Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: Gutpile on September 05, 2011, 07:43:11 AM

Title: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Gutpile on September 05, 2011, 07:43:11 AM: I need a new pair of boots and was considering Kenetrek. I just cant get more than a season and a haf out of any boots I buy anymore. They always seem to spring a leak and I'm sick of messing around trying different boots. I love Danners but after finding out that many of there boots are made in China I cant help but wonder if this is part of the durability problem.

Anybody have kenetreks? What sort of warranty do they carry? How long have you had them?

I appreciate your help.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: 7mag. on September 05, 2011, 08:17:57 AM: I have the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. So far I love them. Only one season so far, but I am very pleased so far. They are expensive though, took me a few years to pull the trigger to buy them.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: 280ackley on September 05, 2011, 08:27:17 AM: I've had a pair of Hardscrabbles for about 4 or 5 years and love them. You wont be disappointed with there boots.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Shed Stud on September 05, 2011, 09:06:07 AM: So I too am looking at these boots, were in wa is a store that carries them? All my searches bring me to Id stores. I've been thinking of ordering online but am so weary of buying boots without trying them on.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Gutpile on September 05, 2011, 09:32:37 AM: I'm tired of fiddling around so I'm going to buy them. Cant believe the "made in china" tag on some of the Danners. That really irks me. Not thrilled about "made in italy" either but hopefully they have better workmanship that the chinese.

Do the sizes run true? I think I may just order them online and be done with it.

Quote from: Shed Stud on September 05, 2011, 09:06:07 AM
So I too am looking at these boots, were in wa is a store that carries them? All my searches bring me to Id stores. I've been thinking of ordering online but am so weary of buying boots without trying them on.
On Kenetreks' website they list a bunch of WA stores. Wholesale sports in Spokane has them ...... supposedly, we'll see though. There were other towns listed but I didn't pay attention to which ones.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: boneaddict on September 05, 2011, 10:36:50 AM: I have the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. I take them to the limits, and am happy about them. Meindles used to be my favorite but they kept squeeking on me and I couldn't get rid of it no matter what I did to them.
I seriously take these boots to their namesake and they haven't let me down yet.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: follow maggie on September 05, 2011, 08:56:13 PM: Every Italian bot I've had has been great. Comfortable, god craftsmanship and they last forever. My last pair lasted 10 years.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: MtnMuley on September 05, 2011, 10:01:37 PM: I wore out a pair of the Mountain Extremes, but it took several hundred miles. I was a Danner guy before that, and now I'd never buy another pair. Best investment you can make for your feet in my opinion.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Bigfoot_44 on September 05, 2011, 10:35:08 PM: Some Double H work boots are great! I have 2 pair and there amazing. My dad works for them so let me know..!
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: whitey on September 06, 2011, 07:19:40 AM: I just bought a pair Saturday online and cant wait to get them.
Shed Stud
As far as finding a store that sells them go to the Kenetrek web site and it has a link that says "Find A Dealer" there is one up noth Bellingham, Burlington and 1 down south.
I know a few of the guys I hunt with have these boots and love them.
The Made in Italy thing kindof caught me off gaurd, But at least it isnt China or Sri Lanka or even Mexico.
I bought the 10" Mountain Extreme noninsulated. I will post the results once I get to field test them. I am heading over for the SCI Miller Ranch Youth hunt this weekend I hope to have them by then. Be a good way to break them in.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: MtnMuley on September 06, 2011, 08:01:18 AM: Rawson's in Okanogan also carrys Kenetreks.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: whitey on September 08, 2011, 12:36:03 PM: Im freakin Stoked. My Kenetrek Mt Extremes are being delivered today. Ordered on Monday and here by thursday. Just in time for the Miller Ranch Youth hunt this weekend.
Customer service is OUTSTANDING!!!!
:IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: 3Under on September 08, 2011, 12:44:54 PM: I got tired of wet feet and blisters, so I broke down and bought a pair of Kenetreks earlier this year. Hard to stomach $350 for boots, but 3 months and many miles later, they are worth every penny.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: MtnMuley on September 08, 2011, 12:55:00 PM: What some people don't understand, these boots will last longer than any 2 pair of $175 boots I've tried, and be twice as comfortable on your feet and body overall. :twocents:
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: whitey on September 08, 2011, 01:16:17 PM: I dont have a problem with spending $386.50 for boots..
I just like good boots.
My last pair of Danners was junk. And My last pair forsure. :bash:
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: norsepeak on September 08, 2011, 01:23:27 PM: Don't forget about the Lathrop and Sons Hanwag boots. Had them a year now, and put a lot of tough miles on them, excellent boot.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: MtnMuley on September 08, 2011, 01:56:24 PM: Those are good quality boots also. Lowa and Meindl also make some nice boots.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: TopOfTheFoodChain on September 08, 2011, 02:14:58 PM: Good thread. My 12 year old pair of USA made Danners are on their last season I think. I'll have to check out the Kenetrek's. Thanks! :)
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Bshiftbc on September 10, 2011, 03:42:35 PM: How are these boots for sizing? Run big or small? I wear a size 10......
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Bigtine96 on September 10, 2011, 03:50:11 PM: Check out muledeercountry.com and talk to steve, hes a very nice guy and sells them. :tup:
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Gutpile on September 10, 2011, 04:00:48 PM: Quote from: Bshiftbc on September 10, 2011, 03:42:35 PM
How are these boots for sizing? Run big or small? I wear a size 10......

