BHM Staff

                  With a motto of ‘Forever Forward’ and over a century of experience, Lacrosse knows a thing or two about intentionally built footwear and longevity.  When I saw the Ursa MS last year, I had to get a pair of them to pair with my next pursuit of Ursus Americanus in Northwoods of Maine.  Spoiler alert, Ursa met Ursus!

                  There is a short list of items that you don’t skimp on in our wilderness pursuits and a good pair of boots is atop of the heap!  You can see the intentionality Lacrosse put into this lineup by creating a version for each season with the ES (Early Season), MS (Mid-Season), and LS (Late Season) versions.  At the time I am writing this I have used the ES and MS models extensively and have just gotten the new LS model (I’m pumped for these).   I’ll go ahead and tell you that I’m a fan of the ones I already had.

                  I have learned that no one boot is perfect for every condition which is contrary to what I would have said growing up in the flat’ish’ lands of East Texas.  As I have spent more time in the mountains and different climates, I have learned the importance of choosing the right boot for the adventure.

 

Lacrosse Ursa ES (Early Season) GTX

                  These have become my go to boots for warmer days in the mountains.  I’ve worn these in the mountains of Arkansas and Southern Oregon and they have impressed me.  They are very lightweight weighing only 2.5 lbs per pair.  Some key features are their GORE-TEX Waterproof Liner, a lightweight/breathable Nylon & Suede Upper, a 4-way Stretch Collar, Highly Flexible Midsole, and a Vibram Outsole with Megagrip.

                  The ES’s have been as comfortable to wear as a pair of sneakers to me.  They have more flexibility in the sole but offer great support in the heal and ankle.  I have them in black/orange but haven’t found them to wear hot due to their breathability and the GORE-TEX doing its job to draw heat and moisture away from your foot.

                  The ES’s have proven to be very capable and I use them heavily when scouting, running trail cameras, and hunting warmer seasons.  They performed well on my spring bear hunt in Oregon this year in a week of very wet/rainy conditions.  For me they run a little large which is good if you like to wear thicker socks or a liner sock. 

                 

Lacrosse Ursa MS (Mid Season) GTX

                  The MS (Mid Season) Ursa’s were my introduction to this line of hunting boots.  I didn’t’ have time to break them in and just got them out of the box and hoped on a flight to northern Maine for a hound hunt last fall.  Though they were brand new, I never found my foot getting tired or wishing that I had worn my tried-and-true boots. 

                  These boots are 3.1 lbs.  In the MS’s Lacrosse switches to a polyurethane-infused leather upper providing more protection and durability over the ES.  These boots have a stiffer outsole made for mountaineering and trekking giving traction in even cold, rugged conditions.  As far as fit, I’ve found these to run a little large for size but again, I like room for different sock options so I’m ok with that.  Out of the three, this boot has the ability to sinch down tight if you like more constriction on the base of the ankle and feels like the everyday workhorse of the group.  For many, this would be the heaviest weight boot you’d need.

 

Lacrosse Ursa LS (Late Season) GTX

                  For the LS boot, I can only offer first impressions at this time.  With these boots I chose to get the 400G Primaloft insulated version with late season still hunts in mind or trekking through the snow.  First pulling it out of the box, these are some good-looking boots, the gunmetal gray and orange look great together, I’m a sucker for high contrast.  The sole is the stiffest of the three and would cut into those steep mountainsides.  The LS’s have the most aggressive and deep lugs out of the three boots and are designed for the most extreme terrain.  The upper is a mix of suede and nylon.

                  First putting them on, they feel more true to fit than the ES and MS boots.  They have a surprising amount of forward dexterity in the ankle but have strong lateral support.  There isn’t a lot of cushion in the bottom of the boot but it is still comfortable.  While we are talking about comfort, I was worried about these being taller boots and how they would accommodate my calf muscles.  This has been a deal breaker for me in the past.  I’m pleased to say that this is a non-issue with the aggressive cutaway and stretch collar on the top of the boot.  I’m looking forward to using these in a few months when the temps drop.

 

Summary

                  All in all, the three boots are very equipped for what they are designed to do and between the three of them, one is sure to fit your needs.  Since I have all three, I will utilize them all, if I were to choose one, the ES would be my choice.  The ES fits most of my needs, if I needed a more rugged mountain boot the MS would be a great option with it’s more stiff sole and the ability to lock in the laces tight.  I’m excited to try out the insulated LS’s.  Try a pair on and see if they’re right for you, if the boot doesn’t fit your foot, move on to another.  Never compromise on your footwear in the field including fit.