Meindl AK HNTR or Lowa Sheephunter???

HeadHunter · Dec 29, 2004

Time to spend a little Christmas money on new boots. I am debating between the Meindl Alaska Hunter & the Lowa Sheephunter. I remember earlier posts from Buckspy?? or others about these boots & was looking for any advise on either brand.
How do the Sheephunters or Meindls perform in hard hunting situations?

Thanks

joebuck · Dec 29, 2004

Meindl can be a good boot but their quality is inconsistent. One pair will be tough and durable, the next is junk.

studpile · Dec 29, 2004

I've had a pair of Meindls' for about 10 years. They are in dire need of a new sole, but other than that, they are a durable and comfortable boot. Yeah, I switch off between those and my Danners, otherwise they probably wouldn't have lasted near this long. I haven't heard of the "fall apart" syndrome with them until now.

couesbitten · Dec 30, 2004

I had a pair of Meindl boots that I got from Cabela's, and had to return them in less than a year because they were literally coming apart at the seams.
Scott/couesbitten

jameister · Dec 30, 2004

I saw a recent pair of Cabelas Meindl boots with sole separating at the glue-seam, pulling apart.

Sidenote: Heat destroys glue-on boot soles, I was told by a store representative here in Arizona that all glued on sole shoes were at risk if kept in your trunk in arizona where temps over 150 are possible in confined space situations...

elkantlers · Dec 30, 2004

I HAVE NEVER TRIED EITHER OF THOSE BOOTS. I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT IN THE PAST I HAVE WORN ROCKY BOOTS AND THEY SEEM TO BE PRETTY DURABLE. HOWEVER, MY WIFE BOUGHT ME A PAIR OF CABELAS OUTFITTER SERIES BOOTS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT BUT I THOUGHT I WOULD GIVE THEM A TRY. AFTER USING THE HECK OUT OF THEM I CAN EASILY SAY THEY ARE THE BEST BOOTS I HAVE EVER HAD. VERY COMFORTABLE, AND THEY ARE HOLDING UP REALLY WELL.

BUCKSPY · Dec 30, 2004

I've had my Lowa's for few months now and have zero complaints and thats after 30 days of field use. I used them on a high country muzz elk hunt, a late season mule deer hunt and a late season desert sheep hunt here in Colorado. They kept my feet surprisingly warm in some cold temps here in November and December. I have had Meindls and loved them but I think the Lowa is a notch better right now. Both are insulated so I don't know what the hell a guy would be wearing them in Arizona in the heat for.

Solid product IMO.

BeanMan · Dec 30, 2004

I'm very satisfied with my old Vasque Sundowners, many miles on them in the last 8 years. I just bought the new and improved model the Sundowner MX2 which is about an inch and a half taller than the old model. I'll let you know how I like them in a few years.

Sometimes it's not so much the company as it is finding a well made boot that fits your foot.

BeanMan

HeadHunter · Dec 30, 2004

Guys,
Thanks for the info! I have had several pairs of Vasques (Sundowner & Skywalk) and wore them all across campus and on a bunch of hunts in my college days. They are great but they don't seem to make an insulated, tall hunting boot anymore do they?? I am just about done wearing out a pair of Danner Canadians, good boots but not enough support for backpack hunting, packing heavy loads, etc. so I am looking for something super heavy duty this time around.

Buckspy:
Thanks for your post, that is exactly the info I was looking for. I wondered if the insulation was warm enough for cold weather hunts. Thanks for letting me know. How is the traction with the Vibram sole on slippery, wet, steep hills? How long to break them in?

Thanks Again!
HH

BUCKSPY · Dec 30, 2004

I think an Airbob is the best for wet,slippery stuff but I don't have any complaints on the traction of these boots. The leather is a little heavier than the Meindls I have had and took a little time to break in. To me that means they will just be a little tougher in the long run. I started by just wearing them around doing outside chores and some construction work and then used them on some hikes. I am paraniod over taking any new boot on a 10 miler until I know they are broken in.

BUCKSPY · Dec 30, 2004

Another thing is I have a narrow foot with a high arch and have trouble getting a well-fit boot and I'm happy with the fit and support on these.

Wyomingben · Dec 30, 2004

Vasque are good boots

WB

fatrooster · Dec 30, 2004

I got a pair of Danners this year and didn't have time to break them in before my bivvy hunt. I walked my butt off with and without a pack and after two weeks I never had one blister or sore spot from them. I am very impressed for I have never worn a brand new boot that didn't need break in time. fatrooster.

High5 · Dec 30, 2004

I have had both, I purchased & returned the Ak hunters(Cabelas has a great return policy). I hunted last year in Lowa Sheep hunters. Sheephunters are a thicker leather & more stout boot, but for me it was the fit. I have a low volume foot & a bit narrow. Sheephunters fit my feet better & protect them extremely well. Also, they were very comfortable out of the box.
Good Luck, Claude

Canon500mm · Jan 2, 2005

LAST EDITED ON Jan-02-05 AT 08:47PM (MST)[p]Be a real sport and save some money... Go Barefoot!

Actually, I have been wearing my Meindl Caulks (Logger Boots with spikes) while falling timber during our winter season for the past two seasons and this the third. Though they are only 200 Thinsulate I have no complaints, and they get pounded on. Luckily I don't saw my toes like many other maniacs with chainsaws.
Canon500mm.

chambero · Jan 3, 2005

I have the Alaska hikers and like them fine. Much more support than any boot I've ever had before. My brother-in-law has the Lowa's. I don't think there is a whole lot of difference, but I know his cost more. Both are top notch in my opinion.