hunting boots for elk and deer season

[shorthair15]

did not hunt last year as i had surgery on my left hand. i went thru withdraw for about 6 months as this was the first season i missed since i was in the military. tried a boot called the crispi's at the sportsman show. seemed like a good boot. thought about getting a pair of lowa tibet's. just looking for a little insight into a boot that will last for a while. any thought's on the kennetrek's as i live close to bob's sporting goods and sell these. thanks

[D-Rock425]

I haven't tried them but have heard good things about Crispi

[Skyvalhunter]

Love mine, there area ton of good boots out there. Do you have a wide foot ? Make sure you measure your foot

[JLS]

I haven't tried them but have heard good things about Crispi

I have a pair of the Idaho's and they are very good boots.  They run pretty true to size.  They are not quite as stiff as my Lowa Baffins and Lowa Sheep Hunters. 

For deer and elk hunting the Crispis would be a very good choice, unless you are hunting something like Hells Canyon.  In that case I would take the Lowas as they are stiffer and a little more stable.

Edit:  Kennetreks will be as stiff, if not stiffer than the Lowas and will run wider in size.

One pair of my Lowas is about nine years old now.  My Baffins are four years old.

[Slimdog350]

I have a pair of the Kennetrek mountain extremes with 400 g of insulation. These are by far the best boots I have worn( although I've never tried crispis or lowa). They had a break in period so I wore them everywhere before season and also treated them with some obenhaufs and they have treated me very well. Coupled with a memory foam insert and I'm stylin. I've worn them in some pretty steep terrain hunting and guiding in Idaho and they treated me well. Very pleased with them. I have a buddy that wears Lowas and he likes them as well.

[couesbitten]

Go to this link http://www.lathropandsons.com/ check out their selection and then give them a call and talk to them about boots, they'll take care of you.  I bought a pair of Hanwag Alaska boots, and absolutely love them.

[scottcrb]

Go to this link http://www.lathropandsons.com/ check out their selection and then give them a call and talk to them about boots, they'll take care of you.  I bought a pair of Hanwag Alaska boots, and absolutely love them.

 
did the same and they are super helpful too. but not cheap . but what good boots are.

[splitshot]

I got a pair of meindl at cabelas with 400 gr.   they are stiff but really protect your feet.  I will like them if they ever get broke in.    mike w.

[xXLojackXx]

I use the Meindl Perfekt's for early season and really like them. Kennetrek's for late season.

[Broken Arrow]

I hunt both in a pair of Mammut Pacific Crest GTX, made by Raichle. Rock solid boot in every aspect, thought spendy.

[Buzz2401]

I really like the Danner Canadians. On my second pair, first pair lasted 8 years.  Not real fond of their low end china junk though.  High end danners are great low end danners kinda suck for the money.

[BOWHUNTER45]

I got a pair of Irish setter's ...had them 4 years now and they are the best boot I ever put my feet into ...Living on the wetside and always wet and muddy my feet are always dry !

[couesbitten]

If you're looking for quality boots at a great price, go here. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/
When you get there, scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the link for DealFlyer and sign up.  When you do this, Sierra Trading Post will send you an email good for 30% off of your entire order over $75, good for 7 days from the day you receive the email.  After you've done this, start boot shopping.  Here are some boots that I am struggling not to buy just because they are such a great deal. When you look at the boot selection, if you've signed up for the DealFlyer and have the coupon, under the price of each boot, if you click on "view coupon", it will show you the price of the boots with your 30% off.  Some of these are in limited sizes and/or uncommon colors, but there are some great deals here.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/lowa-cevedale-gore-tex-mountaineering-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~2234g/?filterString=mens-mountaineering-boots~d~305%2F&colorFamily=01  Lowa makes a great boot, I'm really fighting the urge to purchase a pair of these, I've read nothing but great things about these boots.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/scarpa-triolet-pro-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-suede-for-men~p~7027j/?filterString=mens-hiking-boots~d~360%2F&colorFamily=01  Scarpa makes a great boot and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a pair of these if I was in the market.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-sasslong-gore-tex-backpacking-boots-waterproof-nubuck-for-men~p~83043/?filterString=mens-hiking-boots~d~360%2F&colorFamily=05

