Following the success of their Hunter’s Boots, Jack Pyke have introduced a new mid-cut version. The Fieldman boots don’t give as much ankle support as the Hunters, but are easier to get on and off, making them a good choice for the average airgun hunter. Unless you’re going over really rough terrain, or are wading through deep snow, the new Fieldmans will give more than enough support for the needs of most shooters.
I was introduced to these boots at the IWA shooting show in Germany earlier this year and I immediately thought they were the sort of hunting footwear I’d been looking for. My needs are simple, and all I require is a boot that has good grip, is comfortable, waterproof and won’t fall apart. I had to have a pair.
Wearer Time
I’ve only had them a couple of weeks, but so far they’re living up to my high expectations. To cram as much ‘wearer time’ into the few weeks I have to prepare this article, I’ve not only worn them for shooting, but have also used them to go to work in, to festivals and on long country walks. Over all the different terrains, which range from concrete, gravel and the chalky footpaths of the Chilterns, the boots have performed extremely well.
Much of the walking terrain I’ve encountered in these boots has been wet and slippery, but the Vibram soles provided more than enough grip and didn’t clog up.
Although I haven’t had the chance to put many miles on my boots, I’m told that the soles are now harder wearing than they were on the original Hunters boots. Time will tell if that is so, and Gary Chillingworth will give you his long-term test of the new Hunter boots later in the year.
With full-grain leather uppers and an all-round rubber rand, which protects the boots from abrasive terrain such as gorse or shale, these boots are certainly built for the outdoors. However, the sturdy construction doesn’t mean that the boots are heavy and when they’re on your feet they don’t feel any more cumbersome than a pair of trainers.
I haven’t had a chance to test them in a full downpour, but the boots are made to be waterproof, have a bellows tongue and boast a 100% breathable and waterproof membrane. The lining has also had an antimicrobial treatment meaning your feet stay sweet smelling, even after a long tramp.
There is also a 200 gram Thinsulate insulation lining, which will keep your feet warm on the coldest of days. Again, because it’s summer, I haven’t had a chance to test the insulating properties of the boots, but if they are anything like the Huntsman boots, then I will have nothing to worry about when the first snow falls.
As with all of my footwear, I wear my boots with an insole, which just adds a little extra insulation and also means your boots dry quicker after you’ve removed the sweat absorbing insole. Naturally, a thick pair of socks make the boots even more comfortable.
At �110 the Fieldman boots are not cheap, but they incorporate trusted brand names like Vibram, Thinsulate and Hydroguard, so they are of high quality. A lot of work has gone into the manufacture and they are good value.
I’m sure you will be seeing a lot more of these boots in the magazine over the coming months and I will keep you updated on how they’re performing.