Author Topic: Lowa Hunter GTX vs Kenetrek Mt Xtreme (Read 29242 times)

colockumelk · « **on:** March 04, 2011, 06:57:27 PM »

My first question is how much insulation does the Lowa Hunter have??? My next question is I want to buy a good comfortable boot that I can use when hunting elk in the high country. I'll strictly be using this boot in September. Maybe someday the boot will go with me to Alaska. But primarily it'll be for elk in September. So here is my questions. Which boot would you recommend I buy. Also how much insulation should I go with. Will 400 grams be too much for September. Will the Lowa have enough insulation for September? Also does anybody have any pros/cons with these boots. Any experience thanks. I've found a deal on the Kenetreks 400's for $350 and their Non Insulated for $337 and a deal on the Lowa Hunter's for $330.

Lowa
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS381US381&q=lowa+hunter+gtx#q=lowa+hunter+gtx&hl=en&rlz=1T4ADRA_enUS381US381&prmd=ivns&source=univ&tbs=shop:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=CqNxTbunAYS8lQfiybGOAQ&ved=0CCoQrQQ&biw=1563&bih=606&bav=on.2,or.&fp=776639b973fad1f6

Kenetrek
http://www.footwearoutfitters.net/RW/ShowCat.cfm?OpenCat=63

time2hunt · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2011, 10:12:13 PM »

Go with the lowa ranger for September hunts and the gtx's for later in the season

norsepeak · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2011, 10:18:23 PM »

don't foget the Lathrop and sons. Great boots, I have a pair and love 'em, and I put on a lot miles each year in the woods.

ribka · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2011, 10:53:42 AM »

Both are good boots.

Go with non-insulated. Insulated are way too hot for Sept hunts.IMO You'll do fine with a non-insulated boot unless you are constantly in deep snow or are stand hunting.

I use a good water proof agent like obenaufs and wear two paris of socks and will be fine in colder weather. I late season elk and deer hunt in light snow with non-insulated boots.

longrange7mm · « **Reply #4 on:** March 05, 2011, 11:23:08 AM »

I have put many miles on with my GTX no complaints I have used them from desert condition to sheep country

Ironhead · « **Reply #5 on:** March 05, 2011, 05:05:01 PM »

I have had Lowa sheephunters for about 5 years now they are pretty much the same as the GTX. I have worn them for ealy archery and late
winter and they have been great for both.

elkaholic123 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2011, 05:35:09 PM »

I have the Kenetrek mountain extreme's in 1000gr-------they are not as warm as you would think,but I tend to get cold feet.The best fitting most comfortable boot I have worn

jackelope · « **Reply #7 on:** March 05, 2011, 09:01:32 PM »

Have you guys been in the high country in September? It's not hot...at least it might be snowing. I'd rather have the 400 grain boots and have it and not need it than freeze my feet off because of no insulation. Everybody's feet are different I guess. I've got the 400 grain Meindl's and am ok wearing them year round. I had them on in 11 degrees last November in the Blues and was good to go there too.

ribka · « **Reply #8 on:** March 05, 2011, 09:08:54 PM »

I hunt a lot in the snow with a quality non-insulated boot. As long as I am moving and wear 2 pairs of wool socks am fine down to 15 -20 degrees.imo

Stand hunting I go to a good pack boot

colockumelk · « **Reply #9 on:** March 07, 2011, 03:55:05 PM »

Thanks. For all the input. I went with the Lowas hunter gtx. They are normally $399 but I got a brand new pair for $287 to my door.

BLUEBULLS · « **Reply #10 on:** March 07, 2011, 04:05:41 PM »

I only wear 400gram boots, my feet never get too hot and rarely get cold.

For what it’s worth, I do notice that my Kenetreks w/ 400 are a little warmer than my danners with 400.

Little Dave · « **Reply #11 on:** March 07, 2011, 04:13:28 PM »

I had a pair of Lowa boots before, they lasted about four years. Best pair of boots I've had until the Kennetreks.

colockumelk · « **Reply #12 on:** March 07, 2011, 06:25:45 PM »

I couldn't pass up the deal on the Lowas but if they don't fit right or feel good ill He sending them back and will try the kenetreks.

colockumelk · « **Reply #13 on:** March 14, 2011, 08:50:58 PM »

My Lowa Hunter's finally came in. Its been an awsome day because my new turkey choke ALSO came in. Turkey season starts tomorrow but... between flight line and class I'm gone dusk til dawn so I'll have to wait until Saturday.

