Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys,

I'm wondering where to buy a GOOD pair of snake-proof boots.

I was recently out in the field photographing several wild herps, including 5 Timber Rattlesnakes and 4 Copperheads. I felt perfectly comfortable in my hiking sneakers.

I returned to the same spot two weeks later only to find the grass had grown up about 18 inches! I promised myself I'd buy some good snake-proof boots before my next hot herping trip, but have no idea where to start.

Cabela's seems to have a decent selection of boots that claim to be snake-proof, but I was wondering if anyone else had tried them. Thanks for any help here.
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Jesse Rothacker
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
Find out how YOU can get involved in reptile rescue...
www.forgottenfriend.org

I have never paid the extra money for a pair of "guaranteed snake-proof" boots. I generally wear a decent pair of western style mid-calf boots & am careful. One brand name that comes to mind is Gokey. They've been making snake boots for years.

~~Greg~~

Thanks for the tip on Gokeys Greg I'll check it out.

I'm deffinitely not looking at "snakeproof" boots as an excuse to be stupid in the field. Heck I'd rather not hook a venomous snake at all if I can get photos just as well without moving it. I'm just the kind of person who doesn't mind a little extra precaution when its available. Still I agree with your method...the best snakeproofing is being really careful where you step.

Cabelas has a few pairs from $59 to $200, which I thought was low for quality boots, no less snake proof boots. I'm pretty sure a pair of homie/gangsta style timberlands go for more than some of the snake proof boots at Cabelas, so I had to wonder if they were really snake proof or if that was just something they threw on the label.
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Jesse Rothacker
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
Find out how YOU can get involved in reptile rescue...
www.forgottenfriend.org

I own a pair of Rocky snake boots and they are great, but they haven't been my favorite pair. My all time favorite was a pair of Chippewa Leather boots.

I owned them from the time I was 17 till about 3 years ago. I put them through all kinds of torture and they held together for over a long time. I'm 34 now.

My next pair will again be Chippewa. They are hard to find in stores, but I've seen them available online.

I don't know if they still claim this, but at the time I bought the first pair they were supposed to be "guaranteed bite proof against any north american venomous snake" -- if my memory serves me correctly.

Hope this helps

Chad Minter
Author
Venomous Snakes of the Southeast
http://www.envenomated.com

I got a pair of RedHead zip up style for $100 (on sale from $129) and I've taken on a copperhead that got all up on the boot. They did great. Now I havent taken them thru deep puddles and mud to see how they hold up to that, but I certainly feel comfortable walking thru high grass in an area where canebrakes can be found.
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Tom
TCJ Herps
"The more people I meet, the more I like my snakes"