Best $200 Boots?

Wiszard

Long Time Member
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I am going to buy new hunting boots for this next season. I have always worn Danners. I may buy Danners again but wanted to get an objective view on other boots in the $200 price range that were good boots. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Steve
Derkha derkha Muhammed jihad hakha sherpha sherpha abakhala- Gary of Team America World Police
 
I bought a pair of Alaska GTXs last year from Lathrop and Sons for about $280. These are just about the most comfortable boots I have ever worn. I've worn them on a Desert Ram hunt, a couple hunts for elk, mule deer and antelope. I found them to run a little small, I ordered the next size up. Call them at
618-544-8782 and ask for "Dusty". They have a method to size your foot that really works. Boots are very personal but I highly recommend these.
 
Good question Wizard. For around 200 bones my list would be, in no order of preference, all good choices:

-Kenetreck Hardscrabble Hiker, if you can still find some
-Lowa GTX Renegage
-Danner Pronhorn

All a little different style of boot, but those 3 have all gotten great reviews from our editors. I have worn all 3 also and really liked them all.
 
I think you'll have to jump to the $300 variety Wiz. Most of the top end boots, I think, are around 3 bills. I used to buy Danner Pronghorns every year for $170. I've had the Kenetrek's for 3 years now and need to send them in for soles, but they are still comfortable and watertight. Either way, I've saved money by going with the higher end boots.
 
zekers- got $100 I can borrow? LOL!

Do Kenetreks allow any water through the boot or are they pretty well water tight? On occasion, my 5 year old Danners will leak. Why do they have to be "sent in" to be re-soled? Can't you take them to your local boot store and get them re-soled there? Is there a special sole they require? Or is it just a more aggressive Kenetrek sole? Thanks for the info from all of you.

Steve
Derkha derkha Muhammed jihad hakha sherpha sherpha abakhala- Gary of Team America World Police
 
I can probably get them re-soled here, but I'd rather let them take care of their own merchandise. I understand the reach it is to fork out $300, and it took me way too long to do it, but now, I'll never look back at Danner's again. I loved how comfortable Danner's were out of the box, but 100 miles into the season in this rocky, cactus infested country would leave those boots leaking like a sieve, and the insole would feel broke down and loose. It's probably a combo of the rubber, better leather and construction, but my Kenetreks are still water proof. Plus, with the rubber, I haven't stuck those prickly pears through the boots into my toes like I would with Danners. If you're not in a hurry, spend the summer on e-bay or elsewhere looking for a used pair.
 
I wore Danners for years & last pair that lasted less than 1 1/2 I decided to switch & I went with Mendels I would never own another pair of danners...my kid bought a new pair of pronghorns a year ago already crap..my Mendles are pushing 2 years & no rips tears almost perfect & I walk at least 10 miles every weekend in rocky nasty stuff...I would highly recommend Mendles to anyone dont have to break them in lace them up & hunt..also Kennetreks are a good boot had the oppurtunity too check them out last year & I would not hesitate to get a pair of them either
 
If you look on Ebay or Kenetrek in the "Sale Section", you can find them for $200 or under.

I would recommend them over danners any day of the week...
 
I have the Kenetrek Mountain Extreme and they leak pretty bad. Went to Alaska and my feet were wet by the end of the first day and stayed wet for eight days. Of course all gore-tex and gore-tex imitation leaks if subjected to enough water. I think that's why Sarah Palin and those crab fisherman wear those yellow rubber rain coats.

Kenetrek doesn't use gore-tex, they have their own waterproof membrane and I don't think it's as good as gore-tex. The Kenetreks leaked worse than Danners I have had.
 
Here's another vote for Meindles. I'm going on year 5 with mine. Nothing but good to say. Durable, comfy, haven't leaked yet. After a legitamate 2-300 miles the soles are starting to wear but still have another year or two left in them. These are not in the "Perfect" line up. Can't remember what model they are. Paid like $180 for them.
 
I have had my Meindle Ibex for years, great boots. Got them from Cabellas. But for warmth and totally waterproof I have Kenetrek pacboots.
 
WVHUNTER- You're killing me! You single-handedly shot down all of the other good advice on this post. :)

I will check out both the Meindles and the Kennetreks. Thanks guys.

Steve
Derkha derkha Muhammed jihad hakha sherpha sherpha abakhala- Gary of Team America World Police
 
Wiz, I've had Danner Pronghorns for years and decided to try the Meindl perfekt hunters at Cabelas. They have been the best boots I have ever had and are in the price range you are talking about. They were a bit squeaky til they got good and broke in but comfy right out of the box. Haven't had wet feet yet. Good luck in your quest for the ultimate $200 boots.
 
