Best Boots Out There

bigboney · Sep 19, 2012

I wanted to know what other MM-users thought was the best boot on the market....for the price, comfort and durability?

I currently use the Cabelas Meindl Denali boot, but this is my 4th pair in 4 years and I seem to wear them out pretty fast. Going through a pair of boots every year is getting pricey!
In the past I've seen other boot threads and also youtube videos, but paying $400 for a pair of boots is almost out of the question if they aren't going to last more than a year.

Please post your thoughts, ideas on some better boots or how I can keep my boots in working condition longer than a year

smitty · Sep 19, 2012

I've had my Meidls for about 4 years now, still going strong, I oil them every now and then, but don't do too much to them. I wear them alot and have put alot of miles on them.

Maybe you are just rough on them?

HayZeus · Sep 19, 2012

I have tried many boots and the best I have found are Kenetrek. Im like you and never had any other boot last more than a year and most only half that time. I have a friend that had a pair of American made Danners that seemed to hold up pretty good but any other Danner boots just arent worth the money. Ive had my Kenetrek boots for 2 years now and the soles are starting to wear down a little but ive put many hard miles on them. The next pair of boots I want to try are from Lathrop & Sons. I hear good things about them.
The Kenetrek boot wax is also a very good product but whatever boot wax you use it should be done often. Keeping your boots oiled is a real good way to extend the life of your boots.

barner107 · Sep 19, 2012

Lowa GTX - Awesome!

BCBOY · Sep 19, 2012

Another vote for Lowa. I just bought my fourth pair. I get 2 years out of them, but that is 2 years of consistant abuse. They are my work boot and I do forestry work in some of the toughest country around. I wear them pretty much 7 days a week. I've tried a lot of the other big names and have blown those big names apart in a matter of a few months.

chewyman55 · Sep 19, 2012

Lowa all day long. Sold my Kenetreks and got the Lowa Tibets. Couldn't be happier.

TheKnack · Sep 19, 2012

Lowa or Asolo. Used Asolo this year and was impressed.

inelligentvernonboy · Sep 19, 2012

Ah yeah, I pretty much wear my boots seven days a week in rough country. Always out in the hills kickin rocks and stuff. Rugged country, probably hike more than anyone out there. In fact I would throw out a challenge to anyone to prove they spend more time and cover more rugged country than me. I wear out all those boots you been namin in a couple of months. The longest I've ever had a boot last was 5 months and it was a pair of redheads by the bass pro shop. Picked em up on a whim. Swear by them now. If the head ain't red don't put it on my foot!!

NickM · Sep 19, 2012

Hanwags are the best boots available... The Alaskans in particular... The folks at Lathrop and Son's know what they are doing!

bearman · Sep 20, 2012

Danner are terrible cheap boots. Meindl are ok. The best I have found are Lowa, Kenetrek and Crispi. That is over the last twenty years of hard hiking. I put more miles on them then most and they hold up awesome. I do think how much you weight has an affect on them. I weight 185 and hike ten times as much as some of my friends that wear out If you have a narrow foot I think the Lowa would be best. If you have a wide foot Crispi would be best and Kenetrek are in the middle. I do want to try the Lathrop and Son's next. If you want a great price go to Camofire.com, you will pay half of any where else. Best of luck.

400bullelk · Sep 20, 2012

Good boots are essential. Fit is the key. I have owned Danners, first pair were Ospreys, with the metal shank. Bought a pair of Pronghorns, when they first were released, they were junk. I will never buy another pair of Danner boots. I had a pair of White Boots, they are known for making Pac-boots for lumber jacks and cowboys, and they made full leather hiking/hunting boots for a short time. Probably one of the greatest pair of boots I have ever owned. I have owned a couple pairs of Vasque?s, they were alright. Bought a pair of Kennetreks, they are a great boot. I do get a hot spot, but never blister. This year bought a pair of Han-wags. Straight from Germany, wanted something that was lower than the Kennetreks. Awesome boot, favorite hands down. Euros know how to build boots. Like mentioned before, you have to make sure you clean your boots. Dried dirt is acidic, and will break down the leather. You will increase the life of your boots, simply by cleaning them. Also, there is no way I am wearing trail runners hunting. I can't imagine trying to pack out an elk quarter or boned out deer, a couple of miles in trail runners. It seems like when I am packing out an animal, the last trip back to the truck, my feet are doing their own thing, I can't worry about foot placement, and I need the support of a good boot.

chewyman55 · Sep 20, 2012

If you are looking to save some cash on Lowas, I bought mine through another MM member. The transaction was smooth. He gets them brand new and at a much better price than you'll pay in-store. No idea who he is, not putting in a plug. Just a thought to save you 100 bucks or so. Here's the link:

http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID49/3829.html

gettinold · Sep 20, 2012

I've got three different sets of Lowa's and like them all!

