Post by: adamR on January 06, 2019, 07:11:08 AM
I used to run Meindls from Cabelas but now that Cabelas warranty is no longer being offered I'm pretty much done buying anything from them.
I wear 12.5 wides usually and prefer a mildly stiff boot. The one consistent problem I've found when searching for new boots is the upper portion of my heel rubs like crazy. Whatever boot I end up with needs to be taller than 8" and waterproof. I like a somewhat insulated boot because I plan on wearing them year round.
Any opinions on the two I listed or suggestions on something with a comparable warranty.
Post by: northwesthunter84 on January 06, 2019, 07:15:47 AM
Post by: Timberstalker on January 06, 2019, 07:19:43 AM
I have the kenetrek mountain extreme’s now. I’m on my second pair in 8 years. They have been good, but I want to try something different.
I’ve had my eye on the Schnees Granite VI but haven’t been successful in finding a pair.
The factory doesn’t have my size available and I don’t think they are sold in stores.
Post by: boneaddict on January 06, 2019, 07:23:51 AM
Post by: Forks on January 06, 2019, 07:43:34 AM
Post by: Mtnwalker on January 06, 2019, 08:46:31 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on January 06, 2019, 09:08:01 AM
I use the kenetreks. I switched from the Meindles.(sp?). Great boots.:yeah: you just have to treat them regularly and putting them on a boot dryer after usage doesn't hurt.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 06, 2019, 09:58:54 AM
I would look at the uninsulated to keep sweating down and I wouldn't expect waterproofing to last more than 3 years, maybe 2 depending on use and location.
Post by: firepin on January 06, 2019, 02:47:10 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on January 06, 2019, 03:40:08 PM
I had two pair of Schnees, both got sent back. The lacing system with the ball comes apart, pinches and cuts the lacing. Have a pair of Kenetrek ME and could not be happier.
Which models? Or do they all have this lacing system?
Post by: firepin on January 06, 2019, 06:57:36 PM
Post by: Timberstalker on January 06, 2019, 07:24:08 PM
Post by: adamR on January 07, 2019, 04:49:30 AM
I had two pair of Schnees, both got sent back. The lacing system with the ball comes apart, pinches and cuts the lacing. Have a pair of Kenetrek ME and could not be happier.
Which models? Or do they all have this lacing system?
I dont believe that the Beartoothot II has the roller laces. The granite have them in the description and the picture clearly shows them. The Beartooth II dont mention the roller laces and the picture, although not as clear, doesn't look like the same style of laces. Thats actually why I was leaning towards the Beartooth instead of the granite, that didnt look very robust to me.
Post by: trophyhunt on January 07, 2019, 06:22:09 AM
Post by: Matth on January 07, 2019, 08:21:54 AM
Post by: firepin on January 07, 2019, 12:21:52 PM
The Bear tooth II show the Easy Roller System. It is the 8 bottom eyes.I had two pair of Schnees, both got sent back. The lacing system with the ball comes apart, pinches and cuts the lacing. Have a pair of Kenetrek ME and could not be happier.
Which models? Or do they all have this lacing system?
I dont believe that the Beartoothot II has the roller laces. The granite have them in the description and the picture clearly shows them. The Beartooth II dont mention the roller laces and the picture, although not as clear, doesn't look like the same style of laces. Thats actually why I was leaning towards the Beartooth instead of the granite, that didnt look very robust to me.
Post by: Duckhunter14 on January 08, 2019, 11:47:26 AM
I'm on my fourth pair of the Kenetrek hikers (they just keep falling apart) and the last pair I sent it they called and said they wont send me anymore because I walk to the outside of my foot and the boots aren't made for that. They said I need to buy the all leather $400 hikers instead. They lost my service. I tell everyone I know to avoid them.
Post by: spin05 on February 05, 2019, 03:00:52 AM
Post by: Bushcraft on February 05, 2019, 08:13:49 AM
I burned through 4 pair in 4 years. The first pair was super comfy but leaked like a sieve. Pairs 2, 3 and 4 ate my heels unless I devoted a lot of time to aggressively wrap them every time I put them on. The last pair was shot after a short 20 mile break-in period and one grueling alpine bear hunt in August. None of them were waterproof. Their owner and customer service folks had a tendency to not believe me when I sent them in for inspection and/or outright lied that they've never seen their boots leak or wear out that fast (Until I called them out on their BS because I knew LOTS of people whose Kene's leaked and sent them back. And my hunting buddy had sent his boots in the week prior with pre-mature wear issues!).
The first pair of Schnee's Granites I bought leaked (right boot), but they immediately replaced them and the second pair have lasted...with the caviate that I really only use them for easy front country stuff. (I'm done with all leather boots for serious highcountry hunting.) They have a good heal cup and are very comfortable right out of the box.
Made the switch to Scarpa's and have never looked back.
Post by: MtnMuley on February 05, 2019, 08:48:23 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 05, 2019, 08:56:43 AM
With that said, the kenetreks I've used leaked hard right out of the gate. First pair I just treated constantly till I wore the sole off (standard one season). Figured it was a fluke so got another pair. Same thing so I scrapped them for wood cutting boots and moved on.
Post by: birddogdad on February 05, 2019, 09:54:01 AM
Post by: 2MANY on February 05, 2019, 10:05:51 AM
Post by: baker5150 on February 05, 2019, 10:10:43 AM
I've had 2 pairs that my favorite boot I've ever worn. I've also had a pair that leaked right out of the box.
It's also true that not every foot is the same, and guys who blame boots for pre-maturely wearing out can sometimes attest that to how they walk, how their foot is shaped, etc. We can't expect boot manufacturers to cater to every foot shape, it's impossible.
For those, i'd suggest getting into the custom market and having a boot made for their foot. Maybe there you can find a boot that fits your foot perfectly, and is made to perform how you need it to. instead of an off the shelf "one style fits some".
Post by: jrebel on February 05, 2019, 10:46:40 AM
Post by: CoryTDF on February 05, 2019, 11:00:58 AM
http://ireviewgear.com/category/boots/
Post by: elkaholic123 on February 05, 2019, 11:29:32 AM
Post by: stlusn30-06 on February 05, 2019, 11:36:47 AM
That said, I don't have experience with the boots you asked about, but did run the Granite IIs last season. Put a few thousand vertical feet on them and was super impressed. I did not have the lacing issues the others have mentioned. Maybe that'll creep up in the future. I have a foot that measures medium width, but borders on narrow. Was able to get the laces cinched tight enough to lock my heel pert near completely. Also, seem to be of high quality construction. I own and have worked in some of the best non-hunting boots (Wesco, Whites etc..), and like to believe I know what to look for when it comes to quality construction. Was impressed enough that I am seriously considering the non insulated Beartooths for stuff that takes place outside of the gnarliest high country. But again, only 1 good year to go off here. I'll be disappointed with anything short of 3 hard years.
Didn't quote the guy, but someone mentioned Scarpa. Nothing wrong with borrowing from the Mountaineering world. They've been getting big dollars invested in boot refinement for a long time. The boots you mentioned are both made in Italy, and are likely sourced from mountaineering boot companies. I'm looking at the Scarpa Wrangell as well.