Kenetrek versus Schnee.update first review

Ray Lyon · November 18, 2019, 10:26:46 PM

Looking at the extreme weather versions of each. Any recommendations or experience shared would be appreciated

Pmringer · November 19, 2019, 07:58:04 AM

My experience is that the fit, finish, and lack of bulk with the Schnees is better. They don't feel like moon boots.

Bigriver · November 19, 2019, 08:06:35 AM

I have owned the shnees for a few years, and have put them through the paces. They are great boots, fit, finish and durability is awesome. Dont know about the comparison, but the Scnees are worth the money IMO.

I will say they are not the warmest boots, but I have used them with the charcoal foot warmers in extreme cold, and that helps.

Ghostman · November 19, 2019, 09:12:50 AM

IMO Kenetrek boots are overpriced for what they are. They use their own lug sole where most of the top brands of both Italian and German made boots use Vibram soles.

Kenetreks also use what many consider an inferior EVA (ethel vinyl acetate) midsole that wears out faster than a PU (Polyurethane) midsole used by most of the other top brands.

I've never seen or wore Schnee boots but a few of their boots list being Italian made. I personally like German made boots by Lowa, Meindl and Hanwag more than Italian brands. The German boot lasts are slightly bigger than Italian made boots, they fit my feet better and the leather uppers seem to be a few mm thicker.

Bigriver · November 19, 2019, 11:20:57 AM

Their extreme boots are a different animal than the Italian hiking boots, they are a pac boot.

Kevin Dill · November 19, 2019, 11:34:11 AM

Hi Ray. Couple thoughts...

Both of the (extreme) boots you referenced are built using Thinsulate as the primary insulating material. The liners are a combination of Thinsulate and Cambrelle sewn in a quilted pattern.

My personal experience has been that Thinsulate (any amount) only works for me down to about 25F and then my feet get cold. That's even with 1000 gram boots. My Schnee's Hunters were okay for me down to 32F when sitting inactive for hours. At 20F my feet would get painfully cold. I could only use the boots for active, mobile hunting unless I added chemical warmers.

Depending on your tendencies, the heavier Thinsulate might work. For me, I need to be wearing a pac boot with true felt liners (good thick ones) when sitting on stand for hours at 20F or colder UNLESS I'm using foot or toe warmers in a lighter boot.

For true down-cold inactive hunting, I'd probably be looking at Hoffman Boots felt lined pacs. Made in Montana by the Hoffman family. Significantly less expensive than Schnee's or Kenetreks pac boots using Thinsulate.

Schnee's and Hoffman pacs are made in Montana, USA. The Kenetrek pacs are built in Thailand, if that matters to anyone.

Stay warm and good hunting.

Wudstix · November 19, 2019, 11:45:16 AM

Thanks for the review, Kevin.

Roger Norris · November 19, 2019, 11:48:09 AM

Schnees....100%

jrstegner · November 19, 2019, 02:07:21 PM

My experience mirrors Kevin's. I do not have a pair of Schnees, but I do have both the Kenetrek and Hoffman boots and the Hoffman's are warmer. I am considering going to a down bootie next year. Even the best packs only work for me for about 3 hrs at temps below 20°.

Joey Ward · November 19, 2019, 02:50:42 PM

Are you opposed to Lacrosse boots?

If not, their Ice King boots are very good extreme cold weather boots.

If you're looking at pac style boots, always buy an extra pair of liners. That way you can always swap out for a warm dry pair.

Tim Finley · November 19, 2019, 07:29:00 PM

I bought a pair of Schnees in 1994 and still have them they were great boots with a simple air bob sole they make a heavier sole now . I need to have my bottoms replaced Ive got a lot of miles on em .

Ray Lyon · November 19, 2019, 09:01:55 PM

Thank you for the great replies. I'm currently using Sorels with felt packs and then I added two of the wool sole liners that are about an 1/8 of an inch thick from two tracks.

Ray Lyon · November 20, 2019, 05:58:23 PM

I ordered the Schnee Extreme. I'll post back after a few northern MI December hunts.

Bigriver · November 20, 2019, 06:59:32 PM

Another benefit of the Schnees, they are pretty nice to walk in compared to other big pacs, you will be happy I bet.

Chain2 · November 21, 2019, 08:23:12 PM

What Kevin said X2. Schnees are better Ray. They work in a stirrup as well.

Ray Lyon · November 21, 2019, 08:50:49 PM

No stirrups for me, but it was a toss up between Schnee's and Hoffman's. I value Kevin's advice over the years here as well. Looking forward to the last 5 weeks of deer hunting with comfortable feet and less use of warmers.

Kevin Dill · November 22, 2019, 08:44:45 AM

Ray...let us know your evaluation of the boots. I hope you have happy toes....

BAK · November 23, 2019, 02:37:10 PM

Never worn either, but have spent some time with my nephew who is a ranch hand in Montana. All of them wore Schneee's

Overspined · November 23, 2019, 06:27:45 PM

Quote from: Bigriver on November 19, 2019, 08:06:35 AM
I have owned the shnees for a few years, and have put them through the paces. They are great boots, fit, finish and durability is awesome. Dont know about the comparison, but the Scnees are worth the money IMO.

I will say they are not the warmest boots, but I have used them with the charcoal foot warmers in extreme cold, and that helps.

Same experiences

Ray Lyon · November 25, 2019, 10:06:06 AM

It's like Christmas in November! I got my Schnee extremes in the mail today. They are very well-built I went with a size 14 which is one size above normal and they fit perfect. Looking forward to trying these out. They are not overly bulky but I can tell they are built up with insulation around the rubber part of the boot.[attachment=1]