Irish Setter Wingshooter Men's 9" Waterproof Hunting Boot Review

These boots are awesome! Two years ago I bought a pair of Red Wing work 8" boots (style #411) that I've lived and worked and slept in so much they're due for resoling and reconditioning... so decided to treat myself to these. Irish Setter is a Red Wing line that's been made since 1950. What I really like about these (and Red Wing) is that they're made to be watertight. Not only is the sole/welt and stitching all waterproof, but the tongue is gusseted with tough nylon webbing, which attaches it to the body of the boot. I've been up to my ankles in water and not had a drop leak in. Really like the color of the leather on these, which is kind of a deep orange-tan color, the company calls it russet but it's almost more the color of a yam. They're really comfortable and I can wear them all day, the crepe rubber sole are great for all-day wear. Because they are 9" boots, they take a little breaking in but after just a couple of days the ankle shaft didn't feel bad at all and I really like the added ankle support. I also like the combination of eyelets and hooks -- the 4 levels of hooks are great so I don't have to thread laces each time. The laces on these are very tough too and I think they'll last a long time -- they must be Kevlar laces or something. Much stronger laces than the ones that came with my Red Wings. Also, the back strip of leather w/ the finger loop that covers the back to the bottom of the boot where it meets the sole is one piece, unlike my Red Wing 411's (that I still love even though they stink now) which have more pieces of leather, meaning more stitching and more stress points (which came undone a little bit). Bottom line, these boots are sturdy and well-made, look great for casual wear and will hold up for work or hunting. Price is right too, and is actually less than Red Wing. I expect to have my Irish Setters and Red Wing boots for the rest of my life -- you can send them to the repair shop in Red Wing, MN and they'll resole and recondition by hand. Haven't done it yet with the 411's but I hear they come back good as new. I couldn't be happier with these and I recommend them over Red Wing (which makes them) and Thorogood and Danner boots. I researched them all and tried them all on. Everyone has different preferences on style and brand, but I love these. I did not pay extra for the 400g insulation but these are going to be nice and warm for the winter and keep me dry. Note on socks: Buy good-quality, wool socks -- I bought a 6-pack of merino wool socks, they keep my feet driest which also keeps the boots and my feet from getting smelly. Don't get cotton or acrylic blend. Also take care of these boots with oil and waterproofer and they'll last forever, which they're intended to do.

Comfortable fit great

What I am disliking are the boots I returned for these. My return has been there since Nov 24th but that's as far as it's went. I was hoping for a return to finish my Christmas shopping!!

Nothing to dislike…my fiancé absolutely loves them. He said that they keep his feet from freezing in the cold weather. They are super comfortable and he said that he would definitely recommend these boots!

Bought these boots for work/upland hunting mainly for the waterproof feature. Read all the reviews & just kinda figured they'd be as comfy and what have you as the the Red Wing Boots I've bought in the past since they're from the same company. I'm not disappointed cuz I know the Red Wings I've always bought never were made in a 100% waterproof style but there is something to the "Made in USA" label. They're a good boot, been wearing 'em everyday and just wish the heart and soul of being made HERE went into these boots as the last 3 pairs of Red Wings I've worn, day in day out since around 1995ish. Notice I said the last 3 pairs of boots worn day in, day out... That's how long they lasted. I always bought the Moc toe style boot 8 inch height and used 'em for work/play and LOVE them. Just love 'em. Abused the you know what out of them. I'm confident these boots will last about as long but the fit is just a little off. The comfort around the calf is just a tad off. Would I recommend them? Yes, if you're willing to have a 100% more/less guaranteed waterproof boot made in China vs. USA, and, sadly the cost of them being made here vs. there would play a major role if you're not wealthy. Like me. Thus the 4 stars vs.5. If they were made here, had the pride put in them,as any person having a job to take care of their family living in the good ole' USA would put into them, I'd give them a 5. I'm not against people in China having to take care of their families, I just know we, as a nation, would be better off if the work just stayed here, as it used to be. As it SHOULD be. Still an all around easy enough to break in boot, from a company I pray stays in business cuz they make a heck of a good, durable, comfortable quality product. Hope this helps... Be safe in all you do, love your friends, families, and one another and try to keep our country strong and sound by doing just that...Love one another. Peace.

Bought these for my dad he loves them and says they are true to size and very durable for the type of work he does (construction)

Water resistant for maby 2days then ya. Nooooo. However get a spray can of flex seal clear saturate really well and Bob's uncle. Works perfectly and I must say Thea's things are comfortable as hell. Don't regret the buy.

Buy a new pair of the exact same boot about every 6 months. He will not bother purchasing other brands as for when we had a hard time finding these for a while he was extremely disappointed with the others he purchased and tried.