I'm thinking about getting into more of a hiking boot this year. I used gaiters last season with an 8 inch boot I like, but it was a very heavy boot and felt like a brick after a few miles in the hills. Hopefully some of you have been using a hiking boot. I'm not finding much in the way of insulation which I was kinda hoping for, but not a deal breaker. I use gaiters mainly because we had snow on the ground out here all the way into May especially on the dark side of hills and it gets deep. Opening day last season we got a foot the night prior and it was a whole 1 degree, not including wind chill. Hit 2 patches of waist deep stuff on my way in the dark. If in snow I'd probably use my 8 inch boot again. Throw out any brand suggestions or specific boots for me.
Let me clarify the hiking boots will be for when the snow melts, but it will still be cold.
Try crispi boots they are great
I don't know where you live but, if you live close to an REI store go in and let them help you. If you buy a pair and they don't work out as you break them in they will take them back within a year it's like getting a 1 year warranty. To me it's worth paying a little more in case you have problems you have not thrown away your money.
Check out Keen if you want light weight. I bought a cheap set last year and was pleasantly surprised. I wore them for the Arkansas youth hunt (we had sleet) in Ohio (cold opener). With a regular pair of wool socks, they were extremely warm and it was the first time my feet never began to sweat. As season progressed, I switched to regular black socks and they worked perfectly. GorTex held 100% all the way through season (hunting 4-5 days a week). To top it off, I deer hunted a good bit with them too.
This year I stepped up to some Russell Moccasins (custom boots). Plan on doing a full review when I get them.
Quote from: Turkz39 on February 18, 2019, 07:15:02 PM
Try crispi boots they are great
I know a lot of guys use Crispi for elk and other big game. I'd imagine they aren't real heavy if they use them?
Quote from: Spurs on February 18, 2019, 07:27:32 PM
Check out Keen if you want light weight. I bought a cheap set last year and was pleasantly surprised. I wore them for the Arkansas youth hunt (we had sleet) in Ohio (cold opener). With a regular pair of wool socks, they were extremely warm and it was the first time my feet never began to sweat. As season progressed, I switched to regular black socks and they worked perfectly. GorTex held 100% all the way through season (hunting 4-5 days a week). To top it off, I deer hunted a good bit with them too.
This year I stepped up to some Russell Moccasins (custom boots). Plan on doing a full review when I get them.
What Keen model did you use?
https://www.cabelas.com/product/KEEN-KOVEN-MID-WP-HIKER/2220946.uts?productVariantId=4407186&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=04314196&rid=20&ds_rl=1246522&ds_rl=1246585&ds_rl=1246588&ds_rl=1252079&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzKnjBRDPARIsAKxfTRBwRqbc_pmr6loZdraRzTaXCnoLx52Thd9F2b20Xrn0H5qfYVywvIoaAtgvEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
If u don't mind a lower top boot, kenetrek hard scrabble worked well for me in Colorado. I liked them plenty. No insulation to speak of really. Wool socks and I was gtg all day. They make higher cut boots but couldn't pass the deal. Crispi's are nice as well. Solomon, might've spelled it wrong, is a good brand for the money. Can find them on sale pretty often. I'll be getting a pair of their shoes for my next Colorado hunt. It'll be earlier in the season and lighter going for the long haul.
Might add that kenetrek boots have a very solid shank. If that bothers you, get something else. Very little flex in the sole. But, for covering steep terrain, it's the berries imo.
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I can't help you on the boot model, as you are in a much different climate than me. I will tell you what I did recently, and if you have amazon prime you can consider it as well. Amazon started something called amazon wardrobe, where you can order a bunch of clothing items, try them on and see what fits and what you like, and send back anything you don't want and only get charged for the item(s) you keep.
I recently did this with a bunch of hiking or hunting boots from Danner, Bates, 5.11, Merrell, Keen (couple different models), and Salomon (couple different models). I tried them all on, walked around my living room to test fit (obviously you can't walk around outside), and ended up with the Salomon LTR GTX's for a couple reasons, but as far as build quality and comfort the Keens were neck and neck. I actually liked the Keens very SLIGHTLY more, but the fit for my foot was off. I can tell you that the Danner Vitals were absolute garbage for the money. Garbage. In a pinch I bought some $25 Walmart specials a few years ago that were built better. The rest of the boots that I tried were all well made boots that I would enjoy owning, but the Salomon and Keen stood out as the most well made.
