Post by: Rob on September 06, 2016, 11:24:31 AM
http://www.kenetrek.com/KENETREK-MOUNTAIN-EXTREME-NON-INS/productinfo/KE-420-NI/
Anyone have thoughts on their boots?
I want waterproof, 8 to 10 inch tops, and prefer non-insulated, with as much leather as possible. Price range is 300 to 450ish. These guys fit the bill. Just don't know about durability and quality.
I have used Danners in the past, but 3 of the last 4 pairs I have had were disappointing on the quality control level so I am done with them at this point.
Post by: kentrek on September 06, 2016, 11:40:56 AM
On a scale of 1-10 I'd give them a 10 for steep cross country travel & packing.....a 5 for dirt trails...and a 2 for logging roads...
Post by: go4steelhd on September 06, 2016, 11:53:54 AM
:twocents:
Post by: whacker1 on September 06, 2016, 12:03:37 PM
I will be likely looking at a few other options on the next go around. Not that I know longer like them, but want to see what else is out there.
I prefer a stiff ankle to prevent ankle injuries, and Kenetrek has provided that thus far.
Post by: SkookumHntr on September 06, 2016, 12:06:21 PM
Post by: westside103147 on September 06, 2016, 12:10:56 PM
Post by: Rob on September 06, 2016, 05:36:16 PM
Kind of a split set of reviews.
They are pretty spendy to not have an awesome boot. I may go ahead and get a set, but would be interested in what other folks like.
As I noted, I am looking for an 8-10 inch high, waterproof hunting boot with preferably no insulation and as much of a leather upper as possible. 300 to 450ish. would pay more for a fantastic boot, but it would need to really be stellar!
Post by: NumaJohn on September 06, 2016, 05:48:43 PM
John
Post by: builtfordtough on September 06, 2016, 05:52:22 PM
Post by: boneaddict on September 06, 2016, 05:56:08 PM
Post by: wsmnut on September 06, 2016, 06:07:36 PM
They are stiff. They require a good break-in period. But they have excellent traction and support. I keep mine greased properly and they have never leaked.
Good Luck!
Post by: Timberstalker on September 06, 2016, 06:12:01 PM
Post by: opdinkslayer on September 06, 2016, 06:32:51 PM
Post by: mikeybuck on September 06, 2016, 07:06:23 PM
Both sets I loved the fit and feel but both sets leaked bad.
My other hunting partners have all had issues with them leaking.
As of now, my crispi, and lowas have been bulletproof.
Post by: Jason on September 06, 2016, 07:16:21 PM
Post by: northwesthunter84 on September 06, 2016, 07:26:27 PM
Post by: dscubame on September 06, 2016, 07:28:08 PM
Post by: Gutpile on September 06, 2016, 09:41:05 PM
Post by: Buzz2401 on September 06, 2016, 11:33:24 PM
Post by: Rob on September 07, 2016, 02:13:21 PM
Thanks for all the Kenetrek feedback. I ordered a pair and will see how they fit.
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 07, 2016, 04:56:18 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on September 07, 2016, 05:23:27 PM
Post by: Pathfinder101 on September 08, 2016, 05:16:15 PM
I got my first set this year and have been very pleased. Do yourself a favor and try on multiple brands. I was advised the same and each boot does fit differently. My buddy and I went in to get new boots, he left with Lowas and I left with Kenetreks. Both are great boots, same cost, but Lowas felt like crap on my feet and Kenetreks felt like crap on his.
Agreed. My son tried on Kenetreks (I love mine), Lowas and Zamberlains and would up buying the Zamberlains, hands down, no questions. Everyone's feet are different...
Post by: millerwheeler on September 08, 2016, 05:34:57 PM
Post by: labsetters on September 08, 2016, 10:25:02 PM
We love them all, and I believe they are the best overall hunting boots I have owned. We got them for mountain hunting-the Bob last year, SW Montana this year, but I wear mine all the time, even when upland bird hunting.
