Comfortable light hiking shoes

[kidoelk777]

What brand of boot is a really light waterproof hiking boot for the early elk archery hunts? Something that is very comfortable but durable. Any suggestions?

 

[elkz]

Asolo

 

[WapitiBob]

Merril Moab
Vasque Breeze
Lowa Renegade (all leather)

 

[stinkystomper]

danner pronghorns

 

[kidoelk777]

Thank you! I really appreciate the responses. If anyone can think of some other comfortable, light and water proof hiking boots please post them.

 

[birdog]

kennetrec has a light hiker, which is pretty nice, so does Mendl. Both very durable.

 

[Brushhawg]

A comfortable light hiking shoe with the durability to withstand hunting applications is a tough beast to find. I've gone through many a pair until I found one that I'm very happy with. Without a doubt, the most comfortable kicks I tried were the merrel moab and the vasque breeze, both fit like a tennis shoe. The problem though is they simply don't last. I blew out the outside of the toe on the moab on the 2nd day of my elk hunt.

Frankly, for the money, I dont't think you can beat the Scarpa Kailash GTX. It's light and bombproof while also extremely comfortable. Fits more like a shoe than a boot. It's made with quality components, vibram sole, and a last that's light but rigid enough to provide support for carrying a pack in the mtns whereas the moab and breeze lack the support for anything more than mild terrain and inclines. Hope this helps.

 

[leftturnabq]

Another vote for the uninsulated Danner Pronghorn.

They are not "bombproof", but are light and comfortable and there is no need to break them in...perfect for early season elk hunting.

I have soft feet, and these are by far the most comfortable boots I've ever had.

I was turned on to them by the corporate manager of boot sales for Cabela's while shopping at their original Nebraska store in 2004. He suggested them based on the same criteria you gave, and in my opinion he was right on.

I'm on my 2nd pair, and will be due for my 3rd pair this or next season. I'm pretty hard on them and have worn them on elk hunts, deer, oryx, and even barbary hunts in Fabruary.


The other thing that I've learned really helps with my tender feet is to wear high quality hiking socks along with a sock liner. That equates to a lot of socks on a long elk hunt, but it really makes a difference comfort wise past the first couple of days of serious hoofing around in elk country.

 

[NMPaul]

x1 sock liners and good socks.

I am sold on Lowas. Big $, but, they are quality.

 

[tailgunner]

Another vote for the Danner pronghorn. I like the classic model better than new model. The new model need breakin and don't fit me as well as the classic.

 

[kidoelk777]

I used Danners for year but got heal spurs from using them. As soon as I stopped using them my heal spurs were gone. I had another friend that had the same thing happen to him.

 

[leftturnabq]

That sucks, but I can't vouge for any other version besides the uninsulated Pronghorn.

 

[nmarchr]

Lowa Tibets or Danneer Pronghorns get my vote!

 

[bobby7321]

+1 on the merrill moabs