Post by: WapitiTalk1 on December 19, 2020, 12:31:02 PM
Allrighty, what elk huntin' boots did you use this year, and, do you like them? Would you recommend them to another hunter? If dissatisfied with your current boots (why are they not meeting the mark), what are you looking at getting? OK, let's talk about elk hunting boots ;)
Post by: Dark2Dark on December 19, 2020, 12:39:06 PM
I walked through a creek in them several days this fall and got to the other side with dry feet (wearing gaiters).
My other boots are Irish Setter Elk Trackers. They are warmer (being insulated), slightly more comfy and less money. But, I don’t trust them as much for functionality- stability, load-carrying or waterproofness.
Post by: Jpmiller on December 19, 2020, 12:39:57 PM
Post by: JimmyHoffa on December 19, 2020, 12:42:17 PM
Post by: Stein on December 19, 2020, 01:07:39 PM
For warmer weather I use Altra Lone Peak mids, I was in these most of this year as the temps were so crazy warm the week we were in MT. Super light, breathable and good traction.
I bought my son a pair of the Pine Ridge boots this year and he seemed to like them as well. Good option for the price, you can get them on sale for around $100 and I've gotten good wear out of them in the past. Seems to be one of the few Cabelas things I still buy anymore.
Post by: ridgefire on December 19, 2020, 01:14:13 PM
Post by: JakeLand on December 19, 2020, 01:15:30 PM
Post by: TooTallMike on December 19, 2020, 01:24:43 PM
I've worn and owned a lot of issued boots over the years and they sucked but you just drive on. This past year I bought my first pair of zamberlans and oh my goodness they are AWESOME!
Spent the whole muzzy season on the west side in all the thick stuff. My feet were never wet and they have outstanding ankle support. And held up to heavy loads too. Would 100% recommend them and I'm saving up for a second pair.
Very easy to break in too. At least try them on if you can..
Also this is just my opinion and experience in just a dood who carried heavy stuff a long ways for the gubment
Post by: Tracker0721 on December 19, 2020, 01:25:55 PM
Post by: MADMAX on December 19, 2020, 02:25:46 PM
I used danner Canadians for the first time this year. I like them plenty well enough I'll keep using them in cold weather spots. I liked the sole better than I thought and they didn't hurt my feet. For some reason I didn't "love" them even though they performed well throughout the season and Evey time I wore them to break them in beforehand.
Got a pair of Danner Canadian 10 inch
I like them
I wish they had a different style tread
Otherwise 👍
Post by: Jpmiller on December 19, 2020, 04:19:30 PM
I used danner Canadians for the first time this year. I like them plenty well enough I'll keep using them in cold weather spots. I liked the sole better than I thought and they didn't hurt my feet. For some reason I didn't "love" them even though they performed well throughout the season and Evey time I wore them to break them in beforehand.
Got a pair of Danner Canadian 10 inch
I like them
I wish they had a different style tread
Otherwise 👍
I don't like the tread but honestly we did a fair amount of sidehilling and climbing hills in snow and never had any slippage issues. When breaking them in over the summer the wife noticed they sure track alot of mess through the house though :chuckle:
Post by: MADMAX on December 19, 2020, 04:43:07 PM
I had Meindels with vibram sole
Worked great until it came completely off and had to hike out on the shank
Danners for last 30 years have worked pretty darn well
Post by: Stein on December 19, 2020, 05:29:05 PM
Post by: kentrek on December 19, 2020, 06:07:08 PM
Post by: JL on December 19, 2020, 06:17:57 PM
Sent from my Pixel 4a using Tapatalk
Post by: Westside88 on December 19, 2020, 07:48:32 PM
Post by: syoungs on December 19, 2020, 07:55:54 PM
I also have danner pronghorns, pronghorns are great for light hikes and easy terrain, but arent even close to the tibets in support, traction or comfort under load.
Id love to try some other high end boots, but wearing a size 16 really really limits me.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on December 19, 2020, 08:02:31 PM
I got lowa tibet gtx's a couple years back. Never realized how beneficial good boots were until I did.
I also have danner pronghorns, pronghorns are great for light hikes and easy terrain, but arent even close to the tibets in support, traction or comfort under load.
Id love to try some other high end boots, but wearing a size 16 really really limits me.
Great boots, I have a pair of the Lowa GTX myself. Good luck on finding some other top shelf boots to try out with those gun boat feet of yours. ;)
Post by: dvolmer on December 19, 2020, 09:49:55 PM
Post by: hughjorgan on December 19, 2020, 09:59:30 PM
I got lowa tibet gtx's a couple years back. Never realized how beneficial good boots were until I did.
