Winter boots for hunting and fishing - rating of the best

When preparing for winter hunting and fishing, carefully prepare your equipment. Pay special attention to the choice of shoes, since a lot depends on them during outdoor activities. If your feet are cold, wet, and your boots are rubbing, then you most likely will not get any pleasure or results. In this article you will learn how to choose the right shoes and you will be able to familiarize yourself with the rating of the best boots.

Shoe requirements

When choosing winter boots for hunting and fishing, you must take into account the requirements for their functionality:

• Weight . Boots should be light, despite the many layers of insulation, as well as the heaviness of the sole.
• Sustainability . Their soles must be equipped with grooved treads. Otherwise, the owner of the boots will not be able to stand on various surfaces: ice, unsteady or muddy soil.
• High thermal insulation . Feet in boots should not freeze or get wet at different temperatures. And also they should not sweat when it gets warm.
• Reliability of coverage . Boots should not crack due to low temperatures.
• Removable insulation . In high-quality models of boots, the layers of insulation can be replaced with new ones if cleaning and drying are necessary.
• Correctly selected size . Boots should fit true to size, or 1-2 sizes larger. Otherwise, when waiting for a long time for prey, the ankle and foot itself will experience discomfort: fatigue, the appearance of calluses, diaper rash, or vice versa, frostbite.
• The structure of the boot top . On high-quality popular models, a comfortable lace is sewn into the top of the boot boot, which tightens the edges of the boot and prevents moisture and dirt from getting inside the shoe. Winter boots for fishing and hunting should not fit the leg; there should be room for warm socks and thick pants.

Important! When choosing winter boots for hunting and fishing, you must be guided by the height of the shin for walking through high standing water or snowdrifts. If the water/snow level is high, your foot may get wet.

When purchasing men's winter boots for fishing and hunting, you need to consider the weather conditions in which they will be used and in which region. Also expect that active recreation may last for several days. The comfort and safety of shoes in this case are extremely important. Based on these indicators, consumers can choose the appropriate type of shoes:

1. Polyurethane.
   High resistance to deformation, medium weight and protection from low temperatures down to -80. Rubber shoes with internal insulation . The cuff is made of neoprene, which gives them lightness and elasticity. The internal insulation is multi-layered and can be removed. The boots are made from a cast boot. In such shoes you can safely go hunting or fishing at a temperature of -25 C.
2. Shoes made from polyurethane . The advantage of such shoes is their high thermal insulation performance. It also has anti-slip properties. The boots are distinguished entirely, and this ensures durability and water resistance. Since this material has a porous structure, it reduces the weight of boots by up to 30%.
3. Boots for winter hunting and fishing made of EVA . This is a modern artificial material with a high level of frost resistance. This material is also characterized by the necessary lightness and elasticity, which makes it a leader in the production of winter boots for outdoor activities. Also on the list of its advantages is excellent hydrophobicity.
4. Eva.
   Lightweight material. Less durable than polyurethane, but lighter. "Canadian" boots . They combine rubber galoshes and canvas tops. Extremely convenient for long stays in damp areas with high water levels or snow. Sometimes leather or its substitute is used instead of canvas inserts. Frost resistance of this combination of materials is assessed at -40 C.
5. Insulated boots . These shoes are made from artificial leather or genuine leather. The inside of the boots is lined with several layers of synthetic insulation. Or natural materials. Frost resistance is unique: down to -80 C. Insulation materials successfully allow excess moisture to pass out, leaving warmth inside the boots.

The best boots for hunting

Harkila Woodsman XL Insulated GTX SMU Boots

Very comfortable boots fit perfectly on your feet and allow you to enjoy hunting in the forest and in open areas. Shoes are suitable for both autumn and spring, because... Excellent moisture management with Gore-Tex Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex fabrics are based on an extremely thin membrane that is waterproof, windproof and breathable. Read more. It also removes sweat, so even during a long walking hunt, your feet will be dry and you will not get sick. You can move around actively and for a long time in the boots, your feet will not ache or ache, because... There is an instep support between the sole and the insole, which evenly distributes the load on the feet. The rubber sole will not allow you to freeze and will not be damaged when meeting stones, sticks and twigs. The lacing stays securely in place and doesn't snag on bushes, so you don't have to deal with dirty laces halfway through your journey. The high tongue and tight-fitting boot will protect you from rain, dew and branches getting into the boot. The upper is impregnated with a water-repellent composition, so heavy rains will not cause discomfort to your feet.