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mammut-pacific-crest-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~6683a/?filterString=mens-hiking-boots~d~360%2F&colorFamily=02

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mammut-appalachian-3s-gore-tex-hiking-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~6947f/?filterString=mens-hiking-boots~d~360%2F&colorFamily=02

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-pumori-gore-tex-mountaineering-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~5487d/?filterString=mens-mountaineering-boots~d~305%2F&colorFamily=01

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/asolo-titan-gore-tex-mountaineering-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~75878/?filterString=mens-mountaineering-boots~d~305%2F&colorFamily=70

[Damnimissed]

I picked up some Meindl Perfekt 10's last year, and I absolutely love em.

[huntnnw]

I will never own Meindl crap again... 2nd pair in 2 years! Last pair started leaking 11 months after I got them, so I returned them and now this pair has a hole above the heel!  My buddy on here has same issues with his too.

I have heard nothing but good about Crispi,Lowa, Zamberlains, Kenetreks and Schnee's

[Swannytheswan]

what is the difference between the mountaineering boots and the backpacking boots?

[JLS]

Mountaineering boots are stiffer.  Trekking/backpacking boots are entirely sufficient for most lower 48 hunts.

[pianoman9701]

My Lowa Rangers have ruined me for any other boot. Absolutely love them.

[lostbackpacker]

I have had my Kennetrek boots now for bout a year.  I like them so much that I wear them every day. 

[bhawley76]

I just got a pair of danner super rain forest Friday. there great so far. I try my hardest to by American made stuff if I can. 

[TopOfTheFoodChain]

Bought the Kenetreks from Bobs last year. I hunt hard over east in early season so I wanted a more firm boot. I have been breaking them in here late season and in the snow. Using their brand waterproofer. So far I am happy. No wet feet and surprisingly no sore feet despite many miles hiked in new boots.

[elkaholic123]

I have a pair of the Kennetrek mountain extremes with 400 g of insulation. These are by far the best boots I have worn( although I've never tried crispis or lowa). They had a break in period so I wore them everywhere before season and also treated them with some obenhaufs and they have treated me very well. Coupled with a memory foam insert and I'm stylin. I've worn them in some pretty steep terrain hunting and guiding in Idaho and they treated me well. Very pleased with them. I have a buddy that wears Lowas and he likes them as well.

Do not use obenhaufs    on your Kenetreks, it has small traces of animal fats that will cause separation of the rand, call Kenetrek and ask them 

[couesbitten]

I've never had any of the boots that I provided links to in hand or on my feet,  but I don't think you'd find significant structural differences between any of them. The biggest differences are going to be in materials used (leather, Cordura, gore-tex, etc). In general, mountaineering boots tend to be more rigid and supportive than hiking boots, but I think you'd find that most of these boots are going to be very similar. Biggest concern should be finding one that fits well and is comfortable for your foot.

[JLS]

I have a pair of the Kennetrek mountain extremes with 400 g of insulation. These are by far the best boots I have worn( although I've never tried crispis or lowa). They had a break in period so I wore them everywhere before season and also treated them with some obenhaufs and they have treated me very well. Coupled with a memory foam insert and I'm stylin. I've worn them in some pretty steep terrain hunting and guiding in Idaho and they treated me well. Very pleased with them. I have a buddy that wears Lowas and he likes them as well.

Do not use obenhaufs    on your Kenetreks, it has small traces of animal fats that will cause separation of the rand, call Kenetrek and ask them 

I had a rand separate on my Lowas, and was told it was because of using Obenauf's on them.  I stick to Sno Seal or Nikwax now.