I also have danner pronghorns, pronghorns are great for light hikes and easy terrain, but arent even close to the tibets in support, traction or comfort under load.
Id love to try some other high end boots, but wearing a size 16 really really limits me.
I run lowa Tibet gtx’s as well great boot, best I’ve tried.
FYI kenetrek mountain extreme and Schnees granites and beartooths are built to size 16...
Post by: optic2 on December 20, 2020, 01:40:15 AM
Post by: smoon on December 21, 2020, 12:28:01 PM
Bottom line, I still like my old Danner pronghorns but stepping up to Kenetrek or Crispi boots is a game changer for your feet, at least it was for mine. I know I had an issue with the Kenetrek boot, however I know way to many guys that run them and have never had any issues with them, so I have nothing bad to say other than I just had bad luck, or was it? Because that boot leaked, it allowed (forced) me to try out another great pair of boots in the Crispi's all within a short period of time and in the same terrain. All said and done, the Crispi's did awesome, I put about 28 miles on them during the hunt and 18 of those miles was with a minimum pack load of 70# and feet felt great, no hot spots at all. Also, need to mention socks and sock liners as they are equally just as important as your boots... I like Injinji toe sock liners and I really like the Kenetrek Canada Midweight OTC socks good combo..My :twocents:
Post by: spin05 on December 22, 2020, 12:53:49 AM
Post by: bknilvr00 on December 22, 2020, 07:43:35 AM
Post by: msg on December 22, 2020, 08:44:00 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 22, 2020, 08:44:31 AM
Saleway Mountain Lite GTX
Crispi Colorado
Crispi Nevada
Hanwag Ancash 2
Tested a pair of crispi dakota but the fit wasn't great, I believe that was a sizing issue more than anything though.
The salewa was awesome for covering ground, light fast, and not nearly as warm. But not reliable if precipitation is expected. That said it was hot and dry for me ten days in idaho and they were my go to the whole hunt.
Colorado and Nevada, both are great "all around" boots. The colorado feels a little stiffer, and less "clunky" on my feet. Very little space in them, for extra sock and warmth. If only a September/Mid october boot its probably my first choice. Having used the Nevada a ton over the past 7 or 8 years, they are comfy, dry, easy to keep, and great boots. The ones I currently have I bought lightly used off here a couple seasons back and they are due for retirement.
The Hanwag are new to me. I bought them a half size big and heard about the roomy toe box, my intent was a late season boot that would allow comfortable hiking with extra socks. So far they have worked good. A bit stiff initially but no pain. Very roomy toe box keeps feet much warmer during start stop treks. Wore them for a week in Montana/Idaho deer hunts, and a day late archery elk. Outta state was cold, elk here was WET. Dry and warm feet in all scenarios. The sole is a bit slick in wet stuff here in western Wa.
I packed heavy packs in all of them. IME swap out the insoles for a good one and all of them will do fine with weight. The hanwag and colorado are clearly better in stony type ground tho if bruising for tender feet is an issue.
If forced to pick only one boot its the Crispi Nevada for me. But there are so many options these days tailoring boots to needs of specific hunt and season is the way to go.
Post by: Onewhohikes on December 22, 2020, 08:54:22 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 22, 2020, 09:17:19 AM
The saleway was less than 150 new, and the Nevada I currently use was purchased lightly used on this site for 200 if memory serves.
Lots of budget friendly options. But this was about elk boots not "budget options for elk boots".
Post by: Onewhohikes on December 22, 2020, 09:18:59 AM
Post by: whacker1 on December 22, 2020, 09:30:42 AM
Here is my history with boots.
Danner elk hunters and Canadians were good for awhile, but as I got into doing more miles in steeper terrain, they started braking apart and the ankle support left a lot to be desired.
I went through a set of Kennetreks that lasted really well. I liked them so much that I had them rebuilt and bought a second pair. Neither the rebuild or the second pair lasted very long. I assume this comes to the volume that they do and the lack of consistency in one group to the next.
I bought a set of Crispi Idaho's that I absolutely love and provide more ankle support, but the goretex broke down as this was the 1st generation Idaho's that they had problems with goretex.
I bought a set of Crispi Guide Non-insulated and those have held up really well. I am spending more time applying leather conditioner on these as they seem to need it more after hunting wet terrain, and I am trying to see if by providing more conditioner if they hold up longer. they have held up really well so far and I have had no issues around the rand like I did with Kennetreks.