Boots Harkila Woodsman XL Insulated GTX SMU dark brown (size 42) 22,999 ₽

Boots Harkila Woodsman XL Insulated GTX SMU dark brown (p.42)

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Boots HSN Legionnaire lightweight

This is a great option for warm spring and autumn. But if it rains, your feet will still be comfortable, since the upper is made of moisture-resistant materials. Due to the lacing and optimal height of the boot, the shoes fit perfectly to the foot and fix the ankle, you can move freely over uneven surfaces without straining your joints or risking dislocation. German strong threads will not allow the boots to come apart at the seams even after long tests in rainy conditions. The sole provides excellent traction with the ground, such stability will allow you not to pay attention to uneven terrain and you will be able to completely immerse yourself in the hunting process. The heel and toe are reinforced, which means you won’t feel any accidental impacts and your shoes won’t suffer from them either.

Boots HSN Legionnaire lightweight black (size 41) 3,299 ₽

Boots HSN Legionnaire lightweight black (size 41)

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Harkila Grove GTX boots

This demi-season version of hunting shoes is distinguished by its lightness - the boot weighs only 681 grams! But the height of the shoes is also much smaller - 17.8 cm. With all this, the boots will keep your feet warm even in heavy rains, and during active movement they will quickly dry and prevent you from freezing. The sole provides excellent grip even in rain, such stability is enviable. And the cushioning will allow you to move quickly and with pleasure, just like in your favorite sneakers. The boots fit tightly around the foot and no “garbage” will get inside. There are rubber inserts on the toe and heel to “eat” impacts and protect against damage.

Boots Harkila Grove GTX brown (size 41) 17,009 ₽

Boots Harkila Grove GTX brown (size 41)

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Rating of the top 5 popular models for winter fishing

We have compiled a rating of the best models especially for you:

1. Yeti SV-75
   “ Yeti” SV-75 : made of EVA, average cost - 1,300.00 rubles. Good shock-absorbing qualities, multi-layer insulation that can withstand temperatures of -60 C. The outer material of the boots does not deform under the influence of oils and solvents. The calf cuff is made of water-repellent fabric. They are lightweight and have average sliding performance.
2. Torvi T-60S (Torvi) : one of the leaders in this shoe segment. Withstands temperatures from up to -60 C. EVA material. They differ from others in their raised toe, excellent stability on slippery and unsteady surfaces. The inside of the insole is equipped with a cellular textile structure that absorbs excess moisture. The high boot ends with a water-repellent cuff and laces. The cost of this model of winter boots for fishing and hunting will be approximately 2,300.00 rubles.
3. Nordman Extreme (Nordman) . EVA material. Boots from this company can also withstand temperatures down to -60 C. The price compared to other models is most pleasant: around 2,400.00 rubles. The manufacturer is also ready to provide women's models. The boots have good wear resistance, quality, and comfort level.
4. Woodland Class EVA (960-45) (Woodland): the weight of a men's pair of boots will not exceed 1250 g. Made from EVA, they are very elastic and do not allow moisture to pass through. Withstands cold down to -45 C. 8 layers of high-quality insulation, insole. Good You can buy them at a price of 1,800.00 rubles.
5. “Norfin ELEMENT r.45 14830-45” (Norfin): warm and elastic shoes. The material used is high quality rubber. The average cost of such shoes will be 1,700.00 rubles. You can engage in active recreation in them without any discomfort down to -60 C.

Torvi T-60S

Woodland Class 96045

Norfin Element

Nordman extreme
All information provided is for informational purposes only and is not a public offer.

Winter boots for hunting

It’s worth mentioning separately about winter boots for hunting. Take 1-2 sizes larger . Boots are often equipped with thick insoles and thicker socks made of natural wool. It is worth paying special attention to the rise of the purchased shoes. Choose the exact same instep as your everyday shoes. This is necessary in order to easily remove boots. It also allows blood to circulate easily and gives a feeling of spaciousness and comfort. We must not forget about the height of the boot, as well as in shoes for winter fishing. Even if the hunt is organized in early spring, you should not wear low shoes.

