Jack Pyke’s Hunters’s Boot
- Last updated: 18/01/2017
Draw up any shortlist of major kit for shooting expeditions, and it invariably starts with a good pair of stout boots. Of course many adventure sports and activities place similar emphasis on reliable footwear, so with this in mind, top outdoor gear supplier Jack Pyke carries several options within their product listings.
This review features their Hunters Boots, which come in a variety of sizes, but only one colour. That said, it’s a very attractive and practical shade of brown, and no one can dispute that these Hunters certainly look the part.
Look deeper, and the list of features doesn’t disappoint either. They look good, because the uppers are constructed from full-grain leather, no less, which is a good place to start. It’s soft to the touch and all adds to the classy feel overall, but with what’s termed ‘Hydroguard membrane’ also included in the construction, these boots are fully waterproof, and breathable. Thinsulate insulation (God, I wish I had shares in that company!), keeps the feet nice and snug, whilst that popular swampy odour from well-used boots (my car’s never quite the same after an extended shooting session) is thankfully eliminated, due to the Agion anti-microbial treatment. In other words, these Hunters Boots are designed to be odour resistant, and should stay that way.
Internally, a padded tongue and heel add real comfort, yet with modern materials used throughout, overall weight is kept to a highly acceptable level. A compromise is of course required where boots of this sort are concerned, with the product needing to offer flexibility of sorts, whilst still providing a good degree of support. The high upper section coupled with a full-length lace pattern, cossets the ankle, and with the lower half of the laces held in position within ‘speed links’, the laborious task of lacing up is simplified and speeded up into the bargain.
An additional observation here, concerns the lace clips themselves on the higher section – which seem super stiff and robust, unlike some I have encountered on boots over the years, where the clips just bent under pressure.
Good grip is always an asset in the field, and to that end these boots come fitted with Vibram trek rubber soles. These feature on several boots across the market and offer a super-deep tread pattern. Throw in a high rubber rand, (the rubber strip running around the lower part of the boot), and we are effectively double sealed to the elements, with any unwanted moisture kept firmly at bay. Traversing boggy conditions and muddy terrain can be taken in your stride with these Hunters, and I’ve worn them on several outings of late, to properly gauge their performance. What I would say is that the upper ankle section is higher than I’m used to, but the extra support on offer, in certain scenarios, can be a real bonus. Climbing over rocks for one, or just the additional rigidity that’s afforded for standing shots for example.
In short, these Hunters Boots offer solid comfort, and dependable design, and come highly recommended as a sound investment.
Jack Pyke’s range of outdoor products has really gained market coverage over the last few years, and on the strength of the gear I have had through to date, deservedly so These Hunter Boots are available from any Jack Pyke dealership, and with that network growing by the day, it’s never been easier to bag yourself some quality, well designed kit, fit for purpose.
Available in sizes 6 to 12, in brown and with an RRP of £120.
E: [email protected]
www.jackpyke.co.uk