Well, last year in November my wife and kids ordered me a pair of Harts Turkey Hunters from Russel Moccasin. Supposed to be top of the line boots. Well here’s my review:

I received the boots in April. This is not an uncommon wait time for custom boots, and being a small shop in Wisconsin, they had several employees out with Covid. The fella that installs and works on the zippers is 75 years old from what I am told, the only one who installs the zippers, and he was out sick.

Fit and finish on the boots was good. The way the boot leather collapses above the heel on the back of the leg rubs a spot on my leg, above my heel. Boots are not broke in yet.

They lace up good, and with the zipper unzipped, they are still difficult to slip off without a shoe horn.

First week in, the zipper failed and would not stay tracked together. Called Russel Moccasins and they said send them back and they will repair them. This was in May.

I called them today. Asked them if they received my boots and they said yes. Status for repair was that they are sitting on the shelf waiting the return of the old fella who is a seasonal worker, got injured doing a home project, and should be back this fall. He’s recovering in a nursing home.

Now, I don’t fault that fella one bit. I hope he gets to feeling better and recovers. As for the business, they really offered no resolution to the problem other than they hope he recovers and maybe my boots can be repaired in the fall.

Overall review. Fine pair of boots if the zipper wouldn’t have failed and if they hold up as expected. They seem to be a well made, and even dry boot for leather.

Would I buy them again?
No

Just seems like the pandemic has been too much for them to handle appropriate responses and timing to supply their products to the customer, and while they do answer the phone and emails, they just don’t have well thought out solutions to common issues for their customers.

I think I would of been training a couple new young guys how to do zippers several years ago. Hope zipper guy gets better.

I had a buddy who ordered a customer pair of Russell boots for every day wear. He and his wife measured just like they were told and sent off the measurments and like you said due to the pandemic it took 6-8 months to get said boots. Boots come in and they were like 2 sizes too big so he calls them and they tell him to have someone who knows how to measure feet to measure well the measurments come up virtually identical so Russell said it was a screw up on their behalf and make another pair. After several months of zero communication he called back and they said they hadn't even gotten around to getting started on his boots so he started fussing with the lady who basically said screw you, we will refund you for your boots and put you on our ban list from ever ordering from Russell again. I hear their boots are great and know some folks love them but this seems to be the second bad customer service review and when you are talking about $550+ boots I would expect much better customer service.

I've read similar stories to y'all's though. I hope I never have to send mine in to them for repair. I bought a pair of the non-zip Turkey Hunters second hand before this past season and I can't speak to Russell's customer service.

As far as the boots themselves though, I really like mine. As near as I can tell the pair I got is at least 20 years old and they had very little wear. I treated them thoroughly with beeswax and didn't have any water intrusion issues.

Here’s an update:
It just didn’t sit well with me that I was having to wait on my boots even longer. I sent them an email and they are sending me a refund. I offered for them to send me a pair without the zipper or just let me order a different style altogether, and they chose to refund the money.

This is disappointing in a way, because I really liked the boots. I’m glad they stand behind the product at least. Hopefully they can get straightened out soon.

I purchased a pair of their snake boots about 25 years ago. I only wear them for turkey hunting. They were very slow breaking in. Very, very slow, but I am equally hard headed. I treated them yearly and they are finally like a glove on my feet. They are about as water proof as a screen door. They are relatively heavy, but are tough and extremely durable. Would I buy them again? No sir.
I purchased a pair of their African hunters (just above the ankle) at the same time as the turkey boots. I am on my third soles. Absolutely the best, softest, most durable, comfortable boot I have ever owned. Would I buy them again? Absolutely!
Small company that doesn’t get in a hurry. USA made.

This is very disappointing to hear. What is the solution to the perfect snake boot? I was going to pull the trigger on a pair, but this thread has me Leary

A pair of Lacrosse Grange rubber boots and Turtle Skin gaiters. Walk all day in them, never leak and you have the option of wearing snake protection or not.

I purchased a pair of Rocky's this year and the zipper messed up within 30 days and it took another 60 days to get a new pair back.

I bought a pair of Chippewa lace ups I have been very pleased with.

It took 2 pairs of rocky's for me to learn my lesson

I bought a pair of Danner Pronghorn Snake Boots and I'm very happy with them, but they're not perfect. I don't think the perfect solution exists.

I had a pair of Chippewa lace ups back in the 90's and they were good, but when I look at their web site now I only see the zip ups and pull ons. Is there anywhere in particular where you found your Chippewa lace up snake boots ? Thanks.

I wear chippewas and love them but if you want to go high end check into Gokey. Ive never had any but know some people who do and they seem pleased.

I have the Irish Setter snake boots and I'm very happy with the way they've held up. The only issue i have is my foot is narrow and i have to wear thicker socks. Makes the boot a little hotter. I would buy again.