Example . When hunting for wood grouse, which takes place in April, there is still snow, and in some places it is quite deep. If a hunter takes low shoes with thin soles, he may get his feet wet and, as a result, get sick or be unable to continue active recreation.

tarpaulin or cowhide winter boots in mild frosts. Be sure to insert warm insoles into your shoes, as well as foot wraps. It is recommended to soak the toes of your shoes with specialized shoe ointment on the eve of the hunt. Or castor oil for better waterproofing and increased flexibility.

HSN Tundra, winter. Price 5400 rubles. Upper: nubuck, thermoplastic elastomer sole, insulation: Thinsulate. One of the best winter hunting boots.

Arkhar – ACB002. Retains heat down to -25, good on the move, weight of one boot is 1250 grams. Waterproof material, genuine leather.

Norfin Siberia. The average price is 3200 rubles. Extremely warm thick insole, 4 main layers, the upper one is made of a special breathable material Thinsulate, the remaining 3 layers are polypropylene, felt and aluminum foil. Some of the best winter pairs of shoes available right now.

Boots for winter hunting should also be high. Most often they are made from thermoplastic elastomer . You can hunt in them at temperatures down to -50 . The top of such boots reaches a height of at least 40 cm , and in the upper part there is a sewn textile extension that does not allow moisture to pass through. The multi-layer stocking of winter boots for hunting should not allow the foot to rub in the sole and heel area. The sole is equipped with spikes that prevent slipping on ice or crust.

Important! For running hunting, boots should be light models.
Otherwise, the steps will become heavy and clumsy. Which can cause discomfort and premature fatigue.

Personal recommendations

Those who are just getting involved in this type of active recreation or sport (depending on who you are), pay the main attention to the issue of purchasing a gun.
But an equally important factor that determines how successful the hunt will be and whether it will turn into flour is the correct choice of appropriate shoes, which, unfortunately, is not taken into account by many. What criteria should be used to choose shoes for hunting in the fall or winter, what to consider when purchasing, which manufacturers it is advisable to focus on - understanding all such nuances will allow you to avoid the most typical mistakes made by novice amateur fishermen. The general requirements for any shoes for hunting or fishing, be it autumn or winter, are the same - durability (which implies increased resistance to wear), convenience, comfort and high-quality protection from negative external factors such as dampness and cold. But considering this issue only from the point of view of the advisability of purchasing certain shoes (boots, high boots) is not entirely correct. Rather, we are talking about a kit, which also includes such elements of “equipment” as socks and insoles. You shouldn’t forget about this either.

What to consider when choosing shoes for hunting

Type of fishing

If hunting is carried out by walking, then the requirements for shoes are somewhat stricter. And this is understandable, since you often have to navigate a rough route and overcome areas with different types of soil. The specifics of the territory in which it is planned to hunt is also important - wooded area, mountainous, swampy, and so on.

Season

For autumn, shoes are chosen that are lighter and not as insulated as for winter fishing. Plus, you won't need thick socks. It’s another matter if boots are purchased for all occasions, for any season. The criteria for correct selection are described below.

Care products

What's good about a well-known brand?
Large companies care not only about the quality of boots, shoes, and insoles, but also about the development and supply to the market of various preparations that can extend the service life of hunting shoes. Therefore, it is worth asking if there are any creams, ointments, etc. from this manufacturer. Alternatively, what he recommends to use for caring for boots or shoes. Inexperienced hunters overlook the fact that randomly selected products can reduce the breathability of the material, and feet in such shoes will quickly sweat. And this is just one of the indicators of the advisability of using the appropriate products, although there are many more of them - compatibility of the base and the drug, and so on.

Basic criteria for choosing shoes for hunting Boots

Possibility of adjusting them to fit your feet. Even if two hunters have the same foot size, one will find the shoes he likes just right (which means they are comfortable to wear), while the other will feel some discomfort. If not in the store, then later, at home, after the next fitting. It is believed that this is not critical, and is often perceived only as a temporary inconvenience - nothing, they are carried away (although it is not a fact that this is exactly what will happen). Now imagine that you will have to spend the whole day outdoors in such shoes. How long will the hunter hold out, will he give up the race in a couple of hours?

