Trad Gang

I've been researching quality mountain boots. It's a bit daunting. For those experienced elk hunters, what boot do you prefer?

Here are my choices so far:

Kenetrek Mountain Extreme
Lowa Tabet GTX
Meindl Perfekt Hunters
Lathop & Sons Mountain Hunter

I've been using the salomon quest. Easily had at REI I use them most of the year here in CO.

I like my Meindls I also use an Asolo boot for early season/dry conditions.

Dennis,

Of those on your list I have only worn the Meindl Perfect Hunters and like them a lot.  If I was just starting out I might take a look at the Kenetreks also just because of the recommendations of others.  Prior to my Meindls I spent 18 years in Danner Elk Hunters but wouldn't recommend them now.  Not familiar with the other boots other than by name.

Thanks everyone!

Dennis, If you like the Meindl Perfect Hunters also take a look the Perfect Hikers.  My hunting partner likes them over the Hunters.

I have really liked my Zamberlan 996 VIOZ GTX. I'm only on my 3rd season with them but they have been holding up good. For a full leather boot they are light and quite to me. I have had good luck with Danner, Vasque boots and good athletic shoes.

Kenetrek period. I have many many miles on mine and they are still going. I have tried others, but these are the best for my feet.

I know you don't have them listed but in my opinion the Meindl Denali is as good as any boot made. I've had several and they are great. I literally put Thousands of miles on my first pair.  I also have kenetreks but unless you are hunting the late season the are a little heavy and warm. The Hard scrabbles are worth looking into also. We have a shop that specializes in Mountain boots a couple hours from my house. It is nice to try them out before laying down that much cash! You might check for dealers of the boots on your final list in your area.

John

I love my Russell Moccasins.

I wear the Kenetrek Hardscrabble hikers.  Same boot as the extreme, but not as high, thus lighter.  Provide plenty of support. By comparison, I've worn Vasque and Danners in the past.  Like the Kenetreks better.  These are wearing very well also.  If I ever need another pair, I'll get the same ones.

I use the Crispi Valdres and have been very pleased.

http://www.blackovis.com/crispi-valdres-plus-gtx-hunting-boot

Depends are your foot design, I love Lowa or Meindles but I have a wide foot with high arch, can't wear Kenetrek. Get your foot sized up first and use a good insole.

I wouldn't worry about the brand, I'd worry about what fits best. Everyone has a different foot. As for what to look for in a boot, I look for a full leather upper with as few seams as possible with a full rubber rand from a company made in Romania, Italy or Germany (in no particular order). Buy first world made boots and you get what you pay for, made in Vietnam or Korea and you also get what you pay for. Also, pick the features that suit the terrain and weather that you'll be in most. My current boots for backpacking/hunting/hiking or anything else with a pack on my back are Lowa and I wear Russell Moccasins (thinnest sole they sell and very little support, but whisper quiet) for stalking any game once I get to where I'm actually hunting.

I can't stress enough, brand is not important, fit is.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the boots you listed. Quality is top notch with all of them. It will have more to do with personal fit.

QuoteOriginally posted by -Zor:
I wouldn't worry about the brand, I'd worry about what fits best. Everyone has a different foot. As for what to look for in a boot, I look for a full leather upper with as few seams as possible with a full rubber rand from a company made in Romania, Italy or Germany (in no particular order). Buy first world made boots and you get what you pay for, made in Vietnam or Korea and you also get what you pay for. Also, pick the features that suit the terrain and weather that you'll be in most. My current boots for backpacking/hunting/hiking or anything else with a pack on my back are Lowa and I wear Russell Moccasins (thinnest sole they sell and very little support, but whisper quiet) for stalking any game once I get to where I'm actually hunting.

I can't stress enough, brand is not important, fit is.

x2. The last couple of years, I have worn LLBean Hunting boots, which work well for all but the most gnarly mountain hiking, and are very quiet and super comfortable. For 'real' hiking boots, I have had success with Asolo and Lowas, but I have found that most, if not all, Goretex boots leak after a couple of seasons. You pays your money, and you takes your choice.

Salomans. Rock, mud, screw, waterproof. They do it all.

I have a pair of Schnees Beartooth and they are great! I have compared them to just about everything and they are at least as good as the very best and better than most! After 3 hard years of hunting in mountains and elsewhere, they show almost no sign of wear!

I would seriously consider Crispi boots. I have a pair of the Nevadas, best boot I have owned. Zero break in required.

I have not hunted elk for a few years now.  Previously, I hunted Colorado 4 years in a row.

I used Meindl Perfekt Hikers all four times. The last two we backpacked in 4+ miles, then daily another 1 mike or so from base camp.

I was very pleased with these boots and I have very flat feet which causes problems when carrying heavy loads. Plus, they kept my feet dry.  I did prepare them with conditioner/waterproofing every year prior to hunting tho.

I still have these boots and they are  still very servicable. I will be using them this fall for elk but the terrain will be much less harsh then on previous hunts.