I greased them up before they were ever worn out of the house (make sure they fit before you do or it might make returning them problematic!). They have never leaked. I did upgrade the inserts, and now I can alternate if needed. I wore them all over when I was breaking them in. Some folks suggest it might take up to 50 miles or so to break them in to your feet, but everyone is different. Mine felt good right out of the box. They are great for anything in the mountains. They are stiff and really provide good support when going up/down/side hill, which I love. I feel much more confident on edgy slopes with these boots relative to others I have (I have a pair of Meindl Perfekt Hunters which are much softer, especially in the sole, and do not provide the same level of support, and my well worn Danners provide virtually no support nor water protection). Might also have to adjust how you lace them as my wife needs to lace hers differently than me due to a smaller heel and the fact she has broken both big toes in the past few years. Good socks/liners (and moleskin for my wife, who uses it for all her boots) will also help. As important as breaking in the boots, is breaking in your feet to your boots. Helps to have callouses/tough skin from wearing your boots in your typical/expected terrain long before hunting season. I wore my noninsulated boots at Sunrise last weekend on a pre hunt conditioning hike and went 7.5 miles and nearly 2000 ft total elevation gain with no issues at all (pretty good at my age!). Kenetrek customer service was top notch the only time I had an issue. I pulled part of the rand loose when I hit a rock on a conditioning hike last fall before our elk hunt. I called Kenetrek about what to do, as I was leaving for my hunt the following week. Rather than send in for customer service repair which would have taken a couple of weeks, they sent me a tube of their repair glue which arrived two days later.
There is a ton of good information provided by others on this thread regarding boots. I believe the key is to get the best quality boots (as good as the budget allows) for your expected use, and try different brands until you find the one which fits you and which you like the best. Then, take care of them (ie grease them up, carefully dry them after use-I take the inserts out, keep away from heat, direct sunlight, etc) and break in both your boots and your feet (best to get any potential foot/blister/break in issues resolved before you need to really depend on your boots), and you should be good to go.
Post by: CaNINE on September 09, 2016, 11:42:13 AM
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,200539.0.html
Post by: Rob on September 09, 2016, 07:37:34 PM
I have Mountain Extremes in insulated and noninsulated, and my wife has women's insulated.
We love them all, and I believe they are the best overall hunting boots I have owned. We got them for mountain hunting-the Bob last year, SW Montana this year, but I wear mine all the time, even when upland bird hunting.
I greased them up before they were ever worn out of the house (make sure they fit before you do or it might make returning them problematic!). They have never leaked. I did upgrade the inserts, and now I can alternate if needed. I wore them all over when I was breaking them in. Some folks suggest it might take up to 50 miles or so to break them in to your feet, but everyone is different. Mine felt good right out of the box. They are great for anything in the mountains. They are stiff and really provide good support when going up/down/side hill, which I love. I feel much more confident on edgy slopes with these boots relative to others I have (I have a pair of Meindl Perfekt Hunters which are much softer, especially in the sole, and do not provide the same level of support, and my well worn Danners provide virtually no support nor water protection). Might also have to adjust how you lace them as my wife needs to lace hers differently than me due to a smaller heel and the fact she has broken both big toes in the past few years. Good socks/liners (and moleskin for my wife, who uses it for all her boots) will also help. As important as breaking in the boots, is breaking in your feet to your boots. Helps to have callouses/tough skin from wearing your boots in your typical/expected terrain long before hunting season. I wore my noninsulated boots at Sunrise last weekend on a pre hunt conditioning hike and went 7.5 miles and nearly 2000 ft total elevation gain with no issues at all (pretty good at my age!). Kenetrek customer service was top notch the only time I had an issue. I pulled part of the rand loose when I hit a rock on a conditioning hike last fall before our elk hunt. I called Kenetrek about what to do, as I was leaving for my hunt the following week. Rather than send in for customer service repair which would have taken a couple of weeks, they sent me a tube of their repair glue which arrived two days later.
There is a ton of good information provided by others on this thread regarding boots. I believe the key is to get the best quality boots (as good as the budget allows) for your expected use, and try different brands until you find the one which fits you and which you like the best. Then, take care of them (ie grease them up, carefully dry them after use-I take the inserts out, keep away from heat, direct sunlight, etc) and break in both your boots and your feet (best to get any potential foot/blister/break in issues resolved before you need to really depend on your boots), and you should be good to go.
Wow, great writeup! Thanks!
They came today, wearing them around the house, they feel pretty good.
Thanks everyone for the input!
Post by: roto-prop on September 14, 2016, 11:47:51 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on December 02, 2016, 01:53:48 PM
Waterproof: Yes, extremely, cross a stream with confidence. No issues here.
Traction: Terrible. Unless I am walking down a bone dry road, these things suck. If I happened to find a wet stick, rock, pebble, twig, blade of grass, I lost my footing. I felt like I was hunting in bowling shoes. I do not know how people use these in the rocky terrain I see on sheep hunts in Alaska.