What is the reason for this discrepancy?
There are no absolutely identical people. Even twins have characteristic differences by which their mother recognizes them. This fully applies to anatomical features, including the foot. That is why hunting shoes should be purchased from well-known manufacturers who do not miss this nuance. Their boots have special lacing or Velcro fasteners that allow for a precise fit to the foot. In addition, the seasonal factor should also be taken into account. Unlike in autumn, during winter fishing you will have to additionally insulate your feet. As a rule, thick socks help out, since a second insole in such a situation is not the best solution.

Protection against moisture penetration inside.

In this case, it does not mean the material from which the hunting shoes are made, but the location of the fasteners or lacing. It is this part of the boots that is the most vulnerable in terms of security. When choosing shoes for hunting, you should find out whether they have so-called protective valves. Otherwise, even when walking across the field, your feet will quickly get wet, since the chain (with rare exceptions) lines up and starts moving early in the morning, when there is still dew on the grass. By the way, neglect of this “detail” is one of the main reasons why novice fishermen quickly leave the race.

Air permeability.

If autumn hunting is not carried out in wetlands, then you need to pay attention to the material. Natural rubber, rubber varieties are clearly not the best choice. In such sealed shoes, a greenhouse effect occurs quite quickly. The result is sweating of the feet, wet socks, insoles and hypothermia. You won’t be able to withstand walking hunting in such boots for long, especially in winter. Execution of the sole. An equally important component of high-quality hunting shoes, especially in winter, when there are often areas with hardened soil or ice along the way. The sole must have a tread pattern, and a distinct one, with deep cutouts. Otherwise, it is impossible to achieve reliable adhesion of shoes to the soil. If boots have smooth soles, then they are definitely not suitable for hunting, no matter how good they are in all other respects. Although there are shoes with removable spikes, which are convenient to move on any soil, be it rocky rocks or plowing.

There are a number of other parameters that influence the choice, but they are not decisive. For example, the color design of a product. Many hunters wear camouflage robes and overalls over their clothes. In this case, is camouflage shoes really necessary if they are hidden? To select the optimal model of boots for hunting, the criteria listed above are sufficient.

In order not to make a mistake in your choice, it is better to seek help from professional managers and consultants of the SPECNAZ DV company.

Types of material

There are five main materials from which winter hunting boots are made.

1. Leather Products . Leather boots fit perfectly around the top and foot, even with thick pants and socks, which is a definite plus. Also, natural and elastic material creates a feeling of comfort and reliability. Impregnations inside the boot, which do not allow air and moisture to pass through, make leather shoes universal for hunting and fishing.
2. Rubber Shoes . These are the most waterproof boots. However, these boots must be heavily insulated with warm socks. In this case, stockings made of wool or fur can also help. Without these measures, the foot will simply freeze, since rubber boots easily give off heat.
3. Neoprene shoes . It has excellent thermal insulation, moisture resistance, strength, and elasticity. They have a powerful protector inserted into them; it will not prevent slipping on crust or ice. Shoes made of neoprene securely fix the foot, thereby allowing you to move quickly.
4. Boots made of polyurethane . Such shoes are characterized by lightness, high strength and thermal insulation. They are insulated with fur, so the hunter will be extremely comfortable in them. Polyurethane has an anti-slip effect.
5. Valenki . Traditional northern shoes are used with pleasure by hunters. The only negative is that felt boots require special care.

Rubber is one of the most popular autumn-spring materials

Neoprene. Lightweight and durable. It holds the temperature well, making it good for winter.

Leather is a classic material for the spring-autumn seasons.
Felt boots are considered classic shoes for winter hunting. They must be strictly sized, otherwise they may constrain the leg or rub calluses. The ideal option would be worn out and hemmed felt boots. In them, the hunter's feet will feel comfortable and warm. When choosing felt boots, you need to choose light colors. Brown or black indicate a hunter in the snow.

If the boots are too high, for example, above the kneecap, they are restrictive when walking and complicate hunting. To prevent snow from getting into the boot, warm pants need to be pulled over the shoes. If a thaw comes, then felt soles are sewn to felt boots. It is laid with a leather insole in the space between the felt boots and the sole. Instead of traditional felt boots, depending on the climate and characteristics of the region, hunters choose high boots and torbazas.