Good luck!

I can testify to the excellence of Asolo snd Zamberlan boots but you really should throw the Schnee boot into your short list of considerations.  Not only do they make an excellent boot, their customer satisfaction guarantee has to be unmatched.

I have used Danner and Vasque both served me well formany years. Never go with just one pair of any kind. Agree with other posts fit is the key thing

Elk hunting covers a lot of different states altitudes and seasons. For early high country any good Goretex trekking boot or the Russell Mocassin ad well as LL Bean rubber boots fit the task, light and quiet are very important here. But as the season progresses with colder weather and chanches of snow or heavy rains you need some more though boots, I like the Meindl line but any Italian mountain boot company makes great huning boots for the high country. I would use the Kenetrek and the othe Montana based brands for the really late season or when you encounter some heavy snow fall. Being very heavy those boots are a nightmare to wear for long hours of climbing if not necessary for the weather conditions.
At the end I personally carry 3 different pairs spending most of the season in my hunting camp

rmsgear(sponsor) carries mountain boots now, for the life of me I can't remember the brand now and I don't think they are on the website but you can call and ask, they have an 800 number. The biggest key is knowing your foot profile, wide, narrow, normal etc!  Different brands and even models in the same brand sometimes run different widths. I thought I had normal width feet, turns out they are narrow and getting boots that fit properly was probably the biggest game changer for me elk hunting. I feel I was 50% less fatigued at the end of the day with boots that were more than just the right length, but actually right length and width too!

Of the choices you listed, PERSONALY I'd go with the Lowa Tibets.  But that's because I know Lowa's work great for me.  I'm currenly using the Lowa Tech Lite Hunters (Cevedale) and absolutely love them.  They're very close to the Tibets except lighter due to synthetics used in place of leather in certain locations.   It really is very personal though, I tried to stray away from Lowa's last year and try out a pair of Zamberlan and they shredded my heels.  I know they're great boots, they just didn't work for me. Luckily I have a buddy who absolutely loves Zamberlans and I was able to sell to him without taking a big hit.

I also like the looks of the Crispi Nevadas, but a guy can only try so many pairs of $400 boots.

The Meindl's are very nice and what am using for steep terrain.  If it is not steep I use my Schenee gum shoe bottom boots.  They are the quieter than any boot I own.  I know a lot of western hunters that use them during archery season.

I just resoled my 9 year old Perfekt hikers.  They have been very good boots for me but I will admit they are a bit heavy.  I add gators when hunting in the snow

This past November I was in Kodiak AK. I bought a new pair of boots not sure of the make but they were worthless my first trip out. I took a pair of Keen hikers as backup boots. The Keen boots worked out great. I was really surprised at how well they held up. I will be buying another pair just with more ankle support.

Gilbert

How much ankle support do you need?  Do you anticipate a lot of climbing/hiking through rock fields where more foot protection is needed?  Will you be carrying a heavy pack?  In general, the more support and protection that you need for carrying heavy loads and rock protection, the more your boot will weigh.  I have done my last few elk hunts using Vasque mid-weight, ankle-high hiking boots and these boots were very comfortable and very light weight.  There are a lot of reviews online for hiking boots.  Check them out.  Hikers put a lot of miles on their boots and you will find good comparison studies.

Dennis, I think the area you are headed into will factor into the decision making. I personally hunt a relatively dry area, and have had great success with a lightweight hiker, like a Saloman Quest, and an Asolo Powermatic.
This fall I'm going even lighter and I'll be running a mid height trail running shoe, like the Saloman Ultra mis GtX. Heard an experienced western hunter say a pound on your feet is like 10 on your back.
Good luck on your search

Drew

QuoteOriginally posted by Stixbowdrew:
Dennis, I think the area you are headed into will factor into the decision making. I personally hunt a relatively dry area, and have had great success with a lightweight hiker, like a Saloman Quest, and an Asolo Powermatic.
This fall I'm going even lighter and I'll be running a mid height trail running shoe, like the Saloman Ultra mis GtX. Heard an experienced western hunter say a pound on your feet is like 10 on your back.
Good luck on your search

Drew

Having too light of shoe with not enough support can feel like a lot of weight on your back too, especially if you're older and have crappy feet! Some people have exceptionally strong robust feet and ankles some people don't. Having had to wear crappy poor fitting boots in the Navy for 22 years, I fall into the need a good stiff boot for mountain hunting.

Thanks, everyone. Great info!

I hunted elk four years ago on a hunt that we had trouble finding elk. I wore a pair of Danner Pronghorns on that hunt. They are very light in weight boots. We cover 63 miles in 7 days over some pretty rough stuff in 9-11,000 feet. They worked great, with good wool socks I had no hot spots. I got a pair of Meindel ultra lights after that and I like them even better. This year I bought Meindel Denali's and I'm going to give them hell, hope they work as well as I expect them to.