Not all who wander are lost!

cabinfever · Sep 20, 2012

Lowa's are awful hard to beat.

Bossbrott · Sep 20, 2012

As the guy who just shelld out $185 for a pair of danners,,,,,,,,,,,,,,$h1+!!!!!!!! I head for the rubys in 5 days?

Swivels · Sep 20, 2012

I have a pair of Danners that does great, I heard they sold out to a Chinese company but I have no complaints about mine.

YBO · Sep 21, 2012

Seriously, is there a comfortable boot out there (perfekt hunter) that will last even one year? I've think I've tried all the previous mentioned ones and I can barely get six months out of them.

T264 · Sep 21, 2012

I bought the HanWag Alaska GTX from Lathrop & Sons last year and so far they are the most comfortable hunting boot I have ever had.I had Lowa Tibets before and they were great boots as well but did not fit my foot as well (13E).
For hunting/hiking in warmer climates like where I live, I want to try the Hanwag Mountain Lites. Have heard good things

T264

Capra · Sep 21, 2012

I have tried all of the big name boots mentioned, you will blow them out in less than a year if you are like me. Like you I have recently been questioning shelling out the cash when it does not seem to matter they all come apart.

I had a pair of Meindel Island Pros, the real ones from Germany not cabelas issue mexican garbage. They were the best. Used some Asolo Titans in New Zealand and they held up pretty good. The others are sub par. Not much with the Lowa Tibets they were short lived.

I have recently been looking at La Sportiva. Most likely I will give them a try. The best thing about La Sportiva is that they are a true one piece Leather boot with NO Gore Tex. In the real world I have not had a pair of gore tex boots stay waterproof for more than 10 days in the field and I believe that the membrane traps moisture once it is wet making the problem even worse. Once your gore tex boots are wet they will not dry out.

Am I the only one who thinks Gore Tex is actually bad in your boots ?? Heck it is like 1980 technology being crammed down our throats through all that advertising.

rancher05 · Sep 21, 2012

Danner, Mt defiance. wide feet (and I don't have wide feet). I did that because the salesman recommend it because Danner boots can be too narrow for ppl.
the only thing I had to do to make these the best was to take out the foot sole or cushing or whatever you call it and put in work boot with extra padding to be even more comfortable.

mta5672 · Sep 21, 2012

Scarpa Wrangell GTX, This is my second season on them and they show no signs of giving up. These boots are used by many mountaineers on approach to everest, K2, very durable and built for hauling heavy loads on the roughest terrain.

www.scarpa.com

Black Diamond in SLC is a dealer

wasatch_bow_hunter · Sep 21, 2012

Watch this guy's boot review. He does a pretty good job and might help you.

crazybouthuntin · Sep 21, 2012

Irish Setters are a good boot. I have owned the same pair for four years now and they r still waterproof and comfortable.

o2bwest · Sep 23, 2012

Asolos get my vote. I'm on my second pair of TPSs and they are super tough and extremely comfortable. I think you would be hard pressed to wear a pair out in less than 3 years.

o2bwest · Sep 23, 2012

FYI Sierra Trading Post has a pretty good sale on Asolo boots right now.

bowhunt · Sep 23, 2012

Lowa, Zamberlan, Crispi, Kenetrek, Schnee

All outstanding boots.
There are other brands that are good.

Good luck

Mike
iReviewGear.com

hntnfool · Sep 24, 2012

Danner Boots (USA made, stitch down sole) Santiams or Hood Winter Lights, two boots that are very comfortable and durable, can be found on sale sometimes for under $250. I have been using these for the last 20 years!!

swbuckmaster · Sep 24, 2012

lowa $$360 are you kidding me. you guys would pay that much for a boot that will only last a year or two? For that price I can get a new pair of boots every year for three-five years and not have to wear a half worn out boot and still have money left over.

