Boots

Want2Celk

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We are preparing for our first elk hunt this fall in WY unit 39. I would love to hear opinions of what boots you guys think are the best. I have read good things about Lowa Tibet's and Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. What boots have you had the best experiences with? Thanks!
 
The boots that fit your feet the best are the ones that are the best. That sounds simple, but until you go to a store and try them on, you won't know. And even then, you still might not know. I tried on over 10 different kinds of hunting and/or hiking boots before I settled in on a pair of Asolos.

The most comfortable boots I've ever put on my feet were the Salomon Quest 4D 2 GTX. They felt like tennis shoes in the store, only with a sturdy sole and good support. But I got out hiking and they rubbed my heel the wrong way. Finally settled in on the Asolos after sadly returning the Salomons. They've been good through one hunting season so far.
 
Vanilla said;
?The boots that fit your feet the best are the ones that are the best.?

THIS, times ten.
Feet are different.
A brand/model that fits one person perfect might be completely wrong to another person.
The best thing to do is try them on before you buy.
 
Only good advice on boots on the internet is how well a boot has held up, one boot may fit one guy perfectly and the next guy its the worst boot hes ever put on.
 
I went to the store with the intention of buying Kenetreks, but I found Zamberlans were much better for me. Night and day difference.
 
Back when I was guiding full time I had the ability to test out a lot different high end boots. I started out wearing Kenetreks and found them to be extremely comfortable right out of the box but the durability of the boots were pretty piss poor. I blew out 4 pairs in two season. I will say Kenetreks customer service is top notch but for a 400 dollar boot that couldn't cut half a season didn't cut the mustard. I've since experienced with a lot of different boots and have found for my style of hunting that Zamerlans get my nod for a mid to later season boot with the lowa tibets as a close second. And the Crispi Nevada gtxs and La sportiva omegas for an early season boot.

Colorardoboy
 
LAST EDITED ON Mar-14-16 AT 10:39AM (MST)[p]Make sure you know your currant size and how they fit.

I went to several places to try on Kenetrek,Hanwag,Meindel,Zamberlain,etc. with the socks I wear hunting. Liners ,heavy& med. Tried several brands in several places.
Lowa Tibets were harder to find in person except in REI and they mostly had sport type boots.

I had used Lowas for years hiking,climbing,winter mountaineering in past.
A buddy uses the Tibets all seasons here in NM now.
Found some Tibets and tried them on with heavy & med. socks.
I found that a half size larger than my normal size fit me perfect.
I also found them on ebay brand new in box for $200....someone had bought the wrong size............
Amazing boots and I'm very happy with fit,finish,and how they work.
 
I don't know what part of the world you are in. But if you can get a boot fitted to you that may be the best option. Lathrop & son does this and can fit you in a boot and insole.
I bought a pair of Kenetreks and they didn't fit me well. I have a wide foot and their boots don't come wide enough. I sent them back to them and they reworked them and made them better. But just not good enough for my fat foot. I had to give them to my son. Like other have said get a good boot that fits. Good luck.
 
The theme here, so eloquently stated by the previous posters, make sure YOUR boots fit YOUR feet and thereafter make sure you break them in.

I use the Meindl Alaskan and have for many years now but they fit MY feet and hold up really well.

Good luck in your quest.

Zeke
 
Thanks. I am in MI and like others have recommended, trying them on in a store, I have no idea where I can find stores around here for the really good brand boots. I may have to order them and do returns!
 
LAST EDITED ON Mar-14-16 AT 02:19PM (MST)[p]>Thanks. I am in MI and
>like others have recommended, trying
>them on in a store,
>I have no idea where
>I can find stores around
>here for the really good
>brand boots. I may have
>to order them and do
>returns!


