Elk Hunting Boots....

[WapitiTalk1]

When folks ask me what the most important piece of elk hunting gear is (either for newer elk hunters, or, those looking to upgrade something) I usually say "get some good boots".  A close second would be a top shelf all in one pack but that's for another thread. 

Allrighty, what elk huntin' boots did you use this year, and, do you like them?  Would you recommend them to another hunter?  If dissatisfied with your current boots (why are they not meeting the mark), what are you looking at getting?  OK, let's talk about elk hunting boots 

[Dark2Dark]

I wear the Kuiu/Scarpa R Evolution. They are great for heavy load carrying and unstable surfaces. They are dry and dry easily if they get a little sweaty, since they are synthetic.

I walked through a creek in them several days this fall and got to the other side with dry feet (wearing gaiters).

My other boots are Irish Setter Elk Trackers. They are warmer (being insulated), slightly more comfy and less money. But, I don’t trust them as much for functionality- stability, load-carrying or waterproofness.

[Jpmiller]

I used danner Canadians for the first time this year. I like them plenty well enough I'll keep using them in cold weather spots. I liked the sole better than I thought and they didn't hurt my feet. For some reason I didn't "love" them even though they performed well throughout the season and Evey time I wore them to break them in beforehand.

[JimmyHoffa]

I used the Cabela's Pine Ridge Uninsulated this year.  In the past I've always used the insulated versions.  Seems to be the only boot that has the bob style sole I like for the terrains I go.  The insulated versions have an all leather option, kind of why I stayed away from the uninsulated for so long--which has Cordura camo uppers.  The insulated ones always seemed to leak and take forever to dry.  So this year I decided to go uninsulated even though they aren't all leather.  Didn't leak and any sweat seemed to dry just fine.  For late season it rained pretty much every day, plus plenty of creek crossings.  Didn't seem to get cold even when going up in the snow, so probably try again next season.

[Stein]

For cold weather I have a pair of Cabelas Pine Ridge, I like them quite a bit as they are warm, dry and fairly flexible.

For warmer weather I use Altra Lone Peak mids, I was in these most of this year as the temps were so crazy warm the week we were in MT.  Super light, breathable and good traction.

I bought my son a pair of the Pine Ridge boots this year and he seemed to like them as well.  Good option for the price, you can get them on sale for around $100 and I've gotten good wear out of them in the past.  Seems to be one of the few Cabelas things I still buy anymore.

[ridgefire]

My last two pairs of boots have been Hanwag Alaska GTX and they have been great. Tons of support, super comfortable, zero hotspots and I have never had wet feet. What more do you want in a boot.

[JakeLand]

 Crispi Idaho GTX ! Best boot I’ve worn rigid but still flexible for stalking western wa hunting . Feet dry and comfortable all day best boot I’ve worn

[TooTallMike]

Zamberlan 981 wasatch!

I've worn and owned a lot of issued boots over the years and they sucked but you just drive on. This past year I bought my first pair of zamberlans and oh my goodness they are AWESOME!

Spent the whole muzzy season on the west side in all the thick stuff. My feet were never wet and they have outstanding ankle support. And held up to heavy loads too. Would 100% recommend them and I'm saving up for a second pair.

Very easy to break in too. At least try them on if you can..

Also this is just my opinion and experience in just a dood who carried heavy stuff a long ways for the gubment

[Tracker0721]

I’ve been trying various pairs of boots for almost 6 years since my danner pronghorns broke and last summer(2019) got a pair of Irish setter elk trackers and they’ve been my favorite boots. They’re also the only pair that have lasted an entire year without any damage. I do oil them and had to change laces after my puppy chewed em but besides that they’re great. I’ve even wore them a lot for work, construction and roofing. They’ve gotta have in the thousands of miles on them now.

[MADMAX]

I used danner Canadians for the first time this year. I like them plenty well enough I'll keep using them in cold weather spots. I liked the sole better than I thought and they didn't hurt my feet. For some reason I didn't "love" them even though they performed well throughout the season and Evey time I wore them to break them in beforehand.

Got a pair of Danner Canadian 10 inch
I like them
I wish they had a different style tread
Otherwise 👍

[Jpmiller]

I used danner Canadians for the first time this year. I like them plenty well enough I'll keep using them in cold weather spots. I liked the sole better than I thought and they didn't hurt my feet. For some reason I didn't "love" them even though they performed well throughout the season and Evey time I wore them to break them in beforehand.

Got a pair of Danner Canadian 10 inch
I like them
I wish they had a different style tread
Otherwise 👍

I don't like the tread but honestly we did a fair amount of sidehilling and climbing hills in snow and never had any slippage issues. When breaking them in over the summer the wife noticed they sure track alot of mess through the house though 

[MADMAX]

Agree
I had Meindels with vibram sole
Worked great until it came completely off and had to hike out on the shank
Danners for last 30 years have worked pretty darn well

[Stein]

For longevity, I haven't found anything that can match Vibram soles for sure.

[kentrek]

Kentrek mountain guides for the heavy load hunting...been running crispy Colorados here in AZ and really miss the stability of my guides

[JL]

Uninsulated USMC Gore-Tex Rat boots / non-steel toe. Amazed how these have held up. Danner and Bates. Haven't tried the newer version but may have to in another 5 years.

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