Best boot for hunting I've ever owned.

https://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Oboz-Men-s-Yellowstone-II-Mid-BDry-Boot_10314757_10208_10000001_-1_?cm_mmc=PLA-_-GooglePlusBox-_-Oboz-_-Oboz-Men-s-Yellowstone-II-Mid  -BDry-Boot_GooglePlusBox&utm_source=GooglePlusBox&utm_medium=PLA&ad_id=GooglePlusBox&utm_campaign=Oboz-Men-s-Yellowstone-II-Mid-BDry-Boot&scid=scplp1583407&sc_intid=1583407&gclid=C  KewsvCBhtQCFU5YDQodJw4IvA (https://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Oboz-Men-s-Yellowstone-II-Mid-BDry-Boot_10314757_10208_10000001_-1_?cm_mmc=PLA-_-GooglePlusBox-_-Oboz-_-Oboz-Men-s-Yellowstone-II-Mid-BDry-Boot_GooglePlusBox&utm_source=GooglePlusBox&utm_medium=PLA&ad_id=GooglePlusBox&utm_campaign=Oboz-Men-s-Yellowstone-II-Mid-BDry-Boot&scid=scplp1583407&sc_intid=1583407&gclid=CKewsvCBhtQCFU5YDQodJw4IvA)

Here is the Oboz page

https://obozfootwear.com/products/mens-yellowstone-ii-mid-waterproof

I have 2 pair Meindle's.   One pair is insulated and I have worn very little. They are about 5 years old and look  brand new.   The soles on both split the last time I wore them.   I called Cabellas and they said tough luck.    I also have a pair of non insulated that I wear constantly and show the wear, but are holding up.  No way I would go on a hunting trip with only Meindle's.

Medicineman, Mine are  uninsulated. Sorry you had trouble with yours. I'm like you I never go on a hunt without a backup set of boots(or bow) that are well broke in.

Last season my brother and I hunted Colorado. He wore Kennetreks and I had my Meindles.  We were both equally pleased with their performance.  However, after a couple of days of very wet conditions my right foot started to get wet,  he stayed dry.  I'm using my Meindles again this coming fall.  Going to check them over good to see if I might have a bad seam or something, and going to give them a good application of Obenaufs.

Meindls...great boots.....nuff said

 30+ years Elk hunting best boot I have worn and yes I have 2 pair of Russells

QuoteOriginally posted by Tater:
Meindls...great boots.....nuff said

 30+ years Elk hunting best boot I have worn and yes I have 2 pair of Russells

Thanks, Pat! I was going to ask you too! I ordered the Meindl Denali, but wasn't sure if I should choose another boot. Have you used the Denalis?

I'm with KentuckyTJ, Oboz hikers prolly the best fitting shoe i have found for my feet.dont know why you don't hear more about them,being half the price of top of the line shoes may have something to do with it.

Dennis,
 I currently have the Denalis.
 There are a lot of good offerings in boots out there. The problem I have experienced with the shorter hiking boots is if you are not wearing gaiters and walking in damp or wet conditions your socks get wet and it wicks down in the boot.

   My opinion and experience.

Good point, Pat. I think I'm going to go with their the Perfekt Hunters or the Perfekt Extreme. I kinda prefer the full rand on the PE boots.

Over the past 10 years or so, I've transitioned from robust, heavily-supported mountaineering type boots to a lighter, more flexible hiking style boot.

Typical hunt is 5-7 days at an average of 6-9 miles per day at elevations between 7500-9500 feet.

Started with a couple of pairs of Zamberlans, then the Schnee's uninsulated Beartooth. They performed well. Hunted a Crispi (I believe it was the Idaho?) 2 seasons ago and it leaked like a sieve.

After reading all of the positive reviews of the Salomon Quest 4d's, I gave them a try last season. I was skeptical about hunting with such a low-cut, flexible boot and I even brought an older pair of Zamberlans to stash at basecamp so I could retrieve when needed. The Salomons were awesome. Felt like I was wearing slippers compared to the stiffer, heavier boots. Kept me dry through morning dew and 2 days of fairly steady rain (no snow during archery season this year), and were plenty of support for a fairly rigorous elk hunt with a 30 pound pack.

I will be hunting the Salomons again this season, with no "big boot" backup.

If you want a mid, I had Lowa Renegade GTX boots and they served me fairly well. The only time they really didn't do well was a hunt we got several inches of snow. They wetted out quickly and never dried out the rest of the hunt. I've got one year in on a pair of Zamberlan 980s (much higher boot) and I have no complaints. They took a lot longer to break in than the Lowas did, but they're a much stiffer boot.

The L.L. Bean Cresta all leather hikers are tough to beat. They are European made, extremely comfortable and take minimum break in time. I've had mine now for close to 15 years and they are still in pretty good condition.

i have the meindls and love them...made it through back to back wyoming mule deer camp hunts and an en elk hunt in Utah. No blisters, stayed dry, great traction and support. Highly recommend them.

hanwags...all the way