Manufacturing materials

When choosing boots for hunting, much attention should be paid to what the boots are made of. Previously, people preferred leather for its strength, lightness and elasticity. Now there are a large number of artificial and natural materials, which in some conditions may be more practical.

Leather

Leather is a universal material for making boots. Shoes made from it are preferred by most hunters. The advantages include:

• elasticity;
• wear resistance;
• breathability;
• easily takes the desired shape;
• retains heat well.

On the negative side, it can be noted that the skin requires careful care. In swamp conditions and high humidity, boots made from it need to be treated with a special water-repellent compound. Shoes made of genuine leather are an excellent option for winter and autumn. It is suitable for walking hunting as it is very durable. It must be borne in mind that the product allows water to pass through.

Rubber

The best boots for hunting on water bodies are made of rubber. The advantages of this material include:

• strength;
• light weight;
• easy care.

Rubber does not allow water to pass through, but at the same time, your feet sweat quite a lot in it - this is a minus. In addition, it does not retain heat well, which can cause you to freeze. To solve this problem, you should wear warm wool socks.

These boots are used for hunting waterfowl in the autumn season. You can go into a river or swamp in them without fear of getting wet. There is a winter version of these shoes, which is made of special rubber that retains heat well.

Neoprene

Neoprene is essentially foam rubber. The material has the following advantages:

• a light weight;
• flexibility;
• does not allow moisture to pass through;
• retains heat well;
• durable, wear-resistant;
• easy to care for.

The disadvantages of neoprene include the high cost of shoes. In addition, boots made of this material can be hot in summer. Neoprene shoes are perfect for walking long distances. Thanks to the light weight of the material, the legs practically do not get tired. In neoprene shoes you can be in the water for quite a long time without the risk of getting wet.

We can say that neoprene is a universal material. It is good for any hunt. In winter, your feet in such boots will not freeze, and in the fall they will not get wet near bodies of water.

Polyurethane

This is an artificial material that has a fairly high density. The following advantages can be highlighted:

• light weight (polyurethane boots are 30% lighter than rubber ones);
• waterproof;
• the ability to retain heat at sufficiently low ambient temperatures (it is important that the boots are equipped with a fur lining).

The disadvantages include the fact that polyurethane is not durable enough. Boots made from it will have to be changed frequently. This minus is not compensated by the high cost of such shoes and their versatility.

Polyurethane boots must have a high top; this is the only way to achieve the maximum thermal insulation effect. Winter and autumn are the best times of the year to use such shoes. It is perfect for ambush hunting.

Felt

This is a dense material made from felted wool. Felt products include felt boots, high boots and ugg boots, which are indispensable in winter hunting conditions. The material is able to retain heat at very low temperatures. In such boots a person can remain in one place for a long time, which is an important condition for ambush hunting. In addition, due to their low weight, they can cover long distances on foot.

The main disadvantage is insufficient moisture resistance. To solve this problem, the material must be treated with a special waterproof agent. In addition, felt shoes require careful care.

How to care for winter boots for hunting and fishing

Shoes made from neoprene do not require serious care.
Only cleaning from dirt after completing active recreation. Neoprene itself is extremely resistant to various solvents, synthetic liquids, and alkalis. That is why they can be stored anywhere. rubber boots do not require special care . However, unlike neoprene ones, store them in a dry place. Shoes made of polyurethane also do not require specialized care. Moreover, it is capable of self-cleaning, thanks to the unique properties of the material.

But waders and rubber boots require careful care. They should not dry out, they should not remain in a frozen room. Otherwise, the material becomes brittle and microcracks may appear, which subsequently begin to let water through.

Caring for felt boots is the most energy-intensive. They need to be kept from moths, dust, and water. Clean only with fine sandpaper or a moderately hard brush. These shoes should absolutely not be washed under water. During storage, felt boots should be wrapped in newspapers or polyethylene.

A brief overview of the main manufacturers of hunting shoes and their cost

Prices are approximate, in Russian rubles.

As a rule, amateur hunters go out into nature occasionally, a couple of times a month, so it makes no sense to purchase separate autumn and winter options. It makes much more sense to buy shoes that are equally suitable for any season. But it’s hard to say whether it’s worth saving or focusing only on well-known manufacturers. This is relevant for commercial hunters who are constantly in extreme conditions.

