Author Topic: hiking / hunting boots (Read 12998 times)

scottcrb · « **on:** January 19, 2012, 03:18:52 PM »

im thinking about getting a new pair of boots with my tax money and wanted to see what you guys thought. i have been looking at the han wag the crispi and some asolo and zamberlains as well as the danners and kennetreks. i cant find many places to try many of these on around seattle area. any thoughts or ideas? i will mainly use for hiking and turkey and elk hunting eastern wa stuff and some high country.

RadSav · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2012, 03:33:57 PM »

The Hanwags are amazingly good, but you have to order on faith. Though they will keep sending you new sizes if the ones they help you choose are not right. Same great service with Kennetrek even though I have found the Hanwag more comfortable for my foot. Want a fantastic non-insulated boot that will help you climb like a mountain goat? Try the La Sportiva Trango ALP GTX. That's one kick ass lightweight and my all time favorite.

Just stay away from USA/China if you want something that is going to perform more than one year. Hard to go wrong with Meindle, Hanwag, Lowa, Kennetrek or La Sportiva. Just have to find the one your foot likes.

scottcrb · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2012, 05:08:10 PM »

awesome thanks radsav

colockumelk · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2012, 05:49:18 PM »

Yeah I agree with Radsav. I wanted Kenetreks and on a whim tried the Lowas as well. The Lowas fit MY foot better. So I got the Lowas based on that. When you are looking at the high quality boots they are ALL good boots. Pick the one that fits YOUR foot best.

scottcrb · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2012, 05:53:54 PM »

thats the hard part most of them are hard to find at retailers so u just have to order them and try. rei carrys some but not han wag or kenetrek or some of the others.

hughjorgan · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2012, 07:02:04 PM »

I bought a pair of asolo boots online last summer for elk hunting. They are a great boot, super comfortable, no break in required, they are rugged and real sturdy boot. You should be able to find some asolo or zamberlains at REI to try on.

RadSav · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2012, 09:43:08 PM »

Go some place that fully understands how mountaineering boots are suppose to fit and work. It's a drive from Seattle, but few are better than Whittaker Mountaineering. Not sure how Marmot in Bellevue is, but I've heard good things. These guys will get you fitted and sized correctly rather than some neophite who doesn't understand the difference between a basketball shoe and a trekking boot. They should also be able to tell you US and UK sizing which does come in very handy.

The Hanwag guys at Lathrop and Sons can tell you how nearly all the different brands very in size and they gladly share such information to make sure you make the right decision. I always wore the wrong size just figuring I had troublesome feet and could do nothing about it. Then I spent about five emails and a half hour on the phone with Lathrop. Now I hunt harder and am not in such a rush to get my boots off as soon as I get home or back to camp.

Schnees, Kennetrek and Lathrop will all bend over backward to make sure you are happy. They fully understand for the average person this is a big decision and a lot of money. They sell service first and boots second. Hard to find that at your local box store, REI or Cabela's.

Good luck. Hope you let us know what you decide.

norsepeak · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2012, 10:03:59 PM »

got the lathrop & sons han wag and the kenetreks, love them both great boots. L&S are a stiffer and tougher for the really nasty steep rocks, kenetreks are more comfortable over all.

JJB11B · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2012, 10:43:46 PM »

I Have the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. My feet stay dry and warm all day in 20 degree weather and my boots are not even insulated. Just get boots that are big enough to allow for a good quality wool sock. My

is that half the battle of footcare and comfort is quality socks

MikeWalking · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2012, 10:52:15 PM »

Quote from: JJB11B on January 19, 2012, 10:43:46 PM

My is that half the battle of footcare and comfort is quality socks

Amen.

atfulldraw · « **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2012, 11:21:21 PM »

My

is that half the battle of footcare and comfort is quality socks
[/quote] x2

JJB11B · « **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2012, 11:27:13 PM »

Also...Feet sweat so bring spare socks and change them. Makes all the difference in the world.

MikeWalking · « **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2012, 11:43:50 PM »

Ignored that little voice in my head and bought a pair of Zamberlains that had an itty-bitty hot spot on one shin. Got home from the first hike with 4 bloody sores on each foot.

One of the constants on this Site has been people loving Kennetrek.

JJB11B · « **Reply #13 on:** January 19, 2012, 11:57:50 PM »

I dont think the phrase "You get what you pay for" could ring any more true in this case. Totally worth the money. I ruin footwear, it's what I do. I rarely can keep the same boots for more than a year. Even my danners fall apart in a year, soles go bald, stitching comes undone, lace loups tear out, gore tex leaks or frays. These boots come with a great warranty and rumor has it that the customer service is steak sauce!

Miles · « **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2012, 12:47:53 AM »

I wouldn't buy the Danners, unless you want to use your tax return to buy a pair of boots again next year...

Have you tried on a pair of Lowa boots? Keep an eye on www.sierratradingpost.com for some good deals if you find a boot that you like.