I strapped the Lowas on and they are definately high quality (They should be for the price

) They felt alright I guess. Different is a good word to describe them. I've definately never had boots this nice before or this stout. Out of the box they were not as comfy as my Danner's thats for sure but I can tell that they will provide alot more support and stability than my Danners. I only had time to wear them for about 10 minutes but they feel good. They are true to fit and feel nice and snug around my feet. Not tight but snug, like my feet can still breath and are not being constricted but still "snug" enough that they can't move anywhere. My heels are "locked" into place and wont slide around which is nice. Overall they feel good and is definately a boot that will not see its supreme comfort level until I put some miles on them. I can tell that once the foot bed conforms to my feet they are gonna be AWSOME!!! Especially if I put some Green Superfeet insoles in them. I'll post more when i get a chance.

JLS · « **Reply #14 on:** March 15, 2011, 03:38:18 PM »

After about 50 miles of break in they should be getting pretty comfy. Danner is not even in the same league as Lowa. The GTXs are very good boots. I wore my Lowa Sheep Hunters to climb Mt. Adams last year and they worked great. They are a little warm for September, I usually wear an uninsulated boot that time of year.

Good price too....

MtnMuley · « **Reply #15 on:** March 15, 2011, 04:21:33 PM »

Wow, I'm surprised there was overwhelming favor to the Lowa's. After owning them both, I am for Kenetrek all the way. Personally, I like the uninsulated, as I spend most of my time on the move. Most comfortable, best boot I've ever seen built.

colockumelk · « **Reply #16 on:** March 15, 2011, 05:58:21 PM »

Quote from: JLS on March 15, 2011, 03:38:18 PM

After about 50 miles of break in they should be getting pretty comfy. Danner is not even in the same league as Lowa. The GTXs are very good boots. I wore my Lowa Sheep Hunters to climb Mt. Adams last year and they worked great. They are a little warm for September, I usually wear an uninsulated boot that time of year.

Good price too....

That's good to hear JLS. These are definately way more of a boot than Danner. I just meant they are'nt pillow comfy out of the box like Danner. I chased my son around for 30 minutes today and they felt even better.

MtnMuley. I have always looked at the Kenetreck but I got a heck of a deal on the Lowas. $100 cheaper than the Kenetreks were. They feel great so I think I made a good decision. That being said I'm sure if I would have bought Kenetreks they would have been just as awsome.

Maligator · « **Reply #17 on:** March 15, 2011, 06:26:32 PM »

Quote from: colockumelk on March 07, 2011, 03:55:05 PM

Thanks. For all the input. I went with the Lowas hunter gtx. They are normally $399 but I got a brand new pair for $287 to my door.

That's a helluva deal. I'd have snagged them up at that price too!

JPhelps · « **Reply #18 on:** March 15, 2011, 06:43:00 PM »

I can't stress enough that you need to get a boot that fits you. Both of these boots have similar construction, if I remember correctly they both have full length shanks, full leather uppers, full rubber rands. The MAIN difference is they are built on different lasts. The Lowa tends to be narrower in the heel than the Kenetrek's.

A good deal on the internet can end up being a bad deal if they don't fit and the company doesn't have a good return policy and unfortunatley we never really now how the boot will feel until about 50 miles of break in.

JLS · « **Reply #19 on:** March 15, 2011, 09:34:07 PM »

Quote from: JPhelps on March 15, 2011, 06:43:00 PM

I can't stress enough that you need to get a boot that fits you. Both of these boots have similar construction, if I remember correctly they both have full length shanks, full leather uppers, full rubber rands. The MAIN difference is they are built on different lasts. The Lowa tends to be narrower in the heel than the Kenetrek's.

A good deal on the internet can end up being a bad deal if they don't fit and the company doesn't have a good return policy and unfortunatley we never really now how the boot will feel until about 50 miles of break in.

Exactly right. I would wear Danner Pronghorns before I'd wear Kennetreks. The Kennetrek last simply does not fit my foot. They are outstanding boots and I have friends that love them. I'd end up a cripple in one day wearing them.

