Advice on Kenetrek, Schnee's, or other boots

[adamR]

I'm looking for everyone's opinions on Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 and Schnee's Beartooth II insulated.  If there are other boots that you recommend over these two I'd be interested as well just keep in mind, the reason I'm looking at these two is because of their warranty/resole service. 

I used to run Meindls from Cabelas but now that Cabelas warranty is no longer being offered I'm pretty much done buying anything from them.

I wear 12.5 wides usually and prefer a mildly stiff boot.  The one consistent problem I've found when searching for new boots is the upper portion of my heel rubs like crazy.  Whatever boot I end up with needs to be taller than 8" and waterproof.  I like a somewhat insulated boot because I plan on wearing them year round.

Any opinions on the two I listed or suggestions on something with a comparable warranty.

[northwesthunter84]

I’ve had the Kenetrek ME 400s for 4 yrs now. They are great boots but warm during early elk for me anyways. I wish I would have picked up the non-insulated version instead. So for that I got a set of Lowa Tibet GTX. I like them just as much and they are NI so get the most use during elk season. They also do rebuilds.

[Timberstalker]

Tagging along. 
I have the kenetrek mountain extreme’s now. I’m on my second pair in 8 years. They have been good, but I want to try something different.

I’ve had my eye on the Schnees Granite VI but haven’t been successful in finding a pair.
The factory doesn’t have my size available and I don’t think they are sold in stores.

[boneaddict]

I use the kenetreks.   I switched from the Meindles.(sp?).  Great boots. 

[Forks]

Six years on Ktrek ME's and have enjoyed them, the sole/tread is a little firm (super slippery in certain terrain). My new favorites are Crispi Briksdal's. A season and a half of partridge abuse has proven their worth and sole/tread is far better imo.

[Mtnwalker]

My personal experience has been that the waterproofing doesn’t last long enough to warrant a re-sole no matter the brand. If you are wanting an insulated boot to me that says late season i.e. wet season, I wouldn’t worry about a late season boot being rebuildable.  Then again I run uninsulated year round so just my 

[Skyvalhunter]

I use the kenetreks.   I switched from the Meindles.(sp?).  Great boots.

you just have to treat them regularly and putting them on a boot dryer after usage doesn't hurt.

[Magnum_Willys]

If you have heel rubbing problems with other boots you may find the same with Kenetreks.  Mine doesn't but some people find they do and end up having to throw a piece of duct tape or cloth tape on their heel. 

I would look at the uninsulated to keep sweating down and I wouldn't expect waterproofing to last more than 3 years, maybe 2 depending on use and location. 

[firepin]

I had two pair of Schnees, both got sent back. The lacing system with the ball comes apart, pinches and cuts the lacing. Have a pair of Kenetrek  ME and could not be happier.

[Timberstalker]

I had two pair of Schnees, both got sent back. The lacing system with the ball comes apart, pinches and cuts the lacing. Have a pair of Kenetrek  ME and could not be happier.

Which models?  Or do they all have this lacing system?

[firepin]

I had the granite II, I think they all have this system.

[Timberstalker]

Thanks.

[adamR]

I had two pair of Schnees, both got sent back. The lacing system with the ball comes apart, pinches and cuts the lacing. Have a pair of Kenetrek  ME and could not be happier.

Which models?  Or do they all have this lacing system?

I dont believe that the Beartoothot II has the roller laces.  The granite have them in the description and the picture clearly shows them.  The Beartooth II dont mention the roller laces and the picture, although not as clear, doesn't look like the same style of laces.  Thats actually why I was leaning towards the Beartooth instead of the granite, that didnt look very robust to me.

[trophyhunt]

I always hear good reports from this site about kenetrek boots, but my good friend has a pair and he will never buy them again.  He is sending them back for a second time to get repaired, the toe and the sole are coming apart. The first time the tongue pulled out and one boot leaked, I will be looking for the crispi or another high end brand at the reno bighorn sheep show, no kenetrek for me.

[Matth]

I have 2 pair of kenetrek ME uninsulated, both pair will be 6 years old next month. i wear them year round, and trade back and forth between them, but it's probably time for some new ones. They are getting pretty rough.