I have liked the Crispi lineup so much that I bought a set of Crispi Colorado from a member here to see if I like them as much as the Idaho in a shorter and lower weight version along with a stiffer set up.
I also have a set of Scarpa Chamonix GTX that are too stiff, but I like them enough, but fear that I may develop blisters if I am in them for too long due to how stiff they are.
Given my luck with Crispi so far, I am likely going to continue to buy more of them over the coming years.
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 22, 2020, 09:48:03 AM
Post by: Rainier10 on December 22, 2020, 10:26:34 AM
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on December 22, 2020, 07:23:47 PM
With that being said if you had a choice to just pick 1 what 1 would it be?
My first post stated I would do the Nevada.
Post by: syoungs on December 22, 2020, 07:50:45 PM
I got lowa tibet gtx's a couple years back. Never realized how beneficial good boots were until I did.
I also have danner pronghorns, pronghorns are great for light hikes and easy terrain, but arent even close to the tibets in support, traction or comfort under load.
Id love to try some other high end boots, but wearing a size 16 really really limits me.
I run lowa Tibet gtx’s as well great boot, best I’ve tried.
FYI kenetrek mountain extreme and Schnees granites and beartooths are built to size 16...
Good to know! The mountain extremes always peaked my curiosity, but ive never seen em in my size! Might have to grab a pair this year
Post by: Mudman on December 22, 2020, 08:02:42 PM
Irish setter elk trackers with 200 thinsulate have worked great for my feet for years. I buy a new set every year and break them in doing light hiking and use the previous years pair for hunting. The following year the break in pair becomes my hunting pair and the old hunting boots become my work around the property boots.:tup: I run the 882 600g thinsulate. Leather isnt suede and holds up better. Super warm in snow but hot for other weathers. I run the soles bare and through every couple years. 4th pair coming soon.
Post by: M_ray on December 22, 2020, 09:03:40 PM
Post by: Twispriver on December 22, 2020, 11:28:07 PM
Post by: HoytHunter24 on December 23, 2020, 07:50:21 AM
If I were to recommend them to someone I would say don’t go the full custom route. The $450 boots themselves are great but the extra cost for the “custom” setup wasn’t worth the money. All it is is a basic custom insole. I am waiting for my new Sheepfeet insoles to arrive to replace the L&S Synergy footbeds.
Post by: Onewhohikes on December 23, 2020, 07:58:28 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 23, 2020, 08:48:10 AM
Did you say $1100??? :yike: :yike: :yike:They'd better come with a 320 bull!
Post by: HoytHunter24 on December 23, 2020, 09:04:47 AM
Did you say $1100??? :yike: :yike: :yike:
Yeah.... $450 for the boots. $500 for custom footbeds and service. $150 for 3D mapping kit. Plus shipping and tax...
I was tired of trying boots to be let down so I figured I could get a boot custom fit to my foot and be done.
Post by: vandeman17 on December 23, 2020, 09:12:35 AM
Did you say $1100??? :yike: :yike: :yike:
Yeah.... $450 for the boots. $500 for custom footbeds and service. $150 for 3D mapping kit. Plus shipping and tax...
I was tired of trying boots to be let down so I figured I could get a boot custom fit to my foot and be done.
Lifetime warranty along with stock options? :chuckle:
Post by: gutsnthegrass on December 23, 2020, 09:34:00 AM
Kentrek mountain guides for the heavy load hunting...been running crispy Colorados here in AZ and really miss the stability of my guides
I got a pair of these this year, I was impressed with them. They will probably be on the warm side for early archery elk season though.
Post by: b0bbyg on December 23, 2020, 09:34:49 AM
Considering my lack of proper care and the abuse I have put them through they have out performed my expectations. No break in was ever needed just buy them and use them. I never bought custom or replacement insoles for any of the 3 pairs but starting to consider this, they have lots of miles on them and insoles wear out before the boots so it might be time.
I imagine if I were to take better care and hit them with a wax like mentioned they probably would not leak at all. I have a 3 year old pair that I drug around in the rain this year slogging through ferns and Oregon grape. at the end of the day I would have a wet insole and sock just with a little moisture.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 23, 2020, 09:35:57 AM
Boots i'll never buy again are kenetrek, anything with cabelas on it, and Crispi. Kene's are notorious leakers, cabelas quality are garbage, and crispi's just flat out don't fit my foot right, plus I've known more than a few folks who have had pretty bad durability issues.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 23, 2020, 09:47:16 AM
17 pairs in the last 3 years. So far I'm still searching.......
