My first pair of good Western bowhunting boots were Danner Pronghorns. I loved them. Going from a pair of Walmart specials to a set of Danner boots was, in a word, awesome. The coolest thing, though, is that I still have them. Sure, I retired them years ago, but not because they broke down or got uncomfortable, I simply purchased a new pair.

For 2018, I have my heart set on another Danner model, the all-new Alsea. Basically the popular Pronghorn on steroids, the Alsea was named after a specific Oregon hunting unit that covers diverse territory. And as those who burn boot leather in the West know, encountering a number of different terrain types is just par for the course when you spend your days chasing prairie speed goats on the crumbly, shale-covered plains and screaming bulls in the unforgiving Rocky Mountains.

Showcasing a just-right (in my opinion) 8-inch height, this full-grain leather boot sports a textile upper and a GORE-TEX waterproof breathable lining. Offered in two different PrimaLoft insulation options (400 grams and 1,000 grams), the Alsea is fitted with a dual-density Ortholite footbed, Danner Plyolite midsole and a fiberglass shank.

The Speed Hook lacing system ensures an adjustable and secure fit, and the boots are available in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country and solid brown.