Elk Hunting Boots....

[pianoman9701]

Lowa Ranger GTX. I hunt the early archery season, so insulation isn't a factor. I would absolutely recommend them to other early season hunters. I think I've had this pair for 8 seasons now. I had them refurbished by the factory in Germany for $99 before the 2019 season - new soles, new rand, new inserts and laces, factory waterproofing. They'd have replaced them if the boots were un-refurbishable.  They've stayed waterproof with frequent bees wax treatments and the walls are still stiff.  For a like model, the new price is around $260 right now.

[Rainier10]

Irish setter elk trackers with 200 thinsulate have worked great for my feet for years.  I buy a new set every year and break them in doing light hiking and use the previous years pair for hunting.  The following year the break in pair becomes my hunting pair and the old hunting boots become my work around the property boots.

[blackveltbowhunter]

With that being said if you had a choice to just pick 1 what 1 would it be?

My first post stated I would do the Nevada.

[syoungs]

I got lowa tibet gtx's a couple years back. Never realized how beneficial good boots were until I did.
I also have danner pronghorns, pronghorns are great for light hikes and easy terrain, but arent even close to the tibets in support, traction or comfort under load.
Id love to try some other high end boots, but wearing a size 16 really really limits me.

I run lowa Tibet gtx’s as well great boot, best I’ve tried.

FYI kenetrek mountain extreme and Schnees granites and beartooths are built to size 16...

Good to know! The mountain extremes always peaked my curiosity, but ive never seen em in my size! Might have to grab a pair this year

[Mudman]

Irish setter elk trackers with 200 thinsulate have worked great for my feet for years.  I buy a new set every year and break them in doing light hiking and use the previous years pair for hunting.  The following year the break in pair becomes my hunting pair and the old hunting boots become my work around the property boots.

I run the 882 600g thinsulate.  Leather isnt suede and holds up better.  Super warm in snow but hot for other weathers.  I run the soles bare and through every couple years.  4th pair coming soon.

[M_ray]

Once one buys Kenetrek he finally realizes how crappy Danner are.

[Twispriver]

I have a 13 year old pair of Danner Pronghorns that I just love but they are absolutely on their last leg so I bought a new pair thinking I was getting the same thing - I hate the new ones and wore them for one day hunting in Montana after breaking them in on less demanding terrain. I am in the market for new boots again.

[HoytHunter24]

I dove head first and paid the $1100 for the custom Mountain Hunter boots from Lathrop and Sons 2 seasons ago. I really do like these boots. My first stiff mountain boot but I love them.

If I were to recommend them to someone I would say don’t go the full custom route. The $450 boots themselves are great but the extra cost for the “custom” setup wasn’t worth the money. All it is is a basic custom insole. I am waiting for my new Sheepfeet insoles to arrive to replace the L&S Synergy footbeds.

[Onewhohikes]

Did you say $1100???

[pianoman9701]

Did you say $1100???

They'd better come with a 320 bull!

[HoytHunter24]

Did you say $1100???

Yeah.... $450 for the boots. $500 for custom footbeds and service. $150 for 3D mapping kit. Plus shipping and tax...

I was tired of trying boots to be let down so I figured I could get a boot custom fit to my foot and be done.

[vandeman17]

Did you say $1100???

Yeah.... $450 for the boots. $500 for custom footbeds and service. $150 for 3D mapping kit. Plus shipping and tax...

I was tired of trying boots to be let down so I figured I could get a boot custom fit to my foot and be done.

Lifetime warranty along with stock options? 

[gutsnthegrass]

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

I got a pair of these this year, I was impressed with them. They will probably be on the warm side for early archery elk season though.

[b0bbyg]

I have been using the Lowa renegade GTX for 7-8 years, only complaint is that after 2 years they usually develop a small leak and I will notice the insole gets wet.  I have 3 pairs now and the oldest that leaks the worst just lives in AZ. Don't care about water proof down there.

Considering my lack of proper care and the abuse I have put them through they have out performed my expectations.  No break in was ever needed just buy them and use them. I never bought custom or replacement insoles for any of the 3 pairs but starting to consider this, they have lots of miles on them and insoles wear out before the boots so it might be time.

I imagine if I were to take better care and hit them with a wax like mentioned they probably would not leak at all. I have a 3 year old pair that I drug around in the rain this year slogging through ferns and Oregon grape. at the end of the day I would have a wet insole and sock just with a little moisture.

[Karl Blanchard]

Boots is always a very individual topic. The last three years I've gone on a boot crusade trying to find something I absolutely love. 17 pairs in the last 3 years.  So far I'm still searching but ive got some very solid boots that have served me well. LaSportiva makes a great boot and has been my current go to's. The Karakorum and the "blue boots" the frango TRK GTX have been just an absolute kick butt early season boot.  Only downfall to the blue boot is the tongue could be like half an inch to an inch longer.  Scapa kenisis pro gtx is another favorite. For an easier terrain boot I've liked the Solomon quest. Pretty light duty boot that wears out fast but very comfortable. They have been my go to for turkey hunting where I'm walking a lot of miles a day on logging roads. First pair I had I smoked in exactly one week on a Nevada hunt 

Boots i'll never buy again are kenetrek, anything with cabelas on it, and Crispi.  Kene's are notorious leakers, cabelas quality are garbage, and crispi's just flat out don't fit my foot right, plus I've known more than a few folks who have had pretty bad durability issues.