Back country boots?

[180-GRAIN]

Alright I covered clothing in a previous post. Was wondering what everyones opinion is on a good high country hiking/hunting boot for washingtons high country? I have used my danner elk hunters the last couple years and they are just to bulky. A little heavy! They also start to hurt the bottoms of my feet after about 6 hours of hiking/hunting. I'm in the market for something a little lighter and more comfortable. Of course waterproof and good traction to. I guess I'm looking for the whole package.

[quadrafire]

I use the Vasque Summit GTX. Very comfortable, sturdy, great traction.

[fillthefreezer]

let me run down the most popular list i can think of but it really comes down to what fits your feet.
kenetrek, lowa, vasque, meindl, asolo, hanwag....

[blackveltbowhunter]

    Elk Hunter magazine and Western Hunter just ran a couple articles on boots that were very informative. If you can find them they are worth a read if looking at new boots.

   Boots are tough. Period. What may be a dream boot for one guy, is hell for another. In my limited circle of friends, we all have different preferences in boots. The problem is compounded by the fact that its difficult to really evaluate a boot without buying them first. Many of the upper end boots require a significant breakin if using a PU midsole, and even EVA can require some floor time. Then factor in thats IF you can find the boots available to try on first and its easy to see why folks get passionate about their boots.

   The truth is any of the quality manufactures are gonna make a great boot, built to last and be comfortable.

 Heres my   Try on as many as you can prior to purchase, and that may take some time. Once you have narrowed down the choices of boots that may fill your need, try to locate a place to try them on. Keep notes on exactly what sizes fit you, and in what brands. Any you cant try on, give a call to the company. Outfits like kenetrek, and schnees want your business and their folks are super helpful in trying to get you into the right size. Thats where the notes come in handy, often times they can reccomend a size based on that info. Also ask them questions about a return policy and break in information. Once you do decide on a pair, wear them inside, and get them on a treadmill. At home or gym whatever... just put some miles on them.  I like to use varied setting up hill and flat. downhill is tough, but going down stairs is close. If after putting some mileage on you are getting a bad vibe through this test run send em back or return em. And try another pair. Good luck!

[AKBowman]

I've used different models of Asolo's over the past 10 years. I think the key is no matter what manufacturer you get is to throw away the insoles that come with the boot and buy a set of Superfeet insoles. IMO this makes all the difference in the world.

The Asolo models I have worn are the Alpinist, which is great for high hunts or any type of really steep terrain and Fugitive GTX. For elk hunting I would say the Alpinist were slightly over kill on shank stiffness and ankle support. I like the GTX's for the reason they are lighter and slightly better when pushing the mtn bike uphill in the mornings on the logging roads.

[quadrafire]

Yea AK thumbs up for the superfeet. I forgot about that.

[blackveltbowhunter]

 

[180-GRAIN]

So I bought the summit vasque GTX boots and they seemed very comfy and like they were going to work great. I worked out on my stair stepper a few times with them on to see how they would fit and they seemed great. However when I actually hit the woods with them they were comfy and worked great for everything except for they seem to rub the bone on the sied of my ankle. Well I guess it would be about 3 inches above my ankle bone, anyway its not blistering or anything just ends up bruising the bone and leaves a lunp there. Whats happening is the top of the boot is rubbing that spot. Anybody else have this problem :dunno:and I was looking for suggestions on how to cure this. Should I put padding in that area or something until they soften up?

[washelkhunter]

Try sticking a mole skin patch to your ankle till that areas broken in completely.

[180-GRAIN]

Right on I will try that thanks.

[link]

look on the classifieds. There is a pretty good deal on some Kennetreks. They are great boots.

[Bshiftbc]

I love my Kenetreks. They gave some great deals on Camofire once in a while too.

[BrushChimp]

Just got a pair of Kenetrek Mountain Extreme's here awhile back and love them so far. They were really comfortable right out of the box, but still seem stiff enough to provide good support for packing heavy loads out of the mountains after a successful hunt.

[bow-n-head]

You mention the bottoms of your feet hurt. I have the same problem, and I have tried 75% of the afore mentioned boots. What helped me the most was a very soft insole. I just bought a pair of Crispi's on Camofire.

[norsepeak]

Kenetreck or Lathrop & Sons.  I have both and love them.  Remember, you get what you pay for, spend the money on some high quality boots and don't look back.  I've put a LOT of miles on both brands and they are still going strong.