npaden
Active Member
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- 878
Okay, I'm going to buy a new pair of boots. I think I'm over the sticker shock and willing to pay the price. Now I need to pull the trigger.
My previous experience with boots was to always buy the cheap ones for $40 and then end up wearing running shoes because they hurt my feet.
2 years ago I upgraded to a pair of Irish Setter Shadow Trek's (9") and a pair of Rocky Stalker's (8"). They were a big improvement, but the Irish Setters leaked and tore up pretty quickly and the Rocky's did pretty well, but are nearing the end of thier useful life.
I typically hunt in warmer climates and really don't need an insulated boot. I'm looking hard at the Kenetrek Hardscrabble hiker but curious how much different the 7" height would be than the 8" and 9" boots I've had for the last 2 years. Also looking at the Meindl Perfect (also 7")and Denali (9").
I've read up on the Lowa's and I think I want a stiffer boot than they sound like they are, but maybe I don't know any better because I've always had cheap boots. How much stiffer are the Kenetek and Meindl's going to be than the Irish Setters and Rocky's I have? My only complaints about the Rocky's are a tiny bit of slippage and getting a few hot spots on 8 mile plus off trail days. A 2 year life is a little short, but not totally unreasonable. I would guess I put 100 miles a year on them with most of that being off trail.
I upgraded from a Academy store brand backpack to an Eberlestock J107 this year so I might as well get the boots to pack out that load. I'll be going on 2 elk hunts plus a mule deer and an antelope hunt this year, plus some scouting in August and some getting in shape hikes as well so I'll probably put more than 100 miles on whatever boots I buy this year.
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks, Nathan
My previous experience with boots was to always buy the cheap ones for $40 and then end up wearing running shoes because they hurt my feet.
2 years ago I upgraded to a pair of Irish Setter Shadow Trek's (9") and a pair of Rocky Stalker's (8"). They were a big improvement, but the Irish Setters leaked and tore up pretty quickly and the Rocky's did pretty well, but are nearing the end of thier useful life.
I typically hunt in warmer climates and really don't need an insulated boot. I'm looking hard at the Kenetrek Hardscrabble hiker but curious how much different the 7" height would be than the 8" and 9" boots I've had for the last 2 years. Also looking at the Meindl Perfect (also 7")and Denali (9").
I've read up on the Lowa's and I think I want a stiffer boot than they sound like they are, but maybe I don't know any better because I've always had cheap boots. How much stiffer are the Kenetek and Meindl's going to be than the Irish Setters and Rocky's I have? My only complaints about the Rocky's are a tiny bit of slippage and getting a few hot spots on 8 mile plus off trail days. A 2 year life is a little short, but not totally unreasonable. I would guess I put 100 miles a year on them with most of that being off trail.
I upgraded from a Academy store brand backpack to an Eberlestock J107 this year so I might as well get the boots to pack out that load. I'll be going on 2 elk hunts plus a mule deer and an antelope hunt this year, plus some scouting in August and some getting in shape hikes as well so I'll probably put more than 100 miles on whatever boots I buy this year.
Any input is appreciated.
Thanks, Nathan