I use the Lowa Renegades and while they are not a mountaineering boot, they are a quality hiker. For general hiking, turkey hunting, and elk hunting on the east-side, I would recommend them. They are light and FAR more comfortable then the Danner Pronghorns. I put a Danner on one foot, Lowa on the other, and walked around for a while. I couldn't believe how much better the Lowa's felt compared to the danners.
Then I took both Lowa boots and put one quality wool sock on one foot, and the same sock on the other foot but with a Cabela's coolmax liner. The liners definitely make a big difference. I would suggest trying them if you don't already have a pair.

Bean Counter · « **Reply #15 on:** January 20, 2012, 02:17:13 AM »

Quote

I wouldn't buy the Danners, unless you want to use your tax return to buy a pair of boots again next year...

I'm guessing you're referring to the $100 imported models. Ive had a pair of the $250 Acadias for three years now with a ton of rough outdoor use on them. My hunting buddies have easily gone through multiple pairs, say $500+ in ' cheaper' boots over the same period.

They' re not the most.cushioned boot and theyre a bit on the heavy side. 'Cheap', however, doesn't fit in the description.

Miles · « **Reply #16 on:** January 20, 2012, 02:57:37 AM »

Quote from: Bean Counter on January 20, 2012, 02:17:13 AM

Quote
I wouldn't buy the Danners, unless you want to use your tax return to buy a pair of boots again next year...

I'm guessing you're referring to the $100 imported models.

That would be correct. After seeing how cheaply made the pronghorns are, I couldn't bring myself to purchase another boot made by Danner. If a company is happy turning out POS boots for $100-$200, I'm not going to go and give them $200+ just to get their "quality" boot. There are plenty of other manufacturers that concentrate on quality. When a person has to shop around to make sure a certain model was made in the US and not imported, I tend to question the company as a whole...

scottcrb · « **Reply #17 on:** January 22, 2012, 12:34:45 PM »

awesome thanks for all the info. i think i have narrowed it down to about 4 companies and about 8 different boots that i want to try . all based off of your guys suggestions. what are the cabelas cool max liners like? are they like a sock or an actual liner? do i need to allow space for those if i was interested in them? do you guys have a specific sock you recommend ? i have a bunch o smart wools and just bought some of the lorpen heavy duty hiking socks from camo fire. my feet notoriously get cold but i think its because they sweat a lot. my feet are either hot or cold no middle ground.

Bean Counter · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2012, 01:56:42 PM »

Take your new nice pair of socks and liners and put those on when you try out a boot. Also, go in the late afternoon when your feet have swollen up after half a day of walking around.

huntnnw · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2012, 10:43:42 PM »

this thread reminds me of people telling what YOU should like to eat or what wine YOU should like..everyone is different. try them all..Tell you right now high end danners will not fall apart in a year.

Miles · « **Reply #20 on:** January 22, 2012, 11:03:00 PM »

Quote from: Bean Counter on January 22, 2012, 01:56:42 PM

Take your new nice pair of socks and liners and put those on when you try out a boot. Also, go in the late afternoon when your feet have swollen up after half a day of walking around.

JJB11B · « **Reply #21 on:** January 22, 2012, 11:36:24 PM »

Quote from: huntnnw on January 22, 2012, 10:43:42 PM

this thread reminds me of people telling what YOU should like to eat or what wine YOU should like..everyone is different. try them all..Tell you right now high end danners will not fall apart in a year.

Mine did

colockumelk · « **Reply #22 on:** February 02, 2012, 07:51:41 PM »

Wow really? Mine did two trips to Iraq and lasted two more hunting seasons. My buddies lasted a trip to Iraq and one year in Paktika province. If a boot lasts a year on the Pakistani border they will take anything hunting in WA can throw at them. I will admit though when he went to Iraq he was in a Stryker unit so he probably didn't walk anywhere other than the DFAC. Death before dismount right

colockumelk · « **Reply #23 on:** February 02, 2012, 07:55:49 PM »

Quote from: JJB11B on January 19, 2012, 10:43:46 PM

I Have the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. My feet stay dry and warm all day in 20 degree weather and my boots are not even insulated. Just get boots that are big enough to allow for a good quality wool sock. My is that half the battle of footcare and comfort is quality socks

Don't you wish they were authorized foot wear for work.

JJB11B · « **Reply #24 on:** February 04, 2012, 10:29:17 AM »

yessir!

JJB11B · « **Reply #25 on:** February 04, 2012, 10:32:13 AM »

Quote from: colockumelk on February 02, 2012, 07:51:41 PM

when he went to Iraq he was in a Stryker unit so he probably didn't walk anywhere other than the DFAC. Death before dismount right

barff

pianoman9701 · « **Reply #26 on:** February 04, 2012, 10:32:22 AM »

I love my Lowas

JLS · « **Reply #27 on:** February 04, 2012, 11:02:52 AM »

Quote from: Bean Counter on January 20, 2012, 02:17:13 AM

Quote
I wouldn't buy the Danners, unless you want to use your tax return to buy a pair of boots again next year...

