Higher And Higher

Most hunters have a preference of boot type, low for flexibility, mid-length for extra support at the ankle area then the full blown protection a high hunting leg boot can afford. Obviously, to this you need to factor in the season and/or conditions they’re being used in. Personally, as I hunt over very varied terrain, from pasture land to moorland it’ll be no surprise that I own a ‘goodly amount’ of boots (OK, I’ve got too many). Mainly I’ve now settled on a compromise of medium to high and then some design of high. I say this as boots once classed as medium, were hardly over 6” in height, but now more often than not they’re already reaching 8” in height, which to some is a high boot. However, get over that height and step ‘no pun intended’ up to 10” and beyond (yes there are some that high) and for my money you’re firmly in high leg territory.

Incidentally, an airgun hunter I respect recently said to me he preferred lower boots and would when needed prefer to use leg gaiters for extra protection. A strange one, but all to their own - what he was specifically referring to was he found the majority of ‘High Leg’ hunting boots unforgiving and restrictive, even to the point of feeling uncomfortable. I say this in my lengthy introduction to these boots as that’s one thing you won’t have any worries over – the Pinewood High Hunter’s Boots never feel uncomfortable.

Achille’s Heel

Manufactured and imported from Pinewood, an established Swedish company specialising in outdoors wear, the High Leg Hunter’s Boots stand 10 ½” high from the underside of the sole’s interesting cleat design (more on this later) to the very well padded and stylishly trimmed top section. Even on initial inspection, the boot’s ooze quality due to the generous amount of high grade leather used for the upper as well as the design and lay-out of the heavy-duty synthetic (tough rubber) toe and heel protection. There’s also a very comfortable three ribbed padded top rear section and an Achilles heel flex-panel, ideally positioned at the rear for wearer comfort. Though pretty much the norm on many high leg boots of quality, you really do appreciate this ‘little design’ touch on longer treks.

Internally, the boots use a waterproof membrane known as Aqua-Dry. It keeps water out and is breathable to allow sweat to wick away from your foot. They’re also lined with a sensible 200gram Thinsulate. I find this suitable for very cold weather if wearing the correct socks yet not over warm come summer, as you should be wearing a lighter summer sock of suitable properties. I mention this ‘Thinsulate rating’ as I feel it’s a good compromise for adding comfort and warmth to an ‘active’ hunting boot of this kind. Two examples of how thoughtful design can allow a high leg boot, of mainly leather build to be much lighter, less bulky and offer more comfort when worn over any distance.

High – and Wide

The boots have a ‘wide throat’ meaning they’re easy to get in and out of unlaced, which is always a bonus. The wide leather tongue has integral articulating synthetic side panels that offer an ultimate level of protection from the elements. The boots use very strong ‘rot-proof’ laces utilising five pairs of extra strong captive ‘D’ rings and five more open style metal hooks for ‘speed lacing’ up to the very top, where the boots can also be seen to boast the extra padding at the rear and sides as mentioned previously. The lace retainers are solid with equally heavy-duty ‘weather-resistant’ steel rivets holding them onto the leather outer build.  All seams are double stitched and bonded. Due to the layout, the last D-ring is set back attached to the inner synthetic more flexible part of the boot so the ‘speed lace’ hooks can run straight up to the very top of the boot.

The company’s ‘Comfort-Flex’ rubber sole is interesting as it uses deep ridging running across the boot interspersed with flush semi-clover leaf shape lugs. This results in the sole being light, yet has a deep ‘tread’ pattern with an abbreviated mid-sole.

Summing Up

These boots are rugged, robust, deceptively light for the conditions they’ll encounter, very well built with unique soles that offer a surprisingly good grip on a variety of surfaces. For the hunter requiring all weather use these Pinewood High Hunter Boots could just be what you’re looking for. Available in sizes 4 – 13UK and priced at £149.99. For more information contact Kool Box on tel. 01509 233 333 for a stockist in your area or visit the website at www.koolbox.co.uk