Author Topic: New hunting boots (Read 7844 times)

ffbowhunter · « **on:** December 15, 2015, 08:33:12 PM »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 15, 2015, 08:49:08 PM »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 15, 2015, 09:16:06 PM »

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 15, 2015, 10:03:29 PM »

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 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 15, 2015, 10:08:56 PM »

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 · « **Reply #5 on:** December 15, 2015, 10:17:08 PM »

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 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 15, 2015, 10:17:38 PM »

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 · « **Reply #7 on:** December 15, 2015, 10:23:10 PM »

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 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 16, 2015, 04:51:33 AM »

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 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 16, 2015, 02:51:08 PM »

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 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 16, 2015, 05:26:55 PM »

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 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 16, 2015, 07:52:44 PM »

Quote from: Firedogg on December 16, 2015, 02:51:08 PM

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 · « **Reply #12 on:** December 16, 2015, 07:53:52 PM »

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

Eric M · « **Reply #13 on:** December 16, 2015, 07:55:57 PM »

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 · « **Reply #14 on:** December 16, 2015, 08:02:51 PM »

Quote from: Eric M on December 16, 2015, 07:55:57 PM

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!

Reidus · « **Reply #15 on:** December 16, 2015, 09:59:59 PM »

Hopefully the rei there has more than the one here. The one here don't hardly have any good quality boots.

More expensive doesn't always mean better and light weight isn't always better either

Buzz2401 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 18, 2015, 08:27:33 PM »

I use Danner's for hunting, Merrell's or Asolo's for Hiking and usually buy Redwings for work. I tried a pair of Kenetrek's and was not impressed. Seems like a lot of hype for a boot that is poorly designed. I only buy American Made Danner's because their china stuff is subpar imo. I have been thinking of trying a pair of Zamberlan's out but hard to change boots when you are happy with a company.

Utah · « **Reply #17 on:** December 19, 2015, 07:25:53 PM »

Salomon

moocher97 · « **Reply #18 on:** December 21, 2015, 10:06:33 PM »

Lows renegades are nice boots. If you can get them on sale its tough to beat.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

follow maggie · « **Reply #19 on:** December 21, 2015, 11:56:46 PM »

I'd love to have a pair of Kenetreks, but no way can I drop 5 bills on a pair of boots. My go to boots for hunting are Matterhorns

ffbowhunter · « **Reply #20 on:** December 27, 2015, 01:20:19 PM »

I ended up getting the lowa renegade gtx. So far I love them, a bit stiff just need to be broken in. Thanks for all the advice.

bobcat · « **Reply #21 on:** December 27, 2015, 01:32:18 PM »

I've had two pairs of Renegades and they were comfortable from the beginning and required no break in.

ffbowhunter · « **Reply #22 on:** December 27, 2015, 03:07:27 PM »

Quote from: bobcat on December 27, 2015, 01:32:18 PM

I've had two pairs of Renegades and they were comfortable from the beginning and required no break in.

I'm used to keens so maybe after some time they will be fine still supper comfy

News:

Advertisement

Author Topic: New hunting boots (Read 7844 times)

Advertisement

Quick Links

Recent Topics