I would too ! :chuckle:
Post by: Naches Sportsman on December 23, 2020, 09:48:03 AM
The last two pairs of treadless Whites Smoke Jumpers I wore during fire season were brought to the cobbler and corked. I use them in the shoulder seasons, especially in the ground I elk hunt and shed hunt in as there is a lot of dead and down and slash which makes it tricky to get solid footing. There's an in between time where micro spikes don't make sense so the corks filled that void. I also use them for work so they aren't my dedicated hunting boot like Hoffman's.
Post by: b0bbyg on December 23, 2020, 09:52:32 AM
The US made military Danner boots have been solid, don't trust the offshore made ones as much, sold lots of pairs from the factory store in years past.
Post by: Skyvalhunter on December 23, 2020, 09:53:16 AM
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on December 23, 2020, 09:56:30 AM
The Karakorum and the "blue boots" the frango TRK GTX have been just an absolute kick butt early season boot.
Karl, how were/are the LS Karakorum boots for being relatively waterproof? I do like the look of them.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 23, 2020, 10:04:49 AM
they have been great so far. I keep them well waterproofed though. The locking grommets are fantastic and I wish every boot ever made had them. I did replace the laces though as the stock ones seemed to like to slip a bit. Some rhinos and all is good now.The Karakorum and the "blue boots" the frango TRK GTX have been just an absolute kick butt early season boot.
Karl, how were/are the LS Karakorum boots for being relatively waterproof? I do like the look of them.
I should specify that some were sent back. I think I've kept 12 of the 17. The ones I've kept serve some sort of a purpose. One nice thing about having multiple pairs is it spreads the use around and I get a few years out of boots now vs single seasons like I used to on a pair.17 pairs in the last 3 years. So far I'm still searching.......
I would too ! :chuckle:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 23, 2020, 10:12:59 AM
ill add that though they are considered uninsulated, they are on the warm side. I wear them on later season hunts in CO or MT. They were the boots I took on our February Kodiak Mountain Goat hunt and they performed very well. Crazy good grip in snow and on slick rock.The Karakorum and the "blue boots" the frango TRK GTX have been just an absolute kick butt early season boot.
Karl, how were/are the LS Karakorum boots for being relatively waterproof? I do like the look of them.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 23, 2020, 10:16:43 AM
Some people are ok hunting with lower boots while some require higher top boots. Like Karl said nobody's feet are the same. Its a matter of finding the boot that's right and fits best for you. There certainly is a wide range of boots and prices.this is spot on. My boss is a hiking machine but ankle injuries have left him with big time sissy ankles. He could roll an ankle on flat ground :chuckle: he has to wear a 10" stiff mtn boot. I have always been a tall boot guy and would feel very unstable in lower boots, especially with 100lb+ pack. Trail running and hills in shoes has cured that for me though. Strengthening those support muscles is huge.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on December 23, 2020, 10:21:38 AM
ill add that though they are considered uninsulated, they are on the warm side. I wear them on later season hunts in CO or MT. They were the boots I took on our February Kodiak Mountain Goat hunt and they performed very well. Crazy good grip in snow and on slick rock.The Karakorum and the "blue boots" the frango TRK GTX have been just an absolute kick butt early season boot.
Karl, how were/are the LS Karakorum boots for being relatively waterproof? I do like the look of them.