Disclaimer - I wouldn't condone buying a bunch of boots from somewhere and then doing returns on what you don't want, but the prime wardrobe is made to do just that for members and I would recommend taking advantage of any membership perk you have.
Quote from: SD_smith on February 18, 2019, 07:37:27 PM
Quote from: Turkz39 on February 18, 2019, 07:15:02 PM
Try crispi boots they are great
I know a lot of guys use Crispi for elk and other big game. I'd imagine they aren't real heavy if they use them?
I have a couple pairs and run their Idaho's when I elk hunt. They are uninsulated but I can wear them to a very low temp if I'm active and they are fine for my particular feet. I just got back from a public land archery hog hunt in GA where we were constantly walking through 2-5" of water and my feet were dry as can be.
I will say that they are probably stiffer soled then you may need, but if you can get use to it then they might work for you. They have been very good boots for me the couple years I've had them.
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SD I use the summit gtx they are 8 " tall and 3 lbs both boots, they are a bit stiff at first but after a day or so you will get use to the extra support.
I've used asolo hiking boots and now on a pair of Vasque hiking boots. Sierr@ trading Post is the best place I've found and I always get a half size bigger.
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Quote from: Spurs on February 18, 2019, 07:27:32 PM
Check out Keen if you want light weight. I bought a cheap set last year and was pleasantly surprised. I wore them for the Arkansas youth hunt (we had sleet) in Ohio (cold opener). With a regular pair of wool socks, they were extremely warm and it was the first time my feet never began to sweat. As season progressed, I switched to regular black socks and they worked perfectly. GorTex held 100% all the way through season (hunting 4-5 days a week). To top it off, I deer hunted a good bit with them too.
This year I stepped up to some Russell Moccasins (custom boots). Plan on doing a full review when I get them.
Let me know what you think of the Russell mocs. I am looking at them for next year
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I personally used the keen targhee 2 mids last season and enjoyed them but waterproofing dud not hold up. Keen took care of me and I'm now in the targhee 3 mids. So far I love them.
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https://www.amazon.com/Irish-Setter-Mens-Vaprtrek-Hunting/dp/B00IVDCXA8/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?hvadid=78408973436426&hvbmt=be&hvdev=m&hvqmt=e&keywords=irish+setter+vaprtrek+boots&qid=1550817241&s=gateway&sr=8-2&tag=hydusmmsn-20
This will only be my second year with these boots, I've been happy with them so far.
Used last spring and fall, haven't wore them in snow any.
I really like Salomon's Quest 4d boots. They've got enough support that your feet aren't dying after hunting all day in rocks, but soft enough that it doesn't take an act of God to break in. I hunt in Southern NM and they are very well suited for the terrain and my feet. We've got plenty of rocks in areas(Gila NF) and it can be steeper than most fat kids like myself prefer.
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Meindl Ultralights. Buy from Cabela's and they have lifetime warranty. Love mine.
https://www.cabelas.com/product/CABELAS-ULTRALIGHT-HUNTER/2498565.uts
I'm working through the same kind of situation.
Current boots I have
Mucks: can't stand rubber boots and unless I'm hunting in a marsh all day won't wear them. Need something more comfortable
Cabelas Meindle Ultralights 800gr: Very comfort able a too bit flexible underfoot for tough terrain, on my 3rd pair and all have leaked in about a year with regular waterproofing treatment on the leather the stitching just doesn't hold up. Overall a good deer boot but can be a bit warm also don't like using both a tall boot and gaiters so its an either or with these. Need less with insulation and hopefully more water tight
Lowa: Older model, bombproof, heavy, never leaked a drop. Just too stiff to be comfortable all day, walking they are great but they feel very stiff and restrictive when sitting. Need something lighter
Columbia Hikers: Got these before last season a sub 3lb (pair) all leather boot, broke in decently quick comfort was ok, traction not bad. Leather was thin and got beat up fast, started leaking right at 100 miles of use. Need something tougher
what I want:
6" waterproof boot, Vibram outsole, locks the heal but room for the toes would like the boot to be about 3lbs to 3.5max. Synthetic or Leather boot but must have a rand or additional bumper protection will be used with gaiters most of the time.
Right now I'm trying to figure out my budget, do I want to go 300+ for Crispi or Zamberlan level hunting boots or shop deals on "hiking" boots like Asolo that regularly are on sale at places like Sierr@ and REI.
My wallet says to roll the dice on some Asolo boots half off on Sierr@ but Im afraid they will have the same leaking or durability issues I've already had but I do know if I want to pony up 300-400 for Crispi boots or the like just yet.