42 Nebraskaland • December 2023
MIXED BAG
I'm a shoe and sock guy — have been since I went hiking
in western Nebraska many years ago and spent a tremendous
amount of off -trail time nursing my aching feet. Since then,
I've gotten wise. I leave my cotton socks at the house, on-call
when I'm in for the day. Otherwise, I wear moisture-wicking
only.
As for footwear, that's a diff erent story. My closet is fi lled
with shoes and boots, each serving a particular purpose
in my day-to-day life as a writer, photographer, hunter and
angler. Here are my favorites and why.
Low-rise Muck Boots
Perfect for keeping your feet dry on dew-covered mornings
whether you're fi shing or bow hunting. The added benefi t is
being able to slip into the offi ce after a morning afi eld and not
have to bring a second pair of shoes.
Sperry Sneakers
My go-to comfort shoes when I'm photographing events.
Available in wide sizes, I've never worn a more comfortable
pair of sneakers.
Danner Hiking Boots
From dove to quail season, these light-weight hikers allow
me to walk any fi eld in Nebraska and cross any ankle-high
creek as well. Because any number of holey obstacles present
themselves along ditches and treelines throughout the state,
these boots have the ankle support I need to hunt long into
the day — injury free.
Rocky Winter Boots
If my winter boots aren't covered in mud, and then ice, I'm
not goose hunting or ice fi shing enough. My new go-to hiking
boots are the waterproof Rocky Lynx lace-ups.
Shoes are a big deal to me. While folks who know me best
have seen me in more than one pair of $2 thrift shop sneakers,
my outdoor foot apparel is more advanced. The one thing I
refuse to do is cancel an outdoor adventure because of my
feet. Luckily, with the right shoes, I don't have to.
I'M A SHOE GUY
By Jeff Kurrus
My Favorite Socks
I repeatedly wear two
brands of socks in the field,
and you can't go wrong with
either — Gordini's form-
fitting performance socks
(pictured) and CEP's athletic
compression line.
