACK GO!
Foot moisture video!! Tytyty
Just ordered The Royal Zip!! Thank you John! One quick question. I am going to bury these in a container full of soil for several weeks (as you suggested). Jack also gave me a few quick tips about care. Pretty cool guy! Would you hunt in these in 8 weeks????
I will be using mine on October 1st - Joe
Check out some buffalo wool socks John. Ill wait for an updated video!!
John have you heard of the Le Chameau boot company?
Awesome video 👍great content 😉👍New Friend Here 🤙🎣🎣🎣
Hi John, I am going to order The Saxon boots for myself and curious if you use/recommend the following:
A. Do you use Welly Oil for treatment?
B. Are you satisfied with insoles that come with or you use yours/custom?
Thank you Sir for all you do for hunting community.
Good bless you and happy 2022 season.
John, more great info, thanks! Quick question...do you store your rubber boots in air tight containers also? Thanks again.
No, I just keep them in the back of my van in my sled. Just never wear them anyplace but hunting.
John, man I feel like your just stuck in the 70’s. I’ve read your books. I bought lacrosse boots because of you.
I can understand why you would think that. I have a lot of old clothing, boots, calls,etc. and that's because they were made better back then. China makes some exceptional products, but they also make a lot of junk due to the price points the US mfg's. want to buy it at. They can de-spec anything and since mfg's fight over the lowest price point on most things, they de-spec the quality to make if for a lower price.
I buy a lot of new products and keep in mind I'm a sales representative in the hunting and fishing industry so I know how things are done and made and what is quality and what is not just by looking at it since I've been a sales rep. for 30 years. I'm just trying to pass that on so hunters don't buy items that are not very well made and will wear out in a short period of time.
John, what's the weather rating on these boots? They look like they are good for early season. But come 20 degrees or lower and blowing, I think you'll freeze your feet off. Would you wear these instead of pack boots?
I think the specs in the text of your email are spot on and maybe 25 to 50. I think they would be hot in warm weather as they have 5mm neoprene liners sewn into the uppers.
Gum leaf boots!!!!
Have you evaluated Xtratuf boots? They seem to be the industry standard for commercial fishing but you don’t see hunters wearing them.
We will have to check them out. Thanks for the info -Joe
We need to get a peek at that ESS. When are we gonna see it??
It's out and he's got the video on here.
I know. This comment was 3 months ago. But thank you.
My issue is after a few years the inside of my boots start to get a musty smell that’s hard to get rid of. I do wear my boots year round though including spring gobbler and summer scouting.
get a quality boot dryer that is what i use for mine - Joe
I’m a saddle hunter and I’m ditching my platform for a ring of steps. How stable is your footing on the steps when wearing the Baffin Titan boots?
Right about Itaska John , total junk.What good is a warm boot that may not last 1 season.Quality doesn't cost, it pays!
I thought I tried everything to repair all my boots, never thought about aquaseal, & I have an unopened tube of it in my garage!
Great stuff - John
Do you pack your waders all the way to the tree? Or, is it wise to just leave those at the river crossing? Farm-To-Feet makes some high quality socks also!
this will be covered in a future video
So John, my main problem is cold feet, just like you said you need something to keep you on stand. Would you recommend rubber boots like gum leaf or a pack boot? I have some cabela's pack boots that are insanely large and cumbersome. I bought some LaCrosse alpha burley with 1600G thinsulate but haven't used them yet and am reconsidering after all this good info.
Baffin is the brand and Titan's are the model of pack boot you want. Gumleaf's are great for temps above 30 degrees.
@@eberhartoutdoors4219 Love my Baffins!
I think Baffin boots are 100% rubber
Hey John, I just Purchased the Royal Zips, with the code. They seem extremely comfortable but I'm a little weary about the sole being able to keep up with the distance and terrain I'm walking to destination locations. Do you have an update on your royal zips after extensive field use? or any thoughts? Thank you.
Can you guys make a video on how to correctly use carbon gear?
It will be coming
also John, what's your take on liner socks underneath your wool socks in cold weather. I average about a quarter mile walk to my stand and have been wearing them for years. Thanks
I have some but never really noticed much of a difference and they didn't wick very well. John
John great content, you need to get with a solid editor. A link in your description would help out with checking out the books online.