Comfort: Found them very comfy, no issues here.
Durability: I am not hunting the rocky terrain you would find on a sheep hunt in Alaska, but the rubber wrap started to tear and peel off on my last hunt.
Im going to get some warranty work done, but I am almost to the point of telling them to keep them. Its great that they are waterproof, but the lack of traction is kind of a deal breaker.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 02, 2016, 02:56:00 PM
After using my Kenetrek boots for a season I have some new opinions.
Waterproof: Yes, extremely, cross a stream with confidence. No issues here.
Traction: Terrible. Unless I am walking down a bone dry road, these things suck. If I happened to find a wet stick, rock, pebble, twig, blade of grass, I lost my footing. I felt like I was hunting in bowling shoes. I do not know how people use these in the rocky terrain I see on sheep hunts in Alaska.
Comfort: Found them very comfy, no issues here.
Durability: I am not hunting the rocky terrain you would find on a sheep hunt in Alaska, but the rubber wrap started to tear and peel off on my last hunt.
Im going to get some warranty work done, but I am almost to the point of telling them to keep them. Its great that they are waterproof, but the lack of traction is kind of a deal breaker.
I don't find this an issue but I agree that stepping on wet logs / sticks is a big no with these. Have used in WA, ID, MT and BC and happy with them. If they offered a new tread design I would switch to it.
Post by: Rob on December 06, 2016, 01:44:39 PM
I have a set of Danner Pronghorns back in 2013 that brought me the closest to death I have ever been in my life (and that is saying something considering my hobbies of flying, diving, hunting, caving, diving, and mountaineering!). They never had good traction and one day during deer season my feet shot out from under me while walking along a mostly flat slab of wet lichen covered rock. I skittered to the edge of a 60 foot cliff and stopped with my legs dangling over the edge looking at the rock pile below. I had lichens under my nails and my rifle clattered to the ground. I was so shook up it took me a full 30 seconds to get my wits and pull out my optics to see if the noise I made had spooked up a deer!
I spend this season using the Kenetrek boots on a few deer and elk hunts (packed out 2 deer and half of an elk) , plus some rock climbing approaches. They are comfortable and I have found the traction superior to that of my old hunting boots and even my current pair of Salewa mountaineering boots. What I like best about them is how easy they are to put on. I got the 10 inch tall boots and the tongue is gusseted and the whole boot opens up like a bucket! Foot just slides right in, and it cinches up nice and tight.
Love them!
Post by: go4itlab on December 06, 2016, 01:55:16 PM
Post by: Buzz2401 on December 15, 2016, 03:45:56 PM
I was just telling my wife over the weekend that these are the best hunting boots I have owned.
I have a set of Danner Pronghorns back in 2013 that brought me the closest to death I have ever been in my life (and that is saying something considering my hobbies of flying, diving, hunting, caving, diving, and mountaineering!). They never had good traction and one day during deer season my feet shot out from under me while walking along a mostly flat slab of wet lichen covered rock. I skittered to the edge of a 60 foot cliff and stopped with my legs dangling over the edge looking at the rock pile below. I had lichens under my nails and my rifle clattered to the ground. I was so shook up it took me a full 30 seconds to get my wits and pull out my optics to see if the noise I made had spooked up a deer!
I spend this season using the Kenetrek boots on a few deer and elk hunts (packed out 2 deer and half of an elk) , plus some rock climbing approaches. They are comfortable and I have found the traction superior to that of my old hunting boots and even my current pair of Salewa mountaineering boots. What I like best about them is how easy they are to put on. I got the 10 inch tall boots and the tongue is gusseted and the whole boot opens up like a bucket! Foot just slides right in, and it cinches up nice and tight.
Love them!
Probably not the fairest comparison putting a $100 pair of chinese made boots up against a pair of $400 italian made boots. I never have really understood why manufacturers use such hard rubber on boots. I've put hundreds of miles on single pair of boots and never have I actually worn them flat if I wasn't using them primarily on concrete. Seems like softer rubber would provide better traction but who knows.
Post by: Rob on December 16, 2016, 03:24:49 PM
But I can compare the Kenetrek to other high end boots. I have 2 pairs of Salewa's (500 and 700 boots) and pair of custom made Russel Moccasin boots (probably 500 to 600) that are in my current set of boots. The Kenetrek boots are as good or better than these. Just great boots! Easy to get on and off, good traction, comfortable, and easy to walk in.
