Lowa Sheep Hunter or Kenetrek 400

ramtagless · Jun 6, 2011

Hey MM'rs -

I am in need of a new pair of boots. In the past I have gone with Meindl's and they have worked, but this time around would like to try a different brand to see if there is anything a little bit better available.

I have narrowed my search down to these two boots. Does anyone have experience with both of these boots? I am probably splitting hairs and any differences between the two are probably minimal.

They are about the same weight, same height, the only real design difference is sole and insulation (lowa is 200 gram and kenetrek is 400). But - maybe one is more comfortable, put together better, etc?

If you have experience with both or either...please chime in. Thanks - Andy

MTShasta · Jun 6, 2011

I have both and find them very comfortable. I think the Lowa Sheep Hunters give me a bit more support, especially on side hills. I find myself wearing the Lowas more often. They are both very good and you won't go wrong with either. If you can't find a place to try them on, perhaps you could order both and keep the one that fits you best?

littlejoe · Jun 7, 2011

Never had the Lowa's but I have two pairs of the Kenetrek's and love them. I have the 400's and the uninsulated hardscrabble. In fact the Hardscrabble are going to Africa with me in three weeks. Cannot recommend highly enough. Also have some Hanwag; check out Lathrop and Sons. Those are the best fitting boots I have ever had.

Spencer · Jun 7, 2011

I tried both and went with the Kenetrek mtn Extreme 400. The Lowa seemed stiffer and just didn't fit my foot as well as the Kenetrek. When I say stiffer I mean harder and less forgiving. I understand that stiff is good for side hilling but I also like my leather boots to be comfortable and not like wearing pieces of wood. My Kenetrek Mtn Extremes offer exceptional grip and great comfort.

Good luck with whichever manufacturer you choose!!

bowhunt · Jun 7, 2011

Both outstanding boots!

I would try them on, and then decide. The Lowa boot does not work well for me. I have several friends that prefer them.

I think they would both wear well, so I would go with the one that fit you the best.

Good luck!

Mike

mightyhunter · Jun 7, 2011

I have never tried Lowa boots. I have owned a pair of the Kenetrek Hardscrabble Hikers. I loved the traction and the support. Unfortunately, the toe box was too tight for my toes and they went back to Kenetrek. I lost toe nails and got some dandy blisters. The owner at Kenetrek (Jim Winjum) was great. Just make sure that the Kenetreks fit YOUR feet. I have seen other postings where people had fit problems with the Kenetreks. I am back to the Meindl Denali at the exact size I had with the Kenetreks. They fit well, have great support and are comfortable. Unfortunately, the traction is not nearly as good as the traction I had with the Kenetreks. I would have another pair of the Kenetreks if they just fit my foot right.

ramtagless · Jun 8, 2011

Thanks for the replies and advice...all comments were/are very helpful.

OK - so I have had trouble finding the lowas to try. I tried other lowas at rei and was thinking about taking MTshasta's advice and ordering them just to try. I decided if I could find the Kenetreks to try and they fit...I would buy them and be done with it. So I bought them today.

I have been wearing them around the house and am going to take them for a walk at the mall. So far...the left boot fits like a dream and I would say it is close to perfect (maybe a fraction tight in the widest part of my foot). Right foot is not as good. A bit tight in the widest part and I am getting some heel slippage.

I know boots like these do not "break in/give" that much. But - if they stretched even a small amount they might be perfect. Did you guys get any stretch at all out of them? Not sure what to think about the heel slippage (I am getting maybe half an inch). I have heard if the boot mid-sole breaks in and you get a little more give...that the heel slippage can improve and go away. They are new and stiff and the heel slips a bit because it has nowhere to go. Any thoughts?

Unfortunately the 'wide', would likely be too wide and it would be onto the next boot. Thanks guys...

cmbbulldog · Jun 12, 2011

Andy,

I am boot shopping as well. Did you find the Kenetrek's at REI?

ramtagless · Jun 13, 2011

Hey Chad - No, rei does not carry them. Believe it or not I got mine at the army surplus on Broadway. They have very limited selection (I think size 12 only). Give them a call and ask about sizes and also the sportsman warehouse in Thornton carries them. Did your wife draw her deer tag? Shoot me a pm when you get a chance. Later...

cabinfever · Jun 13, 2011

I know this is a little late coming considering you already picked a boot, however I'll throw my two cents in anyway.

Owned and used lowa sheep hunters for the last 5 years. Hands down the most comfortable, rugged boot I have ever owned. I recently stumbled across a "best boots for hunting sheep" thread and noticed the lowa sheep hunters/GTX hunter exremes were hands down the favorite boot. As a side note, Lowa no longer makes the sheep hunters for schnees out of montana but the same boot can be purchased from other lowa retailers under the name of lowa GTX hunter extremes. I have owned 2 pairs and never had to break in either pair. Comfortable right out of the box from day one, and did I mention tough as nails.

I'd like to try a pair of kennetreks as I have heard some postive reviews, however, the Lowas have been too good to consider switching to something else.

Ebby · Jul 7, 2011

I have the Hardscrabbles and the Lowa Tibet's. They are both great but I prefer the Lowas. I wear them more often and they are more comfortable to me.

Order Lowas from Zappos. They have free shipping and free return shipping. No risk there.

WYNONTYPICAL · Jul 15, 2011

Just wondering if anyone has tried the Mendel Canada and also the Lowa GTX? I have the Kenetrek..(comfortable not enough sidehill support) and also tried the Scarpa...(to low in ankle support for me). I always return to the Mendel Canada. They are the only boot I have found to hold up to rocks and side hills of the Wyoming high country day in and day out. But that being said I have to buy a new pair every year and they aint cheep. Just wondered if Lowa GTX was worth a try??

Thanks
Robb Wiley
Non Typical Outfitters