Hey Wiz, I got a used pair of Cabelas Dry Plus boots I'll make you a good deal on. One of them has a hole the size of a dime on the side by the left pinky toe...a little silicone resin should work. Anyways I've had em about 4 years now so the soles aren't all that great but they are proven!! I'll let em go for $25, let me know :)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb37/Feleno/zFix.jpg[/IMG] ~Z~
 
never_catch...would you consider $8.50 for them? Materials to make repairs may run me another $9.00.


Steve
Derkha derkha Muhammed jihad hakha sherpha sherpha abakhala- Gary of Team America World Police
 
LAST EDITED ON Mar-26-11 AT 12:32PM (MST)[p]The new Pronghorns appear to be better than the original crap version but I sure wouldn't depend on them staying dry for more then about 200 feet.

Lathrop's Hanwag Cheyenne are pretty good and I have never seen a bad review.
I bought Lowa Renegades last year and they are pretty good so far.

I would never own a pair of Kenetreks after spending the last few years on MM and reading comments.

The selection also depends on how stiff a boot you want.
 
For under $200.00 take a look at the Meindl Ibex, a pretty good boot for the cost. I have had several other boots including Kenetrek,Danner(absolute CRAP),as well as some more expensive Meindl's and the Ibex's are my go to boot now. I just ordered some lathrop and son's boots, we will see how good they are.

CABugle
 
Another vote for the Meindl Ibex, good ankle support, light and durable. A zero here for Kenetrek, had a pair that didn't last even one season, the toe of the sole wore off and the sole came off. Sent them back for a resole, cost me over $100.00, fell apart in 2 weeks. Over $400.00 and not even 1 full season!!!
 
I have owned numerous pairs of Meindl boots including the Perfekt and the Denali. The ankle support was always incredible and so was the fit. The traction was only so-so. I have had two pairs of the Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hikers in the last two years. The ankle support was incredible and the traction was super. Unfortunately, the fit was not so good. The toe box in my size for these boots was just too small in both pairs. This resulted in some lost toenails and some serious pain. Kenetrek was great and they refunded me half of the purchase price on the last pair. Jim Winjum at Kenetrek is the best for customer service. The sizing of the tow box just didn't fit my foot. If they had, I would prefer them over the Meindl. I went back and bought another pair of Meindl Denali after the Kenetreks didn't work. I got them for a discounted price of $ 200. They fit great and ankle support was exceptional. The traction on these boots was still not as good as the Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hiker but it was acceptable.
 
I just read a bunch of reviews on the Meindl Pro Ibex boots and a lot of them were very bad. If you go to Cabelas you can click on an item and read all of the reviews.

Steve
Derkha derkha Muhammed jihad hakha sherpha sherpha abakhala- Gary of Team America World Police
 
Well sounds like you haven't found anything Wiz, I guess I'll just trade you these boots but it'll cost you a 24 pack!! And if it's crappy beer just get me a 12er :)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb37/Feleno/zFix.jpg[/IMG] ~Z~
 
Natural Ice is on sale at Vons! Ewwww...that sh!t is nasty!!

Steve
Derkha derkha Muhammed jihad hakha sherpha sherpha abakhala- Gary of Team America World Police
 
i know this is a little late, but ive had a pair of danner elk hunters for over 5 years now. i just got them re-soled this spring. they were still water proof up till the day i sent them to danner. i wore these boots in snow up to my knees and ice fishing all day. i never once had wet or cold feet, i kept them oiled regularly and that seemed to help. i absolutely love these boots. i tried the kenetreks but i didnt like them at all, my foot didnt feel right in them and they seemed too narrow even the wide fit. i wont wear another boot besides the elk hunters. best boot in my opinion. i think they are around $280-$300.


"Shoot Straight"
 
Have Meindle Alaska Hunters and Irish Setter Elk Hunters. I love my Irish Setters and they perform so well in many different environments.
 
There is a big difference in the US made Danners verses the China made ones. I have the Combat Hikers and the Talus and both are leak free after 2 and 3 seasons. I would not hesitate to recomend or use the US made boots.

Anyone have a review on Schnee's boots with event?
 
I found my Lowa Tibet GTX on sale for $210 and would highly recommend them if you can find a sale. I think they're worth the retail price ($300 plus) but you can usually at least find 20% coupons to several stores that carry them.
 
i'm going on yr #3 with my meindl denali's-they look brand new.
thats because i dont where them! there the absolute most uncomfortable boot i've ever owned!
i'd take all my old danners/lacrosse,cabelas, etc.. boots over them anyday!
 
You might look at Asolo's. I have 2 pairs of the fugitive hikers and love them. Great for packing up mtns with a back pack. I love hunting in them. They didn't do as well on hard flat ground with more than 40lbs, I could feel every rock. But packing elk quarter down a mtn they are great. I just bought some Asolo Sassalongs at Sierra Trading Post for $150, they are normally over $200. They are a mountaineering boot so I think they will handle weight better. Climbed stairs for 45 minutes with a 45lb pack this morning and they felt great. You will notice that Asolo creates a nice little pocket for your heal, which makes them very comfortable.
 
