hunting boots for elk and deer season

[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 .