Post by: KopperBuck on March 09, 2018, 11:06:52 AM
I have to buy new boots. There's no way around it. I currently run Meindl's Denali, and they destroy my feet. I've never had foot problems in my life. But these make the balls of my feet hurt so incredibly bad that I can barely walk downhill after all day. Before I tried the Perfekts, but was having a fit issue. I tried these on, and at the store they felt great. After hunting in them for a bit, I thought maybe they needed more break in (previous were Pronghorns before they went downhill). I was just in the beginning stages of spring bear so I didn't have a choice, I had to use these. I've tried many different types of inserts - currently have Lathrops in. But still have the problem. They're a stiffer boot than I'm used to, I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. Any type of broken/rocky ground and it's going to be a long day.
Fast forward to today - I'm looking at all brands... Crispi, Kenetrek, Lowa - am I missing someone? I don't want to go through this scenario again where I hate my boot, but can't do much about it.
Post by: chiwawadan on March 09, 2018, 11:09:22 AM
I don't live in a great area to try on boots, nor do I make it to those places very often. I've been hesitant to order anything online because I'm worried about the hassle of returning/exchanging to get the right fit. Beyond that, what I'm really concerned about is whether or not I can really try these out. Are you guys wearing boots for 10+ miles and then returning them? I got way too far with my Meindl's. Probably 80-100 mi on them at least.
I have to buy new boots. There's no way around it. I currently run Meindl's Denali, and they destroy my feet. I've never had foot problems in my life. But these make the balls of my feet hurt so incredibly bad that I can barely walk downhill after all day. Before I tried the Perfekts, but was having a fit issue. I tried these on, and at the store they felt great. After hunting in them for a bit, I thought maybe they needed more break in (previous were Pronghorns before they went downhill). I was just in the beginning stages of spring bear so I didn't have a choice, I had to use these. I've tried many different types of inserts - currently have Lathrops in. But still have the problem. They're a stiffer boot than I'm used to, I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. Any type of broken/rocky ground and it's going to be a long day.
Fast forward to today - I'm looking at all brands... Crispi, Kenetrek, Lowa - am I missing someone? I don't want to go through this scenario again where I hate my boot, but can't do much about it.
Also add Schnee's to your list of brands to check.
Post by: BULLBLASTER on March 09, 2018, 11:22:19 AM
Post by: NRA4LIFE on March 09, 2018, 11:29:59 AM
Post by: cougforester on March 09, 2018, 12:02:18 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on March 09, 2018, 12:08:15 PM
Post by: Katmai Guy on March 09, 2018, 12:10:19 PM
Post by: Stein on March 09, 2018, 12:17:41 PM
Unfortunately, I don't know many places that will take boots back that have been visibly worn. There are a few retailers that will, look more toward the REI type of store as well as store brands like Cabelas.
Personally, I've had the best luck with brands not mentioned on here. Again, it's a personal thing and for me, I don't want to spend $400 on a brick for my feet, I like light, roomy and zero or near zero heel drop.
Post by: redi on March 09, 2018, 01:31:38 PM
Post by: dscubame on March 09, 2018, 08:14:10 PM
Post by: Alchase on March 09, 2018, 08:57:57 PM
Creative lacing helps, but it usually takes a week or two to weed out the boots or shoes that effect my feet.
KopperBuck, you might want to get your feet checked out for orthotics. I don't mean those crap DR. Scholls you buy at all the corner drug stores, but ones fitted by a podiatrist. They can make a world of difference.
Post by: KopperBuck on March 09, 2018, 11:06:53 PM
I’ve never sprained an ankle in my life, but if you watch me sometimes you would swear they broke. Never blister. Never have sore feet. I wear cowboy boots mostly, muck boots after that. But these last hunting boots have me fooled and gun shy. Seriously thinking about having my feet checked out. I’ve always been a little pigeon toed - probably doesn’t help with a stiffer boot?
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Post by: Stein on March 10, 2018, 07:57:39 AM
Post by: KopperBuck on March 10, 2018, 10:22:56 AM
I also hunt areas where people claim a stiffer/mountain boot is needed or is helpful. I thought maybe I was missing out on something. I’m not sure I am.
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Post by: Kit Carson on March 14, 2018, 10:17:48 PM
Wear em. Abuse em...send em back for a full refund at any time. No questions asked. Even if there are holes in them and the soles are missing
Post by: Calvin Rayborn on March 15, 2018, 02:10:13 AM
http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2015/05/post_71.html
Post by: Alchase on March 15, 2018, 10:42:02 AM
REI all the way! Heck they'll mail ya a new pair of boots even if you have a hissy-fit and chuck the old ones off a cliff...Just ask miss yellow-blazin' Cheryl Strayed! :chuckle:
http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2015/05/post_71.html
REI does have a great boot return policy, I have returned a couple different pairs through them, no questions asked.
I also saw the boots I just returned, in their Year end discount sale, with no explanation of why they were returned with a discounted price, LOL
Post by: Curly on March 15, 2018, 12:34:10 PM
https://www.blackovis.com/clothing/footwear
Quality Hunting Boots
The quality of your hunting boots can mean the difference between a successful hunt and an unenjoyable experience. We carry boots from some of the best boot makers in the business including Crispi, Zamberlan, Kenetrek, Under Armour, Danner and more. With our 30-day return policy, feel free to send them back if you try them on and they don’t fit. Just make sure to keep the tags on and don’t wear them outside. Choose BlackOvis.com for quality lightweight hunting boots, gore-tex hunting boots and much more.
I went to *REI and got my feet measured and bought a cheaper pair of boots that I pretty much wear every day to work. And then I went and ordered a pair of Crispi's from Blackovis.
Another place I was told to check out last year when I was looking for boots is https://www.bakershoe.com/
They have a guy named Kyle who apparently is a "WorldWide Legend when it comes to fitting boots." They also appear to have decent prices and good return policy (https://www.bakershoe.com/page/free-ground-fedex-any-order-over-75-free-exchanges). Slightly better return policy IMO than Blackovis.
* note: REI might not be a place worth patronizing anymore though, if you read about their anti-gun positions as of late.
Post by: milldozer on March 15, 2018, 12:52:08 PM
Post by: addicted on March 17, 2018, 12:47:13 AM
Usually you can get like 70% of your money back just selling an almost new pair on the forums.
Last year I did meindls and kennetreks. Now on the crispis then I'll try schnees.
Post by: KopperBuck on March 24, 2018, 10:07:37 PM
Post by: T-Dozzer on March 29, 2018, 07:35:35 PM
Swap out footbeds.
By the time my kenetreck were finaly broken in, I was 60 miles of use into then.