When the LaCrosse boot brand comes to mind, I instantly think of rubber knee boots. I think back to my first pair of yellow-top LaCrosse boots I had decades ago, as well as the beefed up yellow-top LaCrosse boots I wear in the Alphaburly Pro lineup today. Lace-up boots from LaCrosse honestly never got much of a second look from me. For the ground I hunt, the comfort and ability to stay dry while trudging through the wet stuff kept me looking to the knee boots as the option of choice.
With that said, I’ve been trying the new LaCrosse Lodestar boot this fall and have completely changed my thoughts on what LaCrosse is capable of when it comes to a lace-up hunting boot. Check them out in the LaCrosse Lodestar boot review below.
LaCrosse beefed up their boot game with the introduction of the Lodestar. No, it’s not their first lace-up hunting boot. But in my opinion, it’s their first lace-up hunting boot that can run with the big dogs when it comes to comfort and performance, regardless of whether you’re running ridges or climbing mountains.
I really love the comfort that I’ve found with this boot over the last few months of hunting a variety of conditions and terrains.
Dry and Comfortable
The pair of boots I’ve been testing the last few months have kept my feet high and dry, regardless of whether I’m walking through dew-soaked fields in the early morning, or walking up shallow creeks in the bottoms. They’ve done a great job so far, despite the fact that I’ve not treated them with any boot wax or weatherproofing.
This is largely due to the Lodestar’s premium GORE-TEX waterproof lining that allows moisture to escape from inside the boot, while preventing water from penetrating the outside. The end result is dry and comfortable feet, regardless of where your hunting adventure takes you.
Greater Support
The Lodestar is a 7″ boot. It’s one of my favorite boot heights. Not too tall, nor is it too short. It provides the perfect ankle support for me, whether I’m scooting down the trail in a rush to the stand, or packing out heavier loads at the end of the hunt. This boot was built to keep you protected from breakdowns.
There are a lot of boots out there that provide incredible comfort, yet lack the support hunters need. That’s not what you’ll find here.
The Lodestar is built with an over-sized X-shank system that is extremely light, stable, and distributes weight underfoot. It’s the perfect combination for packing heavier loads, or hoofing it through the timber dragging out your buck.
Better Fit
I’ve got a wide foot and have often struggled with finding a boot that can handle my “custom-sized” feet. I don’t like too much wiggle room in the toe box, and certainly can’t handle heel slip when heading up and down the big hills. The Lodestar seems to meet these two needs really well.
In addition to the stability mentioned above, the boot features an exterior heel cup that locks your heel in place for a more secure fit. No slipping. No sliding. No blisters.
The boot really makes for a great multi-terrain option. I’ve found them to be equally comfortable when I’m hunting in the bottom lands, to running ridges and climbing hills.
Better Traction
You’ll also find better traction from the Lodestar with a design that includes an exclusive Vibram outsole. The outsole utilizes Vibram’s innovative Duratrek rubber compound to provide consistent performance in a variety of conditions and terrains.
Take a closer look at the outsole and you’ll see that it includes aggressive, star-shaped lugs along the center of the foot and larger lugs around the outside of the foot to provide 360-degree traction.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a super comfortable boot that’ll function in a variety of hunting applications, you should give the Lodestar a look. Outside of wading water, it’s pretty much the all-terrain boot that will keep your feet comfortable and dry despite the abuse you put them through.
They are priced at $220. Check them out at your local sporting goods store, or online at www.lacrossefootwear.com.