Appreciate the feedback mister. I have a pair of the Lowa Tibet GTX Highs for my serious ankle support, backwoods trekking, packing out boots. Love em, bombproof, takes a bit of breaking in tho. Prior to that, Zamberlans.. another tall, ankle support boot. They were a bit narrow for me but served the purpose for many years. I also always have a pair of shorter, lighter boots in my gear. Currently, a pair of the Salomon GTX Quest fits that spot, but, like others have said... they don't last very long and are certainly not much more than water resistant after a few dunks/wet brush adventures. I'm liking the look of those LSportiva's and they appear to be much beefier than the Salomons. Gonna figure out the size transfer from EUR to US, add a 1/2 size, and get a pair ordered up soon. Again, thanks for the feedback. RJ
Post by: Mtnwalker on December 23, 2020, 10:27:48 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 23, 2020, 10:34:50 AM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 23, 2020, 10:35:42 AM
I've been on a similar mission as Karl, searching for the perfect boot. I think I've had 15 or so pair this year, though I've kept far less than him :chuckle: so far I've done two rounds. Round 1 was Crispi, Scarpa, Schnee's, Hanwag, Zamberlan, Lowa. Out of those I kept a pair of Beartooth 200g for late season boots and a pair of Zamberlans that I ended up hating. Currently I have the new White's, Kenetrek, and Meindl at the house. Waiting on a different size in Meindl, I think the Kenetreks and Whites are staying. Haven't tried La Sportiva or Hoffman yet, would like to try the Hoffmans in particular.I should never have even bothered ordering any crispi's after trying on yours. Im a slow learner :chuckle:
Post by: Mtnwalker on December 23, 2020, 10:47:19 AM
I've been on a similar mission as Karl, searching for the perfect boot. I think I've had 15 or so pair this year, though I've kept far less than him :chuckle: so far I've done two rounds. Round 1 was Crispi, Scarpa, Schnee's, Hanwag, Zamberlan, Lowa. Out of those I kept a pair of Beartooth 200g for late season boots and a pair of Zamberlans that I ended up hating. Currently I have the new White's, Kenetrek, and Meindl at the house. Waiting on a different size in Meindl, I think the Kenetreks and Whites are staying. Haven't tried La Sportiva or Hoffman yet, would like to try the Hoffmans in particular.I should never have even bothered ordering any crispi's after trying on yours. Im a slow learner :chuckle:
Don't feel too bad, I even ordered another pair after getting rid of those :chuckle: different size, same crappy fit
Post by: Shawn Ryan on December 28, 2020, 11:39:22 AM
They last about 2 years for me. Like all GoreTex products, the membrane breaks down where it flexes and bends.
They are lightweight boots with a grippy rubber compound sole. The Trango last is built for low volume feet.
Post by: hunthard on December 28, 2020, 01:33:42 PM
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 28, 2020, 01:47:55 PM
Geeeez, I remember when Rocky boots were good, does that make me old???
No, it just makes you a bad judge of boots. :chuckle:
Post by: Pathfinder101 on December 28, 2020, 02:06:14 PM
Last year my VA doc told me that I should start wearing orthopedic shoes. I noticed that Kenetrek started making an orthopedic version of the Mountain Extreme. No way I was going to fork out $700 for them, but I noticed a pair on Ebay for a couple hundred bucks in my size, so I bid on them. Wound up getting them for under $300. When they arrived, they basically looked like a set of Mountain Extremes, with some kind of rod on both sides of the uppers for support. The midsole was stiffer than my old Kenetreks, but that could be just because they are new. :dunno:
I wore them this year elk hunting in Idaho. They're great. Probably the first year that I haven't twisted my ankle in some way (my ankles are shot, as is my knee, hip and back). I also noticed that I am much less fatigued after hiking in them than in my old boots (I wore the old boots the first day).
Just thought I'd throw that out there if anyone is thinking about buying a pair.
I still don't know that I would fork out $689 for them. I don't see $200 worth of "extra" features from regular Mountain Extremes. I suspect the cost is the result of people buying them with their health insurance or HSAs. I do like mine though. :)
Post by: b0bbyg on December 28, 2020, 03:01:14 PM
Looks like I need to do some research later :chuckle:
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on December 28, 2020, 04:31:31 PM
I tried Crispi Nevada's and may be the only person on the planet that hates them. They create pressure points on the top of my foot. For what they cost I returned them within a week.
Danner pronghorns, were ok but a tad on the narrow side for me and I would get blisters.
Irish setter elk trekkers, great in cold weather if sitting still. Like a brick if you are hiking, I think they are over 3 lbs a boot insulated.
Post by: Wetwoodshunter on December 28, 2020, 04:44:44 PM
Post by: b0bbyg on December 28, 2020, 11:15:19 PM
Post by: niersfan80 on February 06, 2021, 06:59:42 PM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 07, 2021, 11:52:44 AM
I guess too, if you are an archery hunter. The Lowa Renegades are awesome, super lightweight but colder than my Tibets. Renegades are not quite as good (my opinion) if you sidehill a lot.
I like the stiffness of my Ranger GTXs for side hilling.
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on February 07, 2021, 12:16:03 PM
Post by: Shawn Ryan on February 07, 2021, 09:31:27 PM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 08, 2021, 05:21:38 AM
Post by: Hart on February 08, 2021, 08:07:34 PM
They are composite toe so a bit heavier than your normal hunting boot, but that meant work paid for half of them. Otherwise the price tag would have given me pause...but it's a case of you get what you pay for.