Elk hunting boots?

[longbow fanatic 1]

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

[Matty]

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

[kadbow]

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

[Pete McMiller]

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.

[longbow fanatic 1]

Thanks everyone!

[Pete McMiller]

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

[twitchstick]

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.

[Rick Richard]

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.

[bucknut]

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

[Keith Zimmerman]

I love my Russell Moccasins.

[Orion]

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.

[IdahoCurt]

I use the Crispi Valdres and have been very pleased.

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

[sightsee]

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.

[-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.

[fireball31]

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.

[centaur]

Originally 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.

[Chain2]

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

[Paul Shirek]

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!

[jrstegner]

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

[MnFn]

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!