Both are resoleable too, and should give you years of service. Just don't set them too close to the fire when you're warming up (voice of experience humbly speaking)

MtnMuley · « **Reply #20 on:** March 16, 2011, 08:16:00 AM »

Best of luck with them colockumelk, as they are also a great, high end, boot. I agree, at that price, a guy almost has to go that route.

JLS · « **Reply #21 on:** March 16, 2011, 09:10:51 AM »

One thought here on boot dressing. I used Obenauf's on two pairs of Lowas, and on each one had some delamination where the rand attaches to the leather. The repair shop I sent them to in Seattle told me not to use Obenauf's because of a chemical reaction with the salts in the leather that causes the delamination.

I'm not trying to start a flame war here, and I've used Obenauf's for years. But, I'd darned sure check with Lowa to see if they will warranty the boots if you choose to use that on them. Kennetrek began selling their own version of Obenauf's because they used a run of glue on the rands that would delaminate with the Obenauf's.

Good luck.

MtnMuley · « **Reply #22 on:** March 16, 2011, 10:06:12 AM »

Good info JLS. I hadn't heard that, but will be checking.

colockumelk · « **Reply #23 on:** March 17, 2011, 07:44:32 PM »

I had heard that about the Lowas having a narrow heel. This is another reason I tried them first. I have a wide forefoot and a regular heel. So with most boots if I get a wide I have a good fit up front but a sloppy heel. Or if I get a regular width boot I have a crammed front and a normal heel. These boots fit me awsome. The wide has enough room for my front and the "narrower" heel locks my heel in place.

JLS that is AWSOME info about the boot dressing. Which boot dressing would you recommend me using for my Lowas?

JLS · « **Reply #24 on:** March 17, 2011, 09:43:13 PM »

I use Nikwax or Sno Seal now. I still use Obenauf's on my Sheep Hunters cause I figure any damage is already done. The delamination was really bad on my Banffs, not so bad on the Sheep Hunters. The campfire hurt them way more than the Obenauf's did.

I guess I'd just check with them and make sure they'll stand behind warranty issues for delamination with whatever you wish to use.

MtnMuley · « **Reply #25 on:** March 18, 2011, 08:07:52 AM »

Nikwax made my Kenetreks squeel BAD! I spoke with Kenetrek several times and they said they had numerous complaints about that with the Nikwax that they originally recommended. He then recommended sno seal, which I've never really been a fan of for hunting boots. Kenetrek then modified there extreme boot by replacing a leather tongue section with a cordura. This has seemed to work on the noise issue so far, but I've also nioticed they are recommending their boot dressing now, and it sure appears to be just like, if not, Obenaufs.

Skyvalhunter · « **Reply #26 on:** March 18, 2011, 08:21:21 AM »

If you buy the Kennetrek Or for that matter Lowa's buy some freesole and go over the seams and stitching as your boots will last longer and be more water resistant. Personally I would go with the Kennetrek.

colockumelk · « **Reply #27 on:** March 19, 2011, 07:39:13 PM »

So I looked at the care info for the Lowas. And I'm sure its the exact same for any Leather Boot. It says not to use products that have oils or fats in them. Only use product that are wax based. I then did some poking around on the internet and this makes sense. Because when they tan leather they take all the oils and fats out of the leather. Thus if you use a product that has oils or fats in them it will literally rot the leather. So I looked on Sno-Seals website like some of you have recommended and they are a wax based product. So Sno-Seal it will be for my boots. I hope this helps someone else out as well. Remember if its leather ONLY use wax based products. No oils or fats.

JLS · « **Reply #28 on:** March 20, 2011, 10:50:00 PM »

That's true for chrome tanned leather, such as Lowas. However, there is also oil tanned leather like you'd find in White's. That is what Obenauf's was originally designed for. Obenauf's hit the hunting market by being approved for Gore-Tex footwear.

Thanks for the heads up on the Shoebuy sale. I have a pair of Lowa Baffins headed my way (that will see only Sno-Seal and sit far away from the campfire).

colockumelk · « **Reply #29 on:** March 22, 2011, 02:25:23 PM »

Hey no problem JLS. Just happy to pass on a good deal to anybody who is in the market for new boots.