Lathrop and sons does have a mail service. But they are back east like yourself. Just off I 70 which sounds kind a of close to us out west. Since I 70 runs threw the whole country. https://lathropandsons.com/
 
Stiff soled boots like a Kenetrek or Lowa Tibet will require breakin and even then they won't really "conform" to your foot; they need to fit reasonably well from the start. A soft boot like a Lowa Renegade or Salomon Quest requires virtually no break in, but the boot will conform to your foot as well as the terrain you're walking on. Rocky ground can tire your feet and calves.
For a first timer out west I would reccomend a softer boot like the Quest or a Renegade. Purchased at REI they can be returned up to 12 months of use if they don't meet your expectations.
 
Danner are awesome. I have the pronghorn non insulated, they come in insulated with two different thickness of insulation. Plus their affordable

Joe

"Sometimes you do things wrong for so long you
think their right" - 2001
"I can't argue with honesty" - 2005
-Joe E Sikora
 
Not a boot that you hear of to often but
La-Sportiva makes a great boot. I've burned through many of the top brands mentioned. The La-Sportivas have lasted me 4 years and look almost new.
 
>Not a boot that you hear
>of to often but
>La-Sportiva makes a great boot. I've
>burned through many of the
>top brands mentioned. The La-Sportivas
>have lasted me 4 years
>and look almost new.


+1 on the La Sportivas. Have two pairs of them now. One for work and another for an early season hunting boot and no complaints yet.

Coloradoboy
 
la sportivas are an awesome boot a lot of support I fought wild land fires in the summer and rolled them over into guiding and hunting for myself. You couldn't wreck these boots. Weren't my most comfortable boot but with what I did to boots they were the only thing that would hold up next to whites.. You gotta figure out what boot fits your foot/needs I still have a pair but always wear my kenetreks now just because they are more comfortable for my feet. Doesn't mean your feet will be the same..
 
I've gone away from ridged soled boots completely for the last 5 or 8 years.

I have found the Salomon GTX mid tops to be a radically better choice.

Here's the early season goretex version that I have used for three seasons and about 200 days. They are just now starting to leak a bit.
8079bla1.jpg


You can get them here - http://www.backcountry.com/salomon-x-ultra-mid-2-gtx-hiking-boot-mens

For later season when it gets cold I use these
7040absbro1.jpg


http://www.backcountry.com/salomon-x-ultra-winter-cs-wp-boot-mens

They are so much lighter than all the boots mentioned so far. That is the main feature for me is that you are not lugging around these tanks on your feet all day. These lightweight boots are a life saver for keeping you from blowing up. Secondly you can buy three pairs for the price of one of the fancy boots. I change shoes every day when hunting from a base camp. Some times multiple times a day.

You have to train with them to build your foot and ankle strength though. They offer virtually no ankle support what so ever. I carry 35 - 60 lbs in my pack all the time with all my camera gear and bow hunting equipment. It takes a little time to build up the feet and ankles, but not having that extra pound and a half on each foot adds years to your life in the woods.

Just my $0.02 on the boot subject.

Cheers,
Pete
 
>The theme here, so eloquently stated
>by the previous posters, make
>sure YOUR boots fit YOUR
>feet and thereafter make sure
>you break them in.
>
>I use the Meindl Alaskan and
>have for many years now
>but they fit MY feet
>and hold up really well.
>
>
>Good luck in your quest.
>
>Zeke

I love the Meindl boots as well. I have had no break in issues like guys have had with the Kennetreks. I am about to buy my third pair of Meindls I like mine so much!

Brookhunter
 
My Pronghorns leaked in less than 30 minutes, standing in mowed grass and gravel while getting sight marks in Redding on Friday. I didn't think it was possible for a boot to leak with less than 1/2 mile of wear but Danner proved me wrong.

C3, I like the idea of those Salomons for bow hunting but my experience with any boot, Salomon Quest included, is those won't last a day in wet grass before they'll leak.
 
Crispi is the way to go. I really love the Idaho's, the break in process is fast. i have done the Kenetrek boots and will never go back. if you are interested in the Crispis I have a good connection that will give you a great deal. You also can't beat their warranty.
 