For irregular trips, according to the author, you can limit yourself to buying budget shoes. Moreover, much is determined not only by the quality of the product, but also by the carefulness of the owner, the organization of appropriate shoe care, the conditions in which a person prefers to hunt, and a number of other factors. And since such models are relatively cheap, if they are unsuitable for further use, the next purchase will not be too burdensome for the family budget.

Moreover, branded models, along with their advantages, also have some disadvantages. It is pointless to list them, since each manufacturer’s shoes have their own positive and negative characteristics, which determine the specifics of their use (in relation to hunting conditions). In addition, this article is not an advertisement, and more specific information can be easily found on the website of the dealer or manufacturer.

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Among the “branded” products, one can highlight products from North American companies, for which professional reviews are more than laudatory - models under the brands “Baffin Trapper”, “Baffin Titan” . The price of boots starts from 6,680 (42 rubles).

If we focus on cheaper shoes for hunting, then in this price segment the products under the brand “Lemigo” (Poland) . Good boots can be purchased for 2,900 – 3,100.

Among domestic shoes for hunting, products under the brands “ Husky”, “ROKS”, “ARDT”, “NordMan”, “Jnt” and a number of others are in demand. In principle, the list of Russian manufacturing companies is quite impressive. For amateur hunters who travel outside the city only occasionally, shoes from the Russian Federation are even better.

• Firstly, domestic manufacturers take into account the specifics of our climate, which they know firsthand, unlike foreign ones.
• Secondly, in terms of basic characteristics, “native” shoes are not much inferior to their imported counterparts. And this is not advertising, but a statement of fact - market relations have forced companies to think about the quality of the final product.
• Thirdly, the cost of domestic hunting boots starts from 780 rubles. Even if they only last 2-3 seasons, there is no tragedy in that.

For those who are interested in a more extensive list, as an example we can cite the following brands of high-quality hunting shoes from the category of budget models - “ATTACKER”, “Patboots”, “BERKUT ZIPP”, “CORPORAL”, “AKU”, “ARAVI MULTICAM” . There is a choice, and a very significant one. Moreover, the price for all of these models is quite reasonable - ranging from 2,000 to 9,800 rubles.

What to look for when purchasing

There are several nuances of shoes for winter active recreation. For example:

1. When shoes of this type are made, they are not glued together, but parts of the boots are welded into each other;
2. When choosing boots made of EVA, it is worth considering that they are not puncture resistant;
3. After purchasing boots for winter hunting and fishing, they must be worn in;
4. With the most elastic sole, your feet will feel less tired;
5. It is easier to care for shoes that have a removable thermal insulation insert;
6. When purchasing boots, you should take care in specialized stores to avoid purchasing counterfeits;
7. The deeper the tread pattern, the greater the stability of the boots.

It is necessary to summarize, taking into account the variety of information presented. Shoes for winter hunting and fishing must be worn in first. When purchasing, you need to take 1-2 sizes larger than regular shoes, but with about the same instep. Care for your shoes based on the material they are made from and check your boots beforehand. With these simple steps, hunting and fishing in winter will become one of your most favorite and comfortable activities.

Classification of shoes for hunting

For those who like to hunt at different times of the year, there are specific types of shoes that must be present in the arsenal of any hunter and fisherman.

Rubber boots

This type of boot is suitable for hunting waterfowl or in wetlands. Rubber boots are the most waterproof option, but they easily give off heat. You need to make sure your feet don't get cold. Modern models are equipped with special liners for warmth and also shock absorption. But even with warm liners, rubber boots begin to lose their elasticity at temperatures just below 0 degrees, which means they are not suitable for winter, except during the thaw period.

Canadian boots

This version of boots is a modern alternative to high boots for warmth, but much more practical and comfortable. These are shoes made of leather or canvas with galoshes made of high-quality rubber. In these boots you will not freeze even at a temperature of -45 degrees.

Boots

Boots are usually a summer version of hunting and hiking shoes, but there are also winter models with high lacing for low-snow conditions. Similar shoes are made for skiers, climbers and the military, so when choosing, you should base your choice, first of all, on whether you are comfortable walking in the boots you are going to purchase.