Hunting boot selection

[mtaylor]

Hey guys what’s your go to hunting boot? I would like something with good ankle support for hiking steep canyons and water proof. I use gators with my boots. Insulated,  non insulated I’m not sure yet. These will probably double as late season deer elk boots also.

[Mfowl]

https://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,249336.0.html

You might find this thread helpful. Its just what your asking for. 

[MR5x5]

Myself, hunting the hills and ravines of the Palouse, I use my Kenetrek elk boots.  Might be overkill for flat ground,  but I don't hunt much flat ground...

[Tschaefer72]

I had the cabelas meindl denalis and loved them. The leather cracked from the rubber rand to the shoelace eyelet. Went to exchange them and Cabelas no longer carried them. I switched to crispi and love them. I run the summits for deer hunting. These usually go on sale each Father’s Day on black ovis. I run the nevadas for western Washington elk. Love them both.

[Miles]

Colorado 3rd season I love my insulated Irish Setter Elk Trackers.

[blackveltbowhunter]

Are you looking for upland bird specific boots? Tough to say given all the variables, the closest thing to a do all boot I have worn is the crispi summit.

[snake]

Anything made in Europe will do you great.

[Backstrap]

Kennetrek mountain extreme for rugged stuff. Very comfortable with great foot and ankle protection.

Muck wetlands for cool weather days in fields, mud, swampy stuff. They are comfortable and warm, but not what I would call rugged.

[mtaylor]

Thanks guys,

MFowl- that link did help!
Not looking for upland specific more big game specific. I used to hunt in mucks which worked but even pheasant hunting I go through a lot of steep terrain in canyons that they didn’t work great. A buddy got me looking at hiking boots, so I picked up Lowa Renegades, and loved them.

I appreciate the comments, I have never tried the kennetrek, I will look into them

MT

[4T]

Check out the Hoffman explorers.  Kinda like kenetreks and a little less expensive.

[tank21]

I looked obsessively and settled in on a pair of Schnee's.  Drove to Bozeman and checked them after a ton of research and blog reading and reviews...Kenetreks are awesome too (and in Bozeman as well.  Kenetrek's owner started it after Schnee's was sold. ) They are just all over and I like to be a tad different.  Every time I put them on I say to myself "God I love these boots!"  Seriously.  They are a 10/10 for me and I've had them for 4 yrs.  Break in period was zilch.  I just put them on and went out.  That said, they are even better now.  But for the price they should be.  But I will probably never need another pair in my life.  Super warranty, although I've never had to use it.

https://schnees.com/granite-200g/

[ZagHunter]

I looked obsessively and settled in on a pair of Schnee's.  Drove to Bozeman and checked them after a ton of research and blog reading and reviews...Kenetreks are awesome too (and in Bozeman as well.  Kenetrek's owner started it after Schnee's was sold. ) They are just all over and I like to be a tad different.  Every time I put them on I say to myself "God I love these boots!"  Seriously.  They are a 10/10 for me and I've had them for 4 yrs.  Break in period was zilch.  I just put them on and went out.  That said, they are even better now.  But for the price they should be.  But I will probably never need another pair in my life.  Super warranty, although I've never had to use it.

https://schnees.com/granite-200g/

Are they true to size? Looking at getting a pair myself but might have to order them.

[tank21]

yes, true to size...i was going to order and return if need be but things got dicey as you have to pay for return shipping....you could always hit up sportsman's ware house and try on the kenetrek's....then call schnee's and see what they suggest.

[ZagHunter]

yes, true to size...i was going to order and return if need be but things got dicey as you have to pay for return shipping....you could always hit up sportsman's ware house and try on the kenetrek's....then call schnee's and see what they suggest.

Good to know. Thanks!

[Mtnwalker]

If you ask Schnee’s they will tell you they use a Brannock sizer as their standard and to order accordingly. Also insulation changes the way they fit. IMO their uninsulated boots run just a hair large. The 200g seem to be spot on for size and I have not tried anything with thicker insulation, but the rep told me at 400g or higher you may want to consider a half size up if you will be running thick socks with it 

[hughjorgan]

Lowa Tibet gtx

[fowl smacker]

Lowa Tibet gtx

That's what I'm running too, been very happy with them.

[Naches Sportsman]

Check out the Hoffman explorers.  Kinda like kenetreks and a little less expensive.

Treat them with nik wax every now and again along with obenaufs and they're the boot I wore while cruising timber and hunting in North Central Idaho. Great customer service if you go to the store as well!

[idaho guy]

I had the cabelas mendals which were great but started leaking after 2 years brought back to cabelas but they quit making. Lady gave me full trade on kennetrecks and I am sold on them 100 percent. I know it’s probably not the smartest way to do it but I wear the same boots almost year around starting elk archery, lion season and bear etc in the spring. It’s been 2 years and they are still in amazing shape. Support and comfort are great but durability is most important for me and kennetrecks are the best I have had for that