Maybe im cheep well i know im cheep when it comes to boots. I usually just get the cabellas $100-120 dollar brand boots. I use them for work every day. I pack about 40 lbs all day long in my job over all sorts of terrain and cant say I really have any complaints. They last about a year and a half if I wear the tread out. I honestly don't think there is any other boot that will out last the tread on these because there all made out of the same crap.

BCBOY · Sep 24, 2012

Ever been in a hellhole and have your boot fall apart so bad your feet are sticking out? I've had that happen to me more than once when I used cheap boots. Once I blew out a brand new pair of Rockys in a single day of shedhunting. I blew out a pair of Danners in 3 months. So bad I had to use flagging ribbon to hold the sole on so my foot wasn't sticking out in the Devil's Club. Blew out a pair of Meidles in less time. I make my living with my feet and have no problem spending good money on great boots like Lowas. I then can have both comfortable feet and a piece of mind that I ain't about to get F##### in a hellhole and somehow someway have to McGuyver my way out.

silverstatehunter · Sep 25, 2012

I have used Keen Targhee II Mid for the last couple years and absolutely love them. I dont spend as much time out in the hills as some of you, but but these seem to hold up pretty well. I was looking at the new Keen Erickson PCT as well. Keen is a great Weekend Warrior boot.

2f350s · Sep 25, 2012

BUY CABELA's OUTFITTER or DANNER RIDGELINE in leather period!

Bwht4x4 · Sep 27, 2012

I'm a boot nut and if you ask my wife some what of a collector. IMO the best boots you are going to buy for comfort and durability are boots designed by mountaineering companies. In my arsenal right now I have Salomon (http://www.rei.com/product/780681/salomon-quest-4d-gtx-hiking-boots-mens), Asolo and Salewa (http://www.salewa.us/product/footwear/ms+mtn+trainer-1). The Salomon I use in really rough terrain. I just picked up the Salewa for a pronghorn hunt a couple of weeks ago. I never broke them in and the first day I used them on the hunt we did an 8 mile walk through the sage and the entire time I was glad I was wearing them.

Make sure you know the volume of your foot when buying boots. I have a very low volume and narrow foot so I make sure I buy a shoe that will meet these needs. I always buy aftermarket insoles for them too and generally go with Sole or Super Feet brand.

Here's what the Salewa shoes helped me get after 4 days of hunting and 20+ miles of walking in never-worn shoes.

MagnumRecoil · Sep 27, 2012

Kenetrek Mountain guide 400's. They are the toughest, most comfortable boot I've ever had on my feet. You can't wear them out in a years time and if you do, send them back and Kenetrek will rebuild them.

NickM · Sep 27, 2012

If you guys have not tried the Hanwags from Lathrop and Sons with their Synergy footbeds, you will not know BEST BOOT until then...

Outdoordan · Sep 27, 2012

Crispi boots are what I am using. I am currently using the Kanada's and backpack hunted atleast 15 days this elk season. That is with packs weighing from 10-140 lbs. Right out of the box they fit perfect. Never a hot spot or blister.

I bought 4 pairs of boots in 2006 before my sheep hunt (Asolo, Lowa, Raichle, Meindl). My Asolo's were my favorite then, and I used the same pair until there were no tred left on them, just a little left between the heel and ball. Then I bought the same model of Asolo's last year and got hotspots every day I used them. Never could break them in. Heard they started making them in a different factory.

If you want a pair of Crispi's we sell them. Expensive, but worth every penny.

www.hunthardcore.com

GSJ · Sep 28, 2012

I'll second the USA made Danners. Still made by hand in Portland. You can set a pair alongside a chinese made pair and see the difference.

I recently tried out a pair of the Kenetrek mountain boots and really wanted to like them. The taller uppers dont work for me. Bother my calfs. Also felt a little like I was walking on stilts. I'm sure I'd of gotten used to that though.

Think I've worn danners so long it's what my feet expect. The USA stuff is awesome but expensive.

the artist formerly known as "gemstatejake".