New hunting boots

[ffbowhunter]

I have had a pair of keens for five years and the time is come to part ways. I tried on keens but didn't like the feel. I was hoping to see if anyone has a great overall hiking/hunting boot recommendation?

[Reidus]

What's your budget?

If you're doing a lot of hiking and backpacking I'd go with something along the lines of zamberlan, scarpa, lowa, or another top notch Italian boot maker.

I have a pair of welted zamberlans that I really like that the soles are worn almost flat. I use them early September until  the snow gets to deep and cold in Montana.

Recently bought a pair of Scarpa charmoz pro gtx from rei ( kuiu just started carrying these) and put about 10 miles on them and returned them. Solid boot but the shank was just too stiff for me. I just got a pair of scarpa kinesis pro gtx boots from Lathrop and sons with their footbeds. Not quite as stiff as the charmoz. I think they'll be great. Looking forward to trying them out.

I've also heard good things about meindl's from cabelas.

Not impressed with danner.

[ffbowhunter]

I would say my budget is 250. I have seen some Iowa boots on camofire. Where can you try on the boots you recommended?

[blackveltbowhunter]

  A lot of variables.  You will have to prioritize what's most important to you. Through the school of hard knocks I have learned the "best all around boot" is a closet full

   In your price range I would look hard at  meindle. I have had good luck with them. They have multiple options at cabelas which makes access to them easy. Rei is another great outlet for testing and sizing on boots, tho I attempt to give my money to more hunting friendly businesses if possible. Another boot I have had great luck with is the Salomon quest. Not a full leather boot and some sacrifice in durability, but lighter and very comfortable for me.

  Lots of options in that price range. And good availability from REI, cabelas, or many other outdoor retailers.   

[blackveltbowhunter]

REI carries some Lowa although not models are available.to.try in every store so it will vary some. Bob's in Longview has a good selection of boots including Kenetrek, Crispi, and Lowa. I'm not sure how many models they have tho so I would probably check before committing to a trip.

[NumaJohn]

I had and really liked Lowas; they lasted two seasons before waterproofing was no longer adequate for keeping moisture out. I decided to try something different and went with Solomons. Really like them after one season and believe that they are going to continue performing well for quite some time. We shall see.

John

[losdaddy7]

Don't overlook Asolo boots.  I have been hiking with the GTX for years with superfeet insoles and they are the most comfortable "hiking" boots I own.  I use these for high mountain and also warm weather hunts (above freezing).  I also have two sets of Danner's 400 and 800 gram for varied cold weather conditions.  The Danner's have been great as well. 

[GoldenOscar]

I have a pair of Zamberlan's and love them (They are getting worn and starting to leak) ...got them from the return area of REI for $91.

 I also have a pair of Meindl Perfekt's coming in the mail as I type........I don't think the Cabela's Meindl line can be beat and their return policy is as good or better than REI. I bet the bargain cave will be full of quality footwear discounted way down just after the New Year.

[huntingbaldguy]

Irish Setter Vaprtreks.  Love mine.  Only had them for late season but they kept my feet warm and dry the entire time and no blisters right out of the box.  I liked them so much the wife bought herself a pair of the women's ones and loves em just as much.

[Firedogg]

 Haix... They were very comfortable for my bunker and station boots so I tried a pair of their hunting boots. My feet are happy.

[TomT]

I just bought the Lowa Renegade GTX from shoes.com.  They currently have a 30% off sale with free shipping and free exchanges. 
I've not had to test their exchange policy, but it looks pretty generous if you guess wrong on the size.

[ffbowhunter]

Haix... They were very comfortable for my bunker and station boots so I tried a pair of their hunting boots. My feet are happy.

Firedogg I am a medic slipper kind of guy...redbacks!

[ffbowhunter]

I'm headed out Saturday after work to REI to give a few different suggested pairs a test.

[Eric M]

Two guys at work that are serious hunters are sold on the Kenetreks. I've never spent that much on a pair of shoes though

[ffbowhunter]

Two guys at work that are serious hunters are sold on the Kenetreks. I've never spent that much on a pair of shoes though

No matter how much I spend means the wife gets to spend the same...my guess is the more expensive the better. I'm normally pritty cheap aka Costco clothing head to toe however, boots are the most important piece of equipment you can own!