Early season boots

[High Climber]

What’s everybody liking for tramping around the mountains in September? I’m due for some new boots this year as my Whites Lochsa have been abused to the point of no return between work and hunting  . I like the whites as they are comfortable, tough, waterproof, and not terribly heavy. Maybe I will buy another pair but wanted to see if I am missing the latest greatest thing in early season footwear!

Criteria: Waterproof, on the lighter side, 6”-10” upper, and tough enough to hunt elk in rough country.

Ideas?

[Rutnbuxnbulls]

I tried to go lighter a few Septembers ago, it was a mistake. Bought a pair of Irish Setters lightweight hikers but no support, no backbone. Then went to a non insulated Crispi Nevada and haven’t had a problem. I were skinny wool socks early, thick ones late. I’m sold on a mountaineering boot. Better support, construction and traction.

[hughjorgan]

I like lowas. Very comfortable no break in time. I’ve been using the baldo gtx in the spring and early fall hunts. Light weight and sturdy boot.

https://www.lowaboots.com/mens/backpacking/baldo-gtx?v=36017

[Jonathan_S]

I am sold on the Asolo Fugitive GTX but like any boot, some like and some hate.

[High Climber]

I tried to go lighter a few Septembers ago, it was a mistake. Bought a pair of Irish Setters lightweight hikers but no support, no backbone. Then went to a non insulated Crispi Nevada and haven’t had a problem. I were skinny wool socks early, thick ones late. I’m sold on a mountaineering boot. Better support, construction and traction.

I’ve had a set of crispis in the past, and will probably have another set at some point. Looking to give something lighter a shot this go around and see if it helps with leg fatigue at all.

[High Climber]

I like lowas. Very comfortable no break in time. I’ve been using the baldo gtx in the spring and early fall hunts. Light weight and sturdy boot.

https://www.lowaboots.com/mens/backpacking/baldo-gtx?v=36017

Those Baldo gtx look like a good contender, thanks I hadn’t seen those before

[High Climber]

I am sold on the Asolo Fugitive GTX but like any boot, some like and some hate.

Those look interesting as well. They remind me of la sportiva glaciers I’ve had. Where do you buy yours? I checked REI in Spokane and nothing in stock.
A couple different guys at work are using the Salewa Repace gtx and love them, again I’m having a hard time finding a set to try on.

[boneaddict]

I guess I’m simple. I wear the same boots in September as I do in November.   Kenetreks and at size 15 they are a cow a piece. 

[High Climber]

I guess I’m simple. I wear the same boots in September as I do in November.   Kenetreks and at size 15 they are a cow a piece. 

Dang mister I thought 14’s were hard to find  . I got a pair of insulated kenetreks for work and late season whitetail hunting last season so I’m in a good spot to get a dedicated pair for warmer weather.

[jrebel]

Same boot year round for hunting and hiking.  Good set of merino wool socks in lighter weight fabric for early hunting and heavier weight for later hunting.  Good socks and good boots really make a difference in my hunting attitude.  Happy feet….happy me!! 

[Rutnbuxnbulls]

Also put good socks on your feet. I like Darn Tough brand, lifetime warranty, tons of styles.

[High Climber]

Good points about the socks gents merino wool is the way to go, darn toughs really are great socks!

[Boss .300 winmag]

I guess I’m simple. I wear the same boots in September as I do in November.   Kenetreks and at size 15 they are a cow a piece. 

Yep.👍

[jrebel]

I wear these socks year around at work.  I work 48 hour shifts and wear boots for the majority of that time.  They hold up super well and my feet never stink.  Great sock at a very reasonable price. 

https://www.sportsmans.com/footwear-outdoor-casual-men-women-youth/mens-outdoor/socks/killik-mens-lightweight-hunting-socks/p/1737698?channel=shopping&gclid=CjwKCAjw8ZKmBhArEiwAspcJ7i_MGc-csuJYpCnOzVU0zPkXCJhF2_eGV5ur6cgDNr7ACdtWQSctAhoC52kQAvD_BwE

[mburrows]

Same for me as far footwear sept through Nov. Some thicker socks when it gets colder and pack an extra pair. I always carry an extra pair of socks to swap when my feet get sweaty especially when it’s cold, makes a big difference for me.

I’m on my 3rd pair of zamberlan baltoros, they’re good to my feet.

[MeepDog]

I tried to go lighter a few Septembers ago, it was a mistake. Bought a pair of Irish Setters lightweight hikers but no support, no backbone. Then went to a non insulated Crispi Nevada and haven’t had a problem. I were skinny wool socks early, thick ones late. I’m sold on a mountaineering boot. Better support, construction and traction.

I tried Irish setters for 1 bear season. My ankles rolled nonstop in those flimsy things. Also they wear out in record time.

After walking around 3 stores in boots I settled on the crispi summits uninsulated. They are much lighter than Colorado's or Nevada's, but have way more support than Irish setters. They don't have the full ankle bone support system, but I'm not a big guy and haven't had any issues with my ankles. I used them to summit Adams last weekend with no issues not even any blisters from a 15 mile day and they have endured about 250 miles so far with absolutely no wear and tear to show for it.
My only complaint, which applies to almost all boots is that when cheat grass finds it's way into the boot it's a PITA to get out of the liner.

[Gettin Birdie]

I've tried a lot of boots, I found Zamberlan and have never turned back.  I have 6" & 8" Lynx or Leopards?  Lace up, not the pull tights and they are awesome for early and mid season.  I saw the 6" on camofire for like $220 so ordered them for a summer season type boot.  All are waterproof and have stayed that way through abuse, unlike my Danners after they went China cheap, never again!  I also have a 10" Zamberlan boot like the kenetrek mountains?, little more support if needed for big trips/loads, light and bombproof.  Break in time has been nil to minimal on all of them.  And I have Kenetreks insulated for late season, like you.  Both brands are great, as well with all the others listed, just what feels good to you I guess.  Try a pair on if you can!   

[pianoman9701]

I like lowas. Very comfortable no break in time. I’ve been using the baldo gtx in the spring and early fall hunts. Light weight and sturdy boot.

https://www.lowaboots.com/mens/backpacking/baldo-gtx?v=36017

  Lowa Ranger GTX. Incredible customer service and repair.

[Mtnwalker]

Currently breaking in a pair of Hanwag Makra Combis, so far so good. Very light and still fairly rigid. Wanted something that wasn’t full leather for early season warm weather

[BULLBLASTER]

I try to avoid goretex for my early season/ summer boots. Lowa baffin pro leather lined are working for me now, my feet stay cooler and drier than when i wore salomon quest.

[High Climber]

Picked up some Lowa renegade gtx today at Whites in Spokane 
These are definitely lighter duty and remind me more of the old Danner Pronghorn style boots. Hopefully they hold up ok but man are they comfortable right out of the box!

[MIKEXRAY]

I also got the Zamberlan Leopards at 40% off last year and love them.  Super supportive, no hot spots, lots of no complaint miles of hiking and use them for work occasionally.  Mine was also around $ 220, gives me a better attitude hiking as well lol.  Hope everyone has a great season,  coming up quickly. 

[spin05]

i wear Hoffman explorers. Still got to have a good sturdy boot to pack meat.   In the late hunt i wear the same but insulated.         https://hoffmanboots.com/hoffman-mountain-boots