Lowa

I have a pair of Kenetrek Hardscrabbles and they have been great. None of the issues that the guys are mentioning. I'd recommend them.

That said, I have a pair of the Lowa Tibet's and like them better. THey are a little taller and the ankle just seems to fit my really skinny lower leg better. No slippage and no leaking either.

The Lowa Renegade or Rangers would be my choice for a lighter weight slightly cheaper version. Retail is around $250 for either of those.
 
Try this link. I fell in love with them a few years ago. They show little wear after hunting deer, shed hunting, and chukar hunting for three years. I tested the waterproofing by standing in about four inches of water while fishing for 15-20 minutes. They never leaked ANY water. They also have a built in arch support, which makes them VERY comfortable. I just bought a second pair because I was afraid they may change the style or quit making them. Here is a link:

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Cabe...l&Ntt=meindl&WTz_l=Header;Search-All+Products
 
I just bought my second pair of Danner Santiams from Cabelas for $174.99. My experience must be extraordinary. My first pair of Santiams have endured 12 years and is still going strong. They have never leaked, even when hunting Oregon's coast range for 4 years. I was seriously considering getting them recrafted until I saw the SALE price at Cabelas. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another pair.
 
I too am a happy user of Meindl Perfekt Hunter boots. Elk hunting on stony trails over 11000' elevation in mid-October; deerhunting in warm weather in Oklahoma on rock, uneven ground; climbing Wheeler Peak, highest point in New Mexico, very rocky ground -- 16 miles in one day with 3500' climb. Very comfortable and solid boots. Virtually no break in was necessry for me. When the boots were brand new I went on a two day backpacking trip hiking about 8 miles with no prior break-in, carrying a moderate pack -- no problems. I couldn't be happier, unless they could pack out my elk for me while I sit and read a good book with my feet propped up in the tent next to the wood burning stove, but I guess that would be a bit much to expect.
 
5057dsc01455.jpg


12 y.o. Santiams sheep hunting in Montana.
 
I am a big fan of the Cabelas outfitter boot myself. They are way under $200 and worth twice that. I have never had them leak yet after 2 yrs of wear from early archery hunting to coyote hunting in Feb. they are great. There is a ton of reviews on cabelas website. They last forever all you will have to do is get them resoled depending on how long it takes you to put the miles on. Mine are not even showing signs of wearing down yet. Just another option for you.
 
Asolo TPS 520 GV

I have had danners and a number of other boots and these blow them out of the water they last a long time and provide so much more support. I will never change! Have several friends try them on my recommendation and they all agree.
 
hunter, those look very similar to the Danner Shastas that I had 10 years ago. They were a very comfortable boot. I have 3 pairs of Asolo boot. They are so comfortable, it would take a great boot for me to change brands.
 
I had the pronghorns well I still do because I wear them so little only in deep snow over a foot. I like these better because they are smaller I can be quieter and have better foot placement when stalking. Also I spend much of my hunting in steep shell rock and cliffs and the sole of these boots are much more reliable they dont cave and fold over like the danners do when climbing steep country in short I dont slip as much!
 
Anybody see the new uninsulated boots at Cabelas, made by Meindl and look damn near exactly like the old Pronghorns? They only weigh around 3.2 lbs or something?

T264
 
Anybody see the new uninsulated boots at Cabelas, made by Meindl and look damn near exactly like the old Pronghorns? They only weigh around 3.2 lbs or something?

T264
 
LAST EDITED ON Sep-27-11 AT 11:43AM (MST)[p]Wiz, I bought the Mendle perfect fit boot and so far like them very much.


Government doesn't fix anything and has spent trillions proving it!!!
Let's face it...After Monday and Tuesday, even the calender says WTF!
 
I just ordered a pair of the Meindl 10" Perfekt Hunters with 400 gram Thinsulate, I'll let you know how they do on a 2nd season CO deer hunt.
 
Boots were great, no regrets with the purchase.

Hiked lots of miles with them and had absolutely no hot spots or blisters. The 400 grams of thinsulate was a bit much but it was unusually hot while I was out.

If anyone buys these boots make sure you have a few days break-in time, they are really stiff at first.
 
Cabelas Perfekt hikers.

I take 3 pairs of boots with me elk hunting every year so i can wear a different pair every day to let them air out. I bought 3 new pairs the spring of 2008 - Perfekt Hikers, Pronghorns, & Cabelas silent stalkers.

All three have been 100% waterproof.
the Perfekt Hikers are by far the most comfortable & provide the best traction and ankle support in a variety of terrain. Both the Pronghorns & the silent stalkers are no good in the rocks due to the lack of support and lack of traction with the silent stalkers.

The Perfekt Hikers are by far the best Hiking style boot I've ever owned. Period.
 

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