You can wear Kenetreks for six months and return them when they leak but you don't get your money back, just a new pair of boots. I've done that.

I purchased a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extremes for an Alaska sheep hunt a few years ago, probably had 150 miles on them before I went. Did a lot of ankle deep stream crossings and my feet were wet by the end of the first day and stayed that way for ten days. They did replace them.

The second pair doesn't leak, at least not yet, but I wouldn't trust them, at least not in Alaska.

For dry weather the Kenetrek's are comfortable for me. They are made narrow but I have narrow feet so they fit me well. I also have Meindls , they have never leaked but are a little wider than the Kenetreks so the Kenetreks fit me a little better.

I still have some Danners from years ago and they are good boots. But I think Danners years ago were US made and now some are US made and some China. The Pronghorns are probably China. Their higher end boot may still be a good US made boot, I don't know, I haven't bought any of them in years.
 
Good advice from each of the previous posts. I would echo the ones suggesting going into the store and trying them on for fit. I have made the mistake of ordering off the internet in the past just to get them here and not have them fit.

My current favorites are Hanwag and Crispi. I would like to try a pair of the lightweight Salomons someone posted pictures of. Especially if they are Gortex!!!
 
I started out with Danners and they were comfortable but as mentioned above the waterproofing sucks. They would not last long at all before they would allow major amounts of water in the boot. Even Morning dew would soak my socks. I now wear Meindl boots and have had no issues with them. I have 2 different pairs and will stick with them for a long time.
 
I'm looking at the Crispi's....looks like the Idaho is uninsulated..... My season starts 10/15 and I can't decide if I want insulated or not. I think weather can be warm or cold then!!
 
I made a few videos about boots that might help a bit. Check them out. The second one is about lighter boots.



Vi Et Armis Invictus Maneo
 
those solomons were very comfy for a buddy of mine on a elk hunt in the Blues, but after 20 days they were trashed!
 
I test out a lot of gear and I'd recommend a pair of Irish Setter Elk Trackers. If you have a Red Wing store near you, head in there and have them measure your feet (which is done electronically). Not only will tey tell you the correct size and width, they will also give you an insole recommendation. I used them this last year for back-country backpack hunts in Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico. My feet were thankful for these boots!

copple2
 
Check the warranty on what ever you buy first. Some guys get rid of their pair of boots without checking into them. A few of these companies have amazing warranties and great customer service.
 
Ahh the old boot question. Your problem lies in the fact that you will not be able to try out your boots in the terrain that you will be using them in. I've had boots that I thought were top notch and broken in, just to feel the pain dispelling that notion. I've worn Lowa, Kennetrek, Scarpa, Meindl, Danner, Crispi, Garmont, and Sportiva. My two favorites by far are the Meindl and Scarpa. Lowa's are very comfortable but can't compare to the quality or durability of the other top brands. Just pick up a pair of lowas and hold them up to a pair of Kennetreks, doesn't take a genius to see the difference in craftsmanship. My problem with Kennetreks is they are too expensive! I don't care what boot you get, if you are a hard user of footwear they won't last more than 2 years anyway. Just whatever you buy make sure they are all leather, none of this nylon, cordura bullshit, and have an aggressive enough sole and will give you enough support for what you are undertaking.
If you want insulated boots get a goretex model, if you are getting uninusalated pair don't go for the goretex and just use a "quality" boot product.
 
when I hear people throwing around boot names like, salomon, danner, Irish Setter and the like, I question the girth of experience being regurgitated.

P.S. No boot is waterproof, unless it's completely rubber.

The downside to goretex is the drying time. If they get wet, they stay wet. A quality waterproofer will outshine goretex.
 