Ironhead · « **Reply #30 on:** March 24, 2011, 05:15:09 AM »

Colockumelk,
This may have already been suggested (I didn't read back through the entire thread) but, the green super feet insoles are extremely comfortable and lock your foot in to the boot. I highly recommend these.

colockumelk · « **Reply #31 on:** March 24, 2011, 01:04:48 PM »

Ironhead I think I might have mentioned that I was going to purchase the green superfeet. Most people highly recommend them. I read a boot review article in Eastmans that said all the boots they looked at (Meindle, kenetrek, lowas, hanwag/lathrop&sons, zamberlan) all had cheap crummy insoles and when you buy one of these boots "the first thing you should do is repla ce the insoles....)

Consider the greenfeet bought and paid for.

MtnMuley · « **Reply #32 on:** March 24, 2011, 04:07:04 PM »

Hmm. I've never had a problem with Kenetrek's insoles at all. I've destroyed two pair, and have never had sore feet. Their insoles are built in. I've added $60 top of the line liners to see how they worked, and ended up with rub blisters on the back of my heels. Personally, I'd never screw with my Kenetreks again. Boy, was I pissed. I can't speak for the Lowa's though, as I've never tried a liner in them. I also have a friend that added nice insoles to his Kenetreks when they were new. Four months of breaking them in later, he was still getting heel blisters when hiking up hill. I asked if he had ever tried taking the insoles out. He said no. He took them out, and has never had a blister since. Just like different boots fit different peoples feet, the same is true for liners in my opinion.

norsepeak · « **Reply #33 on:** March 24, 2011, 04:10:54 PM »

True statement colockum, the Lathrop & Sons, had an o.k. insole, but the first thing I did when I got them was upgrade the insole, got the Synergy insoles from Lathrop & Sons, like walkin on a pillow.

colockumelk · « **Reply #34 on:** March 24, 2011, 07:46:09 PM »

I would rate the insoles of the Lowas as fair. Definately not something I'm gonna want to put some extra miles on though. I will be buying some Greenfeet or maybe some Synergy soles.

Also I have no experience with any of the other brands of boots mentioned. That just what the article in Eastmans said.

WARHORSE · « **Reply #35 on:** March 24, 2011, 07:59:47 PM »

turkey season opens march 15? what state are you in?

Quote from: colockumelk on March 14, 2011, 08:50:58 PM

My Lowa Hunter's finally came in. Its been an awsome day because my new turkey choke ALSO came in. Turkey season starts tomorrow but... between flight line and class I'm gone dusk til dawn so I'll have to wait until Saturday.

I strapped the Lowas on and they are definately high quality (They should be for the price ) They felt alright I guess. Different is a good word to describe them. I've definately never had boots this nice before or this stout. Out of the box they were not as comfy as my Danner's thats for sure but I can tell that they will provide alot more support and stability than my Danners. I only had time to wear them for about 10 minutes but they feel good. They are true to fit and feel nice and snug around my feet. Not tight but snug, like my feet can still breath and are not being constricted but still "snug" enough that they can't move anywhere. My heels are "locked" into place and wont slide around which is nice. Overall they feel good and is definately a boot that will not see its supreme comfort level until I put some miles on them. I can tell that once the foot bed conforms to my feet they are gonna be AWSOME!!! Especially if I put some Green Superfeet insoles in them. I'll post more when i get a chance.

JBR · « **Reply #36 on:** March 25, 2011, 02:10:03 PM »

My new Kenetrek Mtn Extreme 400 boots arrived yesterday.....ahhhhhh.. C'mon turkey season!

colockumelk · « **Reply #37 on:** March 25, 2011, 07:33:11 PM »

WARHORSE I'm learning to fly the Apache in Alabama. Their turkey season runs from March 15 to May 1

dreamingbig · « **Reply #38 on:** March 30, 2011, 12:58:30 PM »

The Lowas have worked for me. I bought my first pair 5 seasons ago and they are still going strong. Blister count reads zero. One thing I will mention is that the waterproofness gives out after a few days of the Washington rain but buy a pair of goretex socks and you are good to go.

westside Elkhunter · « **Reply #39 on:** April 01, 2011, 10:45:31 AM »

Have had my kenetrek Extreme 400 for 4 years. Have enjoyed them since I've bought them. They fit my feet well and very comfortable. Use them from turkey hunting to elk hunting in the high country. And still in good condition.

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Author Topic: Lowa Hunter GTX vs Kenetrek Mt Xtreme (Read 29242 times)

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