Boots

[coop2424]

I'm coming due for a new pair of boots and think I will probably go with the Meindls again too. Just can't see myself wanting to fight through 50 miles of blisters and sore foot to get a new pair of kenetreks or the like broke in.

Yeah we bought them on the same deal and I still regret not buying like 10 pairs for the rest of my life for that price..  I look often hoping they will do that again.. 

[jackelope]

I probably check once a month for the last 5 years to see if they're on sale again.

[xXLojackXx]

I'm coming due for a new pair of boots and think I will probably go with the Meindls again too. Just can't see myself wanting to fight through 50 miles of blisters and sore foot to get a new pair of kenetreks or the like broke in.

A little different price tag, but my Lowa Tibets with Lathrop Synergy beds took maybe 15 miles to break in and never caused a single blister.  Advice on boots from person to person is almost worthless though.

[actionshooter]

 I tried the Kenetreks and had bad heel slip.
 Gave up on Danners 20 years ago, they wouldn't last 6 months.
Been using Meindl's for several years but my last pair didn't quite fit right and started leaking after a year.
 I'm actually going through the Lathrop & Son's fitting process right now and not sure what boot is next, excited to get a new pair and start putting miles on them.

 Finding good boots is tougher than finding a wife...

[mikeybuck]

I have had 3 pairs of Kenetrek Mtn. Extremes and all have leaked and/or had the rubber rands peeling off at 10 days...but their last fits my foot better than any other boot.

I had two different sets of kenetrek boots.... both sets leaked within the first week of hunting. First week I would have just one leaky boot, by week two the second would start to leak.
By far the best feeling, best fit boot for my feet, could wear them all day long. But they ain't worth nothing if my feet get wet on day one of the hunt.
What turned me off quicker than anything was the worthless customer service.

This last hunting season I bought a set of crispi, so far so good. Not as comfortable as the kenetrek boots but at least my feet stayed dry.

[Spawnstar]

First choice Schnees Granite second Kenetrek hard scabble

[RadSav]

I have had 3 pairs of Kenetrek Mtn. Extremes and all have leaked and/or had the rubber rands peeling off at 10 days...but their last fits my foot better than any other boot.

I had two different sets of kenetrek boots.... both sets leaked within the first week of hunting. First week I would have just one leaky boot, by week two the second would start to leak.
By far the best feeling, best fit boot for my feet, could wear them all day long. But they ain't worth nothing if my feet get wet on day one of the hunt.
What turned me off quicker than anything was the worthless customer service.

This last hunting season I bought a set of crispi, so far so good. Not as comfortable as the kenetrek boots but at least my feet stayed dry.

These reports are wild!  The first ones I have ever heard about this on Kenetrek.  I'm not doubting the validity, just openly shocked. 

Most, if not all, the mountain guide friends I have plus my wife wear Kenetrek.  They all are crazy tough on boots.  Especially the waterproof membranes.  Wife has had hers now for five years.  She wears them every day from fall till spring out walking the dogs.  And when hunting season gets down to temps below 65 that's the boot she turns to.  And she walks during season more than most of the guys I know!  We've never been able to find her a boot that stays water proof more than 18 months.  Well, at least not until these Kenetrek.  I wonder if they got a bad run of WindTex at some point?  

I personally do not wear Kenetrek due to some heal issues as my foot and their shape don't work well together.  I've had issues with most wp membranes out there until I got my first set of boots using W.L. Gore - Duratherm.  That stuff is the poop!  It is the reason I wear La Sportiva and Hanwag boots.  Kenetrek and Lowa have, without question, a better hardwear package.  But my thought is I am willing to sacrifice some eyelet and stitching quality for dry feet.  So far so good over the past six years!

[_TONY_]

Just picked up a pair of scarpa charmoz pro gtx's... Pretty excited!

[RadSav]

Just picked up a pair of scarpa charmoz pro gtx's... Pretty excited!

I've never stepped foot out of OMC in a pair of Scarpa boots.  So I have little to no knowledge of how good they are.  But, I sure have been hearing a lot of great things about this boot.  A few of the LaSportiva guys I know are trying to get me to switch to these when my Trango Alp's wear out.  Once you put a few miles on please come back and let us know what you think.  This and the new Lowa Tech-Light Hunter are really sparking my interest as my LaSportiva's will need to be replaced soon!

[pd]

I cannot imagine a better shoe for high country, steep ground or walking on logs and slash then a good pair of caulk shoes. I've been wearing them for 42 years.
Mind you I said good ones and that may be more then most want to spend. I wear Kuliens.

I agree, Bruce.  My relatives (somewhat lumberjacks) have sworn by caulks for years, and I have often debated buying a pair, but just couldn't bear the cost.  Then, just a few weeks ago, I found a lightly used pair of Hoffman's for $60.  Holy Cow they still make them well.  Long before Dave Smith, Kellogg Idaho had a real champion.

[fillthefreezer]

Just picked up a pair of scarpa charmoz pro gtx's... Pretty excited!

I've never stepped foot out of OMC in a pair of Scarpa boots.  So I have little to no knowledge of how good they are.  But, I sure have been hearing a lot of great things about this boot.  A few of the LaSportiva guys I know are trying to get me to switch to these when my Trango Alp's wear out.  Once you put a few miles on please come back and let us know what you think.  This and the new Lowa Tech-Light Hunter are really sparking my interest as my LaSportiva's will need to be replaced soon!

im breaking in a pair of triolet pro gtx right now, so far so good. coming from hanwag alaskans. my hunting partner runs the tech light hunter and these seem to be a level above. they are 4oz per boot lighter than my hanwags but much stiffer. time will tell.

[xXLojackXx]

Been keeping those Triolets in the corner of my eye for a while.

[mikeybuck]

I have had 3 pairs of Kenetrek Mtn. Extremes and all have leaked and/or had the rubber rands peeling off at 10 days...but their last fits my foot better than any other boot.

I had two different sets of kenetrek boots.... both sets leaked within the first week of hunting. First week I would have just one leaky boot, by week two the second would start to leak.
By far the best feeling, best fit boot for my feet, could wear them all day long. But they ain't worth nothing if my feet get wet on day one of the hunt.
What turned me off quicker than anything was the worthless customer service.

This last hunting season I bought a set of crispi, so far so good. Not as comfortable as the kenetrek boots but at least my feet stayed dry.

These reports are wild!  The first ones I have ever heard about this on Kenetrek.  I'm not doubting the validity, just openly shocked. 

The two other guys in our elk camp have both owned kenetrek boots, both guys boots leaked.
Both boots only a few months old by elk season.

[RadSav]

Wow, Crazy!  Hope the issue doesn't continue.  They have been so bullet proof for so long it would be horrible if it isn't fixed right away.  Has to be a change in assembly, materials or a bad bunch of Windtex.  Have you guys reported the issues with Kenetrek?  I know for us, we need negative reports from consumers as much as we do the compliments.  Only way we can change for the better some times.

[moocher97]

have any of you guys tried the meindel ultralight hunters? don't plan on walking through a bog but if so are they somewhat waterproof?