Time will tell if they are durable and stay waterproof. I only have 40-50 or so trail miles on them.
Post by: splitshot on December 16, 2016, 04:11:00 PM
Post by: whacker1 on December 17, 2016, 10:47:03 AM
The second set have one boot (left) where it took longer to break in. They are now broke in, but if I go in steep terrain for longer than 10 miles I started to get a blister at the back of my heel. I am not sure why, maybe a little more volume in this second set.
back track to the first set that were rebuilt. 5 months of training and early season hunting and they are falling apart at the rubber meeting the leather again, which is where they began to leek the first time. Buying Freesole to repair them.
Second set is now breaking down in the same places....where the rubber meets the leather. I don't know if I am just that hard on them and they can't take the wear and tear or if they first set was made to a higher standard than the second set.
I bought a set of lightly used Scarpa's this week to see if I like those or not. Also looking real hard at trying the Crispi's for this next season. I figure I have 2017 to run both kenetrek sets into the ground, but now searching for a boot one rung above the kenetrek.
I still like my Kenetrek's a lot, but from 2014 to the present, they just don't seem to hold up as well as I had hoped.
Post by: T-Dozzer on December 17, 2016, 07:22:38 PM
Im super picky, have had Kenetrek & love my Crispi boots.
Post by: whacker1 on December 19, 2016, 02:00:44 PM
Have you looked at Crispi?
Im super picky, have had Kenetrek & love my Crispi boots.
Yes, crispi is on my radar for sure. Going to try out the Scarpa's I just bought to determine whether I want to use them or not.
Post by: 2MANY on December 19, 2016, 02:27:33 PM
For me that wasn't Kenetrek.
Post by: Redstar on December 19, 2016, 02:35:32 PM
Post by: snake on December 19, 2016, 06:07:58 PM
Post by: M_ray on December 19, 2016, 06:20:11 PM
meindel Denali's are a great boot.
:yeah:
Post by: northwesthunter84 on December 19, 2016, 06:49:00 PM
Post by: actionshooter on December 19, 2016, 09:26:15 PM
I wouldn't hesitate telling someone to give the Kenetreks a shot though.
Post by: littlemac on December 19, 2016, 09:59:57 PM
I found them incredible, comfy, 400 gram was plenty warm, Kennetrek socks are stellar and will order more.
Used in New Mexico and Washington, mostly dry in NM but rocky, WA was wet and muddy and I found the Vibram Vertige was outstanding in both conditions.
Couldn't be happier!
Post by: Rob on December 20, 2016, 04:11:43 PM
For those of you who's Rand is coming loose, which boot oil, grease, waterproofing are you using. I have read a few articles stating that using ones with animal protein cause the adhesive to loosen. Those threads are on rokslide and a pheasant hunting forum. It reacts with the adhesive and is a known issue.
Good tip
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 20, 2016, 04:27:20 PM
For those of you who's Rand is coming loose, which boot oil, grease, waterproofing are you using. I have read a few articles stating that using ones with animal protein cause the adhesive to loosen. Those threads are on rokslide and a pheasant hunting forum. It reacts with the adhesive and is a known issue.
Yea they say don't use Obernauf's grease which is popular for other boots. I stick to the kenetrek brand grease.
Post by: snake on December 20, 2016, 06:09:50 PM
Obenaufs is a great product. I got 1,000 miles on a pair of denali'sFor those of you who's Rand is coming loose, which boot oil, grease, waterproofing are you using. I have read a few articles stating that using ones with animal protein cause the adhesive to loosen. Those threads are on rokslide and a pheasant hunting forum. It reacts with the adhesive and is a known issue.
Yea they say don't use Obernauf's grease which is popular for other boots. I stick to the kenetrek brand grease.
Post by: littlemac on December 20, 2016, 06:18:56 PM
For those of you who's Rand is coming loose, which boot oil, grease, waterproofing are you using. I have read a few articles stating that using ones with animal protein cause the adhesive to loosen. Those threads are on rokslide and a pheasant hunting forum. It reacts with the adhesive and is a known issue.I used the Kennetrek product and it did great.
Seemed suspiciously similar (bees wax, etc) to Schnee's product that is Montana Boot wax. Both worked great, I used the Montana product on my Schnee's Pac Boots when I went to the Yukon for moose.