I'm guessing you're referring to the $100 imported models. Ive had a pair of the $250 Acadias for three years now with a ton of rough outdoor use on them. My hunting buddies have easily gone through multiple pairs, say $500+ in ' cheaper' boots over the same period.

They' re not the most.cushioned boot and theyre a bit on the heavy side. 'Cheap', however, doesn't fit in the description.

I'm not going to tell you what boot you SHOULD buy, but I'll give you my experience. I wear Acadias for work, and I would NEVER buy them for hunting/hiking purposes. For a little more money you can get a top of the line European made trekking/backpacking boot that I find to be much more comfortable.

The Danners offer zero lateral stability, and not much more in the way of comfort in my opinion. FWIW, I wear Lowas and have for about six years now. I wish I would have discovered them 20 years ago.

Good luck in your search.

MDGrand · « **Reply #28 on:** February 06, 2012, 08:24:14 AM »

I just got back from the SCI show in Vegas and Kenntrek had a booth. Tried on a pair of Hardscrabble Hikers.. VERY surprised at how comfortable they were. I figured with as stiff as soles as they came with, that they would need some good breaking in, but they felt better than any other boot I have tried on before. I figured I would most likely pick up a pair of Lathrop & Sons custom made Hanwags one day but these seem just as good and have the same stiff sole type of build to them.

So.. I ordered me a pair. Hopefully they get here soon.

My recommendation is Kenntreks.

Bean Counter · « **Reply #29 on:** February 06, 2012, 12:43:53 PM »

Sounds great, MD! Please beat the heck out them a bit and let us know how they hold up

dromero · « **Reply #30 on:** February 12, 2012, 02:06:08 PM »

Danner Grouse Hunter (USA made) and Combat Hiker(USA made) both right around $300. Both fit great and are comfortable all day. I hunt North East Wa alot and the Blues alittle. I put miles on these with a minimum of 25 lbs daypack. Great boots, waterproof, can't say enough good things about them.

And I take comfort knowing that my 600 US dollars support US families right over in Portland.

Tim in Wa. · « **Reply #31 on:** February 24, 2012, 05:30:43 AM »

Have any of you tried Crispi boots.They are relative new comers in the US but they may be worth checking out
Tim

dreamingbig · « **Reply #32 on:** February 24, 2012, 06:52:43 AM »

Another vote for Lowas here (first pair of Lowa Tibets have lasted 6 hunting & summer scouting seasons so far) but you should still try them all and find the one that fits your foot the best.

I have also heard very good things about the Hanwags and Kennetreks.

NWWA Hunter · « **Reply #33 on:** February 24, 2012, 07:33:32 AM »

My last danners lasted one elk hunt in Alaska and fell apart. The pair before, one year. Buddies have same problems too. My first pair I got when they made them in usa lasted my dad probably 5+ years and me 3+ before starting to leak. Sad to see this happen. I will never buy danners again. Yaegers in Bellingham has kennetrek. I love the kennetrek and hunted them right out the box with out discomfort. I am sure that all other mountaineering boots previously in the post(schnees, Han wag, crispi, etc) are great. I tried a few brands at a show and they told me you should have like 1/2" between your toe and boot. I also second the idea of good socks. When I had danners my calves and feet would get sore and I bought ingenious socks and that changed. Also agree you should buy what's comfortable.

scottcrb · « **Reply #34 on:** March 05, 2012, 08:18:57 PM »

so i got my tax return and did some more research and narrowed it down to hanwag, lowa ,and crispi. and after reading more and talking to people i called up lathrop and sons today and ordered a pair of the hanwag alaska gtx. talked to a person on the phone a couple times about sizing and all and seemed very nice and helpful. only thing is they are out until first of aparil-ish. hope i get them and have time to break them in before turkey season. Anyway im excited to get them. they will be my first pair of good hiking boots ever. Thank you all so much for all the advice and help. hopefully everyone has a good hunt this year.

MDGrand · « **Reply #35 on:** March 05, 2012, 08:30:57 PM »

Quote from: scottcrb on March 05, 2012, 08:18:57 PM

so i got my tax return and did some more research and narrowed it down to hanwag, lowa ,and crispi. and after reading more and talking to people i called up lathrop and sons today and ordered a pair of the hanwag alaska gtx. talked to a person on the phone a couple times about sizing and all and seemed very nice and helpful. only thing is they are out until first of aparil-ish. hope i get them and have time to break them in before turkey season. Anyway im excited to get them. they will be my first pair of good hiking boots ever. Thank you all so much for all the advice and help. hopefully everyone has a good hunt this year.

NICE! That was my other choice I was considering. I just happen to put on the Kenetreks first. Did you do the custom foot calibration/foot tracing?

scottcrb · « **Reply #36 on:** March 05, 2012, 08:36:43 PM »

no didnt want to spend the $700 dollars for all of that and i already have the foot beds and spray. $344 for just the boots or $660 for the boots and gold package was too much for me.

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Author Topic: hiking / hunting boots (Read 12998 times)

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