Hanwag Alaskan GTX. Now on sale a Gear Coop for $ 258.00. I have worn Kenetrek and they killed my feet. I would place most any Meindl boot from Cabelas in second place to the Hanwag. I second dragonshed's comments about Salomom, Danner, Irish Setter boots. They are not in the same league as the Hanwags or any other premium boot. You get what you pay for in boots.

just sayin...mh
 
Nobody's mentioned this but for early season scouting I am sold on my Merrell Phaser Peak Waterproofs

https://www.rei.com/product/101052/...D=120217890002233002&lsft=cm_mmc:cse_PLA_GOOG

I wore a pair of the Meindl 800g ultralights in WY in November last year and while they were okay in the store I wasn't a fan by the end of the week up there. They were reasonably warm but didn't do well for comfort.


My Merrell's have lasted me ~6 years of medium use and I'll be picking up another pair this year for my archery hunt.
 
My experience with Kenetrek is the same as Coloradoboy, they do not hold up very well and wear out fast. Too fast for a boot that expensive. They are very stiff Lima most all boots with a rubber rand. My Asolo hikers have done me well for earl season hunts. My Meindls are good boots too. Trying out a pair of Zamberlans, just got them. Biggest thing to consider is if you go with one of the high end boots with a thick rubber rand, be prepared to adjust to the stiffness of that type of boot. Support will be excellent, but many can't adjust to the stiffness and/or get heel slippage.

WP

"My only regret in life is setting my goals too low"
 
LAST EDITED ON Mar-29-16 AT 08:12AM (MST)[p]For those trashing Salomon, I'm guessing you've never tried them. I was skeptical at first because they are not a name brand when it comes to hunting boots, but they have been the best boots I've bought to date. Yes, they are a little softer than other high end boots, so they will wear slightly faster, but that's a small price to pay for comfort and weight savings. They are broken in from the time you get them, and your foot stays locked in place...all day, even when it's 85 degrees and you're sweating like a pig. The past three years, I've had my Salomons and my hunting partners have all had Meindls...their feet have been torn up, while mine have been in great shape.

I'm not saying Salomon is the holy grail, but they are a quality boot. For the record, I have the Salomon Quest GTX...can't speak for their other models, but I will buy these boots again when my current pair finally gives out. I will also say that my feet sweat A LOT, and I don't typically have a problem with my feet getting cold, so I don't need or want an insulated boot. I just always wear a good quality merino sock.

One other bit of info...we typically hunt around 7000'-8000'. It's not super big country, but can be steep, and it's as rocky and uneven as any place I've ever hunted. I don't think there's a flat spot to be found unless you're standing on top of a giant boulder. LOL!
 
I use the Meindl Perfekt boots. I've worn them daily for 7 years hiking, hunting and construction is still perfect. One resole so far. Always kept my feet warm and dry. Even when I walk up a creek fly fishing, or hunting in 2 feet of snow.

Great boots made in Germany.
 
+1 on the Meindl perfekts. I wear them every day all year work and hunt. I'm on my 8-9th pair. I walk the rubber sole right through to the foam in just over a years time and the uppers are still just as sturdy as day one. Money well spent but they're never on sale. $270 at Cabelas. Anyone know of better prices?
 
I was a Danner guy, but when I needed a new pair I tried on some Kenetreks just to see what a $500 pair of boots was like. I've never looked back.

I tried Meindls and they HURT. All feet are different.
 
>I was a Danner guy, but
>when I needed a new
>pair I tried on some
>Kenetreks just to see what
>a $500 pair of boots
>was like. I've never
>looked back.
>
>I tried Meindls and they HURT.
> All feet are different.
>


That does surprise me. Meindl Perfekt boots are recommended by a podiatrist. When I got mine I went for a 10 mile hike the first day wearing them with no problems.

Like you say. Everybody is different. Were they too narrow for you? I have a pretty wide foot and they fit me.
 
I don't remember which model they were, but I paid close to 300 bucks for them at Cabelas.

I have a narrow foot and when going downhill my foot would slide forward and hit my toes. To avoid this I tightened the laces, but I had to lace them so tight it would imprint the top of the shoe on my foot after a hike. Not comfortable at all. And I wear good socks.