Do you have a recommendation for a backpack? I absolutely love your pack but I know they don’t make it and I’m looking for something similar with no luck.
We actually did a video on John's pack and his scouting pack. If you email Deerjohn51@gmail.com John might be able to point you in the right direction - Joe
@@eberhartoutdoors4219 yes, I saw that video but I know he said his hunting pack was a custom made scentlok pack. I have searched scentlok packs with no luck and am looking for something as close to what he has as possible. I will shoot him an email though. Thank you! -Nate
Will that aquaseal work for reattaching the sole? The front of my boot sole is separating. Thanks for the videos
it can but i used a 2 part epoxy for my muck boots +2 years ago and they are still holding
On the Gumleaf, should a wide foot be upsized one size to accommodate?
you should contact them directly about sizing
I bet he’s a real treat having a conversation
This is the bust, period, end of discussion
Ok
John, when I wear the softer, less aggressive soles saddle hunting on steps, I feel a little too much pressure and discomfort compared to the stiffer, more aggressive sole boots. Do you not experience that?
these soles seem to be a good in between but we will let you know once we have used them more. you can also check out the reviews on the gumleaf web site directly
I was just watching another one of your videos on your van setup. I noticed that one of the few things you didn't have stored in air tight storage were your boots. Is this because they are all rubber? Do I need to store my boots that are only used for whitetail hunting in air tight storage? This maybe be a dumb question with an easy answer, but im trying to mimic alot of your scent control practices and i want to make sure im clear on this.
The problem with storing your boots in any air-tight container is that the outside of your boots will smell like the inside and they won't dry properly either. I leave them in my truck bed and soak them down heavily with scent killer spray before/during a hunt.
I guess if they're dry you could store them in a container with a small ozone generator. Regardless of what you do, a deer will ALWAYS detect your entry/exit trail no matter what (and I'm a big ScentLok guy)...
Brux, i highly recommended NOT to use Ozon devices around any ruber content, it will dry it out and you that garment/boot is DONE.
you bought neoprene hip boots and lacrosse burly boots with the air grip sole in the 1970's - what planet were you on?
No, I bought the Red Ball neoprene hip boots in the 70's and have 2 pair of them. I also bought the green LaCrosse rubber knee boots in the 70's and the pair I showed in the boots video I threw away as they finally cracked beyond repair. I got the neoprene upper LaCrosse boots with PVC bottoms and air grip soles from the LaCrosse representative to try out. What planet are you from because that is what I said in the video. I am quite certsain I know what I have and more about boots than you do since I have represented several lines of boots since 1992. Some of you guys (very small %) make me question why I do these videos because someone is always questioning my content. Is that answer suitable for you sir!
This dude is a gearhead
Would your pant leg be just as damaged as the neoprene?
yes and no. It depends on whether the pants is tucked in or not
Are the Gumleaf boots all uninsulated?
they have a light insulation to them and i haven't seen anything heavily insulated - Joe
Do those GumLeaf boots have any insulation?
How do you control scent on your boots?
Looks like the streams I fish for king salmon behind you
Probably not that stream it is cut off by more then several dams that do not have fish ladders and it is in Brighton Mi.
Xtra Tuffs were great till they started to make them in China
Any way you would sell me those nib red ball hip waders?
Wait in the rain gear video you said rain gear can't be breathable, so how can waiters be breathable and waterproof? And majority of your gear is discontinued haha. The companies do that on purpose, " we made this too good, people will only buy one" companies do it with boots, tools, engines, you name it, if it's that great and lasts, they will discontinue it. Hense why they sell full size trucks with 4cyl now, the V6 had come so far it was getting 300hp and 20 mpg out of a reliable motor, can't have that, "let's discontinue it and start making 4cyl and throw a turbo on it" junk.
What's that discount code
Bow Hunt
Please talk present, not the old history. And, most of them not available.
He does but what can the present be without the history
@johneberhart4062 @eberhartoutdoors4219 I'm looking for a boot for warm weather in Oct and cold in November. Would you advise getting the Gumleaf Viking Neo or the Baffin Titan boots?