[pcal]

 If you have wide feet you can't go wrong with asolo's sasslongs .The problem with Sierra Trading post is they might not have them in your size.The prices are really good.I,and my two sons all are wearing Asolo Sasslongs but right now they are only available in sizes 11 up to 14.Fine if you have boats for feet.I have 2 pairs and with a 3eee its not easy to find a boot that has the room to fit your feet in.The asolo hiking boots are ok for hunting in that they are stiff enough to go up our steep mountains yet flexible enough to walk on level ground and are crimpon compatible,too.I have been wearing one pair for at least 5 years and got a new pair rather than resole the first pair.I still wear both but the soles wear down,as any boot getting worn year round will.I would resole them before buying another pair of lesser boot.Many boots can't be resoled but these aslolos can be as they don't have molded soles.The gortex has never failed but when water flows into the top,it will take a few days to dry out.They never required any break in period but if you get hot spots because of poor sock selection you can rub your feet with coconut oil which will keep your feet dry and not develop blisters.I carry a small bottle of coconut oil with me when hiking because you can keep your feet blister free and fry up some breakfast with it,too.

[Slimdog350]

I have a pair of the Kennetrek mountain extremes with 400 g of insulation. These are by far the best boots I have worn( although I've never tried crispis or lowa). They had a break in period so I wore them everywhere before season and also treated them with some obenhaufs and they have treated me very well. Coupled with a memory foam insert and I'm stylin. I've worn them in some pretty steep terrain hunting and guiding in Idaho and they treated me well. Very pleased with them. I have a buddy that wears Lowas and he likes them as well.

Do not use obenhaufs    on your Kenetreks, it has small traces of animal fats that will cause separation of the rand, call Kenetrek and ask them 

I had a rand separate on my Lowas, and was told it was because of using Obenauf's on them.  I stick to Sno Seal or Nikwax now.

Thanks for the heads up. I guess I'll have to switch

[pianoman9701]

I use Bee Natural Rain & Snow wax oil compound on my Lowas.

[MADMAX]

I went with the Danner Trophy 10" , I've  had Danner elk hunters and Meindl mountain boots.
These seem like they will work well for me and the customer service at Danner is # 1

 

[blindluck]

I bought a pair Of kenatrek mountain 400 in 2012 $385, love them, I only wear them during hunting season about 22 days a year. At this rate they should last many seasons. I also bought a pair of zamberlins in 2010 uninsulated, for early season hunts, they are awesome even in the cold weather 25deg with warm wools on they are perfect, you cant go wrong.

[coachcw]

If pretty much givin up on trying to find a good all around hunting boot . I use light hikers or trail runners in the early season for comfort and quietness , then in the late season I rotate two pairs of vasc they are heavy but nice .

[couesbitten]

Couldn't pass up the great price on these boots and ended up ordering a pair for myself and a pair of the women's for my daughter. Looking forward to them getting here, and will update this thread with my comments on fit, construction, etc. when they get here. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/lowa-cevedale-gore-tex-mountaineering-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~2234g/?filterString=mens-mountaineering-boots~d~305%2F&colorFamily=01

[pianoman9701]

Mountaineering boots are pretty stiff.  They'll still be very comfortable, but Lowa makes hiking and hunting models that may be better suited for hunting than a mountaineering boot.

[couesbitten]

I'm currently using the Hanwag Alaska, which is more of a mountaineering type of boot, and although the sole (shank) is pretty rigid, that boot is very comfortable.  I bought the Hanwag on sale for $100 off and it still cost me twice what this Lowa did, so if the Lowa turns out to be acceptable for me, I'll feel like I stole them at the price I paid.  While not necessary for lots of hunting situations in Washington, the mountaineering type boots will work anywhere, and when I do find myself in the alpine areas of the Cascades, I'll have on the best boots for the job.

[couesbitten]

So I bought these boots from Sierra Trading Post and wore them around the house for about 30 minutes today.  Now I realize that isn't a real world hunting/backpacking type situation, but my first impression is that these boots are very well made, comfortable and an absolute steal for $180. I also bought my daughter a pair of the women's, and she really like them as well.  These boots are a great option if you're in the market for a new pair of hunting boots.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/lowa-cevedale-gore-tex-mountaineering-boots-waterproof-for-men~p~2234g/?filterString=mens-mountaineering-boots~d~305%2F&colorFamily=01