Kenetreks feel like bedroom slippers. The stiffer ankle takes some breaking in. I like how I can use a small foothold on a hill and push up and the boot keeps my ankle centered. If I'm on and off the 4 wheeler they aren't as good as a boot with more give in the ankle.
 
Here's a warning to all who are considering Meindl boots. You'll be buying from Cabelas, because they're the US distributor.

When you read the description on each model you'll see at the end of it, it says made in Germany, or it will say Imported. Imported means it was made in Asia. Don't buy those!! They aren't even close to the quality of the model made in Germany.
 
That's what I found on the Meindls, couldn't get them anywhere but Cabelas. I assumed they were all made in Germany, but I checked the label on some perfect casuals that I bought and they're made in Italy. Every foot is different and the perfects work great for my duck feet but I could see where a narrow foot would hate them. Boots are like a pillow, you gotta keep running through them until you find one that works for you, it just sucks paying so much only to find you hate them.
 
Been wearing lowa Tibet gtx for a few years now. I wear them about 300 days a year and this is only my second pair. I love them. Very comfortable right out of the box. And don't break down. They hold up to the water and the glue is amazing. I fight fire in the summer. Hunt, scout, shed hunt and backpack as often as the wife allows. These boots can handle the extreme heat to extreme cold no problem. Hope you find some boots you like as much as I like these whatever they may be. Like said before every foot is different. But quality craftsmanship is rare these days
 
>Here's a warning to all who
>are considering Meindl boots. You'll
>be buying from Cabelas, because
>they're the US distributor.
>
>When you read the description on
>each model you'll see at
>the end of it, it
>says made in Germany, or
>it will say Imported. Imported
>means it was made in
>Asia. Don't buy those!! They
>aren't even close to the
>quality of the model made
>in Germany.

You can get the non-Cabelas Meindl's on Amazon.
 
LAST EDITED ON Apr-26-16 AT 09:24PM (MST)[p]La Sportiva makes a great mountaineering boot that has great support, 3/4 shank, vibram sole, and compression lace system that works amazing for down hill and side hilling. The model is La Sportiva Glacier. At least give it a look because I use the crap out of mine, packing in and hauling elk/deer out. I am on my second set in 12 years of use. The first set lasted 10 years! They run about $230.00. My feet never blister, and are never sore.
 
Another vote for Lowa Tibet. They run true to size, feel good right out of the box and the break in period is quick. I own the renegade, ranger, Tibet and Hunter extreme. They cover me year round. You wont be disappointed. Normally shoebuy.com has a good inventory and you can find a 20% off code/coupon with free shipping pretty easy.
 
Don't buy Kenetreks.Mine completely came apart in the middle of a Mouflann sheep hunt n Hawaii.Loved the fit, and I did put some miles on them. But my pics of my boot in 2 pieces and a letter asking Kenetrek customer service what I should do went completely unanswered.WTF Kenetrek? I expected a little more frm them. I have come full circle and now own a new pair of the Portland made Danners.Sorry Kenetrek but you have lost my business and that of my buds as well.
 
I used to guide in NM and have two pair of goretex lined Danner's that I alternate day to day so they can air out. They are between 6-8 years old and still keep water out. I do take care of them though, clean and re-oil after each season.

I 'm thinking of buying a pair of Cabelas "Outfitter Series" boots... not that expensive compared to Mendi's or others.

They appear to be very well built and come in insulated & non-insulated versions. I tried a pair on last week and they are very comfortable but need a different width than was available.

Cabelas will replace/exchange and pro-rate them up to 10% even after 20 years of use!


2f350s: Spend the money on additional licenses and HUNT more!
 
I have tried both the Kennetrek and now the Zamberlain this past season. While I like the feel of the Zamberlain boots as they are a bit more flexible, the Kennetrek last me five plus seasons of putting down some serious boot tracks. After one year the Zamberlain are showing more signs of wear than the Kennetrek did. I would recommend the Kennetrek boot and I plan to go back to them for my next pair.
 

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