Well I ordered some Mountain Extreme 400's last Saturday and recieved them this friday, not bad considering the holiday. I wear size 9 danners and since Kenetrek recommends ordering 1/2 size up I did. I ordered 9 1/2 Mediums and they are perfect. I got them from High Mountain Outfitters. Free shipping and they offer a free accessory. I got the boot wax. Cant wait to see how well they hold up.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Bshiftbc on September 10, 2011, 04:22:44 PM: I will! Thanks guys!
Title: Kenetrek boots
Post by: NWWA Hunter on September 10, 2011, 04:41:53 PM: I was at sheels I'm mt and had my seams sealed with seam sealer. Someone there asked me about it and the boot salesman said the owner of kennetrek does it too just in case. I figured it would protect the seams and stitching from wear on rocks. I threw mine on three years ago without wearing them in for a montana hunt and have hiked several hundred hard miles without a blister or any abnormal sore legs or feet like I had with danners. Prior to kennetrek boots I went through danner boots quickly. One brand new pair I ruined on only one Alaska elk hunt. My kennetreks still look relatively new. Also took them (400 gram thinsulate) on a antelope hunt in Nevada with temps to 98 and had no noticeable abnormal sweating. I also wear high quality socks and sock liners. I will never try another boot. They also cradle your ankle in a tougher upper so you dont roll it. They last so long they are cheaper than $175 every other year and with the comfort my feet receive after the hike I just could never switch. I am sure there are other good boots (schnees, lathrop and sons, etc) but kennetrek boots are so amazing I doubt I will try the others.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Salmo on September 10, 2011, 08:13:03 PM: Quote from: boneaddict on September 05, 2011, 10:36:50 AM
I have the Kenetrek Mountain Extremes. I take them to the limits, and am happy about them. Meindles used to be my favorite but they kept squeeking on me and I couldn't get rid of it no matter what I did to them.
I seriously take these boots to their namesake and they haven't let me down yet.

Thinking an endorsement from this guy is all I need...
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Tim in Wa. on September 11, 2011, 08:05:54 AM: they run narrow compared to other brands
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: 7mag. on September 11, 2011, 10:39:36 AM: I normaly wear a 10m. My Kenetreks are a 10 1/2 wide.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: KJR on September 17, 2011, 03:17:15 PM: Try a pair of Hawk boots by Danner.They are made in the USA.This will be my 12th season with this one pair of boots,still water proof and the most comfortable boot i've ever worn.There are still alot of Danner boots made in this country to choose from but I would not waist my money on those ones made overseas,they are junk!
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: BoomWhop on September 17, 2011, 04:00:06 PM: Thanks for the input guys. I pulled the trigger on a set of kenetrek mountian extrems. Very good feeling boot I can't wait to put them to the test. Bought them in Burlington, 379 minus the 10 dollar coupon from the hunting regs.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: boneaddict on September 18, 2011, 08:46:07 PM: Nice!
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: jechicdr on September 19, 2011, 03:57:40 PM: Got mine at Wholesale Sports in Spokane. They were the most comfortable boots I ever put on. Stayed that way the whole first season I wore them and did not break them in and did not get any blisters. This year I went with Asolo, just cause they were lighter and I had a long uphill hike so also wanted the shorter boot. Did pretty well until the rain started and the short boot went under the muddy swamp "meadows". Doesn't matter how waterproof your boots are if you bury them under water. The only reason I didn't also pack my Kennetreks up was that I was packing a whole lot on my back. Next year I'm having horses/mules pack me in so I will bring both but will probably favor the Kennetreks for most of my hunting and the Asolo's for hiking.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: jbeaumont21 on September 19, 2011, 04:03:02 PM: Quote from: jechicdr@yahoo.com on September 19, 2011, 03:57:40 PM
Got mine at Wholesale Sports in Spokane. They were the most comfortable boots I ever put on. Stayed that way the whole first season I wore them and did not break them in and did not get any blisters. This year I went with Asolo, just cause they were lighter and I had a long uphill hike so also wanted the shorter boot. Did pretty well until the rain started and the short boot went under the muddy swamp "meadows". Doesn't matter how waterproof your boots are if you bury them under water. The only reason I didn't also pack my Kennetreks up was that I was packing a whole lot on my back. Next year I'm having horses/mules pack me in so I will bring both but will probably favor the Kennetreks for most of my hunting and the Asolo's for hiking.

I know exactly what you're talking about. I love my Kenetreks for hunting but they are not ideal for riding my mountian bike. I prefer a light weight shoe or boot for when I am making the long ride in and out of elk camp. I hate having to haul in the extra weight but sure am thankful to have the kenetreks once I get to my hunting destination.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Wanttohuntmore on September 19, 2011, 10:09:58 PM: I'm on my 3rd pair of Meindle Canada Hunters since '91, and have loved them so far, but like Bone says, I've had some squeak issues. I've been thinking of trying the Kenetrek Mountain extremes next, as they seem similar in feel, but all reviews are great on them. Bone, what Meindle's did you try?
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: jechicdr on September 19, 2011, 10:25:14 PM: On the squeaks, I think on most boots it's from the fold in leather where the laces are. Mine start squeaking, even the Kennetreks when they get a buildup of dirt in there. When you take them off and clean out the dirt, the squeak usually goes away. Suspect the same on most boots that start quiet but then get a little squeak.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: 280ackley on September 20, 2011, 06:48:07 PM: :yeah:
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on September 20, 2011, 08:20:08 PM: I've got the Hardscrabbles, runnin em for 3 seasons I think. Perty good boot...
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: lewy on September 20, 2011, 08:33:16 PM: picked up a pair a couple years ago and really like em. dont give up on them after a few hikes cause they take some miles to break in. there not cumfy out of the box like pronghorns but at least they last a while. would highly recomend them!
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: MtnMuley on September 20, 2011, 09:03:45 PM: The first model Mountain Extreme squeeked bad after quite a bit of use. Kenetrek was well aware. The new models with the cordura patch took care of the problem.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: coonhound on September 20, 2011, 09:10:36 PM: I'm on my 3rd season with the mountain extreme's, they are a great boot with unrivaled support. My only beef is the soft rubber used in the sole, mine are ready for new soles, in fact I may have waited too long, I wore through the rubber in the toe area. I called them and asked if they could put the Vibram sole on that they use on the Guide boots with no success. The did however offer me a new pair at 1/2 price.

Coon
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on September 21, 2011, 11:06:13 AM: how was break in on these boots? I'm wearing Meindl Denalis now and like them, but the break in was a little more than the last pair. I don't like having sore feet... How were the Mountain Extremes?
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: whitey on September 21, 2011, 12:10:58 PM: Just seen they are giving away free gaters when You purchase a new pair so I called and they said no problem they would honor the offer beings I just got them like less than 2 weeks ago. These babies are normally $60.00. Im pumped. These guys are awesome.Very happy with the boots and customer service is the best.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: jbeaumont21 on September 21, 2011, 02:08:32 PM: Damn! I bought my new pair in June and didn't get the gators with them. They still look shiny, I wonder if they would still give me the gators? I'm guessing not.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: whitey on September 22, 2011, 05:56:03 AM: jbeaumont21
I would say it wouldnt hurt to call them.
All they can say is "Sorry"
I was jazzed when they said they would honor the offer. Although I only just bought the boots about a 1 1/2 weeks before the offer.
Good luck and start your conversation with.. "Man these boots Rock" then hit them up with the offer.
Keep Us posted.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: Skyvalhunter on September 22, 2011, 06:01:44 AM: They are the best boots I have owned. Have had 3 pairs and had one set resoled but most the time the leather gets weakened. It wouldn't hurt to try to get the gaitors.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: whitey on September 22, 2011, 06:13:29 AM: Quote from: Skyvalhunter on September 22, 2011, 06:01:44 AM
They are the best boots I have owned. Have had 3 pairs and had one set resoled but most the time the leather gets weakened. It wouldn't hurt to try to get the gaitors.
Hunting behind Your Mt Goat like A$$ and suffering from ill fitting boots 2 season agos made me think "man"!
Then when I ask You and you told me the boots you had on sold Me.
Thanks for the advice. Cant wait to really give them a try.
Thats if I have a season. Heading out of country again for 30 days. Missed grouse opener over in Our normal spot because I was in Spain. This job is taking upa bunch of time but. Oh well!
Later on buddy.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 22, 2011, 07:13:49 AM: Quote from: MtnMuley on September 08, 2011, 01:56:24 PM
Those are good quality boots also. Lowa and Meindl also make some nice boots.
I got some Lowa boots this year and forget they're on. With Bee Natural Rain & Snow waterproofing (made locally here in Vancouver), they were good for about a week in the swamps before I had to waterproof again. I love these boots.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: MtnMuley on September 26, 2011, 02:28:46 PM: Quote from: WAcoyotehunter on September 21, 2011, 11:06:13 AM
how was break in on these boots? I'm wearing Meindl Denalis now and like them, but the break in was a little more than the last pair. I don't like having sore feet... How were the Mountain Extremes?

Personally, I don't feel there is really a break-in for this boot. Maybe a little more stiff support in the beginning. I've broke in two pair on several day trips in the mountains, and never had an issue. :twocents:
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: whitey on September 27, 2011, 05:45:39 AM: I agree about there has been very little break in on the Kenetrek boots i bought. I did just recieve My new Kenetrek gaitors yesterday and Man those bad dogs are nice.
Love everything about this company and the products they sell. :tup:
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: chukarchaser on September 28, 2011, 10:50:30 PM: I used to be a Russell moc fan until the last pair i got sucked. Got my money back an bought the Mt Extreme. i love them. Wore them on the youth hunt all day and it was 90+ in the basin no problem.
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: BoomWhop on September 28, 2011, 10:51:59 PM: Hiked my butt off this last week with my new Mt Extremes, loved them.. :tup:
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: GurrCentral on February 16, 2019, 02:15:33 PM: Is the only difference between the Hardscrabbles and the Mountain Extreme non-insulated the height? Thanks!
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: lewy on February 16, 2019, 03:29:25 PM: You can get the mt extremes insulated or non, they are a taller boot than the hardscrabble
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: GurrCentral on February 16, 2019, 09:43:51 PM: Quote from: lewy on February 16, 2019, 03:29:25 PM
You can get the mt extremes insulated or non, they are a taller boot than the hardscrabble

Yep.....was just curious if the only difference was the height. (I was referring to the non-insulated mountain extremes and the hardscrabbles). I am about 99% sure I am going with the taller NI mountain extremes tho.

Thanks
Title: Re: Kenetrek boots
Post by: MtnMuley on February 16, 2019, 10:01:54 PM: Quote from: GurrCentral on February 16, 2019, 02:15:33 PM
Is the only difference between the Hardscrabbles and the Mountain Extreme